Kitchen lane system, control device, method for controlling kitchen lane system, and store system

Abstract

This kitchen lane system comprises: a circulation lane which is laid in a kitchen and circulates along a predetermined conveyance path to convey a product; a loading device which loads at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer onto the circulation lane; and a control device which controls the loading device. The circulation lane includes: a first conveyance area in which the product is conveyed in a first direction; and a second conveyance area located apart from the first conveyance area with respect to an order lane laid in a dining area of a restaurant, wherein the product is conveyed in a second direction different from the first direction in the second conveyance area. The control device is configured to control the loading device and to be capable of loading at least one product onto the circulation lane both in the first conveyance area and in the second conveyance area.

Description

Kitchen lane system, control device, kitchen lane system control method, and store system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a kitchen lane system, a control device, a control method for a kitchen lane system, and a store system.

[0002] In the kitchens of restaurants such as conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, there are known circulation lanes that circulate ordered items and deliver them to order lanes at predetermined times (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In restaurants equipped with such circulation lanes, items can be circulated on the circulation lanes depending on the usage status of the order lanes. For example, if the order lane to which an item is to be delivered is in use, an employee can circulate the cooked items on the circulation lane, allowing them to prepare other items, thereby improving efficiency in operations.

[0003] In the circulation lane system of Patent Document 1, the circulation lane has a first conveying path closer to the order lane and a second conveying path further from the order lane, which convey products in substantially parallel but opposite directions. Furthermore, a kitchen is provided with a cooking (preparation) space for employees on the side of the circulation lane that is farther from the order lane. Each space is provided with a supply conveyor, and prepared products are placed on the supply conveyor, which then feeds the products from the supply conveyor into the second conveying path of the circulation lane.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-107301

[0005] The first aspect of the present disclosure will be described. In the circulation lane system of Patent Document 1, products are always input from a supply conveyor to a second conveyance path. Because the second conveyance path is located away from the order lane, there is a drawback in that the product has to travel a long distance to reach the destination order lane. In addition, because the input point of the circulation lane is fixed to the second conveyance path, it is not possible to flexibly input products according to the usage status of the circulation lane.

[0006] A typical first object of the present disclosure is to enable selection of a position at which to insert a product into a circulation lane, thereby enabling the insertion of products according to the usage status of the circulation lane and the order lane.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure will be described. In the circulation lane system of Patent Document 1, an identifier such as an IC tag is attached to each plate on which products are placed, and the product's location is managed. However, a configuration in which identifiers are attached to plates has the drawback that the identifiers are easily deteriorated by washing the plates. Furthermore, since the identifiers attached to each plate are recognized, it is difficult to accurately grasp the relative position of the plate in the circulation lane. Therefore, it is not possible to recognize in detail the arrangement (usage) of plates in the circulation lane, and it is not possible to continuously and accurately transfer multiple plates to the order lane.

[0008] A second exemplary object of the present disclosure is to continuously and accurately deliver even multiple products to an order lane.

[0009] A first aspect of a kitchen lane system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, comprising: a circulation lane installed in the kitchen and circulating to transport products along a predetermined transport path; an input device that inputs at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer into the circulation lane; and a control device that controls the input device. The circulation lane comprises a first transport area that transports the products in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from an order lane installed in the restaurant than the first transport area and that transports the products in a second direction different from the first direction. The control device controls the input device to configure the circulation lane so that the at least one product can be input into both the first transport area and the second transport area.

[0010] A second aspect of a kitchen lane system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, the kitchen lane system comprising: a circulation lane laid in the kitchen and circulating along a predetermined transport path to transport products; a plurality of order lanes extending from different positions on the circulation lane into the restaurant and transporting products delivered from the circulation lane into the restaurant; delivery devices provided corresponding to each of the plurality of order lanes and delivering products delivered on the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; a plurality of input devices provided at different positions on the circulation lane and inputting at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer into the circulation lane; kitchen devices used in the kitchen; and a control device that controls the kitchen lane system, Along each of the multiple order lanes, a dining space is provided where customers can eat and drink, and one or more input devices from the multiple input devices are associated with each of the multiple order lanes as priority input devices in order of the shortest transport path to the corresponding order lane, and when an order is input from a customer, the control device performs a first output process of outputting the order details to the kitchen device, using the priority input device from the multiple input devices that has been previously associated with the order lane of the customer who input the order as the input device that will prioritize inputting the ordered item, and a delivery process of delivering the ordered item to the order lane by the delivery device at the time the ordered item is transported by the circulation lane to the order lane of the customer who input the order.

[0011] A third aspect of a kitchen lane system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, the kitchen lane system comprising: a circulation lane laid in the kitchen and circulating along a predetermined transport path to transport products; a plurality of order lanes extending from different positions on the circulation lane into the restaurant and transporting products handed over from the circulation lane into the restaurant; delivery devices provided corresponding to each of the plurality of order lanes and handing over products transported on the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; a plurality of input devices provided at different positions on the circulation lane and inputting at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer into the circulation lane; kitchen equipment used in the kitchen; and a control device that controls the kitchen lane system, wherein the circulation lane has a first transport area that transports the products in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from the plurality of order lanes than the first transport area and in a direction different from the first direction. and a second transport area for transporting the products in a direction away from the customer, and further comprising a transport device for transporting products between the first transport area and the second transport area on the circulation lane. Dining spaces for customers to eat and drink are provided along each of the plurality of order lanes. When an order is input from a customer, the control device stores the input order details in association with the eating space of the customer who input the order, and outputs the input order details to the kitchen device. When a product prepared according to the order details is input into the circulation lane by one of the plurality of input devices, the control device controls the drive of the transport device and the delivery device, thereby performing a shortest transportation process to transport the product to the eating space via a transportation route that is the shortest length from the input device that input the product to the eating space of the customer who input the order, among all transportation routes including the transportation route of the circulation lane and the transportation route of the transport device.

[0012] A fourth aspect of a kitchen lane system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, comprising: a circulation lane installed in the kitchen and circulating along a predetermined transport route to transport products; a delivery device provided corresponding to each of a plurality of order lanes installed within the restaurant and delivering products transported on the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; and a control device that controls the delivery device, wherein the circulation lane has a plurality of partitioned areas defined along the transport route, and at least one of the products is transported while being placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and the control device recognizes the positions of the plurality of partitioned areas and the at least one product placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and controls the delivery device to deliver the product to the order lane corresponding to a customer who ordered the at least one of the products.

[0013] A control device provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device for a kitchen lane system that circulates products placed on a circulation lane installed in a restaurant kitchen along a predetermined conveying path and delivers the products to one of multiple order lanes installed in the restaurant that corresponds to a customer who ordered the product, and includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer program code. The processor executes the computer program code to cause the control device to recognize the positions of multiple partitioned areas defined by dividing the circulation lane along the conveying path and at least one product placed in one of the multiple partitioned areas, and controls a delivery device provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes based on the recognized positions of the multiple partitioned areas and the at least one product, thereby delivering the product to the order lane that corresponds to the customer who ordered the at least one product.

[0014] A typical embodiment of the present disclosure provides a control method for a kitchen lane system that circulates products placed on a circulation lane installed in a restaurant kitchen along a predetermined transport path and delivers the products to one of multiple order lanes installed in the restaurant that corresponds to a customer who ordered the products. The method recognizes the positions of multiple partitioned areas defined by partitioning the circulation lane along the transport path and at least one product placed in any of the multiple partitioned areas, and controls a delivery device provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes based on the recognized positions of the multiple partitioned areas and the at least one product, thereby delivering the product to the order lane that corresponds to the customer who ordered the at least one product.

[0015] A store system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in a sushi restaurant and transports sushi cooked in a kitchen within the restaurant to customers who have ordered the sushi, the store system comprising: a plurality of plates on which the sushi is placed; a circulation lane installed in the kitchen and circulating along a predetermined transport path to transport the plates; a plurality of order lanes branching from the circulation lane and installed within the sushi restaurant toward the dining space of the customers and transporting plates handed over from the circulation lane; a transfer device provided corresponding to each of the plurality of order lanes and transferring plates transported by the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; and a control device for controlling the store system, wherein the circulation lane has a plurality of partitioned areas defined along the transport path, and at least one plate is transported while placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and the circulation lane has a first transport area for transporting plates in a first direction, and a second transport area located farther away from the plurality of order lanes than the first transport area and for transporting plates in a second direction different from the first direction. the store system further comprises a transfer device that transfers plates between one of the plurality of partitioned areas located in the first transport area and one of the plurality of partitioned areas located in the second transport area, the transfer device comprising: a transfer conveyor that spans between the first transport area and the second transport area and transfers plates from a source partitioned area that is located in one of the first transport area and the second transport area, to a destination partitioned area that is located in the other destination transport area; a transfer start guide that guides the plates from the source partitioned area in the source area toward the transfer conveyor by moving from a non-interfering position that deviates outside the transport path of the source transport area to an interfering position within the transport path; and a transfer end guide that guides the plates from the transfer conveyor toward the destination partitioned area in the destination area by moving from a non-interfering position that deviates outside the transport path of the destination transport area to an interfering position within the transport path,When a transfer time for the plate to be transferred from the source transport area to the destination transport area by the transfer conveyor has elapsed after the specific source partitioned area has reached the transfer device, the partitioned area in the destination transport area that reaches the transfer device corresponds one-to-one to the destination partitioned area to which the plate will be transferred from the specific source partitioned area by the transfer device, and the control device, when another plate has already been placed in the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area, passes the transfer of the plate by the transfer device, and when another plate has not been placed in the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area, moves the transfer end guide to the non-interference position when the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device. and then, when the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, the transfer end guide is moved from the non-interference position to the interference position, thereby transferring the plates in the source partitioned area to the destination partitioned area that corresponds one-to-one to the source partitioned area, adjusting the timing at which the plates arrive at the corresponding order lane, and recognizing the positions of the plurality of partitioned areas and at least one plate placed in any of the plurality of partitioned areas, and controlling the transfer device so that the at least one plate is delivered to the order lane corresponding to the customer who ordered the sushi placed on the plate.

[0016] A first aspect of the kitchen lane system exemplified in the present disclosure is installed in a restaurant kitchen. A circulation lane is installed in the kitchen and circulates along a predetermined transport path to transport products. An input device inputs at least one product prepared in response to a customer order into the circulation lane. A control device controls the input device. The circulation lane includes a first transport area that transports products in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from an order lane installed in the restaurant than the first transport area and that transports products in a second direction different from the first direction. The control device controls the input device to enable input of at least one product into either the first transport area or the second transport area in the circulation lane.

[0017] As described above, the kitchen lane system includes a feeding device that feeds at least one product prepared in response to a customer order into the circulation lane. This feeding device can feed the product into either the first transport area, which is closer to the order lane, or the second transport area, which is farther from the order lane. Therefore, the product can be fed into the optimal position on the circulation lane depending on the status of the order lane and the circulation lane. As a result, for example, by feeding the product into the first transport area, the product arrives at the order lane earlier, allowing the product to be served to the customer promptly. On the other hand, if the order lane is in use, the product can be placed in the second transport area, delaying the arrival of the product at the order lane.

[0018] Here, the input device is controlled by the control device and includes a first input conveying path that inputs at least one product into a first conveying area of ​​the kitchen lane.

[0019] In this way, since the input device is equipped with the first input conveying path, the control device can control the first input conveying path to input the product into the first conveying area.

[0020] The first input conveying path is controlled by the control device and is arranged between the first conveying area and the second conveying area so as not to interfere with at least one product being conveyed between both areas.

[0021] In this way, the first input conveying path is arranged between the first and second conveying areas so as not to interfere with the products being conveyed therebetween, thereby making it possible to avoid the first input conveying path interfering with the products on the circulation lane.

[0022] The feeding device may further include a second feeding conveying path for feeding at least one product into a second conveying area of ​​the kitchen lane.

[0023] In this way, since the input device is equipped with the second input conveying path, the control device can control the second input conveying path to input the product into the second conveying area.

[0024] The second input conveying path may be arranged between the first conveying area and the second conveying area so as not to interfere with at least one product being conveyed through both areas, or may be arranged on the opposite side of the order lane in the second conveying area so as not to interfere with at least one product being conveyed through the second conveying area.

[0025] The second input conveying path is provided between the first and second conveying areas or on the opposite side of the second conveying area from the order lane so as not to interfere with the products, thereby preventing the second input conveying path from interfering with the products on the circulation lane.

[0026] Here, the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path each include an input conveyor that conveys products parallel to the first direction, and an input port that inputs products into the circulation lane.

[0027] In this way, each input conveying path is equipped with an input conveyor and an input port, so that products can be reliably input into the circulation lane.

[0028] The first and second input conveying paths may each further include a guide section that guides the products toward the circulation lane. An input opening is formed at the downstream end of the guide section.

[0029] In this way, the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path are equipped with a guide section, and the input port opens downstream of the guide section, so that products can be properly input from the input port into the circulation lane via the guide section.

[0030] However, the input conveyance path does not necessarily have to include a guide portion. For example, the input conveyance path may be configured to be connected substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the circulation lane.

[0031] A terminal device may be provided in the kitchen that displays the products ordered by customers and the order lanes corresponding to the customers who placed the orders, and that receives input indicating that the products prepared in accordance with the orders have been placed on the first or second input conveying path. The control device then controls the first and second input conveying paths based on the information input to the terminal device.

[0032] In this way, the control device can recognize via the terminal device that the prepared product has been set on the first input conveyor path or the second input conveyor path. This allows the control device to identify which input conveyor path the product has been set on. As a result, the first input conveyor path and the second input conveyor path can be controlled at an appropriate timing, taking into account the situation in the order lane and the kitchen. The terminal device may be installed in the kitchen or may be a portable terminal carried by an employee.

[0033] The terminal device may be provided on each of the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path.

[0034] In this way, since a terminal device is provided corresponding to each input conveyance path, employees can intuitively use the terminal device corresponding to the input conveyance path into which they input the product. Therefore, employees can perform their work accurately and efficiently without being confused about which terminal device to use. Moreover, since a terminal device is also provided for the first input conveyance path, employees can reliably use the corresponding terminal device even when they input the product into the first input conveyance path that is closer to the order lane.

[0035] The multiple order lanes may extend into the restaurant from different positions on the circulation lane. The kitchen lane system may further include multiple delivery devices. A terminal device may be provided corresponding to each of the multiple input conveying paths, including the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path. An eating space where customers can eat and drink may be provided along each of the multiple order lanes. For each of the multiple order lanes, one or more input conveying paths may be associated as priority input devices from among the multiple input conveying paths in order of the shortest conveying path to the corresponding order lane. When an order is input from a customer, the control device may execute a first output process to output the order details to a terminal device provided on a priority input device that is pre-assigned to the order lane of the customer who input the order among the multiple input conveying paths. The control device may execute a delivery process to deliver the ordered item to the order lane by a delivery device at the timing when the ordered item is transported by the circulation lane to the order lane of the customer who input the order.

[0036] In this case, each of the multiple order lanes is assigned a corresponding input conveyance path (priority input device) that prioritizes the input of products. Of the multiple input conveyance paths, one or more input conveyance paths are assigned as priority input devices in order of the shortest conveyance path to the corresponding order lane. The details of orders from customers are output and displayed on a terminal device provided at the priority input device. Therefore, by having the ordered products input into the circulation lane by the priority input device, it becomes easier to provide products to customers in a shorter time.

[0037] The system may further include a transfer device that transfers the products transported in the circulation lane from the circulation lane to the order lane. The inlet of the first input transport path is located near the upstream side of the transport path of the transfer device.

[0038] In this way, the inlet of the first input conveying path is located upstream of the delivery device, so that products input from the first input conveying path can be quickly delivered to the order lane.

[0039] As mentioned above, it is also possible to associate a priority input device with each of multiple order lanes. Here, if a first input transport path is located upstream of a specific order lane in the transport direction in the first transport area, at least the first input transport path located closest to the specific order lane in the transport direction in the first transport area may be associated as the priority input device. In this case, the transport time from the priority input device to the specific order lane is appropriately shortened.

[0040] The system may further include a transfer device that transfers products transported in the circulation lane from the circulation lane to the order lane, and a shortcut device located between the first transport area and the second transport area that transfers at least one product from the second transport area to the first transport area. The inlet of the first input transport path is located in the first transport area downstream of the transport path in the shortcut device and upstream of the transport path in the transfer device.

[0041] In this way, the inlet of the first input conveyance path is located downstream of the shortcut device and upstream of the delivery device, so even if the shortcut device is in use, products can be input through the first input conveyance path to quickly deliver the products to the order lane.

[0042] As mentioned above, it is also possible to associate a priority input device with each of multiple order lanes. Here, if a first input transport path exists upstream of a specific order lane in the transport direction in the first transport area and downstream of a shortcut device in the transport direction in the first transport area, this first input transport path may be associated with the specific order lane as a priority input device. In this case, the transport time from the priority input device to the specific order lane is appropriately shortened.

[0043] Another aspect of the problem that the kitchen lane system of the present disclosure aims to solve will be described. In the circulation lane system of Patent Document 1, the items that each chef is responsible for cooking are limited. As a result, the input position of the items into the circulation lane changes depending on the item. Therefore, depending on the item ordered by the customer, there is a drawback in that the item prepared in accordance with the order may have to travel a long distance from the input position to the destination order lane.

[0044] A second aspect of the kitchen lane system according to the present disclosure is a kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, the kitchen lane system including a circulation lane, multiple order lanes, a delivery device, multiple feeding devices, kitchen equipment, and a control device. The circulation lane is installed in the kitchen and circulates along a predetermined transport path to transport products. The multiple order lanes extend from different positions on the circulation lane into the restaurant and transport products handed over from the circulation lane into the restaurant. The delivery device is provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes and delivers products transported on the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane. The multiple feeding devices are provided at different positions on the circulation lane and feed at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer into the circulation lane. The kitchen equipment is used in the kitchen. The control device controls the kitchen lane system. A dining space where customers can eat and drink is provided along each of the multiple order lanes. For each of the multiple order lanes, one or more feeding devices are assigned as priority feeding devices from among the multiple feeding devices in order of the shortest transport path to the corresponding order lane. When an order is input from a customer, the control device executes a first output process to output the order details to a kitchen device, selecting a priority input device from among the multiple input devices that is pre-assigned to the order lane of the customer who input the order as the input device that will preferentially input the ordered items. The control device executes a delivery process to deliver the ordered items to the order lane by a delivery device at the timing when the ordered items are transported by the circulation lane to the order lane of the customer who input the order.

[0045] In this case, the priority supply device supplies the prepared products to the circulation lane, thereby shortening the time it takes for the products to reach the destination order lane, thereby facilitating smoother operation of the restaurant.

[0046] The method by which the control device identifies the order lane of the customer who inputted the order (e.g., the order lane where the eating space of the customer who inputted the order is located) can be selected as appropriate. For example, the kitchen lane system may further include multiple in-store terminal devices. The in-store terminal devices are provided in the eating spaces arranged along each of the multiple order lanes and accept order inputs from customers. The control device may identify the order lane of the customer who inputted the order based on the in-store terminal device where the order was input by the customer. Furthermore, when the order is input via a customer terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the customer, the control device may obtain information for identifying the customer's eating space by operating the customer terminal or by reading an identifier from the customer terminal. Even in this case, the control device can appropriately identify the order lane of the customer who inputted the order.

[0047] The circulation lane may include a first transport area and a second transport area. The first transport area transports products in a first direction. The second transport area is located farther away from the multiple order lanes than the first transport area and transports products in a second direction different from the first direction. The input device may include a first input device controlled by the control device to input at least one product into the first transport area of ​​the kitchen lane. If a first input device is located upstream of a specific order lane in the transport direction in the first transport area, at least the nearest first input device located upstream in the transport direction in the first transport area may be associated with the specific order lane as a priority input device. In this case, the transport time from the priority input device to the specific order lane is appropriately shortened.

[0048] The feeding device may further include a second feeding device that feeds at least one product into a second transport area of ​​the kitchen lane. If there is no first feeding device upstream of a specific order lane in the transport direction in the first transport area, at least the nearest second feeding device located downstream of the specific order lane in the transport direction in the second transport area may be associated with the specific order lane as a priority feeding device. In this case, the transport time from the priority feeding device to the specific order lane is appropriately shortened.

[0049] The multiple order lanes may include a pair of adjacent order lanes extending adjacent to each other within the store. The pair of adjacent order lanes may be associated with the same input device as a priority input device. In this case, the product transport time is appropriately reduced regardless of which of the pair of adjacent order lanes the product is transported to.

[0050] The kitchen device may include a kitchen terminal device that displays the products ordered by the customer and accepts input that the products prepared in accordance with the order have been placed in the feeding device. In the first output process, the control device may output and display the order details only to one of the multiple kitchen terminal devices, the kitchen terminal device provided in the priority feeding device that is pre-associated with the order lane of the customer who input the order. The control device may control the feeding device based on the information input to the kitchen terminal device to feed the products into the circulation lane.

[0051] In this case, the employee in charge of placing the products on the feeding device simply processes the order displayed on their assigned kitchen terminal device, and the products are delivered to the customer quickly and efficiently. Also, unlike when orders from the same customer are output to kitchen terminal devices installed on feeding devices other than the priority feeding device, the same order is prevented from being processed by multiple employees in duplicate.

[0052] The control device may acquire information indicating whether each of the plurality of feeding devices is in use. When an order is input from a customer, if the priority feeding device previously associated with the order lane of the customer who input the order is not in use, the control device may output and display the order contents to a kitchen terminal device, among the plurality of kitchen terminal devices, that is provided for a feeding device other than the priority feeding device.

[0053] In this case, even if at least one of the multiple input devices is not in use, the ordered product will be appropriately input into the circulation lane by an input device other than the priority input device. Therefore, even if, for example, the employee in charge of the input device is on break or if a malfunction occurs in one of the input devices, the ordered product will be appropriately delivered to the customer.

[0054] The method by which the control device acquires information indicating whether each of the multiple feeding devices is in use can also be selected appropriately. For example, information indicating whether an feeding device is in use can be input to the kitchen terminal device by an employee. In this case, the kitchen terminal device can display buttons such as "on break" and "break ended" and output information indicating whether the feeding device is in use to the control device in response to the operation of the displayed button.

[0055] In addition, in the second output process, when the priority input device is not in use, the control device may output and display the order details on the kitchen terminal device of at least the input device with the next shortest transport route to the corresponding order lane after the priority input device. In this case, even when at least one of the multiple input devices is not in use, the ordered products are transported to the customer in the shortest possible time.

[0056] The kitchen devices may include a kitchen terminal device that displays the products ordered by the customer and accepts input that the products prepared in accordance with the order have been placed in the feeding device. In the first output process, the control device may output and display information indicating a priority feeding device that is pre-associated with the order lane of the customer who entered the order, along with the order details, to the multiple kitchen terminal devices. The control device may control the feeding devices based on the information input to the kitchen terminal device to feed the products into the circulation lane.

[0057] In this case, if the employee in charge of setting products on the insertion device processes the orders that have been designated as the priority insertion device, the products can be delivered to the customer efficiently in a short time. Also, for example, if there is a high concentration of orders for a specific employee, or if a specific employee is on break, other employees can process the orders that have been designated as the priority insertion device at an insertion device that they are not responsible for. This makes it easier to carry out work more efficiently.

[0058] The specific method for displaying information indicating the priority feeding device on the kitchen terminal device can be selected as appropriate. For example, information indicating the priority feeding device itself (e.g., at least one of a number and a color) may be displayed together with the order details. Also, the number and color indicating the order lane associated with the priority feeding device may be displayed together with the order details.

[0059] The circulation lane may include a first transport area and a second transport area. The first transport area transports products in a first direction. The second transport area is located farther away from the multiple order lanes than the first transport area and transports products in a second direction different from the first direction. The kitchen lane system may further include a transport device that transports products between the first transport area and the second transport area in the circulation lane. One or more input devices may be associated with each of the multiple order lanes as priority input devices in order of the shortest transport path to the corresponding order lane among all transport paths including the transport path of the circulation lane and the transport path of the transport device.

[0060] In this case, the priority insertion device is associated with the order lane to minimize the length of the path, taking into consideration not only the path of the circulation lane but also the path of the product when it is transported by the transport device. This reduces the time it takes for the product inserted into the priority insertion device to reach the destination order lane.

[0061] The kitchen device may include a kitchen terminal device that displays the items ordered by the customer and accepts input indicating that the items prepared in accordance with the order have been placed in the feeding device. The kitchen terminal device may be provided corresponding to each of the multiple feeding devices. The control device may accept input of an instruction to execute an item restriction mode that restricts the feeding devices responsible for feeding a specific item to some of the multiple feeding devices. When an order is input from a customer during the item restriction mode, the control device may execute a third output process that outputs and displays the order details on a kitchen terminal device provided in a feeding device that is responsible for the ordered item among the multiple feeding devices. In other words, the control device may switch between executing the first output process and the third output process.

[0062] In this case, the kitchen lane system can appropriately shorten the time it takes for an item placed in the circulation lane to be delivered to a customer by executing the first output process. On the other hand, the kitchen lane system can limit the employees responsible for placing specific items to a select number of employees by executing the third output process, thereby improving employee work efficiency. This makes it easier for restaurants to operate more smoothly according to the situation within the store.

[0063] A third aspect of the kitchen lane system according to the present disclosure is a kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, the kitchen lane system comprising: a circulation lane, multiple order lanes, a delivery device, multiple feeding devices, kitchen equipment, and a control device. The circulation lane is installed in the kitchen and circulates along a predetermined transport path to transport products. The multiple order lanes extend from different positions on the circulation lane into the restaurant and transport products handed over from the circulation lane into the restaurant. The delivery device is provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes and delivers products transported by the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane. The multiple feeding devices are provided at different positions on the circulation lane and feed at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer into the circulation lane. The kitchen equipment is used in the kitchen. The control device controls the kitchen lane system. The circulation lane comprises a first transport area that transports products in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from the multiple order lanes than the first transport area and transports products in a second direction different from the first direction. The kitchen lane system further includes a transport device that transports products between the first transport area and the second transport area in the circulation lane. Dining spaces where customers eat and drink are provided along each of the multiple order lanes. The control device executes order processing and shortest transport processing. In the order processing, when an order is input from a customer, the control device stores the input order details in association with the eating space of the customer who input the order, and outputs the input order details to the kitchen device. In the shortest transport processing, when a product prepared according to the order details is input into the circulation lane by one of the multiple input devices, the control device controls the drive of the transport device and the delivery device to transport the product to the eating space via the shortest transport route from the input device that input the product to the eating space of the customer who input the order, among all transport routes including the transport route of the circulation lane and the transport route of the transport device.

[0064] According to the third aspect of the kitchen lane system, an item inserted into the circulation lane by one of the multiple insertion devices is transported to the eating space of the customer who placed the order via the shortest transport route among multiple transport routes formed by the circulation lane and the transport device, thereby facilitating smoother operation of the restaurant.

[0065] A fourth aspect of the kitchen lane system exemplified in the present disclosure is installed in a restaurant kitchen. A circulation lane is installed in the kitchen and circulates along a predetermined transport route to transport products. A delivery device is installed corresponding to each of a plurality of order lanes installed in the restaurant, and delivers products transported on the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane. A control device controls the delivery device. The circulation lane is defined by a plurality of partitioned areas along the transport route, and transports at least one product placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas. The control device recognizes the positions of the plurality of partitioned areas and at least one product placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and controls the delivery device to deliver the product to the order lane corresponding to the customer who ordered the at least one product.

[0066] In this way, the circulation lane defines multiple partitioned areas along the conveyance path, and ordered products are conveyed while placed in one of the multiple partitioned areas. The control device recognizes the location of each partitioned area and the products placed in the partitioned area and controls the delivery device based on the recognized information. Therefore, products can be efficiently delivered to the desired order lane for each partitioned area depending on the situation in the order lane and kitchen. The kitchen lane system may also manage partitioned areas, each of which can accommodate multiple products, as units for conveying products. Therefore, multiple products can be delivered to the order lane continuously, allowing for efficient delivery in the order lane. As a result, service to customers can be improved and product delivery in the kitchen can be optimized. Furthermore, by managing multiple products placed in each partitioned area by partitioned area, the positional relationship of a group of products to the circulation lane can be accurately determined. Therefore, products can be delivered to the order lane accurately.

[0067] Here, the circulation lane includes a first transport area that transports products in a first direction and a second transport area that is located farther away from the multiple order lanes than the first transport area and transports products in a second direction different from the first direction. The circulation lane also includes a transport device that moves products between one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area and one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area. The control device controls the transport device to transport the at least one product located in one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area into one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area, or to transport the at least one product located in one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area into one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area, thereby adjusting the timing at which the at least one product arrives at the corresponding order lane.

[0068] In this way, the kitchen lane system includes a first transport area close to the order lanes and a second transport area away from the order lanes, and a transport device that transports products between the two areas. The control device controls the transport device depending on the order lanes and the situation in the kitchen, thereby appropriately adjusting the timing at which products arrive at the desired order lane. Moreover, because the kitchen lane system transports products by partitioned area, it is possible to transport multiple products continuously and efficiently.

[0069] The circulation lane includes a detectable object provided in at least one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and a detection unit that detects the detectable object is provided in the circulation lane. The control device recognizes the positions of the plurality of partitioned areas based on the detectable object detected by the detection unit.

[0070] In this way, a detectable object is provided in at least one of the multiple partitioned areas, and a detection unit that detects the detectable object is provided in the circulation lane. The control device then recognizes the position of each partitioned area based on the detectable object detected by the detection unit. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the positions of the partitioned areas in the entire circulation lane. Therefore, using the position information of the partitioned areas, it is possible to accurately optimize the transport of products in the kitchen lane system. Furthermore, because the detectable object is provided in the circulation lane, it does not need to be washed frequently like plates on which products are placed, and it is less likely to deteriorate.

[0071] The detectable object may be an IC tag or the like. Alternatively, for example, the color of the plate may be changed for each divided area, or an identification number may be written directly on the plate, and the divided area may be recognized by detecting these with a camera. In this case, the plate color, identification number, etc. correspond to the identifier. This disclosure illustrates an example in which a detectable object containing a material such as metal or magnet is provided at a connecting portion connecting two adjacent plates. In this case, the connecting portion also serves as the detectable object, which facilitates simplifying the system configuration.

[0072] The kitchen lane system may further include a rotation drive unit that circulates the circulation lane. The control device may recognize the current position of each partitioned area based on the timing at which the detection object is detected by the detection unit and the drive amount of the rotation drive unit.

[0073] In this case, even if the object to be detected is not always detected by the detection unit, the current position of each partitioned area can be properly recognized by using the timing at which the object to be detected is detected by the detection unit and the drive amount of the rotation drive unit, thereby preventing the system from becoming too complicated and allowing the system to operate more appropriately.

[0074] The circulation lane is a chain conveyor with a plurality of plates connected in the conveying direction, and each partitioned area is defined by a predetermined number of the plates. The detectable object is attached to the plate located at the head of at least one of the partitioned areas.

[0075] In this way, by configuring the circulation lane with a chain conveyor and providing a detection object on the leading plate of at least one of the partitioned areas, the partitioned area can be reliably detected when it reaches the detection unit, and as a result, the control device can accurately recognize the position of the partitioned area.

[0076] The transfer device may include a transfer conveyor, a transfer start guide, and a transfer end guide. The transfer conveyor spans between a first transfer area and a second transfer area and transfers products from a source transfer area, which is one of the first transfer area and the second transfer area, to a destination transfer area, which is the other. The transfer start guide guides the products from the source transfer area toward the transfer conveyor. The transfer end guide guides the products from the transfer conveyor toward the destination transfer area. The control device may control the transfer device to transfer at least one product arranged in a specific source partitioned area among multiple partitioned areas located in the source transfer area to a destination partitioned area that is one of multiple partitioned areas located in the destination transfer area.

[0077] In this case, the timing at which the products arrive at the desired order lane is appropriately adjusted for each partition area by the transfer conveyor, transfer start guide, and transfer end guide of the transfer device.

[0078] The transfer device may include a shortcut device including: a shortcut conveyor that is a transfer conveyor that is suspended between the first transfer area and the second transfer area and transfers products from the second transfer area that is a source transfer area to the first transfer area that is a destination transfer area; a first guide that is a transfer end guide that is provided in the first transfer area and guides the products from the shortcut conveyor toward the first transfer area; and a second guide that is a transfer start guide that is provided in the second transfer area and guides the products from the second transfer area toward the shortcut conveyor. The control device may control the shortcut device to transfer at least one product that is located in a specific source partitioned area among multiple partitioned areas located in the two transfer areas to a destination partitioned area that is one of multiple partitioned areas located in the first transfer area, thereby accelerating the timing at which the at least one product arrives at a corresponding order lane.

[0079] The transport device includes a shortcut device equipped with first and second guides and a shortcut conveyor that transports products from the second transport area to the first transport area. The control device controls the shortcut device to allow products to take a shortcut from the second transport area to the first transport area. This allows products to arrive at the desired order lane more quickly than if they were transported along the circulation lane transport path, enabling ordered products to be provided to customers more quickly. Furthermore, because products can be shortcutted by partitioned area, multiple products can be transported efficiently.

[0080] The transfer device also includes a detouring conveyor that is a transfer conveyor that is suspended between the first transfer area and the second transfer area and transfers products from the first transfer area, which is a source transfer area, to the second transfer area, which is a destination transfer area, a third guide that is a transfer start guide that is provided in the first transfer area and guides the products from the first transfer area toward the detouring conveyor, and a fourth guide that is a transfer end guide that is provided in the second transfer area and guides the products from the detouring conveyor toward the second transfer area. The control device controls the detouring device to transfer at least one product that is located in a specific source partitioned area among multiple partitioned areas located in the first transfer area to a destination partitioned area that is one of multiple partitioned areas located in the second transfer area, thereby delaying the arrival of the at least one product in a corresponding order lane.

[0081] As described above, the transfer device includes a detouring device including third and fourth guides and a detouring conveyor that detours products from the first transport area to the second transport area. The control device controls the detouring device to detour products from the first transport area to the second transport area. This delays the timing at which the products arrive at the desired order lane. In other words, there are cases where products cannot be delivered even after arriving at the destination order lane because the destination order lane is in use. Depending on the usage status of such order lanes, the products can be detouring the destination order lane and circulating on the circulation lane, thereby buying time until the order lane becomes available.

[0082] In addition, the transfer start guide and the transfer end guide may each be configured to be displaceable by being controlled by a control device to a non-interference position that deviates from the conveying path of the circulation lane so as not to interfere with the goods, and an interference position that enters the conveying path of the circulation lane so as to interfere with the goods.

[0083] The transfer start guide and transfer end guide are each configured to be displaceable between a non-interfering position and an interfering position, so that the product can be appropriately transferred from the source transfer area to the destination transfer area.

[0084] A specific source partitioned area among the multiple partitioned areas located in the source transport area may correspond one-to-one to a destination partitioned area among the multiple partitioned areas located in the destination transport area to which the product is transported from the specific source partitioned area by the transport device. Once the source partitioned area to which the product is transported by the transport device is determined, the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area may also be determined. In this case, once the source partitioned area is determined, the destination partitioned area is automatically determined, so the product can be appropriately transported by the transport device.

[0085] For example, after the reference position of the head of the source compartment reaches the transfer device, the destination compartment may be determined as the compartment within the destination area where the reference position of the head reaches the transfer device when the object is moved from the source area to the destination area by the transfer conveyor. In this case, the product in the source compartment is transferred to the destination compartment appropriately according to the transfer speed of the transfer conveyor.

[0086] In other words, the speed of the circulation lane and the speed of the transfer conveyor may be determined so that the time from when the reference position at the beginning of the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device to when the reference position at the beginning of the destination partitioned area reaches the transfer device matches the time it takes for the object to be transferred from the source transfer area to the destination transfer area by the transfer conveyor. In this case too, the product in the source partitioned area is transferred to the destination partitioned area appropriately in accordance with the transfer speed of the transfer conveyor.

[0087] The control device may pass through the transfer of the product by the transfer device when another product is already placed in the transfer destination partition area corresponding to the transfer source partition area to which the product is to be transferred by the transfer device.

[0088] In this case, it is possible to prevent a problem in which an additional product is transferred from the source partition area to the destination partition area even though another product has already been placed in the destination partition area, resulting in interference between multiple products within the same destination partition area. Therefore, products can be transferred more appropriately by the transfer device.

[0089] A specific source partitioned area among the plurality of partitioned areas located in the source transport area may correspond one-to-one to a destination partitioned area among the plurality of partitioned areas located in the destination transport area to which products are transferred from the specific source partitioned area by the transfer device. The destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area may arrive at the transfer device after the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device. The control device may cause a transfer start guide to enter the interference position from a non-interference position based on the timing at which the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, and then cause a transfer end guide to enter the interference position from a non-interference position based on the timing at which the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device.

[0090] In this case, the transfer start guide and transfer end guide move from the non-interference position to the interference position depending on the timing when the source and destination compartments reach the transfer device. This appropriately prevents problems such as the transfer start guide and transfer end guide interfering with products in compartments other than the source and destination compartments. As a result, products can be more easily transferred by the transfer device.

[0091] The control device may retract the transfer start guide from the interference position to the non-interference position based on the timing when the source partition area passes the transfer device, and then retract the transfer end guide from the interference position to the non-interference position based on the timing when the destination partition area corresponding to the source partition area passes the transfer device.

[0092] In this case, the transfer start guide and transfer end guide each retract from the interference position to a non-interference position depending on the timing when the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area pass by the transfer device. Therefore, problems such as the transfer start guide and transfer end guide interfering with products in partitioned areas other than the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area are appropriately prevented. As a result, products are more easily transferred by the transfer device more appropriately. Furthermore, regardless of the number of products placed in the partitioned area, all products are appropriately transferred from the source partitioned area to the destination partitioned area.

[0093] The control device may control the transfer start guide and transfer end guide at a timing to transfer all of the maximum number of products that can be placed in one partition area to the destination partition area, regardless of the number of products placed in the source partition area.

[0094] In this case, by performing the same control on the transfer start guide and the transfer end guide regardless of the number of products placed in the partitioned area, all products are appropriately transferred from the source partitioned area to the destination partitioned area. This makes control easier. Furthermore, even if the product conveying speed using a circulation lane or the like is increased, one or more products placed in the source partitioned area are smoothly transferred to the destination partitioned area. Furthermore, it is possible to omit a configuration (e.g., a sensor) for confirming the completion of product transfer by the transfer device, which makes it easier to prevent the configuration from becoming too complex.

[0095] The product conveyance speed of the circulating lane may be 150 mm / sec, more preferably 200 mm / sec, and even more preferably 240 mm / sec. As described above, by using the transfer device of the present disclosure, even if the product conveyance speed of the circulating lane is increased, the transfer device can appropriately transport the product from the source compartment to the destination compartment. As an example, the product conveyance speed of the circulating lane in the present disclosure is approximately 247 mm / sec. It is also possible to increase the conveyance speed to approximately 297 mm / sec. Note that the typical conveyance speed of conveyor belt sushi conveyor systems (e.g., conveyor belts operated by chain conveyors) is approximately 80 to 100 mm / sec. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure allows products to be conveyed at a speed greater than that of a typical conveyor belt sushi restaurant.

[0096] The details of the configuration of the transfer start guide and transfer end guide (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as "guides") can be selected as appropriate. Here, the plate on which the product (e.g., sushi, etc.) is placed may include a plate plate on which the product is placed and a cylindrical platform that protrudes downward from a position slightly inside the outer periphery of the plate plate's underside. For example, the height of the upper end of the portion of the guide that contacts the plate on which the product is placed may be set to a height lower than the upper end of the platform of the plate. In this case, the guide contacts the platform rather than the plate, thereby guiding the direction of movement of the plate. Therefore, the direction of movement of various plates is appropriately guided regardless of the size and shape of the plate.

[0097] Furthermore, the shape of the portion of the guide that contacts the dish may be curved, such as a partial arc, in plan view. Unlike when the shape of the portion of the guide that contacts the dish is linear in plan view, the curved shape allows the direction of movement of the dish guided by the guide to change smoothly. This appropriately reduces the possibility of the dish falling off the path.

[0098] At least the portion of the guide that contacts the dish may be a part of a plate-shaped member. The plate-shaped member of the guide may have ribs formed thereon to reinforce its strength. In this case, various problems caused by deformation of the plate-shaped member (for example, a problem in which the plate-shaped member comes into contact with another member located above or below) are appropriately suppressed. Furthermore, if various sensors (for example, optical sensors, etc.) are installed near the guide, the ribs of the guide may have openings or notches formed therein to allow light or electromagnetic waves, etc. detected by the sensors to pass through. In this case, the possibility that the ribs will interfere with detection by the sensors is appropriately reduced.

[0099] The transfer device may be provided so as to be located between the order lanes in the direction in which the order lanes are arranged.

[0100] In this way, the transport device is positioned between the multiple order lanes. Therefore, for example, when a product is shortcutted from the second transport area to the first transport area, the product can be moved upstream of the order lane. Also, when there is already another product on the order lane to transport the product, the product can be appropriately detoured by transporting the product from the first transport area to the second transport area.

[0101] The control device may further include an input conveyance path that conveys at least one product prepared in response to a customer order and inputs it into the circulation lane, and the control device controls the input conveyance path to place the at least one product in a specific partition area among the multiple partition areas.

[0102] In this way, by providing a feed conveyor and controlling the feed conveyor with a control device, ordered products can be fed into a specific partitioned area, so that products can be fed into the optimal partitioned area depending on the situation of the kitchen and order lane.

[0103] A terminal device may also be provided that displays the products ordered by customers and the order lane corresponding to the customer who placed the order, and that receives input indicating that the products prepared in accordance with the order have been placed on the input conveyance path.The control device then recognizes the products placed on the input conveyance path and controls the input conveyance path based on the information input to the terminal device.

[0104] In this way, the control device can recognize via the terminal device that the prepared product has been placed on the feeding conveyor, and as a result, the control device can determine which section area to feed the product into, taking into account the order lane and kitchen conditions.

[0105] A plurality of input conveyance paths may be provided in the kitchen. A terminal device may be provided in the kitchen corresponding to each input conveyance path. The control device may further identify the input conveyance path on which the product is set based on information input to the terminal device corresponding to the input conveyance path on which the product is set.

[0106] In this way, even when there are multiple input conveyance paths, the control device can identify which input conveyance path the product is set on based on information input via the terminal device. Therefore, based on this information, the control device can appropriately determine which partitioned area of ​​the circulation lane the product should be inserted into. Furthermore, since the terminal devices are installed in the kitchen corresponding to the input conveyance paths, employees input the input conveyance path on which the product is set into the corresponding terminal device. Therefore, the control device can accurately recognize the input conveyance path on which the product is set.

[0107] The terminal device does not necessarily have to be installed in the kitchen. For example, a mobile terminal carried by an employee may be used as the terminal device.

[0108] A plurality of tables may be arranged along the order lane. The kitchen lane system may further include a branch lane that branches off and transports products conveyed by the order lane to any of the plurality of tables.

[0109] In this case, the product is not only transferred from the circulation lane to a specific order lane, but also branched off from the order lane and delivered to a specific table, making it easier for the product to be delivered to the customer at the table in an appropriate manner.

[0110] One aspect of the store system disclosed herein is installed in a sushi restaurant and transports sushi prepared in the restaurant's kitchen to customers who order sushi. The store system includes multiple plates, a circulation lane, multiple order lanes, a delivery device, and a control device. Sushi is placed on each of the multiple plates. The circulation lane is installed in the kitchen and transports plates by circulating along a predetermined transport path. Each of the multiple order lanes branches off from the circulation lane and is installed within the sushi restaurant toward the customer's dining area, transporting plates handed over from the circulation lane. A delivery device is provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes and delivers plates transported by the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane. The control device controls the store system. The circulation lane has multiple partitioned areas defined along the transport path. The circulation lane transports at least one plate placed in one of the multiple partitioned areas. The circulation lane includes a first transport area and a second transport area. The first transport area transports plates in a first direction. The second transport area is located farther away from the multiple order lanes than the first transport area and transports plates in a second direction different from the first direction. The store system further includes a transport device that transports plates between one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area and one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area. The transport device includes a transport conveyor, a transport start guide, and a transport end guide. The transport conveyor spans between the first transport area and the second transport area and transports plates from a source partitioned area located in one of the first transport area and the second transport area to a destination partitioned area located in the other destination transport area. The transport start guide guides plates from the source partitioned area of ​​the source area toward the transport conveyor by moving from a non-interference position outside the transport path of the source transport area to an interference position within the transport path. The transfer end guide guides the plate from the transfer conveyor toward the destination partition area of ​​the transfer destination area by moving from a non-interference position outside the transfer path of the transfer destination transfer area to an interference position within the transfer path.Once a specific source partitioned area is determined in the source conveying area, after the specific source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, when a transfer time has elapsed for the plate to be transferred from the source conveying area to the destination conveying area by the transfer conveyor, the partitioned area that reaches the transfer device in the destination conveying area corresponds one-to-one to the destination partitioned area to which the plate is transferred from the specific source partitioned area by the transfer device.

[0111] The control device allows the transfer device to pass on the transfer of the plate if another plate is already placed in the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area. If no other plate is placed in the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area, the control device moves the transfer start guide from the non-interference position to the interference position while maintaining the transfer end guide in the non-interference position when the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, and then moves the transfer end guide from the non-interference position to the interference position when the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device. This transfers the plate in the source partitioned area that corresponds one-to-one to the source partitioned area to the destination partitioned area, adjusting the timing at which the plate arrives at the corresponding order lane. The control device recognizes the positions of the multiple partitioned areas and at least one plate placed in any of the multiple partitioned areas, and controls the transfer device to transfer the at least one plate to the order lane corresponding to the customer who ordered the sushi placed on the plate.

[0112] According to one aspect of the store system disclosed herein, plates of sushi can be delivered to the order lane of a customer who has ordered sushi, using multiple partitioned areas in the circulation lane as units. Each partitioned area can hold one or multiple plates. This allows plates to be delivered to customers efficiently, using each partitioned area as a unit.

[0113] Furthermore, it is desirable to deliver cooked sushi to customers as quickly as possible. If the time that plates are transported along the circulation lane can be reduced, the time to deliver sushi to customers can be reduced. The store system disclosed herein includes a transport device that transports plates between the first transport area and the second transport area along the circulation lane. The transport device adjusts the timing at which plates arrive at the corresponding order lane, thereby reducing the time it takes to transport plates.

[0114] Here, a source partitioned area corresponds one-to-one with a destination partitioned area to which plates are transferred from the source partitioned area by a transfer device. The transfer start guide and transfer end guide of the transfer device are driven in accordance with the timing at which the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area reach the transfer device, based on the one-to-one correspondence between the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area. As a result, the timing at which plates arrive at the corresponding order lane is adjusted while appropriately preventing malfunctions, such as the transfer start guide and transfer end guide interfering with products in partitioned areas other than the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area.

[0115] On the other hand, if a transfer device transfers a plate to a destination partitioned area even though other plates are already placed there, the multiple plates will interfere with each other within the same partitioned area. In contrast, in one aspect of the store system disclosed herein, if other plates are already placed in the destination partitioned area, the control device will not transfer the plate using the transfer device and will pass it by. This further facilitates store operations.

[0116] The transport device may include a shortcut device and a detouring device. The shortcut device transfers the plate from the second transport area to the first transport area to accelerate the timing at which the plate reaches the corresponding order lane. The detouring device transfers the plate from the first transport area to the second transport area to delay the arrival of the plate at the corresponding order lane.

[0117] In this case, the shortcut device can shortcut the plate from the second transport area to the first transport area, thereby appropriately shortening the plate transport time. Furthermore, if there is already another plate on the order lane to which the plate is to be transported, the detouring device can transfer the plate from the first transport area to the second transport area, thereby appropriately detouring the plate and avoiding the problem of multiple plates interfering with each other on the order lane. This makes it easier for the store to be operated more efficiently.

[0118] It should be noted that a plurality of shortcut devices may be provided on the circulation lane, which will further reduce the plate transport time.

[0119] The store system may further include an input conveying path. The input conveying path conveys plates with sushi cooked according to customer orders and inserts them into the circulation lane. The control device may control the input conveying path to insert the plates into a specific partitioned area among the multiple partitioned areas. The input conveying path may be connected to at least the second conveying area of ​​the first conveying area and the second conveying area.

[0120] In this case, sushi ordered by a customer is placed into a specific section via a feed conveyor. Therefore, the sushi (plates) are placed into the appropriate section depending on the kitchen and order lane conditions. Furthermore, the feed conveyor is connected to at least the second conveyor area. Therefore, the store system can also use a shortcut device to route plates placed into the section of the second conveyor area to the first section. This makes it easier to appropriately shorten plate transport time.

[0121] The transfer device of the kitchen lane system (store system) disclosed herein transfers products from a source transport area to a destination transport area using a transfer conveyor, a transfer start guide, and a transfer end guide. Furthermore, in the kitchen lane system disclosed herein, multiple partitioned areas are defined in the circulation lane, and the transfer device transfers products from the source partitioned area to the corresponding destination partitioned area. Based on the above configuration, the kitchen lane system disclosed herein prevents interference between multiple products in the destination area by passing the product through when other products are already placed in the destination area corresponding to the source area. However, the technology for passing the product through when other products are already placed in the destination area corresponding to the source area can also be used in the kitchen lane system without combining it with at least one of the technology using a transfer conveyor, a transfer start guide, and a transfer end guide and the technology for defining multiple partitioned areas in the circulation lane. For example, instead of the transfer device of the present disclosure, it is possible to combine a configuration in which products are transferred by pushing them from a source transfer area to a destination transfer area with technology to prevent interference between multiple products in the destination area. Also, it is possible to use a sensor or the like to detect the presence or absence of products in a destination area corresponding to a source area transferred by the transfer device, without defining multiple partitioned areas in the circulation lane.

[0122] The above configuration can also be expressed as follows: A kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, comprising: a circulation lane laid in the kitchen that circulates and transports products along a predetermined transport path, a transfer device that transfers products from a source area on the circulation lane to a destination area corresponding to the source area, a product presence / absence detection unit that detects the presence or absence of products in the destination area, and a control device that controls the circulation lane system, wherein the control device passes over the transfer of the product by the transfer device when the product presence / absence detection unit detects that another product has already been placed in the destination area corresponding to the source area.

[0123] The kitchen lane system (store system) disclosed herein includes a branch lane, a branch switching unit (e.g., a branch guide), and an individual detection unit (e.g., an individual sensor). The branch lane branches products received from the circulation lane and transported by the order lane to one of multiple tables arranged along the order lane. The branch switching unit switches whether or not products being transported by the order lane are diverted from the order lane to the branch lane. The individual detection unit detects whether or not products are present on each branch lane. If the individual detection unit detects that a product is already placed on the branch lane to which the product is to be transported (i.e., the branch lane is "in use"), the control device passes the product through without transferring the product from the circulation lane to the order lane via the transfer device. In other words, if the branch lane to which the product is to be transported is "in use," the kitchen lane system disclosed herein does not have the product wait on the order lane immediately before branching to the branch lane, but has the product wait on the circulation lane before handing it over to the order lane. During this time, the order lane becomes available, allowing other products to be transported to other branch lanes via the order lane. Therefore, the product can be made to wait until other products are taken out from the branch lane to which the product is to be transported, while preventing a decrease in product transport efficiency.

[0124] The technology of making products wait on the circulation lane when the branch lane to be transported is "in use" can be adopted in a kitchen lane system separately from other technologies exemplified in this disclosure (for example, a technology of providing multiple partitioned areas on the circulation lane, and a technology of transporting products within the circulation lane using a transport guide, etc.). This technology can also be expressed as follows.

[0125] a control device for controlling the kitchen lane system; a circulation lane installed in the kitchen that circulates along a predetermined transport path to transport products; a transfer device installed corresponding to one or more order lanes installed within the restaurant that hands over the products transported by the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; branch lanes that branch the products transported by the order lane to one of a plurality of tables arranged along the order lane; a branch switching unit that switches whether the products transported by the order lane are to be diverted from the order lane to the branch lane; an individual detection unit that detects the presence or absence of products on each of the branch lanes; and a control device that controls the kitchen lane system; when the individual detection unit detects that another product is already placed in the branch lane to which the product is to be transported, the control device allows the product to pass through without handing over the product from the circulation lane to the order lane by the transfer device.

[0126] 1 is a plan view schematically showing the entire restaurant; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the circulation lane; FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a first transport area and a second transport area of ​​the circulation lane; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a transfer device; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a feeding device; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an order image displayed on a kitchen terminal device; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing partitioned area information at a certain time; FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the device configuration of a kitchen lane system; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a feeding process; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a delivery process; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a shortcut process; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the transport status of products when explaining the shortcut process; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a feeding process; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the transport status of products when explaining the detour process; FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing the entire restaurant according to Modification Example 1; FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the kitchen lane system according to Modification Example 1; 10 is a flowchart of an ordered product providing process executed by the kitchen lane system 200 according to Modification Example 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of order details displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22A when all input devices are in use. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of order details displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22A when the second input device 133C is not in use. FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the entire restaurant according to Modification Example 5. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a priority input device / priority transport route correspondence table according to Modification Example 5. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a shortest route correspondence table according to Modification Example 5. FIG. 16 is a plan view schematically showing the entire restaurant according to Modification Example 6. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an overview of the transfer device 30 according to Modification Example 6. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of some of the multiple plates 170 that constitute the circulation lane 28 according to Modification Example 6. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing multiple partitioned areas 40 provided in the circulation lane 28 according to Modification Example 6. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a transfer source / transfer destination correspondence table according to Modification Example 6.35 is a plan view of the vicinity of the transfer device 30 in a state where neither the source partitioned area 40K nor the destination partitioned area 40D has reached the transfer device 30. FIG. 36 is a plan view of the transfer device 30 when the source partitioned area 40K has reached the transfer device 30 after the state shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 37 is a plan view of the transfer device 30 when the destination partitioned area 40D has reached the transfer device 30 after the state shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a plan view of the transfer device 30 when the source partitioned area 40K passes through the transfer device 30 after the state shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 37 is a plan view of the transfer device 30 when the destination partitioned area 40D passes through the transfer device 30 after the state shown in FIG.

[0127] Next, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0128] (Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire restaurant including a kitchen 14 in which a kitchen lane system (store system) 10 according to this embodiment is installed. In this embodiment, a sushi restaurant (specifically, a so-called conveyor belt sushi restaurant) is used as an example of the restaurant. As shown in FIG. 1, the restaurant is broadly divided into an interior 12 where customers eat and drink, and a kitchen 14 where food and drink (such as sushi in this embodiment) are cooked and prepared. Note that the restaurant using this kitchen lane system 10 may also be a restaurant of other business type or industry. Furthermore, the product 5 provided to the customer may be provided free of charge or for a fee.

[0129] In this embodiment, the product 5 is, for example, food or drink such as sushi. For example, it may be a dish such as nigiri sushi or hand-rolled sushi, or other dishes. The food or drink may also include beverages, sweets, containerized foods, packaged foods, etc. The product 5 may also include items of value other than food or drink. The kitchen lane system (store system) 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of plates, and food or drink such as sushi is served to customers on the plates.

[0130] In the restaurant of this embodiment, customers can order products 5 at each seat. The restaurant of this embodiment also has multiple order lanes (registered trademark of Kura Sushi Co., Ltd.) 16 that deliver products 5 to customers' seats according to their orders.

[0131] Here, a seat is a concept that refers to a seat 18 or table 18 used by a customer to whom the product 5 is provided. A single seat corresponds, for example, to a group of one or more customers (a customer group may include one or more customers, or may be a single customer) who purchase the product 5. For example, if a group of customers consisting of multiple customers visits a restaurant and the group is seated at a table 18 within the restaurant, the table 18 corresponds to a seat. Also, for example, if a single customer visits a restaurant and the customer is seated at a counter seat within the restaurant, the counter seat corresponds to a seat. Note that a seat is not limited to an actual seat or table 18. A seat may also refer to other things that correspond to a group of one or more customers and indicate the purchaser, orderer, or recipient of the product 5 by the group. Such seats may be real or virtual. In other words, a seat is a concept that indicates the recipient of the product 5 and the unit for charging the price of the product 5. In the following description, the seats corresponding to such customers (customer groups) may be simply referred to as customers, tables, or dining spaces. In other words, the provision of product 5 at seats corresponding to customers (customer groups) may be simply expressed as product 5 being provided to customers, tables, or dining spaces.

[0132] The restaurant includes, for example, an interior 12 where customers eat and drink, and a kitchen 14 where products 5 are cooked and prepared. In the interior 12, for example, tables 18 and seats are provided for customers to eat and drink at. Counter tables that allow customers to eat and drink while sitting in a line may be used as the tables 18.

[0133] (Regarding the store 12) The store terminal devices 20 provided in the store 12 are, for example, reception terminals provided corresponding to each seat. One store terminal device 20 may be shared by two or more seats. Furthermore, two or more store terminal devices 20 may be associated with one seat and used.

[0134] In this embodiment, a group of customers can order product 5, etc., using an in-store terminal device 20 having a screen such as a touch panel, which is installed corresponding to the seats they will be using.

[0135] In the figure, a tablet-type information terminal device is shown as the in-store terminal device 20, but a mobile information terminal device, a personal computer (PC), or the like may also be used as the in-store terminal device 20.

[0136] In the restaurant of this embodiment, customers at their respective seats can use a so-called electronic menu displayed on an in-store terminal device 20 to place orders for products 5, etc. For example, a main control device 24 (described later) accepts orders from each seat based on the customer's ordering operation on the in-store terminal device 20 corresponding to each seat. The main control device 24 then transfers the order details to a kitchen terminal device (described later) 22 provided in the kitchen 14, which enables the preparation and serving of the products 5 according to the order.

[0137] In this embodiment, devices that can communicate with each other can communicate with each other via a network such as a local area network or the Internet, but this is not limiting.

[0138] In this embodiment, the kitchen lane system 10 includes an order lane 16 that transports ordered products 5 to a specific seat / table 18, and a regular lane (not shown) that transports the products 5 in a circulating manner. The order lane 16 is located above the regular lane. However, the positional relationship between the order lane 16 and the regular lane is not limited to this. The order lane 16 may be located below the regular lane. Also, a pair of order lanes 16 may be arranged running parallel to each other, one above the other. Therefore, the kitchen lane system 10 of the present disclosure can be applied even if an order lane 16 is located below the regular lane. Also, the kitchen lane system 10 of the present disclosure can be applied even if two order lanes 16 are arranged next to each other.

[0139] The normal lane is always in operation, constantly transporting plates of sushi and other items, while the order lane 16 is only operated when an ordered item 5 is to be delivered to a specific table or seat 18.

[0140] Plates carrying products 5 such as food and drink (e.g., sushi) can be placed on the order lanes 16. A plurality of order lanes 16 (three in this embodiment) are installed inside the store 12 so that plates can be transported near each table 18. The order lanes 16 are configured, for example, using belts on which plates and the like can be placed, but may also be configured to move a platform on which plates can be placed in the transport direction.

[0141] The order lanes 16 are configured to transport plates in a predetermined transport direction and deliver the products 5 to each seat or table 18 within the store 12. In a plan view, the order lanes 16 are arranged to pass between seats arranged on either side of the order lane 16, but this is not limited to this. Multiple order lanes 16, each consisting of a set of transport paths, may be provided. One end of each order lane 16 is located in the kitchen 14.

[0142] The order lane 16 is driven by a main controller 24. Specifically, the main controller 24 controls a drive source (not shown), such as a motor, for driving the order lane 16.

[0143] The order lane 16 is driven by the main control device 24 to transport plates carrying products 5 such as sushi from the kitchen 14 to the store interior 12. In other words, the order lane 16 transports plates carrying products 5 such as sushi from upstream to downstream. The order lane 16 may extend in a straight line or a curved line.

[0144] In this embodiment, the order lane 16 can provide the product 5 by specifying the table / seat 18 to which the product 5 is to be delivered. That is, the order lane 16 is configured to be able to deliver the product 5 to the specified destination. When delivering the product 5 to the destination, the order lane 16 is controlled to deliver the product 5 from upstream toward the destination and stop delivery when the product 5 arrives at the destination. This allows the customer to reach out and pick up the product 5 stopped on the order lane 16 from their seat at the destination.

[0145] It is desirable to provide the products 5 via the order lane 16 quickly, and the conveying speed of the order lane 16 is higher than the conveying speed of the normal lane. For example, the order lane 16 may provide the products 5 mainly in response to orders from customers at their seats. On the other hand, the normal lane may provide the products 5 regardless of whether or not a customer has placed an order. This allows, for example, a customer to purchase products 5 as they are conveyed by the normal lane and pass by their seat at any time, and, if they desire a specific product 5, to place an order and purchase the product 5 conveyed by the order lane 16.

[0146] In this embodiment, the restaurant is provided with multiple monitoring devices 26 within the restaurant interior 12. The monitoring devices 26 are, for example, sensors such as cameras, and are provided along the order lanes 16. The monitoring devices 26 monitor whether an item 5 transported by the order lane 16 is removed from the order lane 16. That is, even if an ordered item 5 is transported to the destination table / seat 18 by the order lane 16, the customer may not immediately remove the item 5. In such a case, even if the next item 5 needs to be served, the same order lane 16 cannot be operated. Therefore, the monitoring devices 26 monitor whether an item 5 is removed from the order lane 16 and determine whether the order lane 16 is in use. If an item 5 has been removed from the order lane 16 and is ready for the next delivery, the monitoring device 26 determines that the order lane 16 is "stopped." On the other hand, if the order lane 16 is in transit or if the product 5 has arrived at its destination but is still on the order lane 16, the monitoring device 26 determines that the order lane 16 is "in use." The monitoring device 26 transmits these determination results to the main control device 24 as needed.

[0147] (Regarding the Kitchen 14) As shown in FIG. 1 , the restaurant kitchen 14 is a long space aligned along the direction in which multiple order lanes 16 are arranged, and the kitchen lane system 10 is installed within the kitchen 14. In addition, in the kitchen 14, multiple employees (two in this embodiment) are each assigned a station to prepare products 5 in response to customer orders. The kitchen lane system 10 according to this embodiment includes a circulation lane 28, a transfer device 30, an input device 32, a delivery device 34, and a main control device 24. The main control device 24 controls the entire kitchen lane system (store system) 10 and also controls the order lanes 16 and the like. The kitchen lane system 10 also includes multiple kitchen terminal devices 22 installed within the kitchen 14.

[0148] In the following description, for convenience, the three order lanes 16 in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the first to third order lanes 16 from the left. The transfer devices 34 provided corresponding to each order lane 16 may also be referred to as the first to third transfer devices 34 from the left in FIG. 1. Furthermore, two employees may be referred to as employees A and B, the input device 32 used by employee A may be referred to as the first input device 32A, and the input device 32 used by employee B may be referred to as the second input device 32B. These components may be distinguished from each other by adding "A" to their reference numerals. Furthermore, the transfer device 30 located on the left side of FIG. 1 may be referred to as the first transfer device 30A, and the transfer device 30 located on the right side may be referred to as the second transfer device 30B. These components may be distinguished from each other by adding "A" and "B" to their reference numerals.

[0149] (Regarding the Circulation Lane 28) The circulation lane 28 is laid in a long loop in the restaurant kitchen 14 along the line of the multiple order lanes 16 (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction). The circulation lane 28 is connected to the upstream ends of the multiple order lanes 16 via a transfer device 34. The circulation lane 28 transports products 5 prepared in response to customer orders to the corresponding order lane 16. The circulation lane 28 is always in circulation mode, and its transport speed is constant. Furthermore, for example, when an order lane 16 transporting an ordered product 5 is in operation (e.g., when another product 5 is being transported), the circulation lane 28 can circulate the product 5 within the kitchen 14, allowing the product 5 to wait until the order lane 16 becomes available. In this embodiment, the transport direction of the circulation lane 28 is counterclockwise, but it may also be clockwise. In the following description, the path along which the circulation lane 28 extends is referred to as the transport path.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 2 , the circulation lane 28 is configured, for example, by a crescent chain conveyor, in which multiple plates 36 are connected along a conveying path. Multiple partitioned areas 40 are defined along the conveying path in the circulation lane 28. More specifically, each partitioned area 40 is defined by a predetermined number of plates 36 (e.g., eight plates 36). Therefore, for example, if the circulation lane 28 is configured with 80 plates 36, 10 partitioned areas 40 are defined. Each partitioned area 40 is provided with an identifier (an example of a detectable object) 42 for identifying the partitioned area 40. For example, an IC tag is used as the identifier 42, but other identifiers 42 may also be used. For example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) may also be used as the identifier 42. The identifier 42 records identification information for the partitioned area 40. The identifier 42 is attached to the plate 36 located at the head of each partitioned area 40 (the most upstream plate in the conveying direction). In this embodiment, the identifier 42 is provided on the upper surface of the plate 36 located at the beginning of the partitioned area 40, at the center of the width direction of the plate 36 (the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction). However, as shown in FIG. 2 , the identifier 42a may be provided on the lower surface of the plate 36, or the identifier 42b may be provided on the side surface of the plate 36. When the identifier 42a is provided on the lower surface of the plate 36 in this manner, a reader 44 for the identifier 42a (described later) is provided below the circulation lane 28. On the other hand, when the identifier 42b is provided on the side surface of the plate 36, the reader 44 is provided to the side of the circulation lane 28. By providing the identifiers 42a and 42b on the lower surface and side surface of the plate 36, the identifiers are less likely to be affected by the products 5 (plates) placed on the plate 36, and the reader 44 can reliably recognize the identifiers 42a and 42b.

[0151] The circulation lane 28 is also provided with a reader (detector) 44 that reads the identifier 42 to obtain the identification information of the sectioned area 40. For example, an RFID reader that reads information from an IC tag is used as this reader 44. However, any other device may be used as long as it is capable of reading the identification information recorded in the identifier 42. As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of readers 44 are installed along the conveyance path of the circulation lane 28. The detailed installation locations of the readers 44 will be described later. The identification information of each sectioned area 40 read by the reader 44 is transmitted to the main control device 24 each time.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 3 , the circulation lane 28 according to the embodiment has a generally parallelogram shape, consisting of two parallel regions extending linearly along the longitudinal direction and two parallel regions connecting the two parallel regions. Of these two longitudinal regions, the one closest to the order lanes 16 is defined as a first conveyance area 46. Of these two longitudinal regions, the one farther from the order lanes 16 is defined as a second conveyance area 48. In the first conveyance area 46 and the second conveyance area 48, the circulation lane 28 conveys products 5 in opposite directions. In the following description, the conveyance direction of the circulation lane 28 in the first conveyance area 46 (from right to left in FIG. 3 ) is referred to as the “first direction,” and the conveyance direction of the circulation lane 28 in the second conveyance area 48 (from left to right in FIG. 3 ) is referred to as the “second direction.”

[0153] (Regarding the Transfer Devices 30) The circulation lane 28 is provided with transfer devices 30 spanning the first transfer area 46 and the second transfer area 48. In this embodiment, two transfer devices 30 (a first transfer device 30A and a second transfer device 30B) are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 4 , each transfer device 30 is composed of a pair of a shortcut device 50 that transfers (shortcuts) products 5 being transported through the second transfer area 48 to the first transfer area 46, and a detour device 52 that transfers (detours) products 5 being transported through the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 4 , the shortcut device 50 includes a shortcut conveyor 50a, a first guide 50b, and a second guide 50c. The shortcut conveyor 50a is installed in the circulation lane 28 so as to span between the first transport area 46 and the second transport area 48. In this embodiment, the shortcut conveyor 50a transports products 5 from the second transport area 48 to the first transport area 46. The shortcut conveyor 50a may be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, as long as it is capable of transporting the products 5. The shortcut conveyor 50a is driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The operation of the drive source is controlled by the main control device 24 and is normally stopped. When the drive source is driven by the main control device 24 at a predetermined timing, the shortcut conveyor 50a transports the products 5 from the second transport area 48 to the first transport area 46. In other words, the shortcut conveyor 50a has the function of transporting (shortcutting) the product 5 in the second transport area 48 to the first transport area 46, thereby accelerating the timing at which the product 5 arrives at the order lane 16.

[0155] The first guide 50b and the second guide 50c are both rod-shaped guide walls that are rotatable about an axis on the circulation lane 28. The first guide 50b and the second guide 50c are rotated by a drive source, such as a motor (not shown). The drive sources of the first guide 50b and the second guide 50c are each controlled by the main control device 24. The second guide 50c is attached to the second conveying area 48 of the circulation lane 28 at a position spaced apart from the order lanes 16. The second guide 50c is always positioned in a non-interference position extending downstream from the axis in parallel with the conveying direction of the circulation lane 28. When positioned in the non-interference position, the second guide 50c deviates from the conveying path so as not to interfere with the products 5 on the circulation lane 28. When the main control device 24 drives the drive source at a predetermined timing, the second guide 50c is displaced (rotated) to an interference position where it enters the conveyance path of the circulation lane 28. When the second guide 50c is positioned at the interference position, the second guide 50c diagonally crosses the circulation lane 28 downstream from the shaft in the second conveyance area 48. When a product 5 reaches the second guide 50c positioned at the interference position, the second guide 50c guides the product 5 toward the shortcut conveyor 50a. When all of the products 5 in the partitioned area 40 have been transferred from the second conveyance area 48 to the shortcut conveyor 50a, the second guide 50c returns to the non-interference position.

[0156] The first guide 50b is attached to a position adjacent to the multiple order lanes 16 in the first conveying area 46 of the circulation lane 28. The first guide 50b is always located in a non-interference position extending from the shaft portion toward the upstream side of the first conveying area 46 in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the circulation lane 28. In other words, the first guide 50b located in the non-interference position deviates from the conveying path so as not to interfere with the products 5 on the circulation lane 28. When the main control device 24 drives the drive source at a predetermined timing, the first guide 50b is displaced (rotated) to an interference position where it enters the conveying path of the circulation lane 28. When the first guide 50b is located in the interference position, the first guide 50b is positioned in the first conveying area 46 of the circulation lane 28, diagonally crossing the circulation lane 28 from the shaft portion toward the upstream side. The products 5 conveyed by the shortcut conveyor 50a are then guided by the first guide 50b in the interference position and transferred into one partitioned area 40 located in the first conveying area 46 of the circulation lane 28. Then, when all of the products 5 in one partitioned area 40 in the second conveying area 48 have moved into one partitioned area 40 in the first conveying area 46, the first guide 50b returns to the non-interference position.

[0157] The detouring device 52 has a structure substantially similar to that of the shortcut device 50, but has the opposite function to that of the shortcut device 50 (i.e., the function of diverting products 5 from the order lane 16). The detouring device 52 includes a detouring conveyor 52a, a third guide 52b, and a fourth guide 52c. The detouring conveyor 52a is installed between the first transport area 46 and the second transport area 48 in the circulation lane 28, and transports products 5 from the first transport area 46 to the second transport area 48. As with the shortcut conveyor 50a, the detouring conveyor 52a may be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, as long as it is capable of transporting products 5. The detouring conveyor 52a is driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The operation of the drive source is controlled by the main control device 24, and the drive source is normally in a stopped state. When the drive source is driven by the main control device 24 at a predetermined timing, the detouring conveyor 52a transfers the product 5 from the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48. In other words, the detouring conveyor 52a has the function of transferring (detouring) the product 5 in the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48, thereby delaying the timing at which the product arrives at the order lane 16.

[0158] Because the third guide 52b and the fourth guide 52c are basically similar in configuration to the first guide 50b and the second guide 50c, the following description will focus on differences from the first guide 50b and the second guide 50c, and will omit a description of the identical configuration. The third guide 52b is attached to a position adjacent to the multiple order lanes 16 in the first conveying area 46 of the circulation lane 28. The third guide 52b is always positioned in a non-interference position extending downstream from the shaft in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the circulation lane 28. In other words, when in the non-interference position, the third guide 52b deviates from the conveying path so as not to interfere with the products 5 on the circulation lane 28. When the main control device 24 activates the drive source at a predetermined timing, the third guide 52b is displaced (rotated) to an interference position where it enters the conveying path of the circulation lane 28. When the third guide 52b is positioned at the interference position, the third guide 52b diagonally crosses the circulation lane 28 downstream from the shaft in the first transport area 46. When a product 5 reaches the third guide 52b positioned at the interference position, the third guide 52b guides the product 5 toward the bypass conveyor 52a. When all of the products 5 in a certain partitioned area 40 have moved from the first transport area 46 to the bypass conveyor 52a, the third guide 52b returns to the non-interference position.

[0159] The fourth guide 52c is attached in a position spaced apart from the multiple order lanes 16 in the second conveying area 48 of the circulation lane 28. The fourth guide 52c is always positioned in a non-interference position extending from the shaft toward the upstream side of the second conveying area 48 in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the circulation lane 28. In other words, when the fourth guide 52c is in the non-interference position, it deviates from the conveying path so as not to interfere with the products 5 on the circulation lane 28. When the main control device 24 drives the drive source at a predetermined timing, the fourth guide 52c is displaced (rotated) to an interference position where it enters the conveying path of the circulation lane 28. When the fourth guide 52c is positioned in the interference position, the fourth guide 52c is in a state in which it diagonally crosses the circulation lane 28 from the shaft toward the upstream side in the second conveying area 48. The products 5 transported by the bypass conveyor 52a are then guided by the fourth guide 52c, which is in the interference position, and transferred into one partitioned area 40 located in the second transport area 48 of the circulation lane 28. When all of the products 5 in a specific partitioned area 40 in the first transport area 46 have been transferred into one partitioned area 40 located in the second transport area 48, the fourth guide 52c returns to the non-interference position.

[0160] As described above, the transfer device 30 of this embodiment includes a shortcut device 50 and a detour device 52. The shortcut device 50 transfers (shortcuts) the products 5 being transferred through the second transfer area 48 to the first transfer area 46. The detour device 52 transfers (detours) the products 5 being transferred through the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48. The transfer device 30 (in this embodiment, each of the shortcut device 50 and the detour device 52) adjusts the timing at which the products 5 arrive at the corresponding order lane 16. The transfer device 30 of this embodiment includes a transfer conveyor, a transfer start guide, and a transfer end guide.

[0161] The transfer conveyor spans between the first transfer area 46 and the second transfer area 48 and transfers products 5 (e.g., plates with sushi on them) from one of the first transfer area 46 and the second transfer area 48, which is a source transfer area, to the other, which is a destination transfer area. The shortcut conveyor 50a of the shortcut device 50 is an example of a transfer conveyor and transfers the products 5 from the second transfer area 48, which is the source transfer area, to the first transfer area 46, which is the destination transfer area. The detour conveyor 52a of the detour device 52 is also an example of a transfer conveyor and transfers the products 5 from the first transfer area 46, which is the source transfer area, to the second transfer area 48, which is the destination transfer area.

[0162] The transfer start guide guides the product 5 from the source transfer area toward the transfer conveyor. The second guide 50c of the shortcut device 50 is an example of a transfer start guide, and guides the product 5 from the second transfer area 48, which is the source transfer area, toward the shortcut conveyor 50a, which is a transfer conveyor. The third guide 52b of the detour device 52 is also an example of a transfer start guide, and guides the product 5 from the first transfer area 46, which is the source transfer area, toward the detour conveyor 52a, which is a transfer conveyor.

[0163] The transfer end guide guides the product 5 from the transfer conveyor toward the destination transfer area. The first guide 50b of the shortcut device 50 is an example of a transfer end guide, and guides the product 5 from the shortcut conveyor 50a, which is a transfer conveyor, toward the first transfer area 46, which is a destination transfer area. The fourth guide 52c of the detour device 52 is also an example of a transfer end guide, and guides the product 5 from the detour conveyor 52a, which is a transfer conveyor, toward the second transfer area 48, which is a destination transfer area. As a result, the product 5 is appropriately transferred by the transfer conveyor, transfer start guide, and transfer end guide of the transfer device. Note that when a transfer device is provided in the kitchen lane system 10, only one of the shortcut device 50 and the detour device 52 may be employed.

[0164] (Regarding the Transfer Devices 34) The transfer devices 34 transfer products 5 from the circulation lane 28 to the order lanes 16, and one transfer device 34 is provided for each of the order lanes 16. Similar to the first to fourth guides 50b, 50c, 52b, and 52c described above, the transfer devices 34 are rod-shaped guide walls. As shown in FIG. 5 , each transfer device 34 is rotatably mounted via a shaft at the connection between the circulation lane 28 and the order lane 16. Each transfer device 34 is driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The operation of the drive source is controlled by the main control device 24 and is normally stopped. When the drive source is activated by the main control device 24 at a predetermined timing, the transfer device 34 transfers the product 5 from the circulation lane 28 to the corresponding order lane 16.

[0165] More specifically, the transfer device 34 is pivotally supported in the first transport area 46 at a position spaced apart from the order lane 16 of the circulation lane 28. The transfer device 34 is always positioned in a non-interference position extending from the shaft downstream of the first transport area 46 parallel to the transport path of the circulation lane 28. In other words, the transfer device 34 in the non-interference position deviates from the transport path so as not to interfere with the products 5 on the circulation lane 28. When the main control device 24 drives the drive source at a predetermined timing, the transfer device 34 moves (rotates) to an interference position where it enters the transport path of the circulation lane 28. When the transfer device 34 is positioned in the interference position, the transfer device 34 diagonally crosses the transport path of the circulation lane 28 from the shaft toward the corresponding order lane 16 in the first transport area 46. As a result, the products 5 that arrive at the transfer device 34 are guided by the transfer device 34 and transferred to the corresponding order lane 16. Then, when all the products 5 in the partitioned area 40 have been transferred from the circulation lane 28 to the corresponding order lane 16, the transfer device 34 returns to the non-interfering position.

[0166] (Regarding the Insertion Device 32) Next, the insertion device 32 will be described. As described above, a plurality of insertion devices 32 (two, a first insertion device 32A and a second insertion device 32B in this embodiment) are installed corresponding to each of a plurality of employees. Each insertion device 32 includes a first insertion conveyance path 60 for inserting products 5 into the first transport area 46 of the circulation lane 28, and a second insertion conveyance path 62 for inserting products 5 into the second transport area 48. In this embodiment, both the first insertion conveyance path 60 and the second insertion conveyance path 62 are provided in the circulation lane 28 between the first transport area 46 and the second transport area 48.

[0167] The first input conveying path 60 includes an input conveyor 60a that conveys the products 5 parallel to the first direction of the first conveying area 46, a guide unit 63, and an input port 64. The input conveyor 60a is capable of conveying multiple products 5 (e.g., 6) at a time. The input conveyor 60a may be a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or the like, similar to the shortcut conveyor 50a and the detour conveyor 52a described above. The input conveyor 60a is driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The drive of this drive source is controlled by the main control device 24. The input conveyor 60a is normally stopped. When the main control device 24 activates the drive source at a predetermined timing, the input conveyor 60a begins operating.

[0168] The guide section 63 is a guide wall that extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the input conveyor 60a toward the first conveying area 46, and guides the products 5 conveyed by the input conveyor 60a toward the first conveying area 46. The input opening 64 opens toward the first conveying area 46 at the downstream end of the guide section 63, and the products 5 guided by the guide section 63 are input from the input opening 64 into the first conveying area 46.

[0169] The second input conveyance path 62 has a configuration basically similar to that of the first input conveyance path 60. Therefore, in the following description, only the differences between the second input conveyance path 62 and the first input conveyance path 60 will be described, and the same configuration will be omitted. The second input conveyance path 62 includes an input conveyor 62a, a guide unit 63, and an input opening 64. The input conveyor 62a of the second input conveyance path 62 transports products 5 parallel to the second direction of the second transport area 48. The second input conveyance path 62 also includes a guide unit 63 and an input opening 64. The guide unit 63 of the second input conveyance path 62 is a guide wall that extends in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the input conveyor 62a toward the second transport area 48. The guide unit 63 guides products 5 transported by the input conveyor 60a toward the second transport area 48. The second input conveying path 62 has an input opening 64 that opens toward the second conveying area 48 at the downstream end of the guide section 63. The product 5 guided by the guide section 63 is input from the input opening 64 into the second conveying area 48.

[0170] Here, the first input conveying path 60 and the second input conveying path 62 are both positioned so as not to interfere with the products 5 being transported through the circulation lane 28. That is, the first input conveying path 60 and the second input conveying path 62 are positioned between the first transport area 46 and the second transport area 48, and each input conveyor 60a extends between the two transport areas. The input openings 64, 64 of each input conveying path 60, 62 open toward the transport path from a position deviating from the transport path of the circulation lane 28. Therefore, the system is designed so that the products 5 being transported through the first transport area 46 or the second transport area 48 do not come into contact with the first input conveying path 60 and the second input conveying path 62. Moreover, both the first input conveying path 60 and the second input conveying path 62 are positioned between the first transport area 46 and the second transport area 48. Therefore, by effectively utilizing the 28 empty spaces in the circulation lane, a large working space can be secured for employees.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 1 , two input devices 32 (first input device 32A and second input device 32B) are disposed between the three order lanes 16. The two transfer devices 30 (first transfer device 30A and second transfer device 30B) are also positioned between the three order lanes 16. The first input conveyance path 60A of the first input device 32A, which is positioned between the first and second order lanes 16, is provided adjacent to the first order lane 16. The first input conveyance path 60B of the second input device 32B, which is positioned between the second and third order lanes 16, is provided adjacent to the second order lane 16. The input port 64 of the first input conveyance path 60A is located near the upstream side of the first order lane 16, and the input port 64 of the first input conveyance path 60B is located near the upstream side of the second order lane 16. Furthermore, the input port 64 of the first input conveying path 60A is located downstream of the shortcut device 50A, and the input port 64 of the first input conveying path 60B is located downstream of the shortcut device 50B. That is, the input port 64 of the first input conveying path 60A is located downstream of the shortcut device 50A and upstream of the first transfer device 34. Also, the input port 64 of the first input conveying path 60B is located downstream of the shortcut device 50B and near the upstream side of the second transfer device 34.

[0172] (Regarding the Kitchen Terminal Devices 22) The restaurant kitchen 14 is provided with multiple kitchen terminal devices 22. These kitchen terminal devices 22 are provided corresponding to the first input conveying path 60 and the second input conveying path 62 of each input device 32, respectively. That is, in this embodiment, four kitchen terminal devices 22 are provided. For ease of explanation, the four kitchen terminal devices 22 shown in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the first to fourth kitchen terminal devices 22, from left to right. The first and second kitchen terminal devices 22 correspond to the first and second input conveying paths 60A and 62A of the first input device 32A, respectively, and the third and fourth kitchen terminal devices 22 correspond to the first and second input conveying paths 60B and 62B of the second input device 32B, respectively. The first and second kitchen terminal devices 22 are primarily used by employee A, who is responsible for the first input device 32A. On the other hand, the third and fourth kitchen terminal devices 22 are mainly used by employee B, who is in charge of the second input device 32B.

[0173] Each kitchen terminal device 22 is, for example, a tablet-type display terminal with a touch panel display screen. Alternatively, a personal computer such as a laptop computer may be used as the kitchen terminal device 22. Each kitchen terminal device 22 is communicatively connected to the main control device 24, and an order for a product 5 input via the in-store terminal device 20 is transmitted from the main control device 24 to each kitchen terminal device 22. At this time, the main control device 24 transmits at least the type and quantity of the ordered product 5, as well as identification information for the order lane 16 corresponding to the customer who placed the order. Upon receiving this information (hereinafter referred to as order output information) from the main control device 24, the kitchen terminal device 22 displays an image (hereinafter referred to as an order image 66) corresponding to the order output information on its display screen.

[0174] FIG. 6 shows an example of an order image 66 displayed on the display screen of a kitchen terminal device 22. Note that, in this embodiment, all kitchen terminal devices 22 are configured to display the same display screen. In the example of FIG. 6, an order image 66 related to the second order lane 16 and an order image 66 related to the first order lane 16 are displayed. That is, the example of FIG. 6 shows a state in which an order related to the second order lane 16 (Order No. 1) is first placed, followed by an order related to the first order lane 16 (Order No. 2). The order image 66 for Order No. 1 displays the ordered product (tuna), the quantity (3 plates), and the corresponding order lane 16 (second lane). Furthermore, the order image 66 for Order No. 2 displays the ordered product (shrimp), the quantity (2 plates), and the corresponding order lane 16 (first lane). Note that a single order may include multiple types of products 5 (e.g., squid, shrimp, and five plates).

[0175] The order image 66 also displays a placement completion button 68 that is operated by the employee when the employee places the prepared product 5 on the input conveying path 60, 62. For example, assume that employee B places the prepared product for order No. 1 (three plates of tuna) on the first input conveying path 60B corresponding to the third kitchen terminal device 22. In this case, employee B operates (touches) the placement completion button 68 displayed on the order image 66 for order No. 1 on the display screen of the third kitchen terminal device 22. This causes the third kitchen terminal device 22 to transmit information (placement completion information) to the main control device 24 indicating that the product 5 for order No. 1 has been placed on the corresponding first input conveying path 60. Based on the received placement completion information, the main control device 24 can determine which partitioned area 40 of the circulation lane 28 to place the placed product 5 in.

[0176] In the example described above, the order image 66 is displayed in the same manner on all kitchen terminal devices 22. However, the order image 66 displayed on each kitchen terminal device 22 may be displayed in different formats or with different content. For example, the order image 66 displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 may differ depending on the order lane 16 corresponding to the ordered product 5. Specifically, for example, the order image 66 related to an order from the first order lane 16 (left side of FIG. 1 ) may be displayed only on the first kitchen terminal device 22 and the second kitchen terminal device 22 (the two on the left side of FIG. 1 ). On the other hand, the order image 66 related to an order from the third order lane 16 (right side of FIG. 1 ) may be displayed only on the third kitchen terminal device 22 and the fourth kitchen terminal device 22 (the two on the right side of FIG. 1 ).

[0177] Furthermore, the manner in which the order image 66 is displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 may differ depending on the order lane 16 corresponding to the ordered product 5. Specifically, for example, assume that there are two orders, one for the first order lane 16 and one for the third order lane 16. In this case, the order images 66 for all the orders may be displayed on each kitchen terminal device 22, while the order image 66 for the order from the first order lane 16 may be highlighted on the first kitchen terminal device 22 and the second kitchen terminal device 22. On the other hand, the order image 66 for the order from the third order lane 16 may be highlighted on the third kitchen terminal device 22 and the fourth kitchen terminal device 22. Examples of highlighting include flashing the order image 66 or enlarging it.

[0178] (Installation Location of Reader 44) Next, the installation location of the reader (detector) 44 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, multiple readers 44 are installed along the conveyance path of the circulation lane 28. The installation locations of the readers 44 are set to at least (1) near the upstream side of the input port 64 of each input device 32 (see FIG. 5), (2) near the upstream side of the second guide 50c of the shortcut device 50 (see FIG. 4), (3) near the upstream side of the third guide 52b of the detour device 52 (see FIG. 4), and (4) near the upstream side of the transfer device 34 (see FIG. 1). However, in addition to these installation locations, the reader 44 may also be installed near the downstream side of the first guide 50b of the shortcut device 50 or near the downstream side of the fourth guide 52c of the detour device 52, for example.

[0179] In this way, by providing multiple readers 44, the identifier (detectable object) 42 provided on the plate 36 can be identified at different positions. In other words, the partitioned area 40 of the circulation lane 28 can be identified at multiple locations, allowing the position of the partitioned area 40 to be accurately recognized. Furthermore, by providing the reader 44 near the upstream side of the insertion port 64 of the insertion device 32, it is possible to detect whether the partitioned area 40 into which the product 5 set in the insertion device 32 is inserted (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "destination partitioned area 40") has arrived at the insertion port 64. Furthermore, by providing the reader 44 near the upstream side of the second guide 50c, it is possible to detect whether the partitioned area 40 in which the product 5 to be shortcut is located (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "source partitioned area 40") has arrived at the second guide 50c. Furthermore, by installing a reader 44 near the upstream side of the third guide 52b, it is possible to detect whether the compartment 40 in which the product 5 to be diverted is located (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the compartment 40 from which the product 5 is diverted or the compartment 40 from which the product 5 is transferred) has arrived at the third guide 52b. Furthermore, by installing the reader 44 near the upstream side of the transfer device 34, it is possible to detect that the specified compartment 40 (i.e., the product 5) has arrived at the order lane 16 (transfer device 34) to which the product 5 is to be transferred.

[0180] As described above, in this embodiment, the positions of multiple defined areas 40 are determined by installing multiple readers 44 at various locations. However, the number and locations of the readers 44 are not limited to the above example. For example, a single reader (detector) 44 may be installed in any one of the circulation lanes 28, and the reader 44 may read the identifiers (detectable objects) 42 of each defined area 40. In this way, even when a single reader 44 is installed, the main control device 24 can estimate the positions of all defined areas 40. In other words, because the length and conveying speed of the circulation lane 28 are constant, the main control device 24 can estimate the positions of all defined areas 40 from the detection signals of the defined areas 40 detected by a single reader 44.

[0181] (Regarding the main control device 24) Next, the main control device 24 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the main control device 24 is communicably connected to each device on the inside of the store 12 and the kitchen 14 side, and controls these devices in an integrated manner. The main control device 24 can be realized by a computer equipped with a processor 70, memory 72, etc. The processing procedure of the main control device 24 is usually realized by software (computer program code), and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, some or all of the processing may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuitry).

[0182] Here, in this disclosure, the term "processor" refers to one or more hardware processors configured to execute program code (i.e., one or more instructions constituting the program) included in a program. In other words, the "processor 70" is a hardware device capable of executing one or more programmed processes. For example, the "processor" may be a general-purpose or special-purpose processor, such as a CPU, a microprocessor, a GPU, and a DFP (Data Flow Processor), but is not limited to these.

[0183] In this disclosure, the term "memory" refers to one or more hardware memories that are non-transitory tangible recording media configured to store computer program code and / or data accessible to the processor 70. The "memory" may be implemented using memory technologies such as SRAM, SDRAM, non-volatile flash memory, or other types of memory. Computer program code constituting a program may be stored in the memory and executed by the processor to cause the main controller 24 to perform various functions.

[0184] 8, the main control device 24 is communicatively connected to devices on the inside of the store 12 side, such as the in-store terminal device 20, the order lane 16 (drive unit), and the monitoring device 26. The main control device 24 is also communicatively connected to devices on the kitchen 14 side, such as the input device 32, the reader 44, the transport device 30, the delivery device 34, and the kitchen terminal device 22. The main control device 24 is connected to these devices via wired or wireless communication lines.

[0185] The main control device 24 receives information regarding an order for a product 5 (hereinafter referred to as order input information) from the in-store terminal device 20. The order input information includes the type and quantity of the product 5, as well as the identification information of the table / seat 18 for which the order was placed and the identification information of the order lane 16 corresponding to that table / seat 18. Upon receiving the order input information, the main control device 24 assigns an order number to the order and transmits it to each kitchen terminal device 22 as the above-mentioned order output information. The main control device 24 also receives the above-mentioned placement completion information from each kitchen terminal device 22. This allows the main control device 24 to recognize which order number of the product 5 has been placed on which of the input conveying paths 60, 62.

[0186] Furthermore, the identification information of each partitioned area 40 detected by the reader 44 is transmitted to the main control device 24 as needed, along with the identification information of the reader 44. The main control device 24 stores the installation positions of all readers 44 in advance. This allows the main control device 24 to constantly grasp the positions of all partitioned areas 40 in the circulation lane 28 based on the information from the readers 44. In this way, by constantly grasping the position of each partitioned area 40, the main control device 24 can accurately predict the timing at which each partitioned area 40 will reach the order lane 16. Note that the position of a partitioned area 40 can be, for example, determined as a reference position at a predetermined position in the circulation lane 28, and the distance in the conveying direction from the reference position to the leading plate 36 in that partitioned area 40 can be used.

[0187] The main control device 24 constantly receives information about the status of the order lanes 16 from the monitoring device 26. That is, information indicating the usage status of the order lanes 16 (information indicating whether the order lanes 16 are in use or stopped) is sent from the monitoring device 26 to the main control device 24. This allows the main control device 24 to constantly grasp the status of the order lanes 16 at the delivery destination.

[0188] In this way, the main control unit 24 grasps the locations of all the partitioned areas 40 in the circulation lane 28 and the contents of the products 5 placed in each partitioned area 40. Furthermore, the main control unit 24 grasps the usage status of the order lanes 16. This information (hereinafter referred to as partitioned area information) is stored in the partitioned area information storage unit 72a of the memory 72. FIG. 7 shows the partitioned area information stored in the partitioned area information storage unit at a given time. In the example of FIG. 7, the partitioned area information includes the identification information of the partitioned area 40 (e.g., if there are 10 partitioned areas 40, the identification numbers are 1 to 10), the location of the partitioned area 40 (distance from the reference position), the presence or absence of the product 5, the order number, the contents of the product 5 (type, number of plates), the destination order lane 16 (the identification number of the order lane 16), the usage status of the destination order lane 16 (in use or stopped), the estimated arrival time (seconds) to the destination order lane 16, and the like. The location of the partitioned area 40 is updated as needed based on information from the reader 44. In addition, the partition area information is updated when (1) a new product 5 is put into the circulation lane 28, (2) a product 5 is handed over to the order lane 16, (3) a product 5 is shortcutted, and (4) a product 5 is detoured.

[0189] Next, we will explain the various control processes executed by the main control device 24. The main control device 24 executes the following input process, delivery process, shortcut process, and detouring process by having the processor 70 read various control programs stored in the memory 72.

[0190] (About the Entry Process) Next, the entry process executed by the main control device 24 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9. The entry process is initiated when an employee places a product 5 on one of the entry conveyance paths and operates the placement completion button 68 displayed on the corresponding kitchen terminal device 22. Note that the following description assumes that product 5 for order No. 2 (product 5: shrimp, quantity: 2 plates) has been placed on the first entry conveyance path 60A corresponding to the first kitchen terminal device 22. When the entry process is initiated, placement completion information is received from the first kitchen terminal device 22 (step S10). From the placement completion information, the main control device 24 recognizes that product 5 for order No. 2 has been placed on the first entry conveyance path 60A corresponding to the first kitchen terminal device 22.

[0191] Upon receiving the placement completion information, the main control unit 24 accesses the sectional area information storage unit 72a and references the sectional area information (step S12). Then, based on the sectional area information and the usage status of the circulation lane 28 and the destination order lane 16, the main control unit 24 determines the sectional area 40 in which to place the product 5 (step S14). In this way, the main control unit 24 can grasp the usage status of the circulation lane 28 and the order lane 16 based on the sectional area information that is updated as needed. Therefore, it can select the optimal sectional area 40 depending on the usage status of the circulation lane 28 and the order lane 16.

[0192] For example, if no product 5 is placed in the partitioned area 40 closest to the first input conveying path 60A on which the product 5 is set, the main control device 24 can determine that partitioned area 40 as the partitioned area 40 into which the product 5 should be placed. On the other hand, if a product 5 is placed in the partitioned area 40 closest to the first input conveying path 60A and no product 5 is placed in the next partitioned area 40, the main control device 24 can determine that next partitioned area 40 as the partitioned area 40 into which the product 5 should be placed. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the partitioned area 40 with identification number 8 is determined to be the partitioned area into which the product 5 should be placed.

[0193] Next, the main control unit 24 determines whether the reader 44 (see FIG. 5 ) located near the first input conveying path 60A has detected the destination compartment 40 (i.e., the compartment 40 with identification number 8) (step S16). If the reader 44 detects the destination compartment 40 (step S16: YES), the main control unit 24 drives the first input conveying path 60A (step S18). As a result, the product 5 set on the first input conveying path 60A is transported by the input conveyor 60a and guided by the guide unit 63 toward the circulation lane 28. The product 5 is then inserted into the destination compartment 40 through the input opening 64.

[0194] Next, the main control unit 24 determines whether the reader 44 has detected the next compartment 40 after the compartment 40 to which the product is to be inserted (i.e., the compartment 40 with the identification number 9) (step S20). When the reader 44 detects the next compartment 40, the main control unit 24 stops driving the first input conveying path 60A. In this manner, in this embodiment, multiple compartments 40 in which multiple products 5 can be placed are defined in the circulation lane 28, and the multiple products 5 inserted into each compartment 40 are managed on a compartment 40-by-compartment basis. This allows for accurate tracking of the multiple products 5 within a compartment 40, enabling appropriate transport and delivery of the products 5 in accordance with the usage status of the circulation lane 28 and the order lane 16. Furthermore, the first input conveying path 60 is driven from the time the reader 44 detects the compartment 40 to the time the next compartment 40 is detected. That is, the first input conveying path 60 is driven from the time the compartment 40 to which the product is to be inserted arrives until it passes through. Therefore, even if multiple products 5 are set on the first input conveying path 60, all of the products 5 can be reliably inserted into the destination compartment 40. The time for driving the input conveying paths 60, 62 is not limited to that described above. For example, the main control device 24 knows the number of products 5 set, and may drive the input conveying paths 60, 62 for a time period corresponding to the number of products 5. Furthermore, for example, the main control device 24 may pre-store the time required to insert all of the maximum number of products 5 (e.g., six) that can be set on the input conveying paths 60, 62. Furthermore, the input conveying paths 60, 62 (input conveyors 60a, 62a) may be driven for a pre-stored time period.

[0195] After stopping the driving of the first input conveying path 60 (step S22), the main control device 24 updates the divided area information (step S24). That is, the information regarding the divided area information for the input-destination divided area 40 is updated. In this example, since the product with order No. 2 was input into the divided area 40 with identification number 8, the information regarding the divided area 40 with identification number 8 is updated as shown in FIG. 7. The main control device 24 then ends the input process.

[0196] Here, the input device 32 is installed between the first transport area 46 and the second transport area 48 so as not to interfere with the products 5 transported along the circulation lane 28. In particular, the input port 64 of the first input conveying path 60 is located near the upstream side of the first order lane 16 and the second order lane 16. Therefore, when an order for a product 5 is placed for the first order lane 16, the product 5 can be quickly transported to the first order lane 16A by placing the product 5 on the first input conveying path 60A close to the first order lane 16. In this way, by placing the product 5 on the first input conveying path 60 closest to the destination order lane 16, the employee can intuitively determine the input conveying path to which the product 5 should be placed. Therefore, even an inexperienced employee can easily determine the input conveying path 60, 62 into which the product 5 should be placed.

[0197] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the first input conveyance path 60, a second input conveyance path 62 is used. Therefore, for example, an employee can deliberately input the product 5 into the second conveyance area 48, which is farther away from the order lane 16, in consideration of the usage status of the circulation lane 28 and the order lane 16. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , in the restaurant of this embodiment, by using the second input conveyance path 62B, the product 5 can reach the rightmost order lane 16 as quickly as possible. In this way, by providing the input conveyance paths 60, 62 in each of the first conveyance area 46 and the second conveyance area 48, the product 5 can be flexibly input according to the specifications of the restaurant.

[0198] Furthermore, the input port 64 of the first input conveying path 60 is located downstream of the shortcut device 50 and upstream of the order lane 16. By positioning the input port 64 in this manner, even if the shortcut device 50 is being used, it is possible to input products 5 using the first input conveying path 60. In other words, while the shortcut device 50 is in use, the circulation lane 28 is blocked from transport by the first and second guides 50b, 50c, but by locating the input port 64 downstream of these guides, it is possible to input products 5 even when the shortcut device 50 is being used.

[0199] (Regarding the Delivery Process) Next, the delivery process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. The delivery process will be described using an example of the situation assumed in the above-mentioned insertion process after the insertion process has been completed. That is, it is assumed that the product 5 has been inserted from the first insertion conveyor path 60A into the partitioned area 40 with identification number 8.

[0200] When the product 5 is inserted, the main control unit 24 determines whether the reader 44 provided corresponding to the first order lane 16 has detected the partitioned area 40 in which the product 5 is placed (hereinafter referred to as the source partitioned area 40) (Step S100). If the reader 44 has not detected the source partitioned area 40 (Step S100: NO), the main control unit 24 repeats the steps. On the other hand, if the reader 44 detects the source partitioned area 40 (Step S100: YES), the main control unit 24 determines the usage status of the destination order lane 16 (in this case, the first order lane 16) (Step S102). That is, the main control unit 24 accesses the partitioned area information storage unit 72a and determines the usage status of the first order lane 16 from the partitioned area information. If the first order lane 16 is "stopped" (step S102: YES), the main control device 24 drives the first delivery device 34 provided corresponding to the first order lane 16 (step S104).

[0201] That is, the main control unit 24 drives the first transfer device 34 to move from the non-interference position to the interference position. As a result, the first transfer device 34 crosses the circulation lane 28. The product 5 arriving at the first transfer device 34 is guided by the first transfer device 34 and transferred to the first order lane 16. Next, the main control unit 24 determines whether the reader 44 provided corresponding to the first order lane 16 has detected the next partitioned area 40 after the original partitioned area 40 (i.e., the partitioned area 40 with identification number 9) (step S106). When the reader 44 detects the next partitioned area 40 (step S106: YES), the main control unit 24 returns the first transfer device 34 from the interference position to the non-interference position (step S108). In this way, the main control unit 24 maintains the first transfer device 34 in the interference position while the original partitioned area 40 passes through. Therefore, even if multiple products 5 are placed in the partitioned area 40 from which the products are to be delivered, all of the products 5 can be reliably delivered to the first order lane 16.

[0202] On the other hand, if the first order lane 16 is "in use" (step S102: NO), the main control unit 24 allows the product 5 to pass through the first order lane 16 without driving the first delivery device 34. Therefore, the product 5 placed in the partitioned area 40 of the delivery source circulates through the circulation lane 28 without being delivered to the first order lane 16. In this way, if the order lane 16 of the delivery destination is in use, circulating the product 5 through the circulation lane 28 can buy time until the order lane 16 becomes available for delivery. The main control unit 24 then repeats step S102.

[0203] Meanwhile, when the delivery of the product 5 to the order lane 16 is complete, the main control unit 24 updates the information about the delivery source partitioned area 40 in the partitioned area information (step S110). In this example, the product 5 placed in the partitioned area 40 with identification number 8 has been delivered, so the information about the partitioned area 40 with identification number 8 is updated. Then, the main control unit 24 ends the delivery process.

[0204] (Regarding Shortcut Processing) Next, the shortcut processing will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the following description assumes a situation assumed in the above-described delivery processing, in which the product 5 passes through the first order lane 16 without being handed over to the first order lane 16, as shown in Fig. 12. Therefore, when the shortcut processing is executed, the first order lane 16 is considered to be "in use."

[0205] In the shortcut process, the main control unit 24 constantly references the partitioned area information to determine whether or not it is possible to shorten the route of the product 5 being transported, thereby speeding up the timing at which the product arrives at the destination order lane 16 (step S200). In the example of Fig. 12, the main control unit 24 can shorten the time at which the product 5 arrives at the first order lane 16 by using the shortcut device 50A to shorten the route. Therefore, in such a case, the main control unit 24 proceeds to step S202.

[0206] 12, the destination order lane 16 is the second order lane 16. In this case, if the shortcut device 50A is used to shortcut the product 5, the timing of arrival of the product at the second order lane 16 will be delayed. Therefore, in such a case, the main control device 24 repeats the determination in step S200 without proceeding to step S202.

[0207] In step S202, the main control device 24 determines whether the reader 44, located upstream of the second guide 50c (see FIG. 12) of the shortcut device 50A, has detected the partitioned area 40 in which the product 5 to be shortcutted is located (i.e., the source partitioned area 40). If the reader 44 detects the source partitioned area 40 (step S202: YES), the main control device 24 references the partitioned area information and determines (S203) whether a product 5 is already located in the destination partitioned area 40 that will arrive at the shortcut device 50A in the first transport area 46. If a product 5 is already located in the destination partitioned area 40 (S203: YES), a shortcut is not possible at this timing, so the source partitioned area 40 is passed through the shortcut device 50A. The main control device 24 then returns to step S200 and again determines whether a shortcut is necessary.

[0208] On the other hand, if no product 5 is located in the destination compartment 40 in step S203 (S203: NO), the main control device 24 drives the first guide 50b and the second guide 50c and also drives the shortcut conveyor 50a (S204). That is, the first guide 50b and the second guide 50c are each displaced from their non-interference positions to their interference positions, and the shortcut conveyor 50a is driven. As a result, the product 5 that arrives at the second guide 50c is guided by the second guide 50c toward the shortcut conveyor 50a. The shortcut conveyor 50a then transports the product 5 toward the first transport area 46, and then transports the product 5 to the first transport area 46 via the first guide 50b. In this way, by using the shortcut device 50, the product 5 can be shortcut from the second transport area 48 to the first transport area 46. This makes it possible to speed up the timing at which the product 5 arrives at the destination order lane 16 (in this case, the first order lane 16). Moreover, by referencing the partitioned area information, the main control device 24 can determine whether the product 5 has already been placed in the destination partitioned area 40. This makes it possible to avoid situations where a shortcut is executed even though the product 5 has been placed in the destination partitioned area 40.

[0209] Next, the main control device 24 determines whether the reader 44 installed near the second guide 50c has detected the next partitioned area 40 after the source partitioned area 40 (step S206). When the reader 44 detects the next partitioned area 40 (step S206: YES), the main control device 24 returns the first guide 50b and the second guide 50c from the interference position to the non-interference position. In this way, the main control device 24 maintains the first and second guides 50b, 50c in the interference position while the source partitioned area 40 passes through. Therefore, even if multiple products 5 are placed in the source partitioned area 40, all of the products 5 can be reliably shortcut.

[0210] When the main control device 24 completes the shortcut, it updates the partitioned area information for the partitioned area 40 from which the product 5 was transferred and the partitioned area 40 in the first transport area 46 to which the product 5 was transferred (i.e., the destination partitioned area 40) (step S208). In this example, if the destination partitioned area 40 is the partitioned area 40 with identification number 2, the main control device 24 updates the partitioned area information for the partitioned area 40 with identification number 8 and the partitioned area 40 with identification number 2. The main control device 24 can determine (estimate) the partitioned area 40 to which the product 5 will be transferred via the shortcut from the position of each partitioned area 40 at the time the shortcut is executed. Alternatively, a reader 44 may be installed upstream of the first guide 50b, and the destination partitioned area 40 may be identified from the detection information of the reader 44. After updating the partitioned area information in step S208, the main control device 24 terminates the shortcut process.

[0211] (Detouring Process) Next, the detouring process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. Note that the detouring process will be described assuming that a product 5 is transported to the second order lane 16 and the product 5 is located upstream of the third order lane 16, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0212] In the detouring process, the main control unit 24 periodically references the sectional area information to determine whether it is necessary to detour the product 5 being transported to the destination order lane 16, thereby delaying its arrival (step S300). In the example of FIG. 14 , for example, if the destination second order lane 16 is in use, it is necessary to delay the arrival of the product 5 at the second order lane 16. Furthermore, even if the second order lane 16 is stopped, it is necessary to detour the product 5 in the sectional area 40 adjacent to the sectional area 40 in which the product 5 is located (hereinafter referred to as the detouring source sectional area 40) if the product 5 is also located in a downstream sectional area 40 to be transported to the second order lane 16. In such a case, the main control unit 24 determines that a detouring is necessary (S300: YES) and proceeds to step S302. If a negative determination is made in step S300, the main control unit 24 repeats step S300.

[0213] In step S302, the main control unit 24 determines whether the reader 44, located upstream of the third guide B, has detected the partitioned area 40 in which the product 5 to be detoured is located (i.e., the detour origin partitioned area 40). If the detour origin partitioned area 40 is detected (step S302: YES), the main control unit 24 references the partitioned area information and determines (S303) whether a product 5 is already located in the detour destination partitioned area 40 that will arrive at the detour device 52A in the second transport area 48. If a product 5 is already located in the detour destination partitioned area 40 (S303: YES), detour is not possible at this timing, and the detour origin partitioned area 40 is allowed to pass through the detour device 52A. The main control unit 24 then returns to step S300 and again determines whether a detour is necessary.

[0214] On the other hand, if no product 5 is located in the detour destination compartment 40 in step S303 (S303: NO), the main control unit 24 proceeds to step S304 and drives the detour device 52. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , the main control unit 24 drives the third guide 52b and the fourth guide 52c of the detour device 52B and also drives the detour conveyor 52a. That is, the third and fourth guides 52c are each displaced from their non-interference positions to their interference positions, and the detour conveyor 52a is driven. As a result, the product 5 that has arrived at the third guide 52b is guided by the third guide 52b to the detour conveyor 52a. The product 5 is then transported by the detour conveyor 52a toward the second transport area 48 and then transported to the second transport area 48 via the fourth guide 52c. In this way, by using the detouring device 52, the products 5 can be detouring from the first transport area 46 to the second transport area 48. This makes it possible to delay the timing at which the products 5 arrive at the destination order lane 16 (in this case, the second order lane 16). This allows the products 5 to detouring until the second order lane 16, which is in use, stops, thereby gaining time.

[0215] Next, the main control device 24 determines whether the reader 44 installed near the third guide 52b has detected the next section 40 after the section 40 from which the detour originated (step S306). If the reader 44 detects the next section 40 (step S306: YES), the third and fourth guides 52a, 52c are returned from the interference position to the non-interference position (step S308). In this manner, the main control device 24 maintains the third and fourth guides 52b, 52c in the interference position while the section 40 from which the detour originated passes. Therefore, even if multiple products 5 are placed in the section 40 from which the detour originated, all of the products 5 can be reliably bypassed.

[0216] When the main control unit 24 completes the detouring of the product 5, it updates the delimited area information for the delimited area 40 from which the detouring originated and the delimited area 40 in the second transport area 48 to which the product 5 has been transferred (hereinafter referred to as the detouring destination delimited area 40) (step S310). The main control unit 24 can also determine the detouring destination delimited area 40 from the position of each delimited area 40 at the time of detouring. Alternatively, a reader 44 may be installed upstream of the fourth guide 52c, and the detouring destination delimited area 40 may be recognized from the detection information of the reader 44. After updating the delimited area information in step S310, the main control unit 24 terminates the detouring process.

[0217] As described above, in the kitchen lane system 10 according to this embodiment, multiple compartments are defined in the circulation lane 28 along the conveyance path, and one or more products 5 are placed in each compartment. The main control device 24 then grasps the locations of all compartments and the contents of the products 5, enabling appropriate control according to the usage status of the circulation lane 28 and the order lane 16. Moreover, because the main control device 24 manages the products 5 on a compartment-by-compartment basis, it can appropriately control the circulation lane 28 system even when multiple products 5 are placed. Furthermore, each compartment 40 is designed to accommodate multiple products 5 arranged side by side along the conveyance direction. Therefore, a group of products 5 placed in each compartment 40 can be appropriately managed on a compartment-by-compartment basis. As a result, the positional relationship of the products 5 relative to the circulation lane 28 can be accurately grasped, enabling reliable delivery of products to the order lane.

[0218] Next, modified examples of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described, and elements having the same functions and effects as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0219] (Modification Example 1) FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the entire restaurant in which a kitchen lane system (store system) 100 according to Modification Example 1 is installed. In the above-described embodiment, three order lanes 16 were installed, one for each island in the restaurant 12. In contrast, in the restaurant according to Modification Example 1, two order lanes 16 are installed parallel to each other in the central island in the restaurant 12. Also, in the embodiment, a monitoring device 26 such as a camera that monitors the usage status of the order lanes 16 is installed at each table / seat 18. In contrast, in Modification Example 1, an object detection sensor 84 is installed at each order lane 16, and the object detection sensor 84 detects the presence or absence of a product 5 in the corresponding order lane 16. The object detection sensor 84 may be an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or the like that irradiates light such as visible light or infrared light toward a light receiving unit.

[0220] The object detection sensor 84 is connected to the main control device 24 so that it can communicate with the main control device 24. The object detection sensor 84 sends a detection signal 84 from the object detection sensor 84 to the main control device 24 as needed. When the main control device 24 receives a signal from the object detection sensor 84 indicating that a product 5 has been detected, it determines that the corresponding order lane 16 is "in use." On the other hand, when the main control device 24 receives a signal from the object detection sensor 84 indicating that a product 5 has not been detected, it determines that the corresponding order lane 16 is "stopped."

[0221] In the above-described embodiment, the first and second input conveyance paths 60, 62 are both provided between the first conveyance area 46 and the second conveyance area 48 in the circulation lane 28. On the other hand, in the kitchen lane system 100 according to the first modified example, the second input conveyance path 62 is provided on the opposite side of the order lane 16 from the second conveyance area 48. That is, in the first modified example, the second input conveyance path 62 is installed on the side of the second conveyance area 48 that faces the work space of the employees provided in the kitchen 14. In this way, the first input conveyance path 60 is provided between the first and second conveyance areas 46, 48 (i.e., close to the first conveyance area 46), while the second input conveyance path 62 is provided on the side closer to the employees (i.e., close to the second conveyance area 48). Therefore, the employee can intuitively select the insertion conveying path 60, 62 depending on the area into which the product is inserted, thereby reducing the occurrence of mistakes such as inserting the product 5 into the wrong destination.

[0222] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the kitchen lane system 10a according to Modification Example 1. As shown in FIG. 16 , the input conveying paths 60, 62 of Modification Example 1 are provided with input product sensors 80 capable of detecting products 5 placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62. Similar to the object detection sensor 84, the input product sensors 80 may be optical sensors, photoelectric sensors, or the like, and are configured to detect the presence or absence of products 5 placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62. Note that weight sensors or other sensors capable of detecting products 5 may also be used as the input product sensors 80. The input product sensors 80 are communicatively connected to the main control device 24, and detection signals from the input product sensors 80 are transmitted to the main control device 24 as needed. Based on the detection signals from the input product sensors 80, the main control device 24 can determine whether products 5 are actually placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62. For example, if an employee presses the placement completion button 68 on the corresponding kitchen terminal device 22 when no product 5 has been placed on the input conveying path 60, the main control device 24 can recognize, based on the detection signal from the input product sensor 80, that no product 5 has actually been placed on the input conveying path 60. As a result, even if the main control device 24 receives placement completion information from the kitchen terminal device 22, it can display an error message indicating that no product 5 has been placed on the kitchen terminal device 22, without executing the input process.

[0223] In the above-described embodiment, the main control device 24 is configured to estimate the sectional area 40 of the transfer destination or detour destination when a shortcut or detour is performed based on the sectional area information. However, in Modification Example 1, a reader 44a is also provided downstream of the shortcut device 50 and the detour device 52, so that the sectional area 40 of the transfer destination or detour destination is directly recognized. That is, in the kitchen lane system 100 according to Modification Example 1, in addition to the reader 44 provided upstream of the shortcut device 50 in the second transport area 48, a reader 44a is also provided downstream of the shortcut device 50 in the first transport area 46. More specifically, the reader 44a is provided near the upstream side of the shortcut conveyor 50a in the first transport area 46. Furthermore, by providing the reader 44a upstream of the shortcut conveyor 50a, the reader 44a can recognize the sectional area 40 of the transfer destination to which the shortcut-taken product 5 is transferred.

[0224] Similarly, in addition to the reader 44 provided upstream of the detouring device 52 in the first transport area 46, a reader 44a is also provided downstream of the detouring device 52 in the second transport area 48. More specifically, the reader 44a is provided near the upstream side of the detouring conveyor 52a in the second transport area 48. By providing the reader 44a upstream of the detouring conveyor 52a, the reader 44a can recognize the compartment area 40 as the detouring destination where the detouring products 5 are placed.

[0225] In the kitchen lane system 100 according to Modification Example 1, multiple product detection sensors 82 are provided in the circulation lane 28. Product detection sensors 82 are also provided in the order lane 16. Like the object detection sensor 84 described above, these product detection sensors 82 are photoelectric sensors such as optical sensors. In Modification Example 1, the product detection sensors 82 are provided (1) near the input ports 64 of the input conveying paths 60, 62 in the circulation lane 28, (2) downstream of the first guide 50b of the shortcut device 50 in the circulation lane 28, (3) downstream of the fourth guide 52c of the detouring device 52 in the circulation lane 28, and (4) near the delivery device 34 in each order lane 16. These product detection sensors 82 are communicatively connected to the main control device 24, and detection signals from the product detection sensors 82 are transmitted to the main control device 24 as needed.

[0226] In this way, by providing product detection sensors 82 near the input ports 64 of each input conveyance path 60, 62, it is possible to determine whether or not the products 5 have been input from the input conveyance paths 60, 62 into the desired compartment area 40. Therefore, for example, if products 5 become stuck on the input conveyors 60a, 62a for some reason and cannot be input into the circulation lane 28, the main control device 24 can recognize that the products 5 have not been input. Furthermore, based on the detection signal from the product detection sensors 82, the main control device 24 can recognize the number of products 5 that have been input, and can therefore determine whether the correct number of products 5 have been input from the input conveyance paths 60, 62.

[0227] Furthermore, by providing a product detection sensor 82 downstream of the first guide 50b of the shortcut device 50, the main control device 24 can determine whether or not the products 5 have been transferred to the destination compartment area 40. Furthermore, based on the detection signal from the product detection sensor 82, the main control device 24 can also determine the number of products 5, and can therefore determine whether or not all of the products 5 that should be transferred have been transferred to the destination compartment area 40.

[0228] Similarly, by providing a merchandise detection sensor 82 downstream of the fourth guide 52c of the detouring device 52, the main control device 24 can determine whether or not a merchandise 5 has been placed in the detouring destination compartment 40. Furthermore, based on the detection signal from the merchandise detection sensor 82, the main control device 24 can also determine the number of merchandise 5, and can therefore determine whether or not all of the merchandise 5 that should be detouring have been placed in the detouring destination compartment 40.

[0229] Furthermore, by providing product detection sensors 82 near the upstream end of each order lane 16, the main control unit 24 can determine whether or not a product 5 has been delivered to the order lane 16. Moreover, based on the detection signals of the product detection sensors 82, the main control unit 24 can also determine the number of products 5, making it possible to determine whether or not the number of products 5 corresponding to the order has been delivered to the order lane 16.

[0230] Next, the shortcut process of the kitchen lane system 100 according to the first modified example will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. In the description of Fig. 17, only steps that are different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and the same processes as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0231] In the shortcut process according to the first modified example, when it is determined by referring to the partitioned area information that no product is located in the partitioned area 40 of the transfer destination (step S203: NO), it is determined whether the reader 44a provided upstream of the first guide 50b in the first conveying area 46 has detected the partitioned area 40 of the transfer destination (step 400). If the reader 44a has detected the partitioned area 40 of the transfer destination (step 400: YES), the shortcut is executed (step S204).

[0232] After stopping the shortcut device 50 in step S208, the main control unit 24 determines whether any products 5 are present in the destination compartment 40 based on the detection signal from the product detection sensor 82 located downstream of the first guide 50b in the first transport area 46. At this time, the main control unit 24 recognizes the number of products 5 transferred from the detection signal from the product detection sensor 82 and determines whether all of the products 5 to be transferred have been transferred to the destination compartment 40 (step S402). If all of the products 5 have been transferred to the destination compartment 40 (step S402: YES), the main control unit 24 updates the compartment information (step S210) and terminates the shortcut process. On the other hand, if, for some reason, not all of the products 5 have been transferred to the destination compartment 40 (step S402: NO), the main control unit 24 determines that an error has occurred (step S404). The main control unit 24 then executes error processing (step S406) and terminates the shortcut process. The error processing executed in step S406 may involve, for example, displaying a message indicating that an error has occurred during shortcutting on all kitchen terminal devices 22. Alternatively, or in addition to this, main control device 24 may stop or slow down circulation lane 28.

[0233] Thus, in the kitchen lane system 100 according to the first modified example, the second input conveying path 62 is provided on the work space side of the second transport area 48 in the kitchen 14. Meanwhile, the first input conveying path 60 is located between the first and second transport areas 46, 48. Therefore, when an employee wishes to input a product 5 into the second transport area 48, the employee will intuitively use the second input conveying path 62, which is provided in a position closer to the second transport area 48. As a result, the occurrence of mistakes such as inputting a product 5 into the wrong transport area can be reduced.

[0234] Furthermore, the input conveying paths 60, 62 in Modification Example 1 are provided with an input product sensor 80. Based on the detection signal from the input product sensor 80, the main control device 24 can determine whether or not a product 5 has actually been placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62. Therefore, even if an employee presses the placement completion button 68 even though a product 5 has not been placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62, the main control device 24 can detect this as an error. Furthermore, in Modification Example 1, a reader 44a is also provided downstream of the shortcut device 50 and the detouring device 52. Therefore, the reader 44a can detect the destination compartment 40 to which the product 5 is to be transferred and the destination compartment 40 to which the product 5 is to be detoured, allowing the product 5 to be accurately shortcut or detoured.

[0235] Furthermore, the kitchen lane system 100 according to the first modified example is provided with product detection sensors 82 that can detect products 5 transferred to the destination compartment area 40, the transfer destination compartment area 40, the bypass destination compartment area 40, and the delivery destination order lane 16. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the products 5 have actually been transferred to the destination compartment area 40, etc. based on the detection signals of these product detection sensors 82. Moreover, because the main control device 24 can ascertain the quantity of products 5 based on the detection signals of the product detection sensors 82, it is also possible to determine whether the correct number of products 5 have been transferred to the destination compartment area 40, etc.

[0236] The installation locations and number of the merchandise detection sensors 82 described in the above-described modified example 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, in modified example 1, the merchandise detection sensors 82 are provided downstream of the shortcut device 50 or the detouring device 52 so as to determine whether or not a merchandise 5 has been placed in the compartment area 40 at the transfer destination or detouring destination. However, for example, the merchandise detection sensors 82 may be configured to emit light along the conveying direction of the shortcut conveyor 50a so as to detect the merchandise 5 on the shortcut conveyor 50a.

[0237] In addition, in modified example 1, the product detection sensor 82 is provided at the upstream end of the order lane 16, but the object detection sensor 84 may also serve as a sensor for determining whether or not a product has been handed over to the order lane 16.

[0238] In the above-described embodiment and modified example 1, a second input conveyance path 62 for inputting products 5 into the second conveyance area 48 is provided, but it is not necessary to use the second input conveyance path 62. In other words, it is also possible to provide only the first input conveyance path 60 for inputting products 5 into the first conveyance area 46, without using the second input conveyance path 62.

[0239] In the above-described embodiment, when an employee presses the placement completion button 68, the main control device 24 recognizes that the products 5 have been placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62. Furthermore, in Modification Example 1, an input product sensor 80 is provided to confirm that the products 5 have actually been placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62. However, without using the placement completion button 68 on the kitchen terminal device 22, various sensors may be used to detect the products 5 placed on the input conveying paths 60, 62, and the main control device 24 may automatically recognize that the products 5 corresponding to the order have been placed. In this case, the main control device 24 may automatically place the products 5 into the circulation lane 28 without waiting for instructions from an employee.

[0240] (Modification Example 2) Next, a kitchen lane system according to Modification Example 2 will be described below. In Modification Example 2, the order image 86 displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 differs from that of the embodiment described above. In the embodiment, an order image 66 was displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 for each order in response to an order from a customer (see FIG. 6 ). Then, when preparation of each ordered product 5 was completed, the customer pressed the placement completion button 68 displayed on the corresponding order image 66, thereby transmitting placement completion information to the main control device 24. In contrast, in Modification Example 2, as shown in FIG. 18 , an order image 86 is displayed for each type of ordered product 5. The example in FIG. 18 assumes that three plates of squid and two plates of shrimp have been ordered as Order No. 3. In this case, the kitchen terminal device 22 displays an order image 86 for three plates of squid and an order image 86 for two plates of shrimp. Furthermore, each order image 86 displays a preparation completion button 69. This preparation complete button 69 is touched by the employee when the product 5 corresponding to the order image 86 is ready and set on the input conveying path 60, 62. In addition, in the second modified example, a single placement complete button 68 is displayed.

[0241] For example, for order No. 3, when the employee prepares three plates of squid and places them on the input conveyors 60 and 62, he or she touches the preparation complete button 69 on the corresponding order image 86 (middle in FIG. 18 ). Touching the preparation complete button 69 sends a message to the main controller 24 indicating that the product 5 for three plates of squid is complete. Next, when the employee prepares two plates of shrimp for order No. 3 and places them on the input conveyors 60 and 62, he or she touches the preparation complete button 69 on the order image 86 (right side in FIG. 18 ). In this case, a message indicating that the shrimp (two plates) are complete is also sent to the main controller 24. Then, since preparation of all types of products 5 for order No. 3 is complete, the employee presses the placement complete button 68, which sends a message to the main controller 24 indicating that the product 5 for order No. 3 has been placed on the input conveyors 60 and 62 (i.e., placement complete information).

[0242] When the main control unit 24 receives the placement completion information, it references the sectional area information to confirm the details of the products 5 for order No. 3. In this example, the main control unit 24 receives information indicating that preparation of squid (3 plates) and shrimp (2 plates) is complete, and therefore determines that all types of products 5 for order No. 3 are prepared, and places these products 5 into the circulation lane 28. On the other hand, if the details of products 5 for order No. 3 in the sectional area information differ from the types of products 5 that are considered to be ready, the main control unit 24 will not place any products 5. In this case, the main control unit 24 may, for example, display on the kitchen terminal device 22 that a different type of product 5 than the order contents has been placed.

[0243] In this way, by displaying an order image 86 for each type of ordered product 5, even if a single order contains multiple types of products 5, the employee can reliably proceed with order processing while checking the order images 86. Furthermore, since each order image 86 is provided with a preparation complete button 69, even if a single order contains multiple types of products 5, the products 5 can be reliably prepared, and the occurrence of ordering errors can be reduced.

[0244] (Modification 3) Next, a kitchen lane system according to Modification 3 will be described below. In Modification 3, the partitioned area information stored by the main control device 24 in the partitioned area information storage unit differs from that in the above-described embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 19 , in Modification 3, in addition to the partitioned area information described in the embodiment, the waiting time of each product 5 is also stored. The waiting time of each product 5 indicates the elapsed time that each product 5 is transported along the circulation lane 28 after being placed into the circulation lane 28. This waiting time is measured in units of partitioned areas 40. That is, because all products 5 placed in a given partitioned area 40 are transported along the circulation lane 28 for approximately the same amount of time, the main control device 24 measures the waiting time of each product 5 in units of partitioned areas 40.

[0245] Specifically, the main control unit 24 starts measuring the waiting time when it activates the input conveying paths 60, 62 and inserts the product 5 into the destination compartment area 40. It then ends measuring the waiting time when the product 5 is delivered to the order lane 16. By measuring the waiting time of the products 5 in the compartment area 40 in this way, the main control unit 24 can, for example, prioritize shortcutting products 5 that have been waiting for a long time. The main control unit 24 can also prioritize products 5 that have been waiting for a short time by passing them through the order lane 16 and deliver products 5 that have been waiting for a long time to the order lane 16.

[0246] (Modification Example 4) Next, a kitchen lane system 200 according to Modification Example 4 will be described below. The configurations and processes of the above-described embodiment and Modification Examples 1 to 3 can be adopted for at least a part of the configuration and process of the kitchen lane system (store system) 200 according to Modification Example 4. Therefore, the description of the parts of the configuration and process of Modification Example 4 that can adopt the configurations and processes of the above-described embodiment and Modification Examples 1 to 3 will be omitted or simplified.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 20 , the kitchen lane system 200 according to the fourth modification includes a circulation lane 28 and multiple order lanes 16 (16A, 16A', 16B, 16B', 16C, and 16C'). Each of the multiple order lanes 16 is installed within the store 12 so that the product 5 is delivered near a table 18 (an example of an eating space). In other words, each order lane 16 can deliver the product 5 in a predetermined direction to the vicinity of the eating space of the customer who ordered the product 5, among multiple eating spaces within the store 12. The operation of the order lanes 16 is controlled by a main control device 24. In the fourth modification, the order lane 16 can deliver the product 5 by specifying the table 18 (i.e., the eating space of the customer who ordered the product 5) to which the product 5 is to be delivered. In other words, the order lane 16 is configured to deliver the product 5 to the specified eating space. When transporting the product 5 to the destination eating and drinking space, the order lane 16 transports the product 5 from upstream toward the destination, and is controlled to stop transporting the product 5 when it arrives at the destination.

[0248] Each order lane 16 may be provided with a branch lane that branches off the product 5 received from the circulation lane 28 and transported by the order lane 16 to one of a plurality of tables 18 arranged along the order lane 16 for transport. Each of the plurality of branch lanes may be provided with a branch guide that switches whether or not the product 5 being transported by the order lane 16 is to be diverted from the order lane 16 to a branch lane 90.

[0249] 20, a pair of order lanes 16 extending parallel to each other are provided on each of the left, center, and right sides when viewed from the kitchen 14. Specifically, when viewed from the kitchen 14, a pair of order lanes 16A, 16A' are provided on the left side, a pair of order lanes 16B, 16B' are provided in the center, and a pair of order lanes 16C, 16C' are provided on the right side.

[0250] In the following description, the pair of order lanes 16A, 16A' on the left side will be referred to as "pair A" of order lanes. The pair of order lanes 16B, 16B' on the center side will be referred to as "pair B" of order lanes. The pair of order lanes 16C, 16C' on the right side will be referred to as "pair C" of order lanes. The three tables 18 arranged along order lane 16A are each assigned the numbers "A1," "A2," and "A3" in order from the kitchen side. The three tables 18 arranged along order lane 16A' are each assigned the numbers "A4," "A5," and "A6" in order from the kitchen side. The three tables 18 arranged along order lane 16B are each assigned the numbers "B1," "B2," and "B3" in order from the kitchen side. The three tables 18 arranged along order lane 16B' are each assigned the numbers "B4," "B5," and "B6" in order from the kitchen side. The three tables 18 arranged along order lane 16C are assigned numbers "C1," "C2," and "C3" in order from the kitchen side. The three tables 18 arranged along order lane 16C' are assigned numbers "C4," "C5," and "C6" in order from the kitchen side.

[0251] An in-store terminal device 20 is provided corresponding to each of the multiple dining spaces (each of the multiple tables 18 in FIG. 20). Customers in each dining space can order products by operating the in-store terminal device 20. When an order is input, the in-store terminal device 20 associates the input order with the dining space of the customer who input the order (table number in FIG. 20), and outputs the order to the main control device 24. The main control device 24 outputs the order details to the kitchen terminal device 22 (at least one of 22A to 22D). This will be described in more detail later.

[0252] Each of the multiple order lanes 16 is equipped with an object detection sensor 84 (84A, 84A', 84B, 84B', 84C, 84C'). In the example shown in FIG. 20 , order lane 16A is equipped with object detection sensor 84A. Order lane 16A' is equipped with object detection sensor 84A'. Order lane 16B is equipped with object detection sensor 84B. Order lane 16B' is equipped with object detection sensor 84B'. Order lane 16C is equipped with object detection sensor 84C. Order lane 16C is equipped with object detection sensor 84C'. Each of the multiple object detection sensors 84 detects the presence or absence of a product on the corresponding order lane 16 (i.e., the order lane 16 in which it is installed). When the main control device 24 receives a signal from an object detection sensor 84 indicating that product 5 has been detected, it determines that the corresponding order lane 16 is "unavailable for transport (i.e., is being used to transport another product)." On the other hand, when the main control unit 24 receives a signal from the object detection sensor 84 indicating that the product 5 has not been detected, the main control unit 24 determines that the corresponding order lane 16 is "available for transport (i.e., not being used to transport other products 5)."

[0253] The circulation lane 28 is laid in a long loop in the restaurant kitchen 14 along the direction in which the multiple order lanes 16 are lined up (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction). The circulation lane 28 is connected to the upstream ends of the multiple order lanes 16 via transfer devices 34. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , order lane 16A is provided with a transfer device 34A, and order lane 16A' is provided with a transfer device 34A'. Order lane 16B is provided with a transfer device 34B, and order lane 16B' is provided with a transfer device 34B'. Order lane 16C is provided with a transfer device 34C, and order lane 16C' is provided with a transfer device 34C'.

[0254] The circulation lane 28 transports products 5 prepared in response to customer orders. When a product 5 being transported by the circulation lane 28 arrives at the corresponding order lane 16 (i.e., the order lane 16 where the table 18 of the customer who placed the order is located), the main control device 24 controls the operation of the corresponding delivery device 34 to deliver the product to the corresponding order lane 16. Furthermore, if the corresponding order lane 16 is unable to deliver the product (for example, if it is delivering another product 5), the main control device 24 can circulate the product 5 within the kitchen 14 without delivering the product 5 using the delivery device 34, so that the order lane 16 can wait until it is able to deliver the product. In this embodiment, the conveyance direction of the circulation lane 28 is counterclockwise.

[0255] The circulation lane 28 is roughly shaped like a parallelogram, consisting of two parallel regions extending linearly along the longitudinal direction and two parallel regions connecting the two regions. Of the two longitudinal regions, the side closest to the order lanes 16 is defined as a first conveying area 46. Of the two longitudinal regions, the side farther from the order lanes 16 is defined as a second conveying area 48. In the first conveying area 46 and the second conveying area 48, the circulation lane 28 conveys products 5 in opposite directions. The conveying direction of the circulation lane 28 in the first conveying area 46 (from right to left in FIG. 20 ) is referred to as the first direction, and the conveying direction of the circulation lane 28 in the second conveying area 48 (from left to right in FIG. 20 ) is referred to as the second direction.

[0256] The transfer devices 30 (first transfer device 30A and second transfer device 30B) are provided to bridge the gap between the first transfer area 46 and the second transfer area 48. The transfer devices 30 transfer products 5 from one of the first transfer area 46 and the second transfer area 48, which is a source transfer area, to the other destination transfer area. In this embodiment, the first transfer device 30A is provided between a fourth input device 133D (described later) and order lane "pair B (order lanes 16B, 16B')." The first transfer device 30A includes a shortcut device 50A that transfers products 5 from the second transfer area 48 to the first transfer area 46, and a detour device 52A that transfers products 5 from the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second transfer device 30B is provided between a third input device 133C (described later) and a pair C of order lanes (order lanes 16C, 16C'). The second transfer device 30B includes a shortcut device 50B that transfers products 5 from the second transfer area 48 to the first transfer area 46, and a detour device 52B that transfers products 5 from the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48.

[0257] In the kitchen lane system 200 according to Modification Example 4, each of the multiple transfer devices 30 transfers products 5 from the source transfer area to the destination transfer area using a conveyor (a shortcut conveyor or a detour conveyor), a first guide, and a second guide, as in the above embodiment. However, it is also possible to change the configuration of the transfer device 30 according to Modification Example 4. For example, it is also possible to employ a transfer device that transfers products 5 from the source transfer area to the destination transfer area by pushing the products 5 one by one with a lever.

[0258] The input devices input the products 5 into the circulation lane 28. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the kitchen lane system 200 includes first input devices 132A and 132B that input the products 5 into the first transport area 46 of the circulation lane 28, and second input devices 133C and 133D that input the products 5 into the second transport area 48. The first input device 132A inputs the products 5 into the first transport area 46, upstream of the order lane "pair A (order lanes 16A, 16A')" and downstream of the first transfer device 30A (downstream of the order lane "pair B"). The first input device 132B inputs the products 5 into the first transport area 46, upstream of the order lane "pair B (order lanes 16B, 16B')" and downstream of the second transfer device 30B (downstream of the order lane "pair C"). The second input device 133C inputs products into the second transport area 48, upstream of the second transfer device 30B and downstream of the first transfer device 30A. The second input device 133D inputs products into the second transport area 48, upstream of the first transfer device 30A.

[0259] In the kitchen lane system 200 according to the fourth modified example, each input device includes an input conveying path, a guide unit, and an input port, as in the above embodiment. However, it is also possible to change the configuration of the input device of the fourth modified example. For example, it is also possible to employ an input device that inputs the product 5 by placing the grasped product 5 on the circulation lane 28.

[0260] Furthermore, in the kitchen lane system 200 according to Modification Example 4, the main control device 24, as in the above embodiment, identifies the position of each of the multiple partitioned areas 40 set in the circulation lane 28, and transports the products 5 placed in each partitioned area 40 to the destination table 18. However, the method of transporting the products 5 in Modification Example 4 can be changed. For example, an identifier may be provided for each of the multiple tableware on which the products 5 are placed. A reader that reads the identifiers of the tableware may be provided on the transport path of the products 5 in the kitchen lane system 200. When the input device inputs the products 5 into the circulation lane 28, the main control device 24 may associate the input tableware with the destination table 18 to which the tableware will be transported. The main control device 24 may read the identifiers of the multiple tableware being transported, and transport each of the tableware to the destination table 18 by controlling the operation of the delivery device 34 and the transfer device 30 according to the read result.

[0261] Kitchen terminal devices 22 (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) are examples of kitchen devices used in kitchen 14. Kitchen terminal device 22 displays products 5 ordered by customers. Kitchen terminal device 22 also accepts input indicating that the products 5 prepared in accordance with the order have been placed in the corresponding feeding device. In variation 4, kitchen terminal devices 22 are provided corresponding to each of the multiple feeding devices. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , kitchen terminal device 22A is provided corresponding to first feeding device 132A. Kitchen terminal device 22B is provided corresponding to first feeding device 132B. Kitchen terminal device 22C is provided corresponding to second feeding device 133C. Kitchen terminal device 22D is provided corresponding to second feeding device 133D. Basically, an employee checks the order displayed on their assigned kitchen terminal device 22, prepares the products 5, and then places the prepared products 5 in the feeding device corresponding to their assigned kitchen terminal device 22. The employee operates the button corresponding to the order for which preparation is complete from among multiple buttons (buttons on the user interface in Modification Example 4) provided on the kitchen terminal device 22. The main control device 24 places the prepared ordered product into the circulation lane 28 and transports it to the order lane 16 as its destination.

[0262] Each input device may be associated with multiple kitchen terminal devices 22. For example, if two kitchen terminal devices 22 are associated with one input device, one kitchen terminal device 22 may display an order for a product 5 (e.g., "nigiri sushi") that the employee in charge will prepare, and the other kitchen terminal device 22 may display an order for a product 5 (e.g., "gunkan" or "side dish") that will be prepared by a different employee.

[0263] As shown in Figure 21, in variant example 4, for each of the multiple order lanes 16, one or more (one in the example of Figure 21) input devices are assigned as priority input devices from among the multiple input devices in order of the shortest transport path to the corresponding order lane 16.

[0264] In Modification Example 4, if first input devices 132A, 132B are present upstream in the conveying direction in the first transport area 46 from a specific order lane 16, at least the nearest first input device 132A, 132B located upstream in the conveying direction in the first transport area 46 is associated with the specific order lane 16 as the priority input device. In the example shown in Figure 20, two first input devices 132A, 132B are present upstream in the conveying direction in the first transport area 46 from "Pair A (order lanes 16A, 16A')" of the order lane 16. Therefore, of the two first input devices 132A, 132B, the nearest first input device 132A is associated with "Pair A" of the order lane 16 as the priority input device. Furthermore, for the "pair B (order lanes 16B, 16B')" of order lanes 16, the first input device 132B located upstream in the conveying direction in the first conveying area 46 is associated as the priority input device.

[0265] Furthermore, if there are no first input devices 132A, 132B upstream of a specific order lane 16 in the conveyance direction in the first transport area 46, at least the nearest second input devices 133C, 133D located downstream in the conveyance direction in the second transport area 48 are assigned as priority input devices to the specific order lane 16. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , for "pair C (order lanes 16C, 16C')" of order lanes 16, the nearest second input device 133C located downstream in the conveyance direction in the second transport area 48 and the second-closest second input device 133D are both assigned as priority input devices. As a result, in the order product provision process (see FIG. 22 ), which will be described later, the order details to the in-store terminal devices 20 installed along pair C are displayed on both the kitchen terminal device 22C installed corresponding to the second input device 133C and the kitchen terminal device 22D installed corresponding to the second input device 133D. Therefore, since orders from the same pair (pair C in this embodiment) are prepared by multiple employees, the time it takes to provide the ordered items is likely to be shortened. In this embodiment, when the same order content is displayed on multiple kitchen terminal devices 22, an employee operates the order unit displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 that they wish to prepare, thereby inputting a request to start preparation for the operated order unit. The main control device 24 changes the display mode of the same order unit displayed on the other kitchen terminal devices 22 (for example, by changing the color of the order unit or erasing the order unit). As a result, the possibility of multiple employees preparing the same order unit in duplicate is reduced.

[0266] However, when multiple input devices are associated with a specific order lane 16 as priority input devices, the specific method for associating the order lane 16 with the priority input device can be selected as appropriate. For example, one of two order lanes 16 (e.g., order lanes 16C, 16C') that make up a pair may be associated with the closest input device (e.g., the second input device 133C), and the other may be associated with the second closest input device (e.g., the second input device 133D). In this case, the possibility of multiple employees preparing the same order unit in duplicate is reduced. Furthermore, each time an order is input to multiple in-store terminals 20 along pair C, the two input devices 133C, 133D associated with pair C may be alternately designated as priority input devices. In this case, not only is the possibility of multiple employees preparing the same order unit in duplicate reduced, but multiple orders input from pair C are alternately prepared by multiple employees. This results in more efficient order processing. Furthermore, among the ordered items input into the multiple in-store terminal devices 20 arranged along pair C, the second input device 133C may be designated as the priority input device for a specific item (e.g., "nigiri"), and the second input device 133D may be designated as the priority input device for items other than the specific item (e.g., "gunkan / side dish"). In this case, each of the multiple employees handling orders from pair C only needs to prepare the specific item for which they are responsible (in this embodiment, "nigiri" or "gunkan / side dish"). This facilitates improved employee work efficiency. However, only the nearest second input device 133C may be associated with "pair C" of the order lane 16 as the priority input device.

[0267] As described above, in Modification Example 4, the multiple order lanes 16 include pairs of adjacent order lanes 16 (pair A, pair B, pair C) that extend adjacent to each other within the store 12. The same input device is assigned as the priority input device to each pair of adjacent order lanes 16. Therefore, the transport time for the product 5 is appropriately reduced regardless of which of the pair of adjacent order lanes 16 the product 5 is transported to.

[0268] 22 , an order product provision process executed by the kitchen lane system 200 of Modification Example 4 will be described. In the order product provision process, an order input by a customer via the in-store terminal device 20 is output to at least one of the kitchen terminal devices 22A to 22D. In addition, the product 5 prepared in accordance with the order is delivered to the eating space (table 18) of the customer who placed the order. The order product provision process is executed by the main control device 24 of the kitchen lane system 200.

[0269] First, the main control device 24 determines whether operation status information indicating the operation status of each of the multiple feeding devices has been input from the kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D (S501). As shown in FIG. 23 , in Modification Example 4, each of the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D displays an operation status change button 88 on its display. When an employee temporarily leaves the feeding device they are responsible for, for example, for a break, or when a malfunction occurs with the feeding device they are responsible for, they operate the operation status change button 88 on the kitchen terminal device 22 installed corresponding to the feeding device they are responsible for. When the operation status change button 88 is operated, the kitchen terminal device 22 transmits to the main control device 24 an instruction to update the operation status information indicating the operation status of the corresponding feeding device ("operable" or "inoperable"). When the operation status change button 88 is operated, the kitchen terminal device 22 also switches the displayed operation status change button 88 between "operating" and "inoperating." When an instruction to update the operation status information is input from kitchen terminal device 22 (S501: YES), main control device 24 updates the operation status information in accordance with the input instruction (S502). Therefore, the operation status of the multiple input devices can be properly grasped by main control device 24 simply by an employee operating operation status change button 88 of kitchen terminal device 22.

[0270] Next, the main control unit 24 determines whether a customer has input an order for product 5 to at least one of the multiple in-store terminals 20 (S504). As described above, when a customer inputs an order, the in-store terminal 20 associates the input order details with the customer's eating space (table number in FIG. 20 ) and outputs the associated information to the main control unit 24. Furthermore, among the multiple order lanes 16, the order lane 16 that will transport the product 5 to each eating space (table 18) is predetermined. Furthermore, each order lane 16 is associated with a priority insertion device. When an order is input via the in-store terminal 20 (S504: YES), the main control unit 24 determines whether the priority insertion device associated with the order lane 16 that will transport the ordered product 5 is in an operable state based on the aforementioned operating status information (S505).

[0271] If the priority input device is operable (S505: YES), the main control device 24 outputs and displays the order details to the kitchen terminal device 22 that is the priority input device among the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D (S506). The processing of S506 is an example of the first output processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the order details displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22A when all input devices are operable. In this embodiment, the table number ("seat" in FIG. 23) to which the ordered product 5 will be delivered is also displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22, along with the order details. FIG. 23 shows an example of the order details displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22A that is the first input device 132A among the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D. As described above, in Modification Example 4, the first input device 132A is set as the priority input device for "Pair A (order lanes 16A, 16A')" of the order lane 16. Therefore, when all of the input devices are in an operable state, the kitchen terminal device 22A provided for the first input device 132A displays the order details from the tables with the numbers "A1-A6" located adjacent to "Pair A" of the order lane 16. Similarly, the kitchen terminal device 22B provided for the first input device 132B displays the order details from the tables with the numbers "B1-B6" located adjacent to "Pair B (order lanes 16B, 16B')" of the order lane 16. Furthermore, the kitchen terminal device 22C provided for the second input device 133C displays the order details from the tables with the numbers "C1-C6" located adjacent to "Pair C (order lanes 16C, 16C')" of the order lane 16. Therefore, the employee in charge of setting the products 5 into the input devices simply processes the order displayed on one of the kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D assigned to them, and the products 5 are delivered to customers efficiently and in a short time.

[0272] The employee in charge of loading the products 5 into the loading devices prepares the ordered products 5 for each order unit (in FIG. 23 , for each box displaying the order details). When the employee has completed preparation of the products 5 for the order unit for which they are responsible (cooking the products 5, placing them on dishes, and loading them into their assigned loading device), they operate the order unit for which loading of the products 5 has been completed (i.e., the order unit for which the order for which loading of the products 5 has been completed) among one or more order units displayed on the display (touch panel) of the kitchen terminal device 22. The kitchen terminal device 22 notifies the main control device 24 that loading of the products 5 for the operated order unit has been completed. When the main control device 24 is notified that loading of the products 5 has been completed (S509: YES), it loads the products 5 loaded into the loading device into the circulation lane 28 (S510) and erases the order unit (the order unit operated by the employee) displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 (S511). As described above, information indicating the destination table 18 (order source) of the product 5 inserted by the insertion device is associated in advance with each order unit. The main control device 24 controls the delivery device 34 and the like to transport the product inserted into the circulation lane 28 to the destination table 18 (S513 to S518).

[0273] When preparation of products 5 for multiple orders placed from the same in-store terminal device 20 is complete, the employee can collectively operate the multiple order units for which preparation is complete among the multiple order units displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22. In this case, the products 5 for multiple order units are collectively delivered to the table 18 of the same order source (delivery destination).

[0274] As shown in Fig. 23 , in this embodiment, two kitchen terminal devices 22 are associated with each of the multiple input devices. Fig. 23 shows the display units of two kitchen terminal devices 22A1 and 22A2 associated with the first input device 132A. The display unit of kitchen terminal device 22A1 displays an order for product 5 ("nigiri" in Fig. 23 ) to be prepared by the employee in charge. Meanwhile, the display unit of kitchen terminal device 22A2 displays an order for product 5 ("gunkan / side dish" in Fig. 23 ) to be prepared by a different employee.

[0275] Although not shown, in this embodiment, a specific product conveying device is installed in the kitchen 14, which conveys gunkan and side dishes prepared at a predetermined location to the vicinity of each of the multiple feeding devices. The employee in charge of loading the products 5 onto the feeding device loads the specific product (gunkan and side dishes in FIG. 23 ) transported to the vicinity by the specific product conveying device into the feeding device for which they are responsible. The employee can input to the kitchen terminal device 22 that the loading of the specific product into the feeding device for which they are responsible has been completed by operating the order unit displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22 for which the loading of the specific product has been completed. Note that when the preparation of products 5 for both the "nigiri" order unit and the "gunkan and side dishes" order unit ordered from the same in-store terminal device 20 is completed, the employee can simultaneously operate both the "nigiri" order unit and the "gunkan and side dishes" order unit displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22.

[0276] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the main control device 24 displays multiple order units on the display unit of one kitchen terminal device 22, the orders are displayed in order from oldest to newest. As an example, in this embodiment, the multiple order units are displayed in order with the oldest order unit at the top and the newest order unit at the bottom. Therefore, employees can easily understand the order in which each order was placed based on the order of the multiple order units on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22. This makes it easier to process multiple orders more appropriately.

[0277] Furthermore, in this embodiment, employees can process orders in any order they like, regardless of the order order displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22. As a result, multiple orders are often processed efficiently. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , an order for "salmon roe" for "gunkan / side dishes" overlaps with an order for "nigiri" (sushi or sushi rolls) "below." In this case, if the preparation of "salmon roe" at seat "A1" has already been completed, the preparation of "squid" at seat "A1" can also be completed, allowing the "salmon roe" and "squid" to be delivered together to seat "A1." Therefore, an employee can improve product delivery efficiency by preparing "squid" that is different from the oldest order among the "nigiri" orders.

[0278] Furthermore, if the priority input device associated with the order lane 16 for transporting the ordered product 5 is not operational (S505: NO), the main control device 24 outputs and displays the order details on the kitchen terminal device 22 installed corresponding to one of the multiple input devices other than the priority input device (S507). The processing of S507 is an example of the second output processing in the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of order details displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22A provided for the first input device 132A when the second input device 133C is not operational. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the kitchen terminal device 22A provided for the first input device 132A also displays an order from the order lane 16 of "Pair C," whose priority input device is not the first input device 132A. Therefore, the ordered product can be properly delivered to the customer, for example, even if the employee in charge of the input device is on break or if a malfunction occurs in one of the input devices.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 24 , in this embodiment, orders are displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 with a specific color assigned to each order, indicating the pair of order lanes 16 to which the order was input. Therefore, by simply looking at the color assigned to each order, employees can properly understand which of the multiple (three in this embodiment) pairs of order lanes 16 the order is being displayed from and perform their duties accordingly. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the two order lanes 16 that make up each pair are positioned adjacent to each other. The same priority input device is associated with pairs of adjacent order lanes 16. In the kitchen terminal device 22, the same color is assigned to order units from the two order lanes 16 that make up the same pair. Therefore, employees can efficiently perform their duties by simply understanding the location of each order lane 16, etc., for each pair, without having to identify the two order lanes 16 that make up the pair.

[0280] In the process of S507, the order details may be output to the kitchen terminal device 22 installed in all of the input devices other than the priority input device. Also, in the process of S507, the order details may be output to the kitchen terminal device 22 of the input device, among the multiple input devices other than the priority input device, that is closest in transport distance to the order lane 16 on which the table 18 on which the order was input is installed.

[0281] Also, as shown in Fig. 24, in this embodiment, the display method of orders output to kitchen terminal devices 22 corresponding to priority input devices (a method in which the inside of a frame is displayed in black in Fig. 24) is different from the display method of orders output to kitchen terminal devices 22 corresponding to input devices other than the priority input device (a method in which the inside of a frame is displayed in white in Fig. 24). Therefore, employees can properly determine whether or not each order is an order corresponding to a priority input device based on the display method of the orders displayed on kitchen terminal devices 22.

[0282] Returning to the description of FIG. 22 , the main control unit 24 determines whether the product 5 being transported by the circulation lane 28 has arrived at the destination order lane 16 (i.e., the order lane 16 where the order originating table 18 is located) (S513). When the product 5 arrives at the destination order lane 16 (S513: YES), the main control unit 24 determines whether the destination order lane 16 is ready to transport the product (in the present disclosure, whether another product 5 is still placed in the destination order lane 16) (S514). If the destination order lane 16 is not ready to transport the product (S514: NO), the main control unit 24 bypasses the transfer device 34 from the circulation lane 28 to the destination order lane 16 (S515) and executes a standby process using the transfer device 30 (S516). During the standby process, the main control unit 24 controls the operation of the transfer device 30 to cause the product 5 to wait in an area of ​​the circulation lane 28 near the destination order lane 16. If the destination order lane 16 is ready to deliver the product (S514: YES), the main control unit 24 executes delivery of the product 5 from the circulation lane 28 to the destination order lane 16 by the delivery device 34 (S518). The main control unit 24 controls the drive of the destination order lane 16 to deliver the product 5 to the destination table (i.e., the table 18 of the customer who ordered the product 5). Then, the process returns to S501.

[0283] In S506 of Modification Example 4, if the priority insertion device is operational, the order details are displayed only on the kitchen terminal device 22 associated with the priority insertion device among the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D. However, in S506, the main control device 24 may output and display information indicating the priority insertion device pre-assigned to the order lane 16 of the customer who entered the order, along with the order details, to the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22A-22D. In this case, if the employee in charge of loading the products into the insertion device processes the order designated as the priority insertion device using the insertion device assigned to them, the products can be delivered to the customer efficiently and in a short time. Furthermore, for example, if a specific employee is heavily loaded with orders or if a specific employee is on break, another employee can process the order designated as the priority insertion device using an insertion device they are not assigned to. This facilitates more efficient work. The specific method for displaying information indicating the priority insertion device on the kitchen terminal device can be selected as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , at least one of a number indicating the order lane 16 or table 18 associated with the priority input device (the table number of "seat" in FIG. 24 ) and a color (the color of the frame for each order unit in FIG. 24 ) may be displayed along with the order details. For each order unit, a specific color indicating the pair of order lanes 16 to which the order was input may be assigned to each order unit, and the order may be displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22. As described above, when the same order details are displayed on multiple kitchen terminal devices 22, an employee may input a command to start preparation for the selected order unit by operating the order unit displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 that the employee wishes to prepare. The main control device 24 may change the display mode of the same order unit displayed on kitchen terminal devices 22 other than the kitchen terminal device 22 to which the command to start preparation for the order unit was input. This reduces the possibility that multiple employees will prepare the same items for the same order unit in duplicate.

[0284] As described above, in the kitchen lane system 300 of Modification Example 5, orders for all of the multiple types of products are displayed on each of the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22 installed at each input device. Therefore, all types of products are input from each of the multiple input devices. As a result, compared to when the input devices into which ordered products are input are assigned by product type, it is easier to avoid a situation in which the serving time varies depending on the product type (for example, the busyness of each employee in charge of preparing the products differs). Therefore, the time from when an order is entered until the product is provided is appropriately shortened for all product types.

[0285] (Modification Example 5) Next, a kitchen lane system 300 according to Modification Example 5, which is a further modification of Modification Example 4, will be described below. The configuration and processing of Modification Example 4 described above can be adopted for at least a part of the configuration and processing of the kitchen lane system (store system) 300 according to Modification Example 5. Therefore, the description of the parts of the configuration and processing of Modification Example 5 that can adopt the configuration and processing of Modification Example 4 described above will be omitted or simplified.

[0286] As shown in FIG. 25 , the kitchen lane system 300 according to Modification Example 5 differs from the kitchen lane system according to Modification Example 4 (see FIG. 20 ) in that no input device is provided in the first transport area 46 of the circulation lane 28. Meanwhile, the kitchen lane system 300 according to Modification Example 5 includes three input devices 133 (133A, 133B, 133C) that input products 5 at different positions in the second transport area 48 of the circulation lane 28. In the example shown in FIG. 25 , the first input device 133A is provided in the second transport area 48, upstream of the first transfer device 30A. The second input device 133B is provided in the second transport area 48, downstream of the first transfer device 30A and upstream of the second transfer device 30B. The third input device 133C is provided in the second transport area 48, downstream of the second transfer device 30B. In addition, in the kitchen lane system 300 according to the fifth modified example, a first kitchen terminal device 22A is provided corresponding to the first input device 133A. A first kitchen terminal device 22B is provided corresponding to the second input device 133B. A third kitchen terminal device 22C is provided corresponding to the third input device 133C.

[0287] The circulation lane system 300 according to the fifth modified example can switch between a route-priority order output process and an item-specific order output process (an example of a third output process according to the present disclosure) as a process for outputting order details input via the in-store terminal device 20 to the kitchen terminal devices 22A-22C. The item-specific order output process is executed in a mode (item-restricted mode) in which the input devices 133 responsible for inputting specific items are limited to a subset of the multiple input devices 133. The main control device 24 switches between the route-priority order output process and the item-specific order output process according to instructions input by an employee. In the route-priority order output process, similar to the fourth modified example, the main control device 24 outputs the order details to the kitchen terminal device 22 installed corresponding to the priority input device 133 with the shortest (in the present disclosure) transport path to the destination order lane 16, regardless of the item of the ordered product 5. On the other hand, in the item-specific order output process, the main control device 24 outputs the order details to the kitchen terminal device 22 that is provided corresponding to the input device 133 that is responsible for the ordered item, among the multiple input devices 133. The item-specific order output process limits the employees responsible for inputting specific items to a select number of employees, thereby improving employee work efficiency. Therefore, by switching between the route-priority order output process and the item-specific order output process, the restaurant can be operated more smoothly.

[0288] The path-priority order output process in Modification Example 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 26 , in Modification Example 5, similar to Modification Example 4, one or more (one in the example in FIG. 26 ) input devices 133 from among the multiple input devices 133A-133C are associated with each of the multiple order lanes 16 as priority input devices in order of the shortest transport path to the corresponding order lane 16. Unlike Modification Example 4, in Modification Example 5, the length of the transport path from each input device 133 to the destination order lane 16 changes depending on whether or not the product 5 is transported from the second transport area 48 to the first transport area 46 by a transport device 30 (more specifically, shortcut devices 50A and 50B in the example shown in FIG. 25 ). Therefore, in Modification Example 4, a priority input device is associated with each of the multiple order lanes 16 so that the transport path to the corresponding order lane 16 is the shortest among all transport paths, including the transport path of the circulation lane 28 and the transport path of the transport device 30. Therefore, in Modification Example 4, a priority transport route that is the shortest transport route to the corresponding order lane 16 out of all transport routes including the transport route of the circulation lane 28 and the transport route of the transfer device 30 is also associated with each of the multiple order lanes 16. When executing the route priority order output process in the order product provision process of Modification Example 5 (see FIG. 22 ), the main control device 24 causes the kitchen terminal device 22 of the priority input device to display the order details when the order is input (S506).

[0289] 25 and 26, the first input device 133A is associated with "pair A (shortcut lanes 16A, 16A')" as the priority input device, and the transport route via shortcut device 50A is associated as the priority transport route. In the order product provision process of modified example 5 (see FIG. 22), when the route-priority order output process is executed, after the first input device 133A inputs the product 5 into the circulation lane 28, the main control device 24 controls the operation of shortcut device 50A to transport the product 5 to the destination eating and drinking space (table 18 installed on order lanes 16A, 16A' of pair A) via the priority transport route that has the shortest length to pair A (i.e., first input device 133A, second transport area 48, shortcut device 50A, and first transport area 46). Furthermore, "pair B (shortcut lanes 16B, 16B')" is associated with the second input device 133B as the priority input device, and with a transport route via the shortcut device 50B as the priority transport route. During the route priority order output process, when the second input device 133A inputs a product 5 into the circulation lane 28, the main control device 24 controls the operation of the shortcut device 50B to transport the product 5 to the destination dining area (table 18 installed on the order lanes 16B, 16B' of pair B) via the priority transport route that provides the shortest route to pair B (i.e., the first input device 133A, the second transport area 48, the shortcut device 50B, and the first transport area 46). Furthermore, "pair C (shortcut lanes 16C, 16C')" is associated with the third input device 133C as the priority input device, and with a transport route that does not use the transfer device 30 as the priority transport route. When the route priority order output process is being executed, the main control unit 24 causes the product 5 to be fed into the circulation lane 28 by the third feeding device 133C, and the product 5 is transported to the destination eating and drinking space (table 18 installed in the order lanes 16C, 16C' of pair C) via the priority transport route that has the shortest route length to pair B (i.e., a transport route that does not use the transfer device 30).

[0290] The item-specific order output process in Modification Example 5 will be described. In the item restriction mode in which the item-specific order output process is executed, when a customer inputs an order via the in-store terminal device 20, the main control device 24 stores the input order details in association with the eating space (table number in this disclosure) of the customer who input the order. The main control device 24 also outputs the order details to the kitchen terminal device 22 that is provided corresponding to the input device 133 that is responsible for the ordered item, among the multiple input devices 133. Furthermore, when the kitchen terminal device 22 receives information that product 5 has been placed in the input device 133, the main control device 24 executes the shortest transport process. In the shortest transport process, the main control unit 24 controls the operation of the transport device 30 and the delivery device 34, thereby transporting the product 5 to the destination eating space via the transport route that has the shortest length from the input device 133 that input the product 5 to the eating space of the customer who entered the order (table 18 in variant example 5) out of all the transport routes, including the transport route of the circulation lane 28 and the transport route of the transport device 30.

[0291] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27 , shortest routes are determined in advance from each of the multiple input devices 133A-133C to the multiple pairs of order lanes 16, which provide the shortest route. For example, the shortest route from the first input device 133A to the order lanes 16B, 16B' of pair B is a transport route that passes through the shortcut device 50B. Similarly, the shortest route from the third input device 133C to the order lanes 16A, 16A' of pair A is a transport route that does not use the transfer device 30. The main control device 24 controls the driving of the transfer device 30 and the delivery device 34 based on the shortest route correspondence table shown in FIG. 27 , thereby transporting the product 5 to the destination order lane 16 via the shortest route that provides the shortest route to the destination order lane 16.

[0292] In the item-specific order output process, as in the route-priority order output process and Modification Example 4, multiple order units are displayed on the kitchen terminal device 22 in chronological order. Therefore, employees can easily understand the order in which each order was placed based on the order of the multiple order units displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22. Furthermore, employees can process orders in any order they like, regardless of the order of the order units displayed on the display unit of the kitchen terminal device 22. For example, multiple specific orders may be displayed on a single kitchen terminal device 22. Here, an example is shown in which a single kitchen terminal device 22 displays an order for tuna and salmon. Suppose the first order is for tuna, the second order is also for tuna, the third order is for salmon, and the fourth order is for tuna. It is more efficient for the employee to prepare the first, second, and fourth tuna together before preparing the third salmon. In this case, if the orders can be processed in the desired order regardless of the order order, the staff can prepare the first, second, and fourth tuna together and load them into the circulation lane 28, and then prepare the third salmon, thereby appropriately improving the work efficiency of the staff.

[0293] The kitchen lane system 300 of Modification Example 5 may be further modified. For example, the route-priority order output process and the item-specific order output process may be used in combination. For example, some of the multiple kitchen terminal devices 22 may be designated as specific kitchen terminal devices 22 that display only orders for specific items (e.g., items that are popular with customers). The other kitchen terminal devices 22 may be designated as kitchen terminal devices 22 corresponding to priority input devices (i.e., kitchen terminal devices 22 that are close to the order lane 16 where the order was input). In this case, specific items are continuously input into the circulation lane 28 from input devices installed corresponding to the specific kitchen terminal devices 22. Meanwhile, items other than the specific items are input into the circulation lane 28 from input devices that are close to the order lane 16 where the order was input. This allows for efficient provision of multiple items. The allocation of specific items may be changed according to instructions input by employees, etc. Furthermore, whether each of the multiple feeding devices is used as a feeding device for a specific item or as a priority feeding device may be changeable according to instructions input by an employee, etc. In this case, the employee can use the kitchen lane system 300 appropriately depending on the level of busyness in the store, etc.

[0294] (Modification Example 6) Next, the kitchen lane system 200 according to Modification Example 6 will be described below. The configurations and processes of the above-described embodiment and Modification Examples 1 to 5 can be adopted for at least a part of the configuration and process of the kitchen lane system (store system) 200 according to Modification Example 6. Therefore, the description of the parts of the configuration and process of Modification Example 6 that can adopt the configurations and processes of the above-described embodiment and Modification Examples 1 to 5 will be omitted or simplified.

[0295] (Branch Lanes) As shown in FIG. 28 , in the kitchen lane system 200 of Modification Example 6, similar to Modification Example 1 (see FIG. 15 ), two order lanes 16 are arranged parallel to one another in the central island of the store 12. In practice, two order lanes 16 are often arranged parallel to one another in each of the islands on the left and right sides of the store 12. However, for simplicity's sake, FIG. 28 illustrates a case in which one order lane 16 is arranged in each of the islands on the left and right sides. Multiple tables 18 (three in the example shown in FIG. 28 ) are arranged along each order lane 16. In the kitchen lane system 200 of Modification Example 6, a branch lane 90 is provided for each of the multiple order lanes 16 (four in the example shown in FIG. 28 ). The branch lane 90 branches off products 5 transferred from the circulation lane 28 and transported by the order lane 16 to one of the multiple tables 18 arranged along the order lane 16 for transport. As a result, the product 5 is not only handed over from the circulation lane 28 to a specific order lane 16, but also diverged from the order lane 16 to be transported to a specific table 18 (i.e., the table of the customer who ordered the product). This makes it easier for the product 5 to be transported to the customer at the table 18 in an appropriate manner.

[0296] Specifically, each branch lane 90 in this embodiment is provided with an individual sensor 92 and a branch guide 94. The branch guide 94 switches whether or not to branch the product 5 being conveyed by the order lane 16 from the order lane 16 to the branch lane 90. The individual sensor 92 detects the presence or absence of a product 5 on the branch lane 90. The individual sensor 92 may be, for example, at least one of an optical sensor that emits light such as visible light or infrared light toward a light receiving unit, a photoelectric sensor, or a camera. The individual sensor 92 is communicatively connected to the main control unit 24. A detection signal from the individual sensor 92 is sent from the individual sensor 92 to the main control unit 24 as needed. When the main control unit 24 receives a signal from the individual sensor 92 indicating that a product 5 has been detected, the main control unit 24 determines that the corresponding branch lane 90 is "in use." On the other hand, when the main control unit 24 receives a signal from the individual sensor 92 indicating that a product 5 has not been detected, the main control unit 24 determines that the corresponding branch lane 90 is "stopped." Information indicating the usage status of each branch lane 90 (i.e., whether it is "in use" or "out of service") is stored in the divided area information storage unit 72a.

[0297] The branch guide 94 is rotatable around a vertically extending rotation axis at the junction between the order lane 16 and the branch lane 90. The branch guide 94 is driven by a drive source, such as a motor (not shown). The drive source is controlled by the main control device 24. Specifically, the branch guide 94 in this modified example is supported on a shaft at a position off the conveyance path of the order lane 16. When a product 5 is not diverted to the branch lane 90, the branch guide 94 is positioned at a non-interference position where it does not contact the product 5 on the order lane 16. In other words, the branch guide 94 in the non-interference position deviates from the conveyance path so as not to interfere with the product 5 on the order lane 16. When the main control device 24 drives the drive source at a predetermined timing, the branch guide 94 is displaced (rotated) to an interference position where it enters the conveyance path of the order lane 16. As a result, the branch guide 94 is positioned diagonally across the conveyance path of the order lane 16 from the rotation axis toward the branch lane 90. As a result, the products 5 that reach the branch guide 94 are guided by the branch guide 94 and branched off to the corresponding branch lane 90. Then, when all the products 5 have been delivered to the branch lane 90, the branch guide 94 returns to the non-interfering position.

[0298] In S102 of the aforementioned handover process (see FIG. 10 ), the main control unit 24 determines the usage status of the branch lane 90 (hereinafter referred to as the “target branch lane 90”) corresponding to the table 18 of the customer who ordered the product 5. That is, the main control unit 24 accesses the partitioned area information storage unit 72a, and if the target branch lane 90 is “in use,” the handover device 34 does not transfer the product 5 from the circulation lane 28 to the order lane 16, but instead allows the product 5 to wait on the circulation lane 28 before handing it over to the order lane 16 if the target branch lane 90 is “in use.” In other words, if the target branch lane 90 is “in use,” the kitchen lane system 200 of Modification Example 6 does not make the product 5 wait on the order lane 16 immediately before branching to the branch lane 90, but makes the product 5 wait on the circulation lane 28 before handing it over to the order lane 16. During this time, the order lane 16 becomes available, allowing other products 5 to be transported to other branch lanes 90 via the order lane 16. Therefore, the product 5 can be made to wait until the branch lane 90 to which the product 5 is to be transported becomes "stopped" while preventing a decrease in the transport efficiency of the product 5. On the other hand, if the branch lane 90 to which the product 5 is to be transported is "stopped," the main control device 24 drives the transfer device 34 to transfer the product 5 from the circulation lane 28 to the order lane 16.

[0299] Next, the main control device 24 rotates the branch guide 94 to the interference position before the one or more products 5 transferred to the order lane 16 by the transfer device 34 arrive at the branch lane 90 to be transported. As a result, the products 5 branch off from the order lane 16 to the branch lane 90 to be transported. Thereafter, the main control device 24 retracts the branch guide 94 to the non-interference position after all of the one or more products 5 being transported by the order lane 16 have branched off to the branch lane 90 to be transported.

[0300] As shown in FIG. 28 , in the kitchen lane system 200 according to Modification Example 6, similar to Modification Example 1 (see FIG. 15 ), the second input conveying path 62 (62a, 62b) is provided on the opposite side of the order lane 16 from the second transport area 48. That is, in Modification Example 6, the second input conveying path 62 is provided on the employee workspace side of the kitchen 14 from the second transport area 48. In this manner, the first input conveying path 60 (60a, 60b) is provided between the first and second transport areas 46, 48 (i.e., close to the first transport area 46), while the second input conveying path 62 is provided closer to the employee (i.e., close to the second transport area 48). Therefore, the employee can intuitively select the input conveying path 60, 62 depending on the area into which the product 5 is inserted, thereby reducing the occurrence of mistakes such as inserting the product 5 into the wrong destination.

[0301] (Transport Device) A transport device 30 according to Modification Example 6 will now be described. As in the above embodiment, the transport devices 30 (each of the shortcut device 50 and the detouring device 52) adjust the timing at which the products 5 arrive at the corresponding order lane 16. In the example shown in Fig. 28 , the first transport device 30 includes a first shortcut device 50A and a first detouring device 52A. The second transport device 30B includes a second shortcut device 50B and a second detouring device 52B.

[0302] As shown in FIG. 29 , each transfer device 30 transfers products 5 from one of the first transfer area 46 (see FIG. 28 ) and the second transfer area 48 (see FIG. 28 ), which is a source transfer area, to the other destination transfer area. Each transfer device 30 includes a transfer conveyor 151, a transfer start guide 152, and a transfer end guide 153. In Modification Example 6, the shortcut conveyor 50 a (see FIG. 4 ) of the shortcut device 50 and the detour conveyor 52 a (see FIG. 4 ) of the detour device 52 serve as the transfer conveyor 151. The transfer start guide 152 guides the products 5 from the source transfer area toward the transfer conveyor 151. In Modification Example 6, the second guide 50 c of the shortcut device 50 and the third guide 52 b of the detour device 52 serve as the transfer start guide 152. The transfer end guide 153 guides the products 5 from the transfer conveyor 151 toward the destination transfer area. In the sixth modified example, the first guide 50 b of the shortcut device 50 and the fourth guide 52 c of the detouring device 52 serve as the transfer start guide 152 .

[0303] As shown in Figure 29, a plate 95 on which an item 5, such as sushi, is placed comprises a plate base 96 and a platform 97. The plate base 96 is a generally plate-shaped (in the present disclosure, generally disk-shaped) member on which the item 5 is placed. The item 5 is placed on the upper surface of the plate base 96. The platform 97 is a cylindrical member that protrudes downward from a position slightly inside the outer periphery of the underside of the plate base 96. The platform 97 supports the plate base 96 above the installation surface on which the plate 95 is placed.

[0304] As shown in FIG. 29 , the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 each include a base portion 161, a pivotal support portion 162, a contact guide portion 163, a reinforcing rib 164, and a sensor opening 165. The base portion 161 is a plate-shaped member that serves as the base of the transfer start guide 152. The base portion 161 is supported by the pivotal support portion 162 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. The contact guide portion 163 contacts the tray 95 on which the product 5 is placed, thereby guiding the direction of movement of the tray 95 as it moves along the circulation lane 28, the transfer conveyor 151, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 29 , the contact guide portion 163 is part of the edge of the base portion 161 formed by a plate-shaped member. The height of the upper end of the portion of the contact guide portion 163 that contacts the tray 95 is set to be lower than the upper end of the platform 97 of the tray 95. As a result, the contact guide portion 163 comes into contact with the platform 97 instead of the tray plate 96, thereby guiding the direction of movement of the tray 95. Therefore, regardless of the size, shape, etc. of the tray plate 96, the direction of movement of various trays 95 is appropriately guided.

[0305] Furthermore, the shape of the contact guide portion 163 is formed in a curved shape, such as a partial arc shape, in a plan view. Therefore, unlike when the shape of the portion that contacts the dish 95 (specifically, the platform 97) is linear in a plan view, the direction of movement of the dish 95 guided by the contact guide portion 163 changes smoothly. This appropriately reduces the possibility of the dish 95 falling off the path.

[0306] The reinforcing rib 164 is formed on at least a portion of the plate-shaped base portion 161 (in the example shown in FIG. 29 , the end portion opposite the contact guide portion 163). As an example, in the present disclosure, the base portion 161 having the reinforcing rib 164 is manufactured by bending a portion of the end portion of a cut plate-shaped metal member upward. By forming the reinforcing rib 164 on the base portion 161, various defects caused by deformation of the plate-shaped base portion 161 (for example, defects such as the base portion 161 coming into contact with another member located above or below (for example, the upper surface of the transfer conveyor 151)) are appropriately suppressed.

[0307] The sensor opening 165 is an opening formed in a part of the reinforcing rib 164. The sensor opening 165 allows light, electromagnetic waves, etc. to pass through, which are detected by various sensors. Therefore, the sensor opening 165 appropriately reduces the possibility that the reinforcing rib 164 will interfere with the detection by the sensors. Note that a notch or the like may be formed instead of the sensor opening 165.

[0308] In the sixth modified example, the branch lane 90 (see FIG. 28) and the transfer device 34 (see FIG. 28) also have the same configuration as the base portion 161, the pivot portion 162, the contact guide portion 163, and the reinforcing rib 164 provided on the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153. Therefore, the branch lane 90 and the transfer device 34 can more appropriately guide the movement direction of the product 5 (plate 95). Furthermore, the branch lane 90 and the transfer device 34 may also have openings or notches for sensors formed in the reinforcing ribs.

[0309] (Recognizing the current position of a partitioned area) A method for recognizing the current position of a partitioned area 40 in the kitchen lane system (store system) 200 of modified example 6 will be described with reference to Figures 28 and 30. In the embodiment described above, an identifier 42 is provided on the plate 36 located at the beginning of each partitioned area. Furthermore, a reader (detector) 44 installed in the circulation lane 28 reads the identifier 42, thereby recognizing the current position of each partitioned area 40. In contrast, in the kitchen lane system 200 of modified example 6, a detectable object 142, which is different from the identifier 44, is provided in the circulation lane 28.

[0310] 30 is a bottom view of a portion of the multiple plates 170 that make up the circulation lane 28 of Modification Example 6. The circulation lane 28 of Modification Example 6 is provided with connecting portions 171 that connect a pair of adjacent plates 170 to each other so that they can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. In Modification Example 6, at least one of the multiple connecting portions 171 (e.g., one of the multiple connecting portions 171) is provided with a detectable object 142 that includes a material such as metal or a magnet. In other words, at least one of the multiple connecting portions 171 also serves as the detectable object 142 for recognizing the current position of the partitioned area, which makes it easier to simplify the system configuration.

[0311] As shown in FIG. 28 , a detection unit 144 that detects the passage of a detectable object 142 is provided at a predetermined location on the path of the circulation lane 28. The kitchen lane system 200 of Modification Example 6 also includes a rotational drive unit (e.g., a step motor) 29 that moves the circulation lane 28 along the path. The main control device 24 recognizes the current position of each of the multiple partitioned areas 40 provided in the circulation lane 28 based on information on the position and timing at which the detection unit 144 detects the detectable object 142 that moves along the circulation lane 28 and information on the drive amount of the rotational drive unit 29 (e.g., the number of rotations of the gears provided in the rotational drive unit 29 or the number of steps of the step motor). Therefore, even if the detection unit 144 does not always detect the detectable object 142, the current position of each partitioned area 40 can be appropriately recognized by using the position and timing at which the detection object 142 is detected by the detection unit 144 and the drive amount of the rotational drive unit 29. This allows the system to operate more appropriately without increasing the complexity of the configuration.

[0312] In fact, in Modification Example 6, the detectable object 142 is provided only at one predetermined location on the circulation lane 28. Furthermore, the detection unit 144 is also provided only at one predetermined location on the path of the circulation lane 28 (specifically, on the plate 170 located at the beginning of a specific defined area 40 among the multiple defined areas 40). However, because the position of each defined area 40 relative to the position of the detectable object 142 on the circulation lane 28 is known, the current position of each defined area 40 can be appropriately determined with a simple configuration. However, the detectable object 142 may be provided at two or more predetermined locations on the circulation lane 28, or the detection unit 144 may be provided at two or more predetermined locations on the path of the circulation lane 28. In these cases, the current position of each defined area 40 can be more easily recognized with higher accuracy.

[0313] (Correspondence between source partitioned areas and destination partitioned areas) The correspondence between source partitioned areas and destination partitioned areas in Modification Example 6 will be described with reference to Figures 31 and 32. As described above, the transfer device 30 transfers products 5 (plates 95) from one of the source transfer areas, the first transfer area 46 or the second transfer area 48, to the other destination transfer area. In the present disclosure, of the multiple partitioned areas 40 located in the source transfer area, a specific source partitioned area to which the product 5 is transferred by the transfer device 30 is referred to as the source partitioned area. Furthermore, a specific destination partitioned area to which the product 5 is transferred from the source partitioned area by the transfer device 30 is referred to as the destination partitioned area.

[0314] In the example shown in FIG. 31 , twelve partitioned areas 40 (40A to 40L) are provided within the circulation lane 28. The lengths of each partitioned area 40 in the direction along the movement direction of the circulation lane 28 are equal. Also, as shown in FIG. 28 , a first shortcut device 50A, a first detour device 52A, a second shortcut device 50B, and a second detour device 52B are used as the transfer devices 30. In variation example 6, for each of the four transfer devices 30, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the source partitioned area to which the product 5 is transferred by the transfer device 30 and the destination partitioned area. Once the source partitioned area to which the product is transferred by a specific transfer device 30 is determined, the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area is also determined, allowing the product 5 to be appropriately transferred by the transfer device 30.

[0315] As an example, in modified example 6, information indicating the correspondence between the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area is stored in the memory 72. However, the correspondence between the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area may be defined in advance by a program.

[0316] FIG. 32 shows an example of a source-destination correspondence table stored in memory 72. The source-destination correspondence table shown in FIG. 32 defines the correspondence between source partitioned areas and destination partitioned areas when the first shortcut device 50A shown in FIG. 31 transfers a product 5 from a source transport area (second transport area 48) to a destination transport area (first transport area 46). For example, if partitioned area 40K is the source partitioned area, the corresponding destination partitioned area (i.e., the partitioned area 40 to which the product 5 is transferred from partitioned area 40K by the first shortcut device 50A) is partitioned area 40D. Furthermore, if partitioned area 40A is the source partitioned area, the corresponding destination partitioned area is partitioned area 40F. As described above, in modified example 6, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the source partitioned area and the destination partitioned area to which the product 5 is transferred by the transport device 30 for each of the four transport devices 30.

[0317] In variant example 6, after the reference position of the head of the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device 30, when the transfer conveyor 151 moves the product 5 from the source transport area to the destination transport area, the partitioned area 40 in the destination transport area whose head reference position reaches the same transfer device 30 is determined to be the destination partitioned area in one-to-one correspondence with the source partitioned area. In other words, once a specific source partitioned area in the source transport area is determined, after the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device 30, when the transfer time for the product 5 to be transferred from the source transport area to the destination transport area by the transfer conveyor 151 has elapsed, the partitioned area 40 in the destination transport area that reaches the same transfer device 30 is determined to be the destination partitioned area. Therefore, the product in the source partitioned area is transferred to the destination partitioned area appropriately according to the transfer speed of the transfer conveyor 151.

[0318] The speed of the circulation lane 28 and the speed of the transfer conveyor 151 may be determined so that the time from when the reference position at the beginning of the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device 30 until the reference position at the beginning of the destination partitioned area reaches the same transfer device 30 matches the time it takes for the products 5 to be transferred from the source transfer area to the destination transfer area by the transfer conveyor 151. In this case too, the products 5 in the source partitioned area are transferred to the destination partitioned area appropriately in accordance with the transfer speed of the transfer conveyor 151.

[0319] 33 to 38, the transfer process executed by the kitchen lane system (store system) 200 of Modified Example 6 will be described. The transfer process shown in Fig. 33 is a process for transferring a product 5 (plate 95) from a source partition area to a destination partition area by the transfer device 30. The transfer process shown in Fig. 33 can be used for both shortcut processing in which the shortcut device 50 shortcuts the product 5 from the second transfer area 48 to the first transfer area 46, and detour processing in which the detour device 52 detours the product 5 from the first transfer area 46 to the second transfer area 48.

[0320] The following description will exemplify a case in which three products 5 are transported by the first shortcut device 50A (see FIGS. 28 and 31) from a source partitioned area 40K located in the second transport area 48 (source transport area) to a destination partitioned area 40D located in the first transport area 46 (destination transport area). As described above, when the first shortcut device 50A transports the products 5 from the source partitioned area 40K, the destination partitioned area is previously associated with the partitioned area 40D (see FIG. 32).

[0321] First, the main control unit 24 references the sectional area information to determine whether the product 5 being transported by the transport device 30 needs to be transported (whether the timing at which the product 5 arrives at the destination order lane 16 can be accelerated) (S501). If it is determined that transport is not necessary (S501: NO), the process of S501 is repeated and the system enters a standby state. In the example of FIG. 34 , the main control unit 24 can accelerate the timing at which the product 5 arrives at the destination order lane 16 by shortcutting the product 5 in the sectional area 40K using the transport device 30 (the first shortcut device 50A in FIG. 34 ). Therefore, in the case shown in FIG. 34 , the main control unit 24 determines that transport is necessary (S501: YES), and the process proceeds to S502.

[0322] Next, the main control device 24 determines whether a product 5 has already been placed in the destination partitioned area 40D, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the source partitioned area 40K (S502). If a product 5 has already been placed in the destination partitioned area 40D (S203: YES), transferring the product 5 using the transfer device 30 would result in a problem where multiple products 5 interfere with each other within the same destination partitioned area 40D. Therefore, the product 5 is not transferred by the transfer device 30, and the process returns to S501. As a result, the problem of multiple products 5 interfering with each other within the destination partitioned area 40D is appropriately prevented.

[0323] 34 , if no product 5 is located in the destination partitioned area 40D (S502: NO), the main control device 24 determines whether the source partitioned area 40K has reached the transfer device 30 (S503). As described above, the main control device 24 of Modification Example 6 recognizes the current position of each of the multiple partitioned areas 40 provided in the circulation lane 28 based on information on the position and timing at which the detectable object 142, which circulates along with the circulation lane 28, is detected by the detection unit 144, and information on the drive amount of the rotation drive unit 29. The main control device 24 also recognizes the position of the transfer device 30.

[0324] 35, when the source section 40K reaches the transfer device 30 (S503: YES), the main control device 24 starts driving the transfer conveyor 151 and moves the transfer start guide 152 to the interference position while maintaining the transfer end guide 153 in the non-interference position (S504). As a result, the product 5 located in the source section 40K is guided by the transfer start guide 152 to the transfer conveyor 151, and is moved by the transfer conveyor 151 toward the destination transport area.

[0325] The timing at which it is determined that the source partitioned area 40K has reached the transfer device 30 is not limited to the instant at which the leading end of the source partitioned area 40K reaches the transfer device 30. Specifically, the timing at which it is determined that the source partitioned area 40K has reached the transfer device 30 may be any timing at which, when the transfer start guide 152 of the transfer device 30 is moved to the interference position, the transfer start guide 152 does not interfere with the products 5 in the adjacent partitioned area 40J upstream of the source partitioned area 40K, and the transfer start guide 152 can guide all of the products 5 in the source partitioned area 40K to the transfer conveyor 151.

[0326] Next, the main control device 24 determines whether the destination section 40D has reached the transfer device 30 (S505). As shown in Figure 36, when the destination section 40D has reached the transfer device 30 (S505: YES), the main control device 24 moves the transfer end guide 153 from the interference position to the non-interference position (S506). As a result, the product 5 moved to the destination transfer area by the transfer conveyor 151 is guided by the transfer end guide 153 to the destination transfer area 40D.

[0327] The timing at which it is determined that the destination partitioned area 40D has reached the transfer device 30 is not limited to the instant at which the leading edge of the destination partitioned area 40D reaches the transfer device 30. Specifically, the timing at which it is determined that the destination partitioned area 40D has reached the transfer device 30 may be any timing at which, when the transfer end guide 153 is moved to the interference position, the transfer end guide 153 does not interfere with the products 5 in the adjacent partitioned area 40C upstream of the destination partitioned area 40D, and the transfer end guide 153 can guide all of the products 5 being moved by the transfer conveyor 151 to the destination partitioned area 40D.

[0328] Next, the main control device 24 determines whether the transfer source partitioned area 40K has passed the transfer device 30 (S507). As shown in Figure 37, when the transfer source partitioned area 40K has passed the transfer device 30 (S507: YES), the main control device 24 retracts the transfer start guide 152 from the interference position to the non-interference position (S508). As a result, the transfer start guide 152 is prevented from interfering with the products 5 in a partitioned area downstream of the transfer source partitioned area 40K (e.g., partitioned area 40L).

[0329] The timing at which it is determined that the source partitioned area 40K has passed through the transfer device 30 is not limited to the instant at which the rear end of the source partitioned area 40K passes through the transfer device 30. Specifically, the timing at which it is determined that the source partitioned area 40K has passed through the transfer device 30 may be any timing after the transfer start guide 152 has been able to guide all of the products 5 located in the source partitioned area 40K onto the transfer conveyor 151, and before the transfer start guide 152 interferes with the products 5 in the adjacent partitioned area 40L downstream of the source partitioned area 40K.

[0330] Next, the main control unit 24 determines whether the transfer device 30 has been added to the destination partitioned area 40D (S509). As shown in FIG. 38 , when the destination partitioned area 40D passes the transfer device 30 (S509: YES), the main control unit 24 retracts the transfer end guide 153 from the interference position to a non-interference position (S510). This prevents the transfer end guide 152 from interfering with products 5 in partitioned areas downstream of the destination partitioned area 40D (e.g., partitioned area 40E). Next, the main control unit 24 updates the partitioned area information (S511), and the process ends.

[0331] The timing at which it is determined that the destination partitioned area 40D has passed the transfer device 30 is not limited to the instant at which the rear end of the destination partitioned area 40D passes the transfer device 30. Specifically, the timing at which it is determined that the destination partitioned area 40D has passed the transfer device 30 may be any timing after the transfer end guide 152 is able to guide all of the products 5 being moved by the transfer conveyor 151 into the destination partitioned area 40D, and before the transfer end guide 153 interferes with the products 5 in the adjacent partitioned area 40E downstream of the destination partitioned area 40D.

[0332] As described above, in Modification Example 6, the main control device 24 moves the transfer start guide 152 from the non-interference position to the interference position based on the timing when the source partitioned area 40K reaches the transfer device 30. The main control device 24 then moves the transfer end guide 153 from the non-interference position to the interference position based on the timing when the destination partitioned area 40D corresponding to the source partitioned area 40K reaches the transfer device 30. In other words, the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 each move from the non-interference position to the interference position depending on the timing when the source partitioned area 40K and the destination partitioned area 40D each reach the transfer device 30. This appropriately prevents problems such as the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 interfering with products 5 in partitioned areas 40 other than the source partitioned area 40K and the destination partitioned area 40D. As a result, the products 5 can be more appropriately transferred by the transfer device 30.

[0333] In addition, in Modification Example 6, the main control device 24 retracts the transfer start guide 152 from the interference position to the non-interference position based on the timing when the source partitioned area 40K passes the transfer device 30. Thereafter, the main control device 24 retracts the transfer end guide 153 from the interference position to the non-interference position based on the timing when the destination partitioned area 40D corresponding to the source partitioned area 40K passes the transfer device 30. In other words, the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 each retract from the interference position to the non-interference position depending on the timing when the source partitioned area 40K and the destination partitioned area 40D each pass the transfer device 30. This appropriately prevents problems such as the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 interfering with products 5 in partitioned areas 40 other than the source partitioned area 40K and the destination partitioned area 40D. As a result, the products 5 can be more appropriately transferred by the transfer device 30. Furthermore, regardless of the number of products 5 placed in the transfer source partitioned area 40K, all of the products 5 are appropriately transferred from the transfer source partitioned area 40K to the transfer destination partitioned area 40D.

[0334] In other words, in Modification Example 6, the main control device 24 controls the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 at a timing to transfer all of the maximum number of products 5 that can be placed in one partitioned area 40 to the destination partitioned area 40D, regardless of the number of products 5 placed in the source partitioned area 40K. In other words, by performing similar control of the transfer start guide 152 and the transfer end guide 153 regardless of the number of products 5 placed in the partitioned area 40, all of the products 5 are appropriately transferred from the source partitioned area 40K to the destination partitioned area 40D. This simplifies control. Furthermore, even if the conveying speed of the products 5 via the circulation lane 28 or the like is increased, one or more products 5 placed in the source partitioned area 40K are smoothly transferred to the destination partitioned area 40D. As a result, the products 5 can be quickly provided to customers who ordered them, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and appropriately suppressing deterioration of the products 5 over time (e.g., drying out of the products). Furthermore, since a configuration (such as a sensor) for confirming the completion of the transfer of the products 5 by the transfer device 30 is not necessarily required, it is easier to prevent the configuration from becoming complicated.

[0335] The conveyance speed of the products 5 along the circulating lane 28 is set to 150 mm / sec, preferably 200 mm / sec, and even more preferably 240 mm / sec. As described above, by using the transfer device 30 of Modification Example 6, even if the conveyance speed of the products 5 along the circulating lane 28 is increased, the transfer device 30 still appropriately conveys the products 5 from the source section 40K to the destination section 40D. As an example, the conveyance speed of the products 5 along the circulating lane 28 in Modification Example 6 is set to approximately 247 mm / sec. It is also possible to increase the conveyance speed to approximately 297 mm / sec. Note that the typical conveyance speed of conveyor belt sushi conveyor systems (e.g., conveyor belts operated by chain conveyors) is approximately 80 to 100 mm / sec. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein allows products to be conveyed at a speed greater than that of a typical conveyor belt sushi restaurant.

[0336] The techniques disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples. Therefore, the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments and modifications may be modified. For example, it is possible to implement only a part of the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments in other configurations.

[0337] For example, the transfer device 30 (at least one of the shortcut device 50 and the detouring device 52) exemplified in the above embodiment and modified examples may be employed in a circulation lane to which the order lane 16 is not connected. In this case, the circulation lane may include a first passenger compartment shuttle path and a second passenger compartment shuttle path within the passenger compartment that shuttle products between the passenger compartment and the kitchen, and a kitchen path connected to each of the first passenger compartment shuttle path and the second passenger compartment shuttle path and that transports products within the kitchen. In this case, for example, by disposing the transfer device 30 between a pair of kitchen paths that transport products in different directions, it is possible to shorten the transport time until products are transported to a specific passenger compartment shuttle path among multiple passenger compartment shuttle paths.

[0338] Furthermore, the technology for handling products 5 in each of multiple partitioned areas 40 can also be employed in a circulation lane that is not connected to an order lane 16. In this case, for example, by transporting the desired product to a specific partitioned area 40, it is possible to place the desired product in an appropriate position on the circulation lane.

[0339] 5 Product 10, 100, 200 Kitchen lane system (store system) 14 Kitchen 16 Order lane 22 Terminal device (kitchen terminal device) 24 Control device (main control device) 28 Circulation lane 29 Rotation drive unit 30 Transfer device 32 Insertion device 34 Delivery device 36 Plate 40 Partitioned area 42 Identifier 44 Reader (detection unit) 46 First transport area 48 Second transport area 50 Shortcut device 50a Shortcut conveyor 50b First guide 50c Second guide 52a Diversion conveyor 52b Third guide 52c Fourth guide 60 First insertion conveying path 62 Second insertion conveying path 60a Insertion conveyor 64 Insertion port 62 Guide unit 90 Branch lane 95 Plate 142 Object to be detected 144 Detector 151 Transfer conveyor 152 Transfer start guide 153 Transfer end guide

Claims

1. A kitchen lane system installed in a kitchen of a restaurant, comprising: a circulation lane installed in the kitchen that circulates along a predetermined transport path to transport products; an input device that inputs at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer into the circulation lane; and a control device that controls the input device, wherein the circulation lane comprises a first transport area that transports the product in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from an order lane installed inside the restaurant than the first transport area and that transports the product in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the control device is configured to control the input device so that the at least one product can be input into either the first transport area or the second transport area on the circulation lane.

2. The kitchen lane system of claim 1, wherein the input device is controlled by the control device to include a first input conveying path for inputting the at least one product into the first conveying area of ​​the kitchen lane.

3. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 2, wherein the first input conveying path is controlled by the control device and is arranged between the first conveying area and the second conveying area so as not to interfere with the at least one product being conveyed between both areas.

4. A kitchen lane system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the input device further comprises a second input conveying path for inputting the at least one product into the second conveying area of ​​the kitchen lane.

5. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 4, wherein the second input conveying path is located between the first conveying area and the second conveying area so as not to interfere with the at least one product being conveyed through both areas, or is located on the opposite side of the order lane in the second conveying area so as not to interfere with the at least one product being conveyed through the second conveying area.

6. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 4, wherein the first input conveying path comprises an input conveyor along the first conveying area and an input port for inputting the product into the circulation lane, and the second input conveying path comprises an input conveyor along the second conveying area and an input port for inputting the product into the circulation lane.

7. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 6, wherein the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path each further comprise a guide section for guiding the products toward the circulation lane, and the input opening is opened at the downstream end of the guide section.

8. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 4, further comprising a terminal device that displays the products ordered by customers and the order lane corresponding to the customer who placed the order, and that accepts input indicating that the products prepared in accordance with the order have been placed on the first input conveying path or the second input conveying path, and the control device controls the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path based on the information input to the terminal device.

9. A kitchen lane system according to claim 8, wherein the terminal device is provided on each of the first input conveying path and the second input conveying path.

10. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 6 or 7, further comprising a transfer device that transfers the products transported on the circulation lane from the circulation lane to the order lane, and the inlet of the first input conveying path is located near the upstream side of the conveying path in the transfer device.

11. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 6 or 7, further comprising a transfer device that transfers the products transported on the circulation lane from the circulation lane to the order lane, and further comprising a shortcut device located between the first transport area and the second transport area and that transfers the at least one product from the second transport area to the first transport area, wherein the inlet of the first input transport path is located in the first transport area downstream of the transport path in the shortcut device and upstream of the transport path in the transfer device.

12. A kitchen lane system installed in a restaurant kitchen, comprising: a circulation lane installed in the kitchen that circulates along a predetermined transport route to transport products; a delivery device installed corresponding to each of a plurality of order lanes installed within the restaurant, which delivers the products transported on the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; and a control device that controls the delivery device, wherein the circulation lane has a plurality of partitioned areas defined along the transport route, and transports at least one product placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and the control device recognizes the positions of the plurality of partitioned areas and the at least one product placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and controls the delivery device so that the product is delivered to the order lane corresponding to the customer who ordered the at least one product.

13. The kitchen lane system of claim 12, wherein the circulation lane comprises a first transport area that transports the products in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from the multiple order lanes than the first transport area and that transports the products in a second direction different from the first direction, and further comprises a transport device that transports the products between any one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area and any one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area, and the control device controls the transport device to transport the at least one product located in any one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area into any one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area, or to transport the at least one product located in any one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the second transport area into any one of the multiple partitioned areas located in the first transport area, thereby adjusting the timing at which the at least one product arrives at the corresponding order lane.

14. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein the circulation lane is provided with a detectable object provided in at least one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and a detection unit that detects the detectable object is provided in the circulation lane, and the control device recognizes the positions of the plurality of partitioned areas based on the detectable object detected by the detection unit.

15. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 14, wherein the circulation lane is a chain conveyor with a plurality of plates connected in the conveying direction, each partitioned area is defined by a predetermined number of the plates, and the detectable object is attached to the plate located at the beginning of at least one of the partitioned areas.

16. The kitchen lane system described in claim 13, wherein the transfer device comprises: a transfer conveyor that is suspended between the first transfer area and the second transfer area and transfers the product from a source transfer area, which is one of the first transfer area and the second transfer area, to a destination transfer area, which is the other; a transfer start guide that guides the product from the source transfer area toward the transfer conveyor; and a transfer end guide that guides the product from the transfer conveyor toward the destination transfer area; and the control device controls the transfer device to transfer the at least one product placed in a specific source partition area among the multiple partition areas located in the source transfer area to a destination partition area that is one of the multiple partition areas located in the destination transfer area.

17. The kitchen lane system according to claim 16, wherein the transfer device comprises: a shortcut conveyor that is the transfer conveyor that is suspended between the first transfer area and the second transfer area and transfers the product from the second transfer area that is the source transfer area to the first transfer area that is the destination transfer area; a first guide that is the transfer end guide that is provided in the first transfer area and guides the product from the shortcut conveyor toward the first transfer area; and a second guide that is the transfer start guide that is provided in the second transfer area and guides the product from the second transfer area toward the shortcut conveyor; and the control device controls the shortcut device to transfer the at least one product that is arranged in a specific source partition area among the multiple partition areas located in the second transfer area to the destination partition area that is one of the multiple partition areas located in the first transfer area, thereby hastening the timing at which the at least one product arrives at the corresponding order lane.

18. The kitchen lane system of claim 16, wherein the transfer device comprises: a detour conveyor that is the transfer conveyor that is suspended between the first transfer area and the second transfer area and transfers the product from the first transfer area, which is the source transfer area, to the second transfer area, which is the destination transfer area; a third guide that is the transfer start guide that is provided in the first transfer area and guides the product from the first transfer area toward the detour conveyor; and a fourth guide that is the transfer end guide that is provided in the second transfer area and guides the product from the detour conveyor toward the second transfer area; and the control device controls the detour device to transfer the at least one product that is located in a specific source partition area among the multiple partition areas located in the first transfer area to the destination partition area, which is one of the multiple partition areas located in the second transfer area, thereby delaying the arrival of the at least one product at a corresponding order lane.

19. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 16, wherein the transfer start guide and the transfer end guide are each configured to be displaceable by the control device between a non-interference position that deviates from the conveying path of the circulation lane so as not to interfere with the product, and an interference position that enters the conveying path of the circulation lane so as to interfere with the product.

20. The kitchen lane system according to claim 13, wherein the transfer device is positioned between the order lanes in the direction in which the order lanes are arranged.

21. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 12, further comprising an input conveying path that transports at least one product prepared in response to an order from a customer and inputs it into the circulation lane, and the control device controls the input conveying path to input the at least one product into a specific partition area among the multiple partition areas.

22. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 21, further comprising a terminal device that displays the products ordered by a customer and the order lane corresponding to the customer who placed the order, and accepts input that the products prepared in accordance with the order have been set on the input conveying path, and the control device recognizes the products set on the input conveying path and controls the input conveying path based on the information input to the terminal device.

23. A kitchen lane system as described in claim 22, wherein a plurality of the input conveying paths are provided in the kitchen, a terminal device is provided in the kitchen corresponding to each input conveying path, and the control device further identifies the input conveying path on which the product is set based on information input to the terminal device corresponding to the input conveying path on which the product is set.

24. A control device for a kitchen lane system that circulates products placed on a circulation lane installed in a restaurant kitchen along a specified transport route and delivers the products to one of multiple order lanes installed in the restaurant that corresponds to a customer who ordered the product, the control device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores computer program code, wherein the processor executes the computer program code to cause the control device to recognize the positions of multiple partitioned areas defined by dividing the circulation lane along the transport route and at least one product placed in one of the multiple partitioned areas, and to control a delivery device provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes based on the recognized positions of the multiple partitioned areas and the at least one product, thereby delivering the product to the order lane that corresponds to the customer who ordered the at least one product.

25. A control method for a kitchen lane system that circulates products placed on a circulation lane installed in a restaurant kitchen along a specified transport route and delivers the products to one of multiple order lanes installed in the restaurant that corresponds to the customer who ordered the product, comprising: recognizing the positions of multiple partitioned areas defined by dividing the circulation lane along the transport route and at least one product placed in one of the multiple partitioned areas; and controlling a delivery device provided corresponding to each of the multiple order lanes based on the recognized positions of the multiple partitioned areas and the at least one product, thereby delivering the product to the order lane that corresponds to the customer who ordered the at least one product.

26. A store system installed in a sushi restaurant that transports sushi cooked in the restaurant's kitchen to customers who have ordered the sushi, comprising: a plurality of plates on which sushi is placed; a circulation lane installed in the kitchen that transports the plates along a predetermined transport path; a plurality of order lanes that branch off from the circulation lane and are installed within the sushi restaurant toward the customer's eating and drinking space and transport plates handed over from the circulation lane; a transfer device provided corresponding to each of the order lanes and that transfers plates transported by the circulation lane to the corresponding order lane; and a control device that controls the store system. The circulation lane has a plurality of partitioned areas defined along the transport path, and transports at least one plate placed in one of the plurality of partitioned areas, and also comprises a first transport area that transports plates in a first direction, and a second transport area that is located farther away from the plurality of order lanes than the first transport area and transports plates in a second direction different from the first direction. The store system The system further includes a transfer device that transfers plates between one of the plurality of partitioned areas located in the first transfer area and one of the plurality of partitioned areas located in the second transfer area, the transfer device comprising: a transfer conveyor that spans between the first transfer area and the second transfer area and transfers plates from a source partitioned area that is located in one of the first transfer area and the second transfer area, to a destination partitioned area that is located in the other destination transfer area; a transfer start guide that guides plates from the source partitioned area in the source area toward the transfer conveyor by entering an interference position within the transfer path from a non-interference position that deviates outside the transfer path of the source transfer area; and a transfer end guide that guides plates from the transfer conveyor toward the destination partitioned area in the destination area by entering an interference position within the transfer path from a non-interference position that deviates outside the transfer path of the destination transfer area.When a specific source partitioned area in the source conveying area is determined, after the specific source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, when a transfer time for the plate to be transferred from the source conveying area to the destination conveying area by the transfer conveyor has elapsed, the partitioned area in the destination conveying area that reaches the transfer device corresponds one-to-one to the destination partitioned area to which the plate will be transferred from the specific source partitioned area by the transfer device, and the control device, when another plate is already placed in the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area, passes the transfer of the plate by the transfer device, If no other plates are placed in the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area, when the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, the transfer start guide is moved from the non-interference position to the interference position while maintaining the transfer end guide in the non-interference position, and then, when the destination partitioned area corresponding to the source partitioned area reaches the transfer device, the transfer end guide is moved from the non-interference position to the interference position, thereby transferring the plates from the source partitioned area to the destination partitioned area that corresponds one-to-one to the source partitioned area and adjusting the timing at which the plates arrive at the corresponding order lane; and the store system recognizes the positions of the multiple partitioned areas and at least one plate placed in any of the multiple partitioned areas, and controls the delivery device to deliver the at least one plate to the order lane corresponding to the customer who ordered the sushi placed on the plate.

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