Restaurant management system and restaurant management method

Abstract

This restaurant management system for managing restaurants is provided with: a conveyance path that is disposed adjacent to a seat on which a customer sits in a restaurant and is capable of conveying a physical object; a display device that is conveyed by the conveyance path in the restaurant; and a display control unit that controls the display device. The display control unit acquires seat information indicating a seat allocated to a customer. The display control unit causes the display device to display an image at a timing when the display device conveyed by the conveyance path reaches the seat allocated to the customer on the basis of the information.

Description

Restaurant management system and restaurant management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a restaurant management system and a restaurant management method for managing the operation of a restaurant.

[0002] Technologies for automatically managing restaurant operations (e.g., reservations) are known. For example, in a reservation information system described in Patent Literature 1, a customer accesses a predetermined website using a communication terminal, moves to a reservation application page, and inputs the restaurant name and desired reservation date and time. The reservation management server extracts reservation status management data for the corresponding date and time and displays the reservation information on the screen of the customer's communication terminal. The customer selects one of the displayed available reservation time slots and submits reservation application information. The reservation management server performs a reservation confirmation process based on the reservation application information. Patent Literature 1 also discloses a technology for transmitting display data (image data, etc.) to be delivered along with the food and drink ordered by the customer to the reservation management server as needed when making a reservation, and a technology for accepting food and drink reservations simultaneously with the reservation application.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-293322

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure will be described. When a customer makes a reservation for a restaurant, it is convenient if the customer can reserve in advance the reservation date and time, the number of people, and the items they wish to receive when they visit the restaurant. However, the more reservation details a customer is required to specify, the more complicated the procedures for making the reservation and the procedures for the customer to confirm whether the specified reservation details have been accurately reflected. Therefore, there has been a demand for technology that allows multiple pieces of information necessary for running a restaurant to be obtained from customers in an easy-to-understand and simple procedure.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure will be described. In a conventional restaurant management system, when a customer visits a restaurant, it is not possible to execute an event such as a celebration for the customer at an appropriate time. Therefore, it is difficult to fully entertain the customer.

[0006] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide a restaurant management system and a restaurant management method that can more appropriately operate a restaurant by solving at least one of the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of a restaurant management system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a restaurant management system that manages a restaurant, comprising: a transport path that is positioned adjacent to a seat where a customer sits in the restaurant and is capable of transporting objects; a display device that is transported by the transport path in the restaurant; and a display control unit that controls the display device, wherein the display control unit acquires seat information indicating a seat assigned to the customer, and the display control unit displays an image on the display device based on the seat information when the display device, being transported by the transport path, reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0008] A second aspect of a restaurant management system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a restaurant management system including a customer terminal used by a customer and a reservation management device that manages reservations for a restaurant, wherein the customer terminal is a communication tool that enables information to be output and shared from multiple accounts on a talk screen, and the restaurant management system executes a sharing establishment step of establishing a state in which information can be shared on the talk screen with an account of the reservation management device, and a designation acceptance step of accepting, on the talk screen, designation by the customer of the requested reservation details each time a plurality of designation request information pieces that request the customer to designate each of the reservation details, at least the reservation date and time, the number of people for the reservation, and the reserved items, are sequentially output on the talk screen by the reservation management device, and the designation acceptance step is sequentially executed for each of the plurality of reservation details, thereby obtaining a plurality of pieces of reservation information indicating the reservation details accepted in the designation acceptance step, and uploading data of an image to be presented to the customer when the customer visits the restaurant. and when upload request information requesting the customer to upload an image to the reservation management device is output on the talk screen by the reservation management device, the customer terminal further executes an image data sending step in which the customer terminal sends data of the image specified by the customer to the reservation management device; the restaurant management system is equipped with: a transport path positioned adjacent to the seat where the customer will be seated and capable of transporting objects; a display device transported by the transport path and capable of displaying the image sent to the reservation management device by the image data sending step; and a display control unit that controls the display of the image by the display device; the reservation information acquired by the specification reception step is associated with seat information indicating a seat assigned to the customer when the customer who made the reservation arrives at the restaurant; and the display control unit executes a display start step in which, based on the seat information, the display device, transported by the transport path, reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0009] A first aspect of a restaurant management method provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a restaurant management method for managing a restaurant, comprising: acquiring seating information indicating a seat assigned to a customer in the restaurant; transporting a display device to a transport path positioned adjacent to the seat at which the customer will be seated in the restaurant; and, based on the seating information, displaying an image on the display device when the display device being transported by the transport path reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0010] The restaurant management system and restaurant management method according to the present disclosure enable restaurants to be operated more appropriately.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of a restaurant where events are managed by the restaurant management system of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container 40 when tableware 7 is placed therein and the lid 47 is closed, as seen from the side. FIG. 4 is a side view of the container 40 when the lid 47 is open. FIG. 5 is a timing chart of a reservation management process executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen on which reservation start notification information is displayed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen on which reservation item specification request information is displayed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen on which reservation date specification request information is displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen on which image upload request information is displayed. FIG. 10 is a timing chart of a post-reservation inquiry process executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list of reservation information for a specific day output by the store terminal 30. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process executed by the restaurant management system 1 (store terminal 30) of this embodiment when a person who made a reservation arrives at the restaurant. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of reservation person arrival information output by the store terminal 30. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an event execution device being transported by a transport path 102. FIG. 2 is a timing chart of an event control process executed by the restaurant management system 1 (control unit 72 and opening control unit 60) of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image that can be displayed on the display device 70 of the restaurant management system 1 of the present embodiment during an event.

[0012] <Overview> A first aspect of a restaurant management system exemplified in the present disclosure includes a customer terminal used by a customer and a reservation management device that manages reservations at the restaurant. The customer terminal and the reservation management device are connected to a network. The restaurant management method and restaurant management program of the present disclosure are executed by at least one of a plurality of devices included in the restaurant management system.

[0013] A first aspect of the restaurant management system exemplified in the present disclosure executes a sharing establishment step and a designation acceptance step. In the sharing establishment step, a customer terminal establishes a state in which information can be shared on the chat screen with an account of the reservation management device using a communication tool that allows information to be output and shared from multiple accounts on the chat screen. The sharing establishment step is executed based on an operation instruction from a customer wishing to make a reservation. The reservation management device sequentially outputs, to the chat screen, multiple pieces of designation request information requesting the customer to specify each reservation detail, including at least the reservation date and time, the number of people making the reservation, and the reservation items the customer desires to receive upon visiting the restaurant (designation request step). In the designation acceptance step, the customer terminal accepts, on the chat screen, the customer's designation of the requested reservation details each time the multiple pieces of designation request information are sequentially output to the chat screen by the reservation management device. By sequentially executing the designation acceptance step for each of the multiple reservation details, multiple pieces of reservation information indicating the reservation details accepted in the designation acceptance step are acquired. The reservation management device also executes a reservation information storage step in which the reservation information indicating the reservation details accepted in the designation acceptance step is acquired and stored in a storage device.

[0014] According to the technology of the first aspect of the present disclosure, a customer can easily and appropriately specify multiple reservation details by simply specifying the reservation details requested by the request information on the chat screen in order each time the request information is displayed on the chat screen. In other words, multiple reservation details are appropriately acquired in a format in which a dialogue between the customer and the restaurant progresses on the chat screen. Therefore, multiple pieces of information necessary for the restaurant's operation (reservations) are acquired from the customer in an easy-to-understand and simple procedure.

[0015] In this disclosure, an example is provided in which reservation details are acquired in the order of reserved item, reservation date and time, and number of people. However, it goes without saying that the order in which reservation details are acquired can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in addition to the reservation date and time, number of people, and reserved item, other types of reservation details may also be acquired in the designation acceptance step. For example, the reservation management device may output designation request information to the chat screen, requesting the customer to specify the timing of providing the reserved item when the customer visits the restaurant (e.g., the elapsed time from the customer's arrival to the time the reserved item is provided). In this case, the restaurant can more easily provide the reserved item to the customer appropriately at the pre-designated timing. Furthermore, the designation request information may include designation request information prompting the customer to specify whether they would like a table or a counter seat, for example.

[0016] The reservation management device can be a variety of devices capable of processing various types of information. For example, a server can be used as the reservation management device. In this case, the server can be a server of a manufacturer that provides cloud services (a so-called cloud server), or a server other than a cloud server (e.g., a server owned by a restaurant). A device other than a server (e.g., a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "PC")) can also be used as the reservation management device. The reservation management device can consist of one or more devices. For example, a server and a database can work together to function as the reservation management device, or multiple information processing devices (e.g., a server and a PC) can work together to function as the reservation management device. The reservation management device (e.g., a server) can be located in a country other than the country in which the reservation management service is provided.

[0017] A tool server for operating the communication tool may exist separately from the restaurant management system. In this case, each of the customer terminal and the reservation management device may be connected to the tool server via a network to output information to the talk screen of the communication tool and display information on the display unit of the talk screen.

[0018] The designation request information output on the talk screen by the reservation management device may include a plurality of selection candidates for reservation content for each of the reservation date and time, the number of people for reservation, and the reserved product. In the designation acceptance step, the customer terminal may accept the customer's designation of the reservation date and time, the number of people for reservation, and the reserved product by accepting an instruction to select at least one of the plurality of selection candidates displayed on the talk screen.

[0019] In this case, the customer can specify the reservation date and time, the number of people for the reservation, and the items to be reserved simply by selecting the desired option from among the multiple options displayed on the chat screen. In other words, the customer can specify the information required for the reservation without having to enter any characters. This allows the multiple pieces of information required for making a restaurant reservation to be obtained in a simpler procedure. However, at least one of the reservation date and time, the number of people for the reservation, and the items to be reserved may also be specified by entering characters into the customer terminal. Even in this case, the multiple pieces of information required for the reservation are appropriately obtained in an interactive format.

[0020] In some cases, a certain number of days (hereinafter referred to as "preparation days") may be required for the restaurant to prepare the reserved items. In this case, the reservation management device may limit the reservation date and time options displayed on the chat screen to dates and times after the number of preparation days has elapsed since the reservation. In this case, regardless of which of the reservation date and time options displayed on the chat screen is selected by the customer, the reserved items are more likely to be properly prepared at the restaurant. This makes it easier to obtain the information necessary for restaurant reservations in an appropriate manner.

[0021] The reservation management device or customer terminal may further execute a reservation content output step in which, when a selection instruction for at least one of multiple selection candidates is accepted in the designation acceptance step, the reservation content corresponding to the selected selection candidate is output on the talk screen.

[0022] In this case, the customer can confirm whether the reservation details were selected correctly by checking the reservation details displayed each time the desired selection candidate is selected, and then proceed to the next step. This makes it easier to accurately obtain multiple pieces of information required for a reservation using simple procedures.

[0023] The reservation management device may perform a candidate switching process that switches multiple selection candidates displayed on the talk screen for at least one of the reservation date and time, the number of people making the reservation, and the reserved item to other multiple selection candidates in response to a specific single operation by the customer on the operation unit.

[0024] In this case, even if the desired selection candidate is not included among the multiple selection candidates currently displayed on the talk screen, the customer can display multiple other selection candidates on the talk screen by simply operating the operation unit once. Therefore, even if the number of selection candidates that can be displayed on the talk screen is limited, the customer can select the desired selection candidate in a simple procedure.

[0025] The restaurant management system may further execute an upload request step and an image data transmission step. In the upload request step, the reservation management device outputs upload request information to a chat screen, requesting the customer to upload image data to be presented to the customer when the customer visits the restaurant. In the image data transmission step, the customer terminal transmits image data specified by the customer to the reservation management device.

[0026] In this case, the reservation management device acquires the reservation date and time, number of people, and reserved product information, as well as the image data to be presented upon arrival, via the same chat screen. Thus, multiple pieces of information necessary for running a restaurant can be acquired from customers in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0027] The image data acquired by the upload request step and the image data transmission step may be moving image data or still image data. When a customer visits the restaurant, the image may be presented to the customer by being displayed on a display unit or by being printed by a printing device.

[0028] The reservation management device may store the image data transmitted from the customer terminal in the image data transmission step in cloud storage (a database on the cloud). In this case, even if the image data is not transmitted from the reservation management device, the store terminal installed in the restaurant can obtain the image data from the cloud storage via a network and present the image to the customer in the store.

[0029] In the upload request step, the reservation management device may include information (upload procedure instruction information) that explains the procedure for uploading image data using the customer terminal in the upload request information. In this case, the customer can upload image data more easily and appropriately by following the procedure indicated by the upload procedure instruction information displayed on the chat screen. This makes it easier to upload image data accurately using a simpler procedure.

[0030] In the upload request step, the reservation management device may include information in the upload request information that explains the conditions for uploadable image data (for example, if the image is a video, at least one of the maximum playback time for the video and the orientation of the video (portrait or landscape)). In this case, the customer can properly upload image data that meets the conditions by checking the conditions displayed on the chat screen.

[0031] However, the customer terminal may accept an instruction from the customer on the chat screen to select whether or not to upload an image. If an instruction not to upload an image is input, the customer terminal may omit the image data transmission step. In this case, appropriate information and data according to the customer's wishes are acquired by the reservation management device. It is also possible to omit the upload request step and the image data transmission step.

[0032] The restaurant management system may include a transport path, a display device, and a display control unit in a restaurant. The transport path is disposed adjacent to seats where customers sit and is capable of transporting objects. The display device can display images transported by the transport path and transmitted to the reservation management device in the image data transmission step. The display control unit controls the display of images by the display device. Seat information indicating a seat assigned to the customer when the customer who made the reservation arrives at the restaurant is associated with the reservation information acquired in the designation reception step. The display control unit may execute a display start step in which, based on the seat information, the display device starts displaying the image uploaded by the customer when the display device, transported by the transport path, reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0033] In this case, if a customer uploads image data when specifying the reservation details using a customer terminal, the uploaded image will begin to be displayed when the display device reaches the customer's seat via the conveyor path. Therefore, according to the technology disclosed herein, in addition to the restaurant reservation being properly executed, when the customer arrives at the restaurant at the reserved date and time, an event such as a celebration will be executed at the appropriate time. This allows the customer to be fully entertained when they visit the restaurant.

[0034] The display device may be transported along a transport path while being arranged next to a container, which will be described later. The timing of opening the lid of the container and the timing of starting to display an image on the display device may be set so that the difference between these two timings is within a predetermined time. In this case, by appropriately setting the timing of displaying the image and the timing of opening the lid of the container, customers visiting the store can be further entertained.

[0035] A mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal may be used as a device for displaying images. The display device for displaying images may be a display device provided in the mobile terminal. The display control unit may be a controller provided in the mobile terminal. In this case, the mobile terminal is used to start displaying images at an appropriate timing. Furthermore, when a controller provided in the mobile terminal is used as the display control unit, a dedicated application for controlling the timing of image display, etc. may be installed in the mobile terminal. In this case, the dedicated application more appropriately controls the timing for starting image display.

[0036] The restaurant management system may include a speaker and an audio control unit in a restaurant. The speaker is transported by a transport path and can play audio data. The audio control unit controls the playback of the audio data by the speaker. The audio control unit may execute an audio start step in which, based on seat information, the speaker transported by the transport path starts playing the audio data when the speaker reaches the seat assigned to the customer. In this case, playback of the audio data starts when the speaker reaches the customer's seat via the transport path. This can further entertain customers who visit the restaurant.

[0037] The speaker may be transported along a transport path alongside the display device. The timing of when the display device starts displaying an image and the timing of when the speaker starts playing audio data may be set so that the difference between these two timings is within a predetermined time. In this case, customers visiting the store can be further entertained. The audio control unit and the display control unit may be the same controller (for example, the controller of the mobile terminal described above) or may be separate controllers.

[0038] The specific configuration of the conveying path can also be selected as appropriate. For example, the conveying path may be a circulating conveying path that conveys objects in a predetermined direction along a plurality of seats. Alternatively, the conveying path may be a direct conveying path that conveys objects directly to the seat of an orderer who has ordered a product.

[0039] In the display start step, the display control unit may set a timer according to the time it takes for the display device transported along the transport path to reach the seat indicated by the seat information, and start displaying the image when the set timer expires. In this case, even without providing a sensor or the like to detect that the display device has reached the seat, the image display can be appropriately started when the display device reaches the seat assigned to the customer. Thus, the event can be appropriately executed with a simple configuration.

[0040] However, the specific method for starting the image display may be changed. For example, the restaurant management system may include a sensor that detects when the display device reaches each seat. The display control unit may start displaying the image when the sensor detects that the display device has reached the seat indicated by the seat information.

[0041] A separate account (reservation account) of the reservation management device that enables information sharing with customer terminals in the sharing establishment step may be provided for each of the multiple restaurants. Data for outputting the designated request information to the chat screen may be stored in a database for each restaurant. In this case, the designated request information output to the chat screen may be different for each restaurant. This makes it easier to appropriately obtain multiple pieces of information necessary for operating a restaurant for each restaurant.

[0042] A specific method for establishing a state in which information can be shared between each store's reservation account and a customer terminal can be selected as appropriate. For example, in the communication tool described above, an information provision account for each store may be provided to provide various information to customer terminals for each store. A link (e.g., a banner) for accessing the reservation account for the same store may be provided on the chat screen of the information provision account for each store. In this case, customers can easily access the reservation account through the information provision account for the desired store. Furthermore, links for accessing each of the multiple reservation accounts provided for each store may be provided on the restaurant's homepage, etc. In this case, customers can easily access the reservation account for the desired store by simply selecting the desired link.

[0043] After completing the specification acceptance step for each of the multiple reservation details, the reservation management device may further execute an inquiry acceptance step of accepting an input of an inquiry from a customer via a chat screen. In this case, the customer can input an inquiry to the restaurant using the same chat screen that was used to specify the multiple reservation details. Therefore, even if the customer needs to make an inquiry to the restaurant after completing the specification of the reservation information, the customer can easily make the inquiry.

[0044] The reservation management device may further execute an automatic response step of automatically outputting a response to the inquiry on the chat screen based on the text of the inquiry received in the inquiry reception step. In this case, when the customer inputs the text of the inquiry on the chat screen, the response to the inquiry content is automatically output on the chat screen. Therefore, the customer can quickly and accurately understand the response to the inquiry.

[0045] Note that a specific method for automatically outputting a response to an inquiry sentence can be selected as appropriate. For example, rules for determining the content of a response to an inquiry sentence may be established in advance based on words, etc., contained in the inquiry sentence. In the automatic response step, the reservation management device may analyze the words, etc. contained in the inquiry sentence and apply the analyzed words, etc. to the rules, thereby automatically determining the content of the response and outputting it on the chat screen. In this case, the response to the inquiry is appropriately output on the chat screen without the need for a restaurant employee to consider and input the response.

[0046] Furthermore, the reservation management device may input the inquiry text received in the inquiry receiving step into a mathematical model trained by a machine learning algorithm, and automatically output an answer output by the mathematical model on the talk screen. The mathematical model may be pre-trained to output an answer to the inquiry text when the inquiry text is input. For example, the mathematical model may be pre-trained by a machine learning algorithm using the inquiry text as input training data and a correct answer to the inquiry text, which is the input training data, as output training data. In this case, the answer to the inquiry text is automatically output on the talk screen with higher accuracy.

[0047] The reservation management device may also accept an employee's response to the inquiry text. The reservation management device may output the response entered by the employee on a chat screen. In this case, the chat screen used to specify multiple reservation information can be used as is to smoothly process both the customer's inquiry and the response to the inquiry.

[0048] The reservation management device may store the reservation date and time specified by the customer in a storage device, in association with the customer's account. The reservation management device may output re-visit invitation information to a chat screen with the customer, encouraging the customer to return a predetermined period of time before the date in the following year or later. A date (reservation date) reserved as a visit date by this system is likely to be an anniversary or the like of a family member of the customer. Therefore, by storing the reservation date and outputting re-visit invitation information to the chat screen a predetermined period of time before the same date in the following year or later, the reservation management device can efficiently increase the likelihood that the customer will return to the store on an anniversary or the like. Furthermore, by outputting the re-visit invitation information to the chat screen for reservations, the customer can make a reservation directly from the chat screen on which the re-visit invitation information is output. This further increases the likelihood that the customer will return to the store.

[0049] The method for using the reservation information acquired by this system can be selected as appropriate. For example, the reservation management device may send a congratulatory message to the customer by various methods (e.g., outputting information to a chat screen or transmitting information using other transmission / reception tools) after obtaining the customer's consent to use the reservation information. The reservation management device may also output a questionnaire to the chat screen after the customer visits the store on the reserved day.

[0050] The restaurant management system may include a store terminal in the restaurant. The store terminal manages the status of customers who visit the store. The store terminal may execute a reservation information acquisition step and a reservation customer visit information output step. In the reservation information acquisition step, the store terminal acquires the reservation information acquired in the designation reception step. In the reservation customer visit information output step, when a customer who made a reservation indicated in the reservation information visits the store, the store terminal associates seat information indicating the seat assigned to the customer with the customer's reservation information. The store terminal outputs the seat information and the reservation customer visit information including information on the reserved items included in the reservation information.

[0051] In this case, store employees can check the reservation visit information output by the store terminal to properly understand the seat information of customers who have made reservations and the information of the pre-reserved items, which makes it easier for the pre-reserved items to be properly delivered to the seats of the customers who made the reservations.

[0052] The specific method by which the store terminal outputs the reservation person visit information can be selected as appropriate. For example, the store terminal may output the reservation person visit information by displaying the reservation person visit information on an employee display device that can be checked by employees. Alternatively, the store terminal may output the reservation person visit information by printing the reservation person visit information on a printing device.

[0053] The store terminal may acquire vacant seat information indicating the availability of each of a plurality of seats in the store. When a customer (including a customer who has made a reservation) visits the store, the store terminal may execute a seat allocation step of automatically allocating an available seat to the customer based on the vacant seat information and the number of customers (or the number of reservations). In this case, an available seat is automatically and appropriately allocated to the customer, which facilitates smoother operation of the store.

[0054] The store terminal may also output a list of reservation information for a specific day (e.g., the current day or the next day) at the store. In this case, store employees can perform their work after understanding the number of reservation information for a specific day, reservation times, reserved items, etc. from the list. This makes it easier for the store to operate smoothly. Note that the method for outputting the reservation information list may be to display it on an employee display device, as described above, or to print it on a printing device.

[0055] The store terminal may determine a time to provide the reserved product to the customer based on the time the customer who made the reservation indicated in the reservation information arrives at the store and the type of reserved product indicated in the customer's reservation information. The store terminal may include information indicating the determined time to provide the product in the reservation customer visit information.

[0056] The desired timing for serving a reserved item to a customer often varies depending on the type of reserved item. For example, if the reserved item is a dessert, it is desirable to serve it later than if the reserved item is a food or drink other than dessert. Therefore, by determining and outputting the serving time according to the type of reserved item, it becomes easier to serve the item to a customer at an appropriate timing according to the type of reserved item.

[0057] However, it is also possible to change the method of notifying employees of the timing of serving reserved items. For example, a restaurant management system may have an order acceptance terminal in the store that accepts food and drink orders from customers. The order acceptance terminal may accept instructions from customers to specify the timing of serving reserved items. The order acceptance terminal may notify employees of the accepted timing of serving. In this case, customers who have reserved reserved items can more easily receive the reserved items at the appropriate time by operating the order acceptance terminal.

[0058] The restaurant management system may further include a conveying path, a container, a lid opening unit, and an opening control unit. As described above, the conveying path is disposed adjacent to a seat where a customer sits and is capable of conveying an object. The container is conveyed by the conveying path. The container has an openable and closable lid, and an object is contained inside when the lid is closed. The lid opening unit opens the lid of the container when it is closed. The opening control unit controls the driving of the lid opening unit. The opening control unit may execute a lid opening step in which the lid opening unit opens the lid of the container based on the seat information when the container conveyed by the conveying path reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0059] In this case, the lid of the container is automatically opened when the container reaches the customer's seat via the transport path. Therefore, according to the technology of the present disclosure, in addition to the restaurant reservation being properly executed, when the customer arrives at the restaurant at the reserved date and time, an event such as a celebration can be executed at the appropriate time. This allows the customer to fully enjoy the restaurant.

[0060] When both the control for opening the lid at a predetermined timing and the control for starting the display of an image at a predetermined timing are executed, the opening control unit and the display control unit may be the same processor or different processors. Similarly, when both the control for opening the lid at a predetermined timing and the control for starting the playback of audio data at a predetermined timing are executed, the opening control unit and the audio control unit may be the same processor or different processors.

[0061] In the lid opening step, the opening control unit may set a timer according to the time it takes for the container transported along the transport path to reach the seat indicated by the seat information, and open the lid when the set timer expires. In this case, even without providing a sensor or the like to detect that the container has reached the seat, the lid of the container is appropriately opened when the container reaches the seat assigned to the customer. Thus, the event is executed appropriately with a simple configuration.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the lid opening unit is provided on the container. However, the lid opening unit may be provided at multiple locations on the transport path along which the container is transported. In this case, the opening control unit may detect, using a sensor or the like, that the container has reached the seat indicated by the seat information, and control the operation of the lid opening unit when the container has reached the seat.

[0063] The container may contain reserved items indicated by reservation information associated with seating information. In this case, in addition to properly executing a restaurant reservation including the designation of the reserved items, when the customer arrives at the reserved date and time, the reserved items stored in the container are transported to the customer's seat via the transport path. Furthermore, when the container reaches the customer's seat via the transport path, the lid of the container is automatically opened, exposing the reserved items stored in the container to the outside of the container. This allows for more appropriate events such as celebrations, allowing customers who visit the restaurant to enjoy themselves to the fullest. However, it goes without saying that events can also be held by storing objects other than reserved items in the container.

[0064] A second aspect of the restaurant management system exemplified in the present disclosure includes a conveyance path, an event execution device, and an event control unit. The conveyance path is disposed adjacent to seats where customers sit in the restaurant and is capable of conveying objects. The event execution device is conveyed by the conveyance path in the restaurant and is capable of executing events on the conveyance path. The event control unit controls the execution of events by the event execution device. The restaurant management method and restaurant management program of the present disclosure are executed by at least one of multiple devices included in the restaurant management system.

[0065] The reservation information, which indicates at least the reservation details, such as the reservation date and time and the number of people, acquired in response to instructions input into the customer terminal used by the customer, is associated with seat information, which indicates a seat assigned to the customer when the customer who made the reservation arrives at the store. The event control unit executes an event start step, based on the seat information, to cause the event execution device to start an event on the transport path when the event execution device, being transported on the transport path, reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0066] According to the technology of the second aspect, when a customer makes a reservation using a customer terminal, when the customer arrives at the restaurant at the reserved date and time, an event is started on the transport path by the event execution device at the timing when the event execution device reaches the customer's seat via the transport path. Therefore, in addition to the restaurant reservation being properly executed, when the customer arrives at the restaurant at the reserved date and time, an event such as a celebration is executed at the appropriate timing. This allows the customer to be fully entertained when they visit the restaurant.

[0067] The restaurant management system of the second aspect may acquire reservation information using the method exemplified in the first aspect (i.e., acquiring reservation information interactively using a communication tool) or by other methods. For example, the reservation management device of the second aspect may acquire reservation information and store it in a storage device using various methods, such as using a dedicated website, a dedicated application, or email. It is also possible to realize the restaurant management system of the second aspect without using reservation information. In other words, the configuration of the second aspect, in which "seat information indicating the seat assigned to the customer when the customer who made the reservation arrives at the restaurant is associated with reservation information indicating at least the reservation details, such as the reservation date and time and the number of people, acquired in response to instructions input into the customer terminal used by the customer," may be omitted.

[0068] The event execution device of the second aspect may be at least one of the display device, housing, and speaker exemplified in the first aspect. The event control unit of the second aspect may be at least one of the display control unit, opening / closing control unit, and sound control unit exemplified in the first aspect. However, it is also possible to use a configuration different from the display device, housing, and speaker exemplified in the first aspect (for example, at least one of a robot that starts moving based on a drive command and a light-emitting body that starts emitting light based on a light-emitting command) as the event execution device.

[0069] At least one of the multiple configurations provided in the restaurant management system of the first aspect and the multiple processes (steps) executed in the restaurant management system of the first aspect can also be adopted in the restaurant management system of the second aspect.

[0070] A third aspect of the restaurant management system exemplified in the present disclosure includes a conveyance path, an event execution device, and an event control unit. The conveyance path is disposed adjacent to seats where customers sit in the restaurant and is capable of conveying objects. The event execution device is conveyed by the conveyance path in the restaurant and is capable of executing an event on the conveyance path. The event control unit controls the execution of the event by the event execution device. The event control unit executes an event initiation step in which the event execution device starts an event on the conveyance path when the event execution device, conveyed by the conveyance path, reaches a seat where the event is to be executed.

[0071] As with the technology of the third aspect, the restaurant management system can also execute the events exemplified in the first and second aspects at a restaurant without using reservation information. In other words, according to the technology of the third aspect, an event is started on the transport path by the event execution device when the event execution device reaches the customer's seat via the transport path, regardless of whether the customer has made a reservation in advance. Therefore, a celebration or other event can be executed at the appropriate time, allowing customers who visit the restaurant to enjoy themselves to the fullest.

[0072] The event execution device of the third aspect may be at least one of the display device, the housing, and the speaker exemplified in the first and second aspects. The event control unit of the third aspect may be at least one of the display control unit, the opening / closing control unit, and the audio control unit exemplified in the first and second aspects. When displaying an image on the display device, the image is not limited to an image uploaded or selected by a customer. For example, it is also possible to display an image prepared in advance by the restaurant on the display device.

[0073] When a display device is used as an event execution device, the display control unit may start displaying an event image when the display device reaches the seat where the event is to be held. The event image is an image displayed during the execution of the event. The specific content of the event image can be set as appropriate. An image different from the event image may be displayed at least either before or after the display of the event image. In other words, regardless of the seat where the event is to be held, by matching the timing when the display device reaches the seat where the event is to be held with the timing when a specific event image starts to be displayed, the event can be appropriately livened up even if different images are displayed before or after the event image. For example, a table notification image notifying the table where the event is to be held may be displayed before the event image is displayed. Furthermore, after the event image is displayed, a table notification image indicating that products have been delivered to the table where the event is to be held may be displayed.

[0074] When the event device of the third aspect includes both a display device and a container, the event image displayed on the display device by the event control unit during the event may be an image associated with opening the lid of the container. In this case, the event of opening the lid of the container is further enhanced by the image displayed on the display device.

[0075] For example, an event image associated with the opening of the lid of a container may include an attention-guiding image that encourages customers to pay attention to the container before the lid is opened. In this case, customers' attention is more likely to be drawn to the container before the lid is opened, appropriately reducing the possibility that customers will miss the event.

[0076] Furthermore, the event image associated with the opening of the lid of the container may include a removal guidance image that prompts customers to remove the products stored in the container after the lid is opened, thereby appropriately reducing the possibility that the products placed in the container will be moved to another customer's table without being removed by the customer.

[0077] The event image associated with the opening of the lid of the container may also include a celebratory image that congratulates the customer along with a celebratory product provided to the customer by the container, in which case the celebratory image further enhances the excitement of the event of opening the lid.

[0078] At least one of the multiple configurations provided in the restaurant management systems of the first and second aspects, and the multiple processes (steps) executed in the restaurant management systems of the first and second aspects, can also be adopted in the restaurant management system of the third aspect.

[0079] The first to third aspects described above may be modified and implemented. For example, in the restaurant management system of the second and third aspects, an event execution device capable of executing an event on a conveyance path starts an event on the conveyance path when the event execution device reaches a customer's seat via the conveyance path. However, the restaurant management system may also control the timing of displaying an image on a display device (which may also serve as a product ordering device) provided at the customer's seat. For example, the restaurant management system may start displaying an image on a display device provided at the customer's seat when a product ordered by the customer reaches the customer's seat via the conveyance path. The image displayed on the display device may be an image uploaded from a customer terminal used by the customer who ordered the product, or an image selected by the customer from among multiple images. In this case, an event using the customer's desired image starts at the appropriate time when the product ordered by the customer reaches the customer's seat. This allows customers to enjoy the restaurant to its fullest. The image displayed on the display device may also be an image prepared in advance by the restaurant.

[0080] The restaurant management system of this aspect can also be appropriately combined with at least a part of the configuration and control of the restaurant management systems of the first to third aspects described above. The restaurant management system of this aspect can also be expressed as follows.

[0081] A restaurant management system for managing a restaurant, comprising: a transport path located adjacent to a seat where a customer sits in the restaurant and capable of transporting objects; a display device located at the seat where the customer sits and displaying images; and a display control unit that controls the display of the image by the display device, wherein the display control unit executes a display start step that, based on seat information indicating the seat assigned to the customer, causes the display device to start displaying an image obtained from a customer terminal used by the customer, an image selected by the customer from among a plurality of images, or an image prepared in advance by the restaurant, when the item ordered by the customer arrives at the seat.

[0082] A fourth aspect of the restaurant management system exemplified in the present disclosure is a restaurant management system that manages restaurants, and includes a conveyance path, a display device, and a display control unit. The conveyance path is disposed adjacent to a seat where a customer sits in the restaurant, and is capable of conveying an object. The display device is conveyed by the conveyance path in the restaurant. The display control unit controls the display device. The display control unit acquires seat information indicating a seat assigned to the customer. Then, based on the seat information, the display control unit causes the display device to display an image when the display device, being conveyed by the conveyance path, reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

[0083] According to the technology of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the display control unit acquires seat information of a seat assigned to a customer and can cause the display device to display an image when the display device reaches the customer's seat. Therefore, the image displayed on the display device can be used to entertain or provide information to the customer.

[0084] A mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal may be used as a device for displaying images. The display device for displaying images may be a display device provided in the mobile terminal. The display control unit may be a controller provided in the mobile terminal. In this case, the mobile terminal is used to start displaying images at an appropriate timing. Furthermore, when a controller provided in the mobile terminal is used as the display control unit, a dedicated application for controlling the timing of image display, etc. may be installed in the mobile terminal. In this case, the dedicated application more appropriately controls the timing for starting image display.

[0085] The image displayed by the display device may be a predetermined image or an image selected in advance by the customer, or may be automatically determined depending on the product or event selected by the customer.

[0086] The images displayed by the display device may include various content. For example, they may be images of congratulatory messages or images of characters. They may also include images that convey information about campaigns, products, or stores. Images include not only still images but also moving images such as movies.

[0087] The display control unit may cause the display device to display an image selected by the customer via the customer terminal, thereby allowing the customer to select a desired image in advance.

[0088] The display control unit may also cause the display device to display an image corresponding to a specific product selected by the customer via the customer terminal, thereby allowing an appropriate image corresponding to the selected product to be displayed.

[0089] Furthermore, the display control unit may cause the display device to display an image corresponding to an event selected by the customer via the customer terminal, thereby allowing an appropriate image corresponding to the selected event to be displayed.

[0090] The display control unit may set a timer according to the time it takes for the display device, being transported along the transport path, to reach the seat indicated by the seat information. The display control unit may then start displaying an image when the set timer expires. In this case, even without providing a sensor or the like to detect that the display device has reached the seat, the image display can be appropriately started when the display device reaches the seat assigned to the customer. Therefore, an image can be appropriately displayed with a simple configuration.

[0091] The customer terminal may be installed in the restaurant, allowing the customer to select an image or the like by operating the customer terminal installed in the restaurant.

[0092] The customer terminal may be a mobile terminal carried by the customer, allowing the customer to select images and the like by operating the mobile terminal.

[0093] <Embodiment> (System Configuration) A typical embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of the system configuration of a restaurant management system 1 according to this embodiment will be outlined. The restaurant management system 1 according to this embodiment accepts restaurant reservations from customers and manages the reservation information, and also manages the implementation of events based on the reservation information when a customer who has made a reservation visits a restaurant. The restaurant management system 1 according to this embodiment includes a reservation management device 10 and a customer terminal 20.

[0094] The reservation management device 10 processes various types of information to manage reservations made by customers for restaurants (in this embodiment, any of multiple restaurants). As an example, a server is used as the reservation management device 10 of this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, a server (a so-called cloud server) of a manufacturer that provides cloud services is used as the reservation management device 10. However, a server other than a cloud server may also be used as the reservation management device 10. A device other than a server (e.g., a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "PC")) may also be used as the reservation management device 10. Furthermore, the reservation management device 10 may include one or more devices. For example, a server and a database may work together to function as the reservation management device 10, or multiple information processing devices (e.g., servers and PCs) may work together to function as the reservation management device 10. The reservation management device 10 may be located in a country different from the country in which the reservation service is provided (the country in which the restaurant being reserved is located).

[0095] The reservation management device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls various processes and a communication I / F (not shown). The control unit 11 includes a CPU 12, which is a controller responsible for control, and a storage device 13 that can store programs, data, and the like. The storage device 13 may store at least a portion of a reservation management program and a restaurant management program for executing the reservation management process (see FIG. 5), post-reservation inquiry process (see FIG. 12), reservation visit process (see FIG. 14), and event control process (see FIG. 17), which will be described later. The storage device 13 of this embodiment may also function as a database that manages (stores) reservation information. However, the reservation information may also be stored in cloud storage (a database on the cloud) 5. The communication I / F connects the reservation management device 10 to external devices (e.g., a store terminal 30, a tool server 4, and a cloud storage 5) via a network 2 (e.g., the Internet).

[0096] The customer terminal 20 is used by a customer (user) who uses the restaurant reservation service provided by the reservation management device 10. The reservation service provided by the reservation management device 10 can be used at multiple customer terminals 20. In FIG. 1 , for simplicity of explanation, only one customer terminal 20 is illustrated. The customer terminal 20 illustrated in this embodiment is a smartphone that can be carried by a customer. However, a mobile terminal other than a smartphone (e.g., a tablet terminal) may also be used as the customer terminal 20. Furthermore, a PC (e.g., a laptop PC) may also be used as the customer terminal 20.

[0097] The customer terminal 20 includes a control unit 21 that performs various control processes and a communication I / F (not shown). The control unit 21 includes a CPU 22, which is a controller responsible for control, and a storage device 23 that can store programs, data, and the like. The storage device 23 may store at least a portion of a restaurant management program for executing the reservation management process (see FIG. 5) and post-reservation inquiry process (see FIG. 12), which will be described later. The communication I / F connects the customer terminal 20 to external devices (e.g., the tool server 4) via the network 2. The customer terminal 20 also includes an operation unit 25 and a display unit 26. The operation unit 25 is operated by a user (customer) to input various instructions into the customer terminal 20. The operation unit 25 may include at least one of a touch panel, various buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Note that a microphone or the like for inputting various instructions may be used together with or instead of the operation unit 25. The display unit 26 displays various images. In addition, instead of the operation unit 25 and the display unit 26 provided in the customer terminal 20, an operation unit and a display unit externally connected to the customer terminal 20 may be used.

[0098] Each customer terminal 20 is installed with a communication tool application that allows information (text, images, etc.) to be output and shared on a chat screen from multiple accounts. As will be described in detail later, the reservation management device 10 of this embodiment can communicate with customers interactively using the communication tool and then accept and manage restaurant reservations made by the customers. As an example, in this embodiment, LINE (registered trademark), a social networking site (SNS), is used as the communication tool. The reservation management device 10 and the customer terminal 20 can output information to the chat screen of the communication tool and display it on the display unit of the chat screen by connecting to a tool server 4 for operating the communication tool via a network 2. However, communication tools other than LINE (registered trademark) may also be used for the reservation service. For example, a dedicated communication tool (such as a dedicated application or dedicated website) for accepting restaurant reservations from customers may be used for the reservation service.

[0099] The following describes the configuration of a restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment installed in a restaurant. The restaurant illustrated in this embodiment has multiple locations. The restaurant management system 1 accepts reservations from customers for each of the multiple locations. The restaurant management system 1 also holds events in at least one of the multiple locations based on reservation information. For simplicity of explanation, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of only one restaurant. The restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment installs a store terminal 30, an order reception terminal 38, an employee display device 39, a conveying device 101, a container 40, an opening control unit 60, a display device 70, and a speaker 75 in each restaurant.

[0100] The store terminal 30 is installed in a restaurant and manages the status of customers (guests) who visit the restaurant. The store terminal 30 includes a control unit 31 that performs various control processes and a communication I / F (not shown). The control unit 31 includes a CPU 32, which is a controller responsible for control, and a storage device 33 that can store programs, data, and the like. The storage device 33 may store at least a portion of a restaurant management program for executing the reservation visitor arrival process (see FIG. 14 ) and event control process (see FIG. 17 ), which will be described later. The communication I / F connects the store terminal 30 to external devices (e.g., the reservation management device 10) via the network 2. The store terminal 30 is also connected to an order reception terminal 38 and an employee display device 39 via the network 2, wired communication, wireless communication, or the like. The store terminal 30 includes an operation unit 35 and a display unit 36. The operation unit 35 is operated by users (customers, employees, etc.) to input various instructions to the store terminal 30. The operation unit 35 may be, for example, at least one of a touch panel, various buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A microphone or the like for inputting various instructions may be used together with the operation unit 35 or instead of the operation unit 35. The display unit 36 ​​displays various images.

[0101] The order acceptance terminal 38 accepts orders for food, beverages, etc. from customers (guests). In this embodiment, a touch panel display device is used as the order acceptance terminal 38. Customers can order desired products by operating the order acceptance terminal 38. The employee display device 39 has a display unit that displays various images. The images displayed by the employee display device 39 are checked by employees of the restaurant. As described above, the order acceptance terminal 38 and the employee display device 39 are connected to the store terminal 30.

[0102] The conveying device 101 conveys objects (for example, tableware 7 (see Figures 3 and 4) on which food or drink has been placed, a container 40, an opening control unit 60, a display device 70, and a speaker 75) along a predetermined conveying path. As will be described in detail below, the container 40 has an openable and closable lid 47. When the lid 47 is closed, the object is contained inside the container 40. The container 40 has a lid opening unit 57 that automatically opens the lid 47. The applicant calls the container 40 that has the function of automatically opening the lid 47 "Super Freshness-kun." The opening control unit 60 controls the operation of the lid opening unit 57. The conveying device 101 and the container 40 will be described in detail below.

[0103] The display device 70 includes a display unit 71 that displays various images and a control unit (controller) 72 that controls the display device 70. The control unit 72 functions as a display control unit that controls the display of images by the display unit 71. In this embodiment, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal is used as the display device 70. A dedicated application for controlling the timing of image display and the like is installed in the display device 70 of this embodiment. However, the configurations of the display device and the display control unit may be changed. For example, the display device that displays images and the display control device that controls the display of images by the display device may be separate devices.

[0104] The speaker 75 can generate sound. In this embodiment, the speaker 75 is connected to the display device 70 (a mobile terminal in this embodiment) by wired communication or wireless communication. The control unit 72 of the display device 70 functions as an audio control unit that controls the generation of sound by the speaker 75 (reproduction of audio data). In this embodiment, audio data stored in a storage device of the display device 70 is reproduced by the speaker 75. However, the specific configuration for generating sound can also be changed as appropriate. For example, an audio control unit that controls the generation of sound by the speaker 75 may be provided separately from the control unit 72 of the display device 70. Furthermore, a speaker included in the display device 70, which is a mobile terminal, may generate sound (reproduce audio data). In this case, the speaker 75 may be omitted.

[0105] (Interior Configuration of Restaurant) Referring to FIG. 2 , an example of the interior configuration of a restaurant in which events are managed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 , the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment includes a conveying device 101 within the restaurant. The conveying device 101 conveys objects placed on a conveying path 102 (e.g., tableware 7 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) on which food and drink are placed, containers 40, opening control unit 60, display device 70, speaker 75, etc.) along a predetermined conveying direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 ). The path (conveying path) of the conveying path 102 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a circulation path that circulates between a kitchen K and a guest room G. Objects placed on the conveying path 102 in the kitchen K are conveyed along the conveying path to the vicinity of each of multiple tables 104 (eating spaces) arranged in the guest room G in sequence. Objects not removed from the guest room G return to the kitchen K as is. The conveying path 102 may be, for example, a crescent chain that moves multiple plates along the path. Seats for customers are located adjacent to the tables 104. However, the specific configuration of the conveyance path 102 may be changed. For example, the conveyance path may be a direct conveyance path that conveys objects directly to the seat of a customer who has ordered a product.

[0106] The order reception terminal 38 described above is provided near each table 104 and seat in guest room G. Customers can order their desired products by operating the order reception terminal 38. In addition, the kitchen K is provided with the employee display device 39 described above. Employees can perform various tasks after checking the images displayed on the employee display device 39. For example, the employee checks the order details displayed on the employee display device 39 and places the ordered products on the conveyor path 102. Furthermore, the store is provided with the store terminal 30 described above. The store terminal 30 manages the status of customers who visit the store.

[0107] (Container) Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the container 40 transported by the transport device 101 (transport path 102) of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container 40 with tableware 7 placed therein and the lid 47 closed. Figure 4 is a side view of the container 40 with the lid 47 open. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the container 40 can accommodate tableware 7, on which food or other objects are placed, by closing the lid 47. Furthermore, when the placed tableware 7 is removed, the container 40 opens the lid 47. The tableware (plate) 7 includes a plate plate 8, which is circular in plan view, on which food or other objects are placed, and a cylindrical base 9, which protrudes downward from a position slightly inward from the outer periphery of the plate plate 8 on its underside. The peripheral edge of the plate plate 8 extends outward from the base 9 in a flange-like shape.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 3 , the container 40 includes a mounting base 41, a lid 47, and an opening / closing mechanism 52. The mounting base 41 has a dish mounting section 42 on the center of its top surface, on which the dish 7 is mounted (placed). A stopper 43 capable of engaging with the outer periphery of the lower end of the platform 9 for the dish 7 is provided on the top surface of the mounting base 41, forward of the dish mounting section 42 (to the right in FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The stopper 43 protrudes upward from the top surface of the dish mounting section 42. The inner peripheral surface of the stopper 43 (the surface facing left in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is curved in plan view to conform to the cylindrical shape of the platform 9 for the dish 7. A pair of support pieces 44 extending upward are provided on the left and right sides of the rear end (left end in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of the mounting base 41. The support pieces 44 support the lid 47 so that it can be opened and closed.

[0109] The lid 47 includes a dome-shaped (approximately hemispherical) lid body 48 with an open bottom. In containers that typically contain food and beverages, the lid body is made of a transparent synthetic resin. Therefore, even when the lid is closed, customers can see the food and beverages inside the container from the outside. On the other hand, the lid 47 of the container 40 used for events, described below, is made of a colored synthetic resin that does not transmit light. Therefore, customers cannot see the contents inside the container (e.g., gift items) until the lid 47 is opened. Only after the lid 47 is opened can customers see the contents. This further enhances the excitement of events involving the opening of the lid 47. A pair of arms (not shown) extending downward are provided on the left and right sides of the rear end (left end in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of the lid body 48. A shaft 50 is attached to the arms. The shaft 50 of the arm piece is attached to a shaft hole formed in the support piece 44 of the installation base 41, so that the lid body 47 is attached to the installation base 41 so as to be openable and closable (able to swing up and down) around the shaft 50 as a rotation axis. In addition, an identifier 49 (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or the like) for identifying each of the multiple containers 40 is attached to the upper end (top portion) of the lid body 48.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 3 , the opening / closing mechanism 52 is provided on the installation base 41. The opening / closing mechanism 52 includes an actuating piece 53 and a biasing member 54 (a coil spring in this embodiment). The actuating piece 53 is provided so as to be movable back and forth along a guide formed on the installation base 41 in the front-to-rear direction (the left-to-right direction in FIGS. 3 and 4 ). One end (the right end in FIG. 3 ) of the biasing member 54 is fixed to the installation base 41, and the other end (the left end in FIG. 3 ) is fixed to the actuating piece 53. As a result, a forward biasing force is applied to the actuating piece 53 by the biasing member 54. The actuating piece 53 is connected below the axis of an arm piece (not shown) of the lid 47. When the biasing force of the biasing member 54 moves the actuating piece 53 forward, the arm piece of the lid 47 rotates, and the lid 47 opens. On the other hand, when the actuating piece 53 moves backward against the negative force of the biasing member 54, the lid 47 closes.

[0111] When a chef or other person places a dish 7 in the dish placement section 42 and pushes it backward, the operating piece 53 is pushed backward by the dish 7, causing the lid 47 to close. After that, when the dish 7 is completely placed in the dish placement section 42, the platform 9 of the dish 7 is sandwiched and fixed between the stopper 43 of the placement base 41 and the operating piece 53. Therefore, the closed lid 47 (lid main body 48) covers the food or drink placed on the dish 7, and the position of the lid 47 is fixed. Meanwhile, when a customer or other person lifts the front side of the dish 7 (the right side in Figures 3 and 4 ) upward, the platform 9 of the dish 7 and the stopper 43 are released from contact. As a result, the biasing force of the biasing portion 54 causes the operating piece 53 to push the platform 9 of the dish 7 forward, and the lid 47 opens.

[0112] The container 40 includes a lid opening section 57 that automatically opens the lid 47 when it is closed. As an example, the lid opening section 57 in this embodiment is located on the installation base 41, lower and closer to the front than the dish installation section 42. The lid opening section 57 includes a dish push-up section 58 and an actuator 59. The dish push-up section 58 is moved above the top surface of the dish installation section 42, thereby pushing the front lower portion of the dish 7 upward. As a result, the contact between the platform 9 of the dish 7 and the stopper 43 is released, and the force of the biasing section 54 causes the operating piece 53 to push the platform 9 of the dish 7 forward, opening the lid 47. In other words, when the lid opening section 57 is activated, the lid 47 is automatically opened by the opening / closing mechanism 52 of the container 40. As shown in FIG. 4 , the front lower portion of the dish 7 rests on the stopper 43. Therefore, the dish 7 remains stationary, slightly tilted relative to the horizontal plane. The actuator 59 (motor, solenoid, etc.) operates the dish lifting section 58 in the vertical direction.

[0113] An opening control unit 60 is connected to the lid opening unit 57. The opening control unit 60 includes a controller and controls the operation of the lid opening unit 57. The opening control unit 60 in this embodiment is provided with a plurality of seat designation buttons 61 corresponding to each of a plurality of seats (in this embodiment, tables 104 provided together with the seats) provided in the store. In this embodiment, a transport time is predetermined from when an object is placed on the transport path 102 at a predetermined position on the transport path (e.g., an installation position where an employee places the object on the transport path 102) until the placed object reaches each of the plurality of seats. The transport time differs depending on the seat. When one of the plurality of seat designation buttons 61 is operated, the lid opening unit 57 sets a timer corresponding to the transport time to the seat designated by the seat designation button 61, and when the timer expires, causes the lid opening unit 57 to open the lid 47.

[0114] (Reservation Management Process) Referring to FIGS. 5 to 11 , the reservation management process executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the reservation management process, a restaurant reservation made by a customer is accepted, and reservation information is managed. Specifically, in the reservation management process of this embodiment, a dialogue between the customer and the restaurant proceeds on a chat screen of a communication tool, and reservation information for each of a plurality of items is appropriately acquired. Furthermore, in the reservation management process of this embodiment, in addition to information on the reservation date and time and the number of people making the reservation, information on reserved items that the customer desires to receive when they visit the restaurant (in this embodiment, gift items that are in high demand for anniversaries, etc.) is also acquired through a series of interactive processes. The chat screens illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 11 are chat screens displayed on the display unit 26 of the customer terminal 20.

[0115] As an example, the reservation management process of this embodiment includes processing executed by the CPU 12 of the reservation management device 10 and processing executed by the CPU 22 of the customer terminal 20. The control unit of the restaurant management system 1 (in this embodiment, the CPU 12 of the reservation management device 10 and the CPU 22 of the customer terminal 20) executes the restaurant management program stored in a storage device (e.g., storage device 13 or storage device 23) to perform the reservation management process shown in FIG. 5. Note that in this embodiment, data for displaying on the display unit a chat screen (see FIGS. 6 to 11) between the account of the reservation management device 10 and the account of the customer terminal 20 is generated by the tool server 4 for operating the communication tool. Furthermore, data output from the customer terminal 20 is acquired by the reservation management device 10 via the tool server 4. Similarly, data output from the reservation management device 10 is also acquired by the customer terminal 20 via the tool server 4. However, to facilitate understanding of the processing flow, a description of the processing of the tool server 4 will be omitted below.

[0116] First, a customer wishing to make a reservation for a restaurant performs an operation on the operation unit 25 of the customer terminal 20 to establish a state in which information can be shared with the account of the reservation management device 10 on a chat screen in a communication tool (LINE (registered trademark) in this embodiment) (to register as a friend in this embodiment). When the operation to register as a friend is performed on the customer terminal 20 (S1: YES), the customer terminal 20 performs a process (sharing establishment process) to establish a state in which information can be shared with the account of the reservation management device 10 on the chat screen. As a result, a sharing state is established in the communication tool between the account of the reservation management device 10 and the account of the customer terminal 20 (S2).

[0117] In this embodiment, a separate account of the reservation management device 10 is provided for each of the multiple stores, which allows information to be shared with the account of the customer terminal 20 in the process of S2. Various data required to execute the reservation management process described below (e.g., data for outputting the designated request information described below on the talk screen) is stored in a database (e.g., the storage device 13 or the cloud storage 5) for each store. Therefore, information required to accept reservations for restaurants is output on the talk screen appropriately for each store.

[0118] In this embodiment, in the communication tool, an information provision account for providing various information to the customer terminal 20 for each store is provided for each store. In addition, a link (e.g., a banner) for accessing the store's reservation account is provided on the chat screen of the information provision account for each store. Therefore, customers can easily access the reservation account of their desired store through the information provision account and register the store as a friend. In addition, links for accessing each of the multiple reservation accounts provided for each store are provided on the restaurant's homepage, etc. Therefore, customers can easily access the reservation account of their desired store and register the store as a friend simply by accessing the homepage, etc. and selecting the desired link.

[0119] When a sharing state is established between the account of the reservation management device 10 and the account of the customer terminal 20 (S2), the reservation management device 10 outputs reservation start guidance information on the talk screen to prompt the customer to start operations for the reservation (S3).

[0120] Fig. 6 shows an example of a talk screen with reservation start notification information displayed. The reservation start notification information shown in Fig. 6 includes a message prompting the user to start the reservation operation, as well as a reservation start button (the "Make a reservation" button in Fig. 6) that the user operates to input a reservation start instruction. When the customer operates the reservation start button and an instruction to start the reservation is input to the customer terminal 20 (S4: YES), the customer terminal 20 outputs a reservation start request signal to the reservation management device 10 (S5).

[0121] 6, when a reservation start instruction is input to the customer terminal 20 (S4: YES), the reservation management device 10 or the customer terminal 20 outputs confirmation information (in this embodiment, a "Make a reservation" message) on the chat screen indicating that the reservation start instruction has been input. Therefore, the customer can proceed to the next step after confirming that the reservation start instruction has been correctly input. The confirmation information may be output on the chat screen by the tool server 5. In this case, the tool server 5 may be configured in advance by an employee of the restaurant or the like so that the tool server 5 automatically outputs confirmation information on the chat screen when the reservation start instruction is input.

[0122] When the reservation management device 10 receives the reservation start request signal (S5), it sequentially outputs, to the talk screen, a plurality of pieces of designation request information for requesting the customer to designate each of a plurality of reservation items (S6, S9, S12, S15). In this embodiment, first, the designation request information for requesting the customer to designate a desired reservation product is output to the talk screen by the reservation management device 10 (S6).

[0123] FIG. 7 shows an example of a chat screen displaying a reservation item request. The reservation item request shown in FIG. 7 includes an image showing multiple reservation item options along with a message prompting the customer to select a reservation item. The customer can input a command to select a reservation item by operating the operation unit 25 of the customer terminal 20 and selecting at least one desired option from the multiple reservation item options displayed on the chat screen. In other words, the customer can specify the information necessary for a reservation without having to enter text. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the customer can change the display range of the multiple reservation item options simply by sliding their finger (performing a drag or flick operation) on the touch panel of the operation unit 25.

[0124] When a customer selects a desired option from among multiple reservation item options (S7: YES), the customer terminal 20 outputs reservation item designation information indicating the selected reservation item to the reservation management device 10 (S8). Also, as shown in FIG. 7 , when an instruction to select (designate) at least one of the reservation item options is input (S7: YES), the reservation management device 10 or the customer terminal 20 outputs confirmation information indicating the reservation item corresponding to the selected option (a message of "Special Selection Single Flyer" in FIG. 7 ) on the chat screen. Thus, the customer can confirm whether the desired item has been correctly selected and proceed to the next step. As described above, the confirmation information may be output on the chat screen by the tool server 5. In this case, the tool server 5 may be configured in advance by a restaurant employee or the like so that the tool server 5 automatically outputs confirmation information on the chat screen when at least one of the options is selected. The confirmation information described below may also be output by the tool server 5 in a similar manner.

[0125] When the reservation management device 10 acquires the reservation product designation information (S8), it generates reservation information indicating that the product indicated by the reservation product designation information has been reserved. Next, the reservation management device 10 outputs designation request information requesting the customer to designate a desired reservation date to the talk screen (S9).

[0126] FIG. 8 shows an example of a chat screen displaying a reservation date request. The reservation date request shown in FIG. 8 includes an image showing multiple reservation date options along with a message prompting the customer to specify a reservation date. If the desired reservation date option is included among the multiple reservation date options displayed on the chat screen, the customer can input an instruction to specify the reservation date simply by operating the operation unit 25 and selecting the desired reservation date option from the multiple options displayed on the chat screen. In other words, the customer can specify the information necessary for making a reservation without having to enter any characters.

[0127] The reservation management device 10 also includes in the designation request information an image showing multiple reservation date options, as well as a candidate switching button (the "later date" button in FIG. 8 ) for switching between the multiple options. If the desired reservation date option is not included among the multiple reservation date options displayed on the chat screen, the customer selects the candidate switching button using the operation unit 25. The customer terminal 20 outputs a signal indicating that the candidate switching button has been selected to the reservation management device 10. The reservation management device 10 switches between the multiple reservation date options displayed on the chat screen by displaying multiple reservation date options different from those displayed before the candidate switching button was selected. In other words, the reservation management device 10 switches between the multiple reservation date options displayed on the chat screen in response to a single operation by the customer on the operation unit 25. Therefore, even if the number of options that can be displayed on the chat screen is limited, the customer can select the desired option in a simple procedure.

[0128] In some cases, a certain number of days (hereinafter referred to as "preparation days") may be required for the restaurant to prepare the reserved items. The reservation management device 10 limits the reservation date options displayed on the chat screen to days after the number of preparation days has elapsed since the reservation was made (i.e., the current date). Therefore, regardless of which of the reservation date options displayed on the chat screen is selected by the customer, the reserved items are likely to be appropriately prepared at the restaurant.

[0129] When a customer selects a desired reservation date from among multiple reservation date options (S10: YES), the customer terminal 20 outputs reservation date designation information indicating the designated reservation date to the reservation management device 10 (S11). Also, as shown in FIG. 8 , when an instruction to select (designate) at least one of the reservation date options is input (S10: YES), the reservation management device 10 or the customer terminal 20 outputs confirmation information indicating the reservation date corresponding to the selected option (the message "6 / 9" in FIG. 8 ) on the chat screen. Therefore, the customer can confirm whether the desired reservation date was correctly selected before proceeding to the next step.

[0130] When the reservation management device 10 acquires the reservation date specification information (S11), it generates reservation information indicating that the reservation date desired by the customer is the reservation date indicated by the reservation date specification information. Next, the reservation management device 10 outputs specification request information requesting the customer to specify a desired time slot to the talk screen (S12).

[0131] 9 shows an example of a talk screen in which time slot designation request information is displayed. The time slot designation request information shown in FIG. 9 includes an image showing multiple time slot options, along with a message prompting the customer to designate the time slot they plan to visit. If the desired time slot option is included among the multiple time slot options displayed on the talk screen, the customer can input an instruction to designate a time slot by simply operating the operation unit 25 and selecting the desired time slot option from the multiple options displayed on the talk screen.

[0132] The reservation management device 10 also includes in the designation request information an image showing multiple time slot selection candidates, as well as a candidate switching button (in FIG. 9 , the button for "Make a reservation after 5 PM") for switching between the multiple selection candidates. If the desired time slot selection candidate is not included among the multiple time slot selection candidates displayed on the talk screen, the customer selects the candidate switching button using the operation unit 25. The customer terminal 20 outputs a signal indicating that the candidate switching button has been selected to the reservation management device 10. The reservation management device 10 switches between the multiple selection candidates by displaying multiple time slot selection candidates on the talk screen that are different from those displayed before the candidate switching button was selected. In other words, the reservation management device 10 switches between the multiple time slot selection candidates displayed on the talk screen in response to a single operation by the customer on the operation unit 25.

[0133] When a customer selects a desired time slot from among multiple time slot options (S13: YES), the customer terminal 20 outputs time slot designation information indicating the selected time slot to the reservation management device 10 (S14). Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when an instruction to select (designate) at least one of the time slot options is input (S13: YES), the reservation management device 10 or the customer terminal 20 outputs confirmation information indicating the time slot corresponding to the selected option (a message such as "16:00-17:00" in FIG. 9) on the chat screen. Therefore, the customer can confirm whether the desired time slot was selected correctly before proceeding to the next step.

[0134] When the reservation management device 10 acquires the time period designation information (S14), it generates reservation information indicating that the time period desired by the customer is the time period indicated by the time period designation information. Next, the reservation management device 10 outputs designation request information requesting the customer to designate the number of people for the reservation to the talk screen (S15).

[0135] 10 shows an example of a chat screen displaying a request for specifying the number of people for a reservation. The request for specifying the number of people for a reservation shown in FIG. 10 includes an image showing multiple options for the number of people for a reservation, along with a message prompting the customer to specify the number of people for a reservation. The customer can input an instruction to specify the number of people for a reservation by simply operating the operation unit 25 and selecting the desired option for the number of people for a reservation from the multiple options displayed on the chat screen.

[0136] When the customer selects a desired option from among multiple options for the number of people making a reservation (S16: YES), the customer terminal 20 outputs reservation number designation information indicating the designated number of people to the reservation management device 10 (S17). Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when an instruction to select (designate) at least one of the options for the number of people making a reservation is input (S16: YES), the reservation management device 10 or the customer terminal 20 outputs confirmation information indicating the number of people making a reservation corresponding to the selected option (the message "2 people" in FIG. 10) on the chat screen. Therefore, the customer can confirm whether the desired number of people has been selected correctly before proceeding to the next step.

[0137] When the reservation management device 10 acquires the reservation number-of-guests designation information (S17), it generates reservation information indicating that the number of guests scheduled to visit the restaurant is the number indicated by the reservation number-of-guests designation information. Next, the reservation management device 10 outputs image upload request information to the chat screen (S18). The image upload request information is information for requesting the customer to upload image data. The uploaded images are presented to the customer when the customer visits the restaurant.

[0138] FIG. 11 shows an example of a talk screen with image upload request information displayed. The image upload request information illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a message prompting the user to upload an image (a video in this embodiment) as well as information explaining the conditions for uploadable image data (in the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the conditions for the video's playback time and the video's orientation (landscape)). Therefore, by checking the conditions displayed on the talk screen, the customer can appropriately upload image data that meets the conditions. Furthermore, the image upload request information illustrated in FIG. 11 includes information explaining the procedure for uploading image data using the customer terminal 20. Therefore, by following the procedure displayed on the talk screen, the customer can more easily and appropriately upload image data.

[0139] When the customer operates the operation unit 25 to input an instruction to specify (select) image data to be uploaded (S19: YES), the customer terminal 20 transmits the image data specified by the customer to the reservation management device 10 (S20). Therefore, in addition to information on the reservation date and time, number of people reserved, and reserved products, data on the image to be presented at the time of visit is also acquired by the reservation management device 10 via the same talk screen.

[0140] When the reservation management device 10 acquires image data, it stores the acquired image data in cloud storage 5 (see FIG. 1 ). Therefore, even if the image data is not transmitted from the reservation management device 10, the store terminal 30 installed in the restaurant can acquire the image data from cloud storage 5 via network 2 and present the image to customers in the store. The reservation management device 10 also outputs a list of multiple reservation details specified by the customer and reservation result confirmation information including the reservation number, etc., on the talk screen (S21). The reservation management device 10 executes a reservation information storage process (S22) to store the reservation information indicating each reservation detail accepted in the processes of S1 to S20 in a storage device (such as storage device 13 or cloud storage 5).

[0141] As described above, according to the reservation management process of this embodiment, a customer can easily and appropriately specify multiple reservation details by simply specifying the reservation details requested by the request information on the chat screen in order each time the request information is displayed on the chat screen. In other words, multiple reservation details are appropriately acquired in a format in which the dialogue between the customer and the restaurant progresses on the chat screen. Therefore, multiple pieces of information necessary for restaurant reservations are acquired from the customer in an easy-to-understand and simple procedure.

[0142] (Post-reservation inquiry processing) The post-reservation inquiry processing executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. In the post-reservation inquiry processing, after the reservation acceptance is completed in the reservation management processing (see Figure 5), an inquiry from a customer is accepted on the chat screen of the communication tool used in the reservation management processing (a chat screen for reservations between the account of the reservation management device 10 and the customer's account). Furthermore, in the post-reservation inquiry processing of this embodiment, a response to the inquiry accepted on the chat screen for reservations is also output on the same chat screen.

[0143] The control unit of the restaurant management system 1 (in this embodiment, the CPU 12 of the reservation management device 10 and the CPU 22 of the customer terminal 20) executes the restaurant management program stored in a storage device (e.g., storage device 13 or storage device 23, etc.) to perform the post-reservation inquiry process shown in Figure 12.

[0144] A customer who wishes to make an inquiry to the restaurant for which they have made a reservation operates the operation unit 25 of the customer terminal 20 to input an inquiry text on the talk screen of the communication tool used when making the reservation. When the customer inputs the inquiry text (S30: YES), the customer terminal 20 outputs the input inquiry text on the talk screen (S31). When the reservation management device 10 acquires the inquiry text (S31), it executes a process to automatically acquire a response to the inquiry based on the acquired inquiry text (S32).

[0145] The specific method of the automatic answer acquisition process (S32) can be selected as appropriate. For example, rules for determining the content of an answer to an inquiry sentence may be set in advance based on the words contained in the inquiry sentence. In the automatic answer creation process, the reservation management device 10 may analyze the words contained in the inquiry sentence and apply the analyzed words to the rules to automatically acquire the content of an answer.

[0146] Furthermore, the reservation management device 10 may input the inquiry text received in the inquiry receiving step into a mathematical model trained by a machine learning algorithm, and obtain an answer output by the mathematical model as an answer to the customer. The mathematical model may be trained in advance to output an answer to the inquiry text when the inquiry text is input. For example, the mathematical model may be trained in advance by a machine learning algorithm using the inquiry text as input training data and a correct answer to the inquiry text that is the input training data as output training data. In this case, an answer to the inquiry text is automatically obtained with higher accuracy.

[0147] The reservation management device 10 determines whether the answer was properly acquired by the automatic answer acquisition process (S32) (S33). If the answer was properly acquired (S33: YES), the reservation management device 10 outputs the answer automatically acquired in S32 on the same talk screen on which the inquiry text was entered (S34). As a result, the customer can quickly and accurately understand the answer to their inquiry.

[0148] On the other hand, the automatic response acquisition process (S32) may not properly acquire a response. If a response is not properly acquired (S33: NO), the reservation management device 10 executes a process to request an employee to enter a response by various methods, such as email or a communication tool (S35). The reservation management device 10 then enters a standby state until the employee enters a response (S36: NO). When the employee enters a response (S36: YES), the reservation management device 10 outputs the response entered by the employee on the same talk screen as the one on which the inquiry text was entered (S37). Therefore, even if an appropriate response to the inquiry is not automatically acquired, the customer will still be provided with an appropriate response.

[0149] As described above, according to the post-reservation inquiry process of this embodiment, the customer can input the text of the inquiry to the restaurant using the chat screen used for the reservation. Therefore, even if the customer needs to make an inquiry to the restaurant after the reservation is completed, the customer can easily make the inquiry.

[0150] (List Reservation Information Output Process) Referring to FIG. 13 , a list reservation information display process executed by the restaurant management system 1 (in this embodiment, the store terminal 30 included in the restaurant management system 1) according to this embodiment will be described. The store terminal 30 according to this embodiment acquires reservation information for its own restaurant from the reservation information acquired through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5 ). The store terminal 30 according to this embodiment acquires one or more sets of reservation information for its own restaurant, where the reservation date is a specific date (e.g., the current day or the following day). The relevant reservation information may be transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the store terminal 30. Furthermore, if the reservation information is stored in cloud storage 5, the store terminal 30 may acquire the relevant reservation information from the cloud storage 5. The store terminal 30 outputs a list of reservation information for its own restaurant, where the reservation date is a specific date. Note that the method for outputting the list of reservation information can be selected as appropriate. For example, the CPU 32 of the store terminal 30 may output the list by displaying the list of reservation information on at least one of the display unit 36 ​​of the store terminal 30 and the employee display device 39. The CPU 32 of the store terminal 30 may also output the list of reservation information by causing a printing device to print the list.

[0151] FIG. 13 shows an example of a list of reservation information for a specific day output by the store terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 13, the list of reservation information shows a list of reservation information for a specific day (July 1, 2024 in FIG. 13) for a specific store (Higashi-Kaizuka store in FIG. 13) among the reservation information acquired by the reservation management process (see FIG. 5). The list of reservation information includes at least the reservation date and time, the file name of the uploaded video, and information about the reserved items. Therefore, store employees can perform their work after understanding the number of reservation information for a specific day, the reservation time, the reserved items, etc. from the list. This makes it easier for the store to operate more smoothly.

[0152] (Processing when a person with a reservation arrives) Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , a process when a person with a reservation arrives executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment (in this embodiment, the store terminal 30 included in the restaurant management system 1) will be described. In the process when a customer (reservation person) who made a reservation through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5 ) arrives at the restaurant, reservation person arrival information including information on the seat assigned to the visiting customer and information on the reserved items reserved in advance is output. Furthermore, in the process when a person with a reservation arrives at the restaurant, a serving time (in this embodiment, an estimated serving time) for serving the reserved items to the customer is determined depending on the type of reserved items, and the determined serving time is also included in the reservation person arrival information. The process when a person with a reservation arrives at the restaurant is executed by the CPU 32 of the store terminal 30 in accordance with the restaurant management program stored in the storage device 33. The process when a person with a reservation arrives at least during the restaurant's business hours.

[0153] As shown in Figure 14, the store terminal 30 determines whether the customer (reservation person) who made a reservation through the reservation management process (see Figure 5) has arrived at the store (S40). In this embodiment, when the reservation person arrives at the store, they input their arrival to the store terminal 30 by entering a reservation number into the store terminal 30 or by reading an identifier previously assigned to the reservation person. Therefore, the store terminal 30 is able to know that the reservation person has arrived at the store and identify the visiting reservation person. If the reservation person has not arrived at the store (S40: NO), the determination of S40 is repeated and the store enters a standby state.

[0154] When the store terminal 30 determines that the person who made the reservation has arrived at the store (S40: YES), it acquires reservation information about the person who made the reservation (who has arrived at the store) identified by a reservation number, identifier, or the like from one or more sets of reservation information acquired by the reservation management process (see FIG. 5) (S41). As described above, the reservation information may be transmitted from the reservation management device 10 to the store terminal 30. Furthermore, if the reservation information is stored in cloud storage 5, the store terminal 30 may acquire the corresponding reservation information from cloud storage 5.

[0155] The store terminal 30 sequentially updates vacant seat information indicating the availability of each of the multiple seats in the store. The store terminal executes a seat allocation process to automatically allocate an available seat to the reservation holder who has visited the store based on the vacant seat information at that time and the number of visitors (S42). Note that the information on the number of visitors may be the actual number of visitors input into the store terminal 30 by the reservation holder who has visited the store, or may be the number of reservations included in the reservation information of the reservation holder who has visited the store. The store terminal 30 associates the seat information indicating the seat allocated to the reservation holder in S42 with the reservation information of the reservation holder who has visited the store (S43).

[0156] The store terminal 30 determines the time (in this embodiment, an estimate of the time) to provide the reserved product to the customer based on the time of arrival of the reservation holder at the store (e.g., the time at that time) and the type of reserved product indicated in the reservation information of the reservation holder who has arrived at the store (S44). The desired timing for providing the reserved product to the customer often varies depending on the type of reserved product. For example, if the reserved product is a dessert, it is desirable to provide it later than if the reserved product is a food or drink other than dessert. Therefore, by determining the time to provide the reserved product based on the type of reserved product and the time of arrival, it becomes easier to provide the reserved product to the customer at an appropriate time depending on the type of product.

[0157] The store terminal 30 outputs reservation person visit information including seat information of the reservation person who has visited the store and information about the reserved item included in the reservation information of the reservation person (S45). Then, the process returns to S40. As an example, the store terminal 30 of this embodiment outputs the reservation person visit information by displaying the reservation person visit information on an employee display device 39 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that can be checked by employees. However, it is also possible to change the output method of the reservation person visit information. For example, the store terminal 30 may output the reservation person visit information by having a printing device print the reservation person visit information.

[0158] FIG. 15 shows an example of reservation customer visit information displayed on the employee display device 39. As shown in FIG. 15, the reservation customer visit information includes information about the seat, reservation time, seating time (or arrival time), video file name, reserved items, and the delivery time of each reserved item. By checking the reservation customer visit information output by the store terminal 30, store employees can properly understand the seat information of customers who have made reservations and the information about the reserved items that have been pre-reserved. This makes it easier for pre-reserved items to be delivered appropriately to the seats of customers who made reservations. Furthermore, by outputting the delivery time determined based on the type of reserved item and the time of arrival along with the type of reserved item, employees can easily deliver the reserved items to customers at the appropriate timing based on the type of item. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reservation customer visit information remains displayed until the employee operates the confirmation button displayed on the employee display device 39 along with the reservation customer visit information. This reduces the likelihood that employees will overlook the reservation customer visit information.

[0159] (Event Control Process) Next, we will explain the event control process executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment. In the event control process, an event is started by the event execution device when the event execution device, transported along the transport path 102, reaches the seat assigned to the customer (visitor). Therefore, a celebratory event or other event is executed at the appropriate time, allowing the visiting customer to be fully entertained.

[0160] In this embodiment, an event is executed based on at least one of information and data (e.g., information about reserved items and image (video in this embodiment) data) acquired through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5). Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to properly executing a restaurant reservation, when a customer arrives at the restaurant at the reserved date and time, an event using at least one of the reserved items specified by the customer and the video provided by the customer is executed at an appropriate time. However, by modifying part of the event control process of this embodiment, an event may be executed when the event execution device reaches the customer's seat, even for a customer who has not made a reservation through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5). An event may also be executed based on information about the seat assigned to the customer, without using any reservation information.

[0161] First, the event execution device will be described. In this embodiment, at least one of the display device 70 (see FIG. 1), the speaker 75 (see FIG. 1), and the housing 40 (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) can be used as the event execution device. The following describes an example in which the display device 70, the speaker 75, and the housing 40 are all used as the event execution device. However, only a portion of the display device 70, the speaker 75, and the housing 40 may be used as the event execution device. Furthermore, another event execution device (e.g., at least one of a robot that starts moving based on a drive command and a light-emitting body that starts emitting light based on a light-emitting command) may be used as the event execution device together with at least one of the display device 70, the speaker 75, and the housing 40, or separately from the display device 70, the speaker 75, and the housing 40.

[0162] As described above, the display device 70 includes a display unit 71 and a control unit 72. The control unit 72 functions as a display control unit that controls the display of images by the display unit 71. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as the display device 70. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to transport the display device 70 along the transport path 102 while the display device 70 is placed on the tableware 7. Also, in this embodiment, video data provided by customers through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5) is played by the display device 70. Therefore, customers who have made reservations can be fully entertained. However, it is also possible to play other video data on the display device 70. It is also possible to control the timing at which still images start to be displayed.

[0163] In this embodiment, the speaker 75 is transported by the transport path 102 while connected to the display device 70. The control unit 72 of the display device 70 functions as an audio control unit that controls the generation of sound (playback of audio data) by the speaker 75. In this embodiment, audio data stored in the storage device of the display device 70 (for example, audio data accompanying video data provided by a customer through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5 ), or audio data provided or specified by a customer) is played back by the speaker 75.

[0164] As described above, the container 40 includes the lid 47 that can be opened and closed. When the lid 47 is closed, an object is stored inside the container 40. The container 40 includes a lid opening unit 57 that automatically opens the lid 47. The opening control unit 60 is connected to the lid opening unit 57 and controls the driving of the lid opening unit 57. Therefore, the opening control unit 60 appropriately controls the timing at which the lid 47 of the container 40 is opened, thereby appropriately executing an event using the container 40. The container 40 and the opening control unit 60 are transported by the transport path 102 while connected to and in close proximity to each other.

[0165] In this embodiment, when the container 40 is used as an event execution device, specific products are stored in the container 40. As an example, when the event control process in this embodiment is performed, the reserved products indicated by the reservation information associated with the seating information in S43 of the reservation customer arrival process (see FIG. 14 ) are stored in the container 40 by an employee in advance. Therefore, according to the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment, in addition to properly executing a restaurant reservation, including specifying the reserved products, when the customer arrives at the restaurant at the reserved date and time, the reserved products stored in the container 40 are transported to the customer's seat via the transport path 102. Furthermore, when the container 40 reaches the customer's seat via the transport path 102, the lid 47 of the container 40 is automatically opened, exposing the reserved products stored in the container 40 to the outside. This allows events such as celebrations to be more appropriately carried out, allowing customers who visit the restaurant to enjoy themselves to the fullest. However, it goes without saying that an event can be held even if objects other than pre-ordered items are stored in the storage body 40.

[0166] An example of how the event execution device is used will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an event execution device being transported along a transport path 102. In this embodiment, the event control process is performed with the display device 70, the opening control unit 60, and the container 40 arranged in order from downstream in the transport direction along the transport path 102. Specifically, in this embodiment, the decoration 78, the speaker 75, the display device 70, the opening control unit 60, the container 40, and the decoration 78 are transported along the transport path 102 in this order from downstream in the transport direction. Each of the two decorations 78 is decorated to enhance the event. The number of decorations 78 may be changed, or the decoration 78 may be omitted. Furthermore, the speaker 75 and the display device 70 may be reversed, and the opening control unit 60 and the container 40 may also be reversed.

[0167] First, the speaker 75 and the display device 70, among the multiple event execution devices, are delivered to the seat of the target customer for whom the event will be held. The target customer becomes aware that the event has started when the speaker 75 starts playing audio and the display device 70 starts displaying an image (video in this embodiment). Then, the opening control unit 60 and the container 40 are delivered to the customer's seat. When the container 40 reaches the target customer's seat, the lid 47 of the container 40 is automatically opened, allowing the customer to view the object inside the lid 47 (a gift product in this embodiment). By proceeding with the event in the above order, it is possible to thoroughly enjoy the customer.

[0168] The decorative object 78, speaker 75, display device 70, and opening control unit 60 are each placed on a support (a plate in this embodiment) that supports the object and transported along the transport path 102. The display device 70 also functions as an audio control unit that controls the playback of audio from the speaker 75, and is therefore electrically connected to the speaker 75. Therefore, the support on which the speaker 75 is placed and the support on which the display device 70 is placed are physically connected. Furthermore, the opening control unit 60 is electrically connected to the lid opening unit 57 of the container 40. Therefore, the support on which the opening control unit 60 is placed and the container 40 including the lid opening unit 57 are physically connected. However, the arrangement order of multiple event execution devices on the transport path 102 can be changed. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the audio control unit that controls the speaker 75 may be a different control unit from the control unit 72 of the display device 70.

[0169] The event control process executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17 . FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the event control process executed by the control unit 72 (functioning as a display control unit and an audio control unit) of the display device 70 and the event control process executed by the opening control unit 60, along with the elapsed time. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , as described above, the event control process is executed with the speaker 75, display device 70, opening control unit 60, and container 40 arranged in order from downstream to downstream with respect to the conveyance path 102. At least a portion of the content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-006885 filed by the applicant of the present application can also be adopted in the present application.

[0170] In this embodiment, the speaker 75, the display device 70, the opening control unit 60, and the container 40 are sequentially installed by an employee at predetermined installation positions on the transport path 102. The transport time from when an object is installed on the transport path 102 at a predetermined installation position until the installed object reaches each of the multiple seats is determined in advance. The transport time varies depending on the seat. In this embodiment, the transport time is calculated in advance for each seat.

[0171] First, when the speaker 75 and the display device 70 are installed on the transport path 102 at a predetermined installation position, the control unit 72 sets a timer corresponding to the transport time required for the speaker 75 and the display device 70 to reach the seat of the customer for whom the event is to be performed (S50). As described above, in this embodiment, seat information indicating the seat assigned to the customer is associated with the reservation information of the customer for whom the event is to be performed in S43 of the reservation customer arrival process (see FIG. 14). In S50, a timer corresponding to the seat indicated by the seat information associated with the reservation information is set.

[0172] In this embodiment, an employee confirms the seat information associated with the reservation information based on the reservation visit information (see FIG. 15 ). The employee sets a timer corresponding to the seat indicated by the confirmed seat information (a timer corresponding to the transport time required for the event execution device to reach the seat) using a dedicated application installed on the display device 70. However, the specific method by which the control unit 72 sets the timer corresponding to the seat can be changed as appropriate. For example, the control unit 72 may obtain seat information for the target customer for the event from the store terminal 30. The control unit 72 may automatically set a timer corresponding to the target customer's seat based on the obtained seat information. In this case, the timer can be set more easily and appropriately.

[0173] Next, the opening control unit 60 also sets a timer corresponding to the transport time required for the container 40 to reach the target customer's seat when the container 40 is installed on the transport path 102 at a predetermined installation position (S60). In this embodiment, similar to S50, an employee confirms the seat information associated with the reservation information using the reservation visitor information (see FIG. 15 ). The employee sets a timer corresponding to the seat indicated by the confirmed seat information (a timer corresponding to the transport time required for the container 40 to reach the seat) in the opening control unit 60. As described above, the opening control unit 60 in this embodiment is provided with multiple seat designation buttons 61 corresponding to each of the multiple seats provided in the store. When one of the multiple seat designation buttons 61 is operated, the opening control unit 60 sets a timer corresponding to the transport time to the seat designated by the seat designation button 61. However, the specific method by which the opening control unit 60 sets the timer corresponding to the seat can also be changed as appropriate. For example, the opening control unit 60 may obtain seat information of the target customer for the event from the store terminal 30 and automatically set a timer corresponding to the target customer's seat based on the obtained seat information.

[0174] 17, when the timer set in S50 elapses, the control unit 72 starts playing audio data through the speaker 75 and playing video data through the display unit 71 (S51). The timing at which the timer set in S50 elapses is close to the timing at which the speaker 75 and the display unit 70 reach the seat of the target customer. Therefore, the video and audio events are executed at appropriate times.

[0175] Furthermore, when the timer set in S60 elapses, the opening control unit 60 controls the lid opening unit 57 to execute a lid opening process to open the lid 47 of the container 40 (S61). The timing at which the timer set in S60 elapses is close to the timing at which the container 40 reaches the seat of the target customer. Therefore, the event by the container 40 is executed at an appropriate timing.

[0176] In this embodiment, the display device 70 and the container 40 are transported along the transport path 102 while being arranged side by side. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the timings of when the display device 70 starts displaying an image and when the lid 47 of the container 40 is opened are set so that the difference between these timings is within a predetermined time. Therefore, by appropriately setting the timing of displaying the image and the timing of opening the lid 47 of the container 40, customers can be more entertained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display device 70 is disposed downstream of the container 40 in the transport direction, so that the display device 70 reaches the customer's seat earlier than the container 40. In this embodiment, the timing of when the display device 70 starts displaying an image is set to precede the timing of opening the lid 47 of the container 40. Therefore, an event using both the display device 70 and the container 40 can be appropriately held.

[0177] (Event Control Processing Using Pre-Prepared Images) Up to this point, an example has been given of an event being executed by displaying an image uploaded or selected by a customer on display device 70. However, restaurant management system 1 can also execute an event by displaying a pre-prepared event image on display device 70. In the step of displaying an image on display device 70 (e.g., S51 in FIG. 17 ), control unit 72 may display an event image (which may be a video or a still image) associated with the step of opening lid 47 of container 40 (e.g., S61 in FIG. 17 ).

[0178] As an event image associated with the step of opening the lid 47 of the container 40, for example, an image (attention-guiding image) that encourages customers to pay attention to the container 40 before the lid 47 is opened may be displayed on the display device 70. In this case, customers' attention is more likely to be drawn to the container 40 before the lid 47 is opened. In other words, the attention-guiding image appropriately reduces the possibility that customers will miss the event in which the lid 47 is opened.

[0179] As an event image associated with the step of opening the lid 47 of the container 40, for example, an image (removal guidance image) that prompts the customer to remove the product placed in the container 40 after the lid 47 is opened may be displayed on the display device 70. In this case, the removal guidance image appropriately reduces the possibility that the product placed in the container 40 will be moved to another customer's table 104 without being removed by the customer.

[0180] As an event image associated with the step of opening the lid 47 of the container 40, for example, when the product provided to the customer by the container 40 is a celebratory item, an image (celebratory image) congratulating the customer may be displayed on the display device 70. In this case, the celebratory image further livens up the event of opening the lid 47.

[0181] It is also possible to change the specific content of the event image associated with the step of opening the lid 47 of the container 40. For example, an image (product notification image) informing customers of the content of the product provided by the container 40 may be displayed on the display device 70. Furthermore, regardless of which table 104 an event is held at, the event will be appropriately exciting if the timing at which the display device 70 reaches the table 104 where the event is held coincides with the timing at which the event image starts to be displayed.

[0182] 18 , a specific example of an event image associated with the step of opening the lid 47 of the container 40 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , before the container 40 reaches the table 104 where the event will be held, a table notification image 201 indicating that products are being delivered to the table 104 where the event will be held (table 5 in the example of FIG. 18 ) is displayed on the display device 70. Therefore, customers at tables 104 that are not the subject of the event can easily recognize the table 104 where the event will be held by the table notification image 201. The table notification image 201 is an example of a pre-event image that is displayed before the event image is displayed.

[0183] When the display device 70 and the container 40 reach the table 104 where the event is being held, a congratulatory image 202 (e.g., at least one of a congratulatory message, a diagram, a picture, etc.) congratulating the customer is displayed on the display device 70. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 18 , the congratulatory image 202 is displayed first as an event image. Thereafter, before the lid 47 is opened, the display device 70 displays an attention guidance image 203 (e.g., at least one of a message, a diagram, a picture, etc.) that is an event image that encourages customers to pay attention to the container 40. As shown in FIG. 18 , the attention guidance image 203 may include an arrow or the like that indicates the direction in which the container 40 is located as viewed from the display device 70.

[0184] In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the timing at which the display device 70 starts displaying the event image and the timing at which the lid 47 of the container 40 is opened are adjusted in advance so that the lid 47 is opened after the attention guidance image 203 is displayed on the display device 70. After the lid 47 is opened, the display device 70 displays a removal guidance image 204 (e.g., at least one of a message, a diagram, a picture, etc.), which is an event image that prompts the customer to remove the products placed in the container 40. After that, when the container 40 passes the table 104 where the event is being held and moves to another table 104, the display device 70 displays a table notification image 205 indicating that products have been delivered to the table 104 where the event is being held (table 5 in the example of FIG. 18 ). The table notification image 205 is an example of a post-event image that is displayed after the event image is displayed.

[0185] The above describes a configuration for displaying an event image associated with the step of opening the lid 47 of the container 40. However, it goes without saying that the control unit 72 may also cause the speaker 75 to generate sound in accordance with the content of the displayed image. In this case, for example, if the image includes a message, the control unit 72 may generate sound with the same content as the message included in the image. It is also possible to generate only sound from the speaker 75 during an event without displaying an image.

[0186] 15 illustrates an example in which a customer selects products and images to be used in an event. However, the technology illustrated in this disclosure can be applied even when the event content, products to be used in the event, and images to be used in the event are single. An event may be triggered by a customer selecting a specific product. An event for the selected content may be triggered by a customer selecting one of multiple event contents. An event corresponding to the selected image may be triggered by a customer selecting one of multiple images.

[0187] (Post-Event Processing) Next, the post-event processing executed by the restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the reservation management device 10 included in the restaurant management system 1 executes the post-event processing. However, another device (e.g., the store terminal 30) included in the restaurant management system 1 may execute the post-event processing. The reservation management device 10 of this embodiment stores the reservation date specified by the customer in a storage device (e.g., the storage device 13 or the cloud storage 5) in association with the customer's account in the communication tool used in the reservation management process (see FIG. 5 ). In the post-event processing, the reservation management device 10 outputs re-visit invitation information encouraging the customer to return to the restaurant on a chat screen with the customer, starting from the year following the event, a predetermined period before the stored date.

[0188] The date (reservation date) reserved as the visit date by this system is likely to be an anniversary of a customer's family, etc. Therefore, the reservation management device 10 stores the reservation date and outputs return visit invitation information to the chat screen a predetermined period before the same date in the following year or later, thereby efficiently increasing the likelihood that the customer will return to the store on an anniversary or other special occasion. Furthermore, by outputting the return visit invitation information to the chat screen for reservations, the customer can make a reservation directly from the chat screen on which the return visit invitation information is output. This further increases the likelihood that the customer will return to the store.

[0189] (Modifications) The techniques disclosed in the above embodiments are merely examples. Therefore, it is possible to modify the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, it is possible to adopt only some of the configurations, processes, and techniques exemplified in the above embodiments in a restaurant management system.

[0190] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an event execution device capable of executing an event on the conveyance path 102 starts an event on the conveyance path 102 when the event execution device reaches a customer's seat via the conveyance path 102. However, the restaurant management system 1 may also control the timing of displaying an image on a display device (e.g., the order reception terminal 38 in the above embodiment) provided at the customer's seat. For example, the restaurant management system 1 may start displaying an image on a display device provided at the orderer's seat when a product ordered by the customer (not limited to a reserved product) reaches the orderer's seat via the conveyance path 102. The image displayed on the display device may be an image uploaded from the customer terminal 20 used by the orderer, or an image selected by the orderer from among multiple images. In this case, an event using the image desired by the orderer starts at the appropriate time when the product ordered by the customer reaches the orderer's seat. This allows the customer to be fully entertained. Even in this case, it is possible to combine at least some of the configurations, processes, and techniques illustrated in the above embodiment.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the time at which the reserved item is provided to the customer is determined based on the type of reserved item. However, the method for determining the time at which the reserved item is provided can be changed. For example, the reservation management device 10 may output, to the chat screen, request information requesting the customer to specify the timing at which the reserved item will be provided (e.g., the amount of time elapsed from the time the customer arrives at the store until the reserved item is provided). In this case, the store can more easily provide the reserved item to the customer at the appropriate timing specified in advance. Furthermore, the order receiving terminal 38 may accept instructions from the customer specifying the timing at which the reserved item is provided. The order receiving terminal 38 may notify an employee of the accepted timing. In this case, a customer who has reserved a reserved item can more easily receive the reserved item at the appropriate timing by operating the order receiving terminal 38.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the products to be stored in the container 40 during the event are determined based on the reservation information (e.g., information about the reserved products) acquired through the reservation management process (see FIG. 5 ). Furthermore, images uploaded by the customer during the reservation management process (see FIG. 5 ) are displayed on the display device 70 during the event. However, selection of the event content (e.g., objects such as products to be stored in the container 40 during the event) and / or selection or upload of images to be displayed on the display device 70 during the event may be performed by a terminal provided in the store (e.g., the order reception terminal 38 provided at the customer's seat or the store terminal 30). In this case, the event performed when the container 40 passes the target customer's seat may be, for example, at least one of an event of opening the lid 47 of the container 40 containing the object selected by the customer, an event of displaying on the display device 70 an image selected or uploaded by the customer, and an event of playing on the speaker 75 audio data selected or uploaded by the customer. Furthermore, as described above, instead of an event in which an image selected or uploaded by a customer is displayed on display device 70, an event in which a prepared event image is displayed on display device 70 may be executed. Furthermore, restaurant management system 1 may execute the events described with reference to Figures 17 and 18, etc., without using reservation information acquired through the reservation management process (see Figure 5).

[0193] In the above embodiment, an event is executed when the container 40 transported by the transport path 102 passes by the seat of the target customer. However, the content of the event can be changed. For example, the restaurant management system may include a food delivery robot that can move around the floor of the restaurant. In this case, when the food delivery robot arrives at the target customer's seat, an image (which may be a video or a still image) selected or uploaded by the customer may be displayed on a display device. The display device may be a touch panel provided at the customer's seat, or may be a display device provided on the food delivery robot. The image may be uploaded in advance during the reservation management process (see FIG. 5), or may be selected or uploaded by the customer when they arrive at the restaurant.

[0194] In the above embodiment, a timer is set when the event execution device (at least one of the speaker 75, the display device 70, and the container 40) is installed on the transport path 102 at a predetermined installation position. The event is triggered by the timer expiring, so that the event is executed when the event execution device reaches the target customer's seat. However, the specific method for executing the event when the event execution device reaches the target customer's seat may be changed. For example, the restaurant management system may include a detection unit (e.g., a camera or various sensors that read an identifier provided on the container 40) that detects the event execution device's arrival at each seat. The restaurant management system may start an event when the detection unit detects that the event execution device has reached the target customer's seat (e.g., a seat indicated by the seat information). The detection result by the detection unit may be output to at least one of the opening control unit 60 and the control unit (which also functions as a display control unit and an audio control unit) 72 via wireless communication, wired communication, or the like. In this case, the event starts at the appropriate time even without an employee setting the timer. Furthermore, a lid opening section for opening the lid 47 of the container 40 may be provided near each of the plurality of seats. The lid opening section provided at the seat of the target customer may open the lid when the container 40 reaches the vicinity thereof.

[0195] The process of establishing a shared state of the chat screen at S1 and S2 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "sharing establishment step." The process of outputting designation request information at S6, S9, S12, and S15 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "designation request step." The process of accepting designation of reservation details at S7, S10, S13, and S16 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "designation acceptance step." The process of outputting image upload request information at S18 in FIG. 5 is an example of an "upload request step." The process of transmitting image data at S19 and S20 in FIG. 5 is an example of an "image data transmission step." The process of accepting input of an inquiry sentence at S30 in FIG. 12 is an example of an "inquiry acceptance step." The process of automatically outputting a response at S32 and S33 in FIG. 12 is an example of an "automatic response step." The process of when a reservation holder arrives shown in FIG. 14 is an example of a "reservation holder arrival information output step." The process of controlling the start of image display at S50 and S51 in FIG. 17 is an example of a "display start step." The process of opening the lid 47 in S60 and S61 in FIG. 17 is an example of a "lid opening step."

Claims

1. A restaurant management system that manages a restaurant, comprising: a transport path that is positioned adjacent to a seat where a customer sits in the restaurant and is capable of transporting objects; a display device that is transported along the transport path in the restaurant; and a display control unit that controls the display device, wherein the display control unit obtains seat information indicating a seat assigned to the customer, and the display control unit displays an image on the display device based on the seat information when the display device, being transported along the transport path, reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

2. A restaurant management system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the image selected by the customer via the customer terminal to be displayed on the display device.

3. A restaurant management system as described in claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display an image corresponding to a specific product selected by the customer via the customer terminal.

4. A restaurant management system as described in claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display an image corresponding to an event selected by the customer via the customer terminal.

5. A restaurant management system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display control unit sets a timer according to the time it takes for the display device being transported along the transport path to reach the seat indicated by the seat information, and begins displaying the image when the set timer elapses.

6. A restaurant management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the customer terminal is provided in the restaurant.

7. A restaurant management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the customer terminal is a mobile terminal carried by the customer.

8. A restaurant management method for managing a restaurant, comprising: acquiring seat information indicating a seat assigned to a customer in the restaurant; transporting a display device to a transport path located adjacent to the seat at which the customer will sit in the restaurant; and, based on the seat information, displaying an image on the display device when the display device being transported by the transport path reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

9. A restaurant management system comprising a customer terminal used by a customer and a reservation management device for managing reservations at a restaurant, wherein the customer terminal, in a communication tool capable of outputting and sharing information from multiple accounts on a talk screen, executes the following steps: a sharing establishment step for establishing a state in which information can be shared on the talk screen with an account of the reservation management device; and a designation acceptance step for the customer terminal to accept on the talk screen, each time multiple pieces of designation request information are output in sequence by the reservation management device on the talk screen, the customer specifying the requested reservation details, which include at least the reservation date and time, the number of people for the reservation, and the reserved items; the designation acceptance step is executed in sequence for each of the multiple reservation details, thereby obtaining multiple pieces of reservation information indicating the reservation details accepted in the designation acceptance step; and an image data transmission step for the customer terminal to transmit data of the image specified by the customer to the reservation management device when upload request information is output on the talk screen by the reservation management device, requesting the customer to upload image data to be presented to the customer when the customer visits the restaurant; a display device capable of displaying an image conveyed by the conveyance path and transmitted to the reservation management device in the image data transmission step; and a display control unit that controls the display of the image by the display device; wherein the reservation information acquired in the designation reception step is associated with seat information indicating a seat assigned to the customer who made the reservation when the customer arrives at the restaurant, and the display control unit executes a display start step in which the display device, conveyed by the conveyance path, begins displaying the image uploaded by the customer based on the seat information when the display device reaches the seat assigned to the customer.

10. A restaurant management system as described in claim 9, wherein the display control unit, in the display start step, sets a timer according to the time it takes for the display device being transported along the transport path to reach the seat indicated by the seat information, and starts displaying the image when the set timer elapses.

11. A restaurant management system as described in claim 9, wherein the request information output to the talk screen by the reservation management device includes a plurality of reservation content options for each of the reservation date and time, the number of people making the reservation, and the reserved item, and wherein in the specification acceptance step, the customer terminal accepts the customer's specification of the reservation date and time, the number of people making the reservation, and the reserved item by accepting a selection instruction for at least one of the plurality of options displayed on the talk screen.

12. A restaurant management system as described in claim 11, characterized in that the reservation management device or the customer terminal further executes a reservation content output step of outputting reservation content corresponding to the selected selection candidate on the talk screen when a selection instruction for at least one of the multiple selection candidates is accepted in the designation acceptance step.

13. A restaurant management system as described in claim 11, wherein the reservation management device executes a candidate switching process that switches the multiple selection candidates displayed on the talk screen for at least one of the reservation date and time, the number of people making the reservation, and the reserved item to another of the multiple selection candidates in response to a specific single operation by the customer on the operation unit.

14. A restaurant management system as described in claim 9, characterized in that an account of the reservation management device that enables information sharing with the customer terminal in the sharing establishment step is provided separately for each of a plurality of stores, and data for outputting the designated request information to the talk screen is stored in a database for each store.

15. A restaurant management system as described in claim 9, characterized in that the reservation management device further executes an inquiry reception step of receiving an inquiry text from the customer via the talk screen after completing the specification reception step for each of the multiple reservation contents.

Images