Sushi shop management system, sushi shop management method, conveyance system, and sushi placement unit

Abstract

A conveyance device 10 conveys sushi packaged in a disposable packaging body along a conveyance path 11, without the use of a dish that needs to be cleaned. A plurality of eating and drinking positions 15 at which customers eat and drink are arranged side by side along the conveyance path 11. On the basis of a detection result from a sensor 30, a management device 40 detects that the packaged sushi conveyed by the conveyance device 10 has been taken out from the conveyance device 10 while still packaged in the packaging body, and identifies a take-out position, which is the eating and drinking position, among the plurality of eating and drinking positions 15, from which the packaged sushi was taken out. The management device 40 includes the price of the taken-out sushi in a billing amount to be billed to the customer at the identified take-out position.

Description

Sushi restaurant management system, sushi restaurant management method, conveying system, and sushi installation section

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

[0002] Techniques for managing the operation of a sushi restaurant are known. For example, in the system described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of dining tables are arranged along a conveying path along which sushi is conveyed, and a dish collection device is provided at each dining table. When a dish is inserted into the inlet of the collection device, the inserted dish is automatically collected through a dish collection water channel. Further, with the insertion of a dish into the inlet, the number of inserted dishes detected by a dish sensor is counted by a counting device and displayed on a display device. Thereby, both an improvement in the efficiency of calculating the payment amount of a customer and an ease of collecting dishes are achieved.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 2630903

[0004] In a conventional sushi restaurant equipped with a conveying device, sushi placed on a dish is conveyed by the conveying device. Therefore, in a sushi restaurant, it has been necessary to spend the man-hours of employees to wash a large number of dishes and handle them in a clean state. If sushi is conveyed by a conveying device without being placed on a dish, the man-hours of employees for handling a large number of dishes can be reduced. The inventor of the present invention has newly found a technique for appropriately operating a sushi restaurant while providing sushi to customers without using dishes that require washing.

[0005] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide a sushi restaurant management system, a sushi restaurant management method, a conveying system, and a sushi installation section that can appropriately operate a sushi restaurant while providing sushi to customers without using dishes that require washing.

[0006] A typical embodiment of the sushi restaurant management system provided in this disclosure is a sushi restaurant management system for managing a sushi restaurant, comprising: a disposable packaging body for packaging sushi; a transport device for transporting the packaged sushi, which is sushi packaged in the disposable packaging body, along a transport path without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the packaged sushi has been removed from the transport device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport path of the transport device, and the management device performs detection of when the packaged sushi being transported by the transport device has been removed from the transport device while still packaged in the packaging body, and identifies the removal position among the plurality of dining positions which is the dining position from which the packaged sushi was removed, based on the detection result from the sensor, and includes the sales price of the removed packaged sushi in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal position.

[0007] A typical embodiment of the sushi restaurant management method provided in this disclosure is a sushi restaurant management method performed by a sushi restaurant management system, the sushi restaurant management system comprising: a disposable packaging body for packaging sushi; a conveying device for conveying the packaged sushi, which is sushi packaged in the disposable packaging body, along a conveying path without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the packaged sushi has been removed from the conveying device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the conveying path of the conveying device, the management device detects when the packaged sushi being conveyed by the conveying device has been removed from the conveying device while still packaged in the packaging body, and identifies the removal position among the plurality of dining positions which is the dining position from which the packaged sushi was removed, based on the detection result from the sensor, and includes the sales price of the removed packaged sushi in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal position.

[0008] A typical embodiment of the conveying system provided in this disclosure is a conveying system installed in a sushi restaurant, comprising: a disposable packaging body for packaging sushi; a conveying device for conveying the packaged sushi, which is sushi packaged in the disposable packaging body, along a conveying path without passing through plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the packaged sushi has been removed from the conveying device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the conveying path of the conveying device, and the management device detects when the packaged sushi being conveyed by the conveying device has been removed from the conveying device while still packaged in the packaging body, and among the plurality of dining positions, the packaged sushi is The system further includes a sushi placement section where packaged sushi, which is wrapped in a disposable packaging, is placed without the need for washing plates, and the sushi placement section is further provided with a movable part that moves depending on whether or not the packaged sushi is placed there. The management device detects the movement state of the movable part of the sushi placement section using the sensor, thereby detecting that the packaged sushi that was placed in the sushi placement section has been removed from the transport device while still wrapped in the packaging. The movable part moves depending on whether or not the weight of the packaged sushi is added to the placement position of the packaged sushi in the sushi placement section.

[0009] A sushi placement unit provided in a typical embodiment of this disclosure is used in the transport system.

[0010] According to the sushi restaurant management system, sushi restaurant management method, transport system, and sushi placement unit disclosed herein, it is possible to properly operate a sushi restaurant while providing sushi to customers without using plates that require washing.

[0011] The sushi restaurant management system illustrated in this disclosure comprises packaging, a conveyor, sensors, and a control device. The packaging is disposable and wraps the sushi. The conveyor transports the pre-packaged sushi, which is sushi wrapped in disposable packaging, along a transport route without using plates that require washing. Sensors are used to detect when the pre-packaged sushi has been removed from the conveyor. The control device manages the sushi restaurant. Multiple dining locations where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport route of the conveyor. Based on the sensor detection results, the control device detects when the pre-packaged sushi being transported by the conveyor has been removed from the conveyor while still wrapped in packaging, and identifies the removal location among the multiple dining locations where the pre-packaged sushi was removed. The control device includes the sales price of the removed sushi in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal location.

[0012] According to the sushi restaurant management system disclosed herein, sushi is transported to each dining location by a conveyor while still wrapped in disposable packaging, and then taken out by customers at each dining location. In other words, the conveyor transports sushi wrapped in disposable packaging (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pre-packaged sushi") without the need for plates that require washing. Therefore, the amount of work required of employees to wash and handle a large number of plates in a clean condition is appropriately reduced. Furthermore, in conventional sushi restaurants where sushi is transported using plates, the amount charged to customers was calculated based on the number of plates taken out of the conveyor. In contrast, the sushi restaurant management system disclosed herein detects when pre-packaged sushi has been taken out of the conveyor while still wrapped in disposable packaging. The location where the pre-packaged sushi was taken is also automatically identified. Moreover, the amount charged to the customer at the identified location includes the sales price of the sushi that was taken out. Therefore, it becomes easier to automatically and appropriately calculate the amount charged to customers at each dining location without having to count the number of plates on which the sushi was placed. Therefore, it becomes easier to operate a sushi restaurant more efficiently. Furthermore, according to the technology disclosed herein, since sushi can be transported properly by a transport device without the need for a food transport container that closes when a plate is placed and opens when a plate is removed (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5416288), the cleaning and other management of the food transport container also becomes unnecessary.

[0013] This disclosure primarily illustrates the use of an image sensor (camera) as the sensor. In other words, this disclosure illustrates a case where the removal position is determined based on the detection result (captured image) from the camera. However, it is also possible to use sensors other than image sensors (for example, at least one of a weight sensor and an optical sensor) in the sushi restaurant management system. Furthermore, in this disclosure, packaged sushi is transported by a transport device without passing through plates that require washing. Therefore, the sensor needs to detect that the packaged sushi itself has been removed, rather than detecting that plates that require washing have been removed. Accordingly, for example, if an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of packaged sushi itself is used, the sensor may detect the presence or absence of packaged sushi within a range of 2 cm or less in height from the installation surface on which the packaged sushi is placed. Since the height of almost all packaged sushi is 2 cm or less, by setting the sensor's detection range to a range of 2 cm or less in height from the installation surface, the removal of packaged sushi can be appropriately detected.

[0014] Furthermore, conventional sushi restaurant conveying systems that use plates requiring washing need to have a certain width or more in order to transport plates of a certain weight, shape, and size. In contrast, the conveying system of this disclosure transports packaged sushi without going through plates that require washing. Therefore, the width of the conveying path of the conveying system in the sushi restaurant management system of this disclosure can be narrower than the width of the conveying path of conventional conveying systems that transport plates.

[0015] The disposable packaging may be made of at least a portion of a transparent material and may enclose the sushi by covering it. In this case, since the sushi is surrounded by the packaging, it is less likely to dry out while being transported by the conveying device. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the packaging is made of a transparent material, customers can see the sushi contained inside the packaging from the outside. Therefore, the sushi is transported more effectively by the conveying device.

[0016] The specific form of the disposable packaging can be selected as appropriate. For example, the packaging may be a transparent packaging sheet (film or wrap, etc.) for wrapping sushi. In this case, the drying of the sushi is effectively suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0017] However, it is possible to change the specific composition of the disposable packaging. For example, the packaging may be made of an opaque material. Even in this case, drying of the sushi will be adequately suppressed as long as the sushi is surrounded by the packaging. Furthermore, if the sushi is covered with packaging made of an opaque material, the outer surface of the packaging may be marked to indicate the contents of the sushi contained inside.

[0018] Furthermore, hygiene can be maintained by placing a disposable protective container (which may be the aforementioned packaging or another type of protective container) between the sushi and the surface on which it is placed, to prevent them from becoming contaminated. For example, the protective container may be a container with an openable and closable lid that holds the sushi inside. In this case, at least a part of the container (for example, the entire container or the lid) may be made of a transparent material. In this case, the shape of the sushi contained inside the container is easily maintained, so the appearance of the sushi is less likely to be damaged, and it is also easy to carry. Alternatively, a disposable plate that supports the sushi without covering the sushi around it may be used as the protective container. Even in this case, employees will not need to wash plates, making it easier to operate the sushi restaurant properly.

[0019] The sushi restaurant management system may further include a partition that separates the space around the transport path of the transport device between pairs of adjacent dining positions. When transporting sushi using the aforementioned food transport container (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5416288), the direction from which the plate on which the sushi is placed can be removed from the food transport container is limited. On the other hand, when sushi packaged in disposable packaging is transported along the transport path without going through plates that need to be washed, the packaged sushi can be removed from various directions. In contrast, by providing a partition between pairs of adjacent dining positions, it becomes more difficult for customers to remove sushi from the adjacent dining position. In other words, it becomes easier to determine from which of the pair of dining positions located on either side of the partition the packaged sushi was removed. Therefore, the possibility of the sales amount being mistakenly included in the billing amount of customers who have not removed packaged sushi is appropriately reduced. Fraudulent acts by customers who deliberately remove packaged sushi from adjacent dining positions to avoid being billed are also appropriately deterred by providing a partition.

[0020] However, if the retrieval location is determined by a machine learning algorithm based on wide-angle images of the sushi restaurant interior, the partitions can be omitted. In this case, the trained model trained by the machine learning algorithm is not trained on images of plates with sushi on them being removed from the conveyor, but rather on images of pre-packaged sushi, which is transported without using plates that require washing, being removed from the conveyor at a specific eating location. Since plates that require washing have a certain weight and shape, it is relatively easy to detect when a plate is removed from the conveyor. In contrast, the weight and size of pre-packaged sushi are smaller than those of plates that require washing. Therefore, it is difficult to detect when pre-packaged sushi, which is transported without using plates that require washing, is removed from the conveyor. However, by using images of pre-packaged sushi being removed in the training of the model, the removal of the smaller pre-packaged sushi becomes easier to detect appropriately.

[0021] The partition may separate a pair of adjacent eating / drinking positions by covering the perimeter of the transport path in a direction intersecting the transport path. A sensor (e.g., a camera) that includes the transport path in its detection range may be provided on the partition. The management device may determine the retrieval position based on the detection results from the sensor provided on the partition.

[0022] In this case, the partitions are positioned to cover the transport path (for example, in a tunnel shape), making it difficult for customers to remove the packaged sushi from a position beyond the area partitioned by the partitions. Therefore, it becomes clearer from which eating position the packaged sushi was removed. Furthermore, sensors are installed in the partitions, and the removal location of the packaged sushi is identified based on the detection results from the sensors. Because the partitions are positioned to cover the transport path, the likelihood of the packaged sushi being removed by a customer while it is passing through the partitions is low. Therefore, by utilizing the sensors installed in each partition, the possibility of the sales amount being incorrectly included in the billing of customers who have not removed the packaged sushi is further appropriately reduced.

[0023] The specific configuration of the partition can be selected as appropriate. For example, the length of the portion of the partition that surrounds the transport path in the direction along the transport path may be at least 1 / 4, more preferably at least 1 / 3, of the width of the transport path. As long as the length of the partition in the direction along the transport path is ensured, it becomes even more difficult for customers to take out sushi from a position beyond the area partitioned by the partition. Sensors may also be installed inside the partition or at the exit of the partition. If the upper part of the transport path is covered by some other structure, the height of the upper end of the tunnel-shaped portion of the partition may be lower than the other structure covering the upper part of the transport path. Also, the vertical height of the tunnel-shaped portion of the partition may be less than twice the width of the transport path. The lower the vertical height of the tunnel-shaped portion of the partition, the more appropriately the possibility of packaged sushi being taken out from the position of the partition is reduced.

[0024] The control device may identify a specific dining location as a retrieval location if, after detecting that packaged sushi was being transported by a sensor at a partition separating the upstream side of a specific dining location in the transport path, and subsequently detecting that the packaged sushi is no longer being transported by a sensor at a partition separating the downstream side of the specific dining location, the device has determined that the specific dining location is a retrieval location.

[0025] In this case, sensors on both the upstream and downstream sides of a specific eating position are used to accurately and appropriately determine the retrieval location. In other words, the management device can easily and accurately determine the retrieval location simply by detecting whether or not the packaged sushi passes through the detection range of each sensor, without having to perform complex processing such as analyzing customer movements. Furthermore, customers can prevent the sale price from being included in their bill by returning the packaged sushi they have retrieved to the conveyor before detection by the sensor at the downstream partition. Thus, sushi restaurants can be operated more efficiently.

[0026] The sensor may detect changes in the placement location where the packaged sushi is placed without the need for washing plates, due to the presence or absence of the weight of the packaged sushi being added. The placement location is moved by a conveying device. The management device may determine the retrieval location based on the changes detected by the sensor, due to the presence or absence of the weight of the packaged sushi being added to the placement location.

[0027] Dishes that require washing have a predetermined shape. Therefore, it is relatively easy to detect when a dish of a predetermined shape has been removed by a customer. For example, conventional retrieval devices that count the number of dishes inserted can detect when a dish of a predetermined shape has been inserted. There are also known food and beverage transport containers (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5416288) that close their lids when a dish is placed in them and open them when a dish is removed. In this food and beverage transport container, when a dish is placed in it, the placed dish pushes an operating piece laterally, causing the lid to close. While the dish is in place, the placed dish of the predetermined shape acts as a stopper, keeping the lid closed. When the dish is removed, the dish of the predetermined shape no longer functions as a stopper, so the lid opens due to the biasing force of the spring. When a food and beverage transport container is used, it is considered that the presence or absence of a dish can be detected based on whether or not a dish of the predetermined shape is functioning as a stopper. As described above, conventionally, the removal of sushi was detected by the shape of the plate or by an IC tag or the like.

[0028] In contrast, the size and shape of pre-packaged sushi vary from piece to piece. Specifically, if the type of sushi (sushi topping) is different, the size and shape of the pre-packaged sushi will naturally differ. Furthermore, even if the type of sushi is the same, the size and shape of the pre-packaged sushi often differ. Therefore, it is difficult to detect with high accuracy that sushi has been removed based on the presence or absence of an object of a predetermined shape. On the other hand, although the shape of pre-packaged sushi varies, pre-packaged sushi has a certain amount of weight. Therefore, by detecting changes caused by the presence or absence of the weight of the pre-packaged sushi added to the installation location by a sensor, it is possible to appropriately detect that the pre-packaged sushi has been removed. Thus, it becomes easier to operate a sushi restaurant more efficiently. In addition, even when sushi is transported to a conveying device via disposable plates or disposable containers with lids, the weight of the disposable plates and containers is very small, so detecting the removal of sushi based on the presence or absence of the weight of the sushi itself is very useful.

[0029] The sushi restaurant management system may further include a sushi placement unit. The sushi placement unit is transported along a transport route. Packaged sushi, wrapped in disposable packaging, is placed in the sushi placement unit without the need for plates that require washing. The sushi placement unit may also include a movable part that moves depending on whether or not packaged sushi is placed in it. The management device may detect when packaged sushi placed in the sushi placement unit has been removed from the transport device while still wrapped in its packaging by detecting the movement status of the movable part of the sushi placement unit using a sensor. The accuracy of detecting the movement status of the movable part can be easily improved compared to the accuracy of directly detecting the presence or absence of sushi using a camera or the like. Furthermore, customers can intuitively understand whether or not they will be charged for packaged sushi based on whether or not the movable part has moved. Thus, it becomes easier to operate the sushi restaurant more appropriately.

[0030] In the sushi placement section of this disclosure, sushi packaged in disposable packaging (pre-packaged sushi) is placed directly without the need for a plate. The movable part moves depending on whether or not sushi is placed without a plate. Therefore, the amount of work required of employees to wash and handle plates in a clean condition is appropriately reduced. The hygienic condition of the sushi placement section is also easier to maintain.

[0031] Furthermore, the sushi placement unit may be transported by the conveying device while placed on the conveying device's path (e.g., a crescent chain). In other words, the sushi placement unit may be removed from the conveying path. In this case, maintenance such as cleaning of both the sushi placement unit and the conveying path becomes easier. Alternatively, the sushi placement unit may be transported by the conveying device while fixed and integrated into the conveying device's path. In this case, the possibility of the sushi placement unit itself being removed from the conveying device by the customer is suppressed.

[0032] The movable part may move depending on whether or not the weight of the packaged sushi is added to the placement position of the packaged sushi in the sushi placement section. As mentioned above, packaged sushi comes in various shapes, but packaged sushi has a certain amount of weight. Therefore, by detecting the movement state of the movable part depending on whether or not the weight of the packaged sushi is added to the placement position using a sensor, it is possible to more appropriately detect when the packaged sushi has been removed.

[0033] The movable part of the sushi placement section may include a mounting section, a rotation support section, and a biasing section. Packaged sushi (pre-packaged sushi) is placed on the mounting section without the need for a plate that requires washing. In other words, the mounting section is the placement position for pre-packaged sushi. The rotation support section supports the angle of the mounting section so that it can rotate around a horizontally extending axis of rotation within a range between the placement angle when sushi is placed and the non-placement angle when sushi is not placed. The biasing section (for example, a weight or at least one of a spring, etc.) biases the angle of the mounting section from the placement angle to the non-placement angle.

[0034] If the biasing force from the biasing unit is adjusted to be less than the force exerted by the weight of the pre-packaged sushi placed on the placement unit (i.e., sushi packaged in a disposable container and placed without a plate), then when the pre-packaged sushi is placed on the placement unit, the angle of the placement unit rotates from the non-placement angle to the placement angle. Conversely, when the pre-packaged sushi is removed from the placement unit, the angle of the placement unit rotates from the placement angle to the non-placement angle due to the biasing force from the biasing unit. As a result, the movable unit moves appropriately depending on whether or not the pre-packaged sushi is placed on it. Therefore, it becomes easier to detect with higher accuracy whether or not the pre-packaged sushi has been removed from the transport path (specifically, the placement unit in the movable unit).

[0035] The sushi mounting section may further include a base section that rotatably supports the mounting section via a rotating support section. The upper surface of the base section may have an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in the portion located below the mounting section when the mounting section is at its mounting angle. When the angle of the mounting section rotates from the mounting angle to the non-mounting angle, the inclined surface on the upper surface of the base section may be exposed upward.

[0036] In this case, if a customer removes a pre-packaged sushi from the display stand, the stand rotates to a non-installation angle, exposing the inclined surface that was previously covered by the stand. If the pre-packaged sushi is then placed back on the inclined surface, the incline will cause it to fall from the sushi display stand. Therefore, the likelihood of a customer returning a pre-packaged sushi they have removed to the sushi display stand is reduced. Thus, even though the pre-packaged sushi is removed from the display stand and the amount charged to the customer increases, the possibility of the customer being disadvantaged by having the pre-packaged sushi returned to the sushi display stand is appropriately reduced by the inclined surface.

[0037] At the installation location where pre-packaged sushi is placed without the need for washing plates, at least one of the following may be formed: a marking or shape (installation location guide section) indicating the appropriate position where the pre-packaged sushi should be placed. As mentioned above, since pre-packaged sushi comes in various shapes, the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of pre-packaged sushi tends to be lower than the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of plates of a certain shape. However, by forming an installation location guide section, it becomes easier for workers to place the pre-packaged sushi in the appropriate position. Therefore, even pre-packaged sushi of various shapes and sizes can be detected with high accuracy when it has been removed from the conveying device.

[0038] The specific configuration of the installation position guide section can be selected as appropriate. For example, the shape of the outer frame of the appropriate installation position itself may function as the installation position guide section. In this case, simply placing the packaged sushi inside the installation position enclosed by the outer frame improves the detection accuracy of removing the packaged sushi. For example, if placing the packaged sushi within the range of the placement section of the aforementioned sushi placement section improves the detection accuracy of removing the packaged sushi, then the shape of the outer frame of the placement section itself becomes the installation position guide section. The installation position guide section may also be a mark (arrow, etc.) indicating the appropriate installation position, or a frame indicating the range of the appropriate installation position. Furthermore, the installation position guide section may be provided by differences in shape, such as steps.

[0039] The sushi restaurant management system may further include a sushi placement unit. The sushi placement unit is transported along a transport route. Packaged sushi, wrapped in disposable packaging, is placed in the sushi placement unit. The sushi placement unit may be assigned an identifier detectable by a sensor. The detection state of the identifier by the sensor may change depending on whether or not packaged sushi is placed in the unit.

[0040] In this case, the management device can appropriately detect whether or not packaged sushi is placed in the sushi placement area based on changes in the detection status of identifiers by sensors (for example, whether or not identification is detected by the sensor, or differences in the detected identifiers). Furthermore, the management device can further streamline the management of the sushi restaurant by associating various information with the identifiers. Moreover, when using identifiers, it is sufficient for the identifiers to be detected from outside the sushi placement area being transported by the transport device. Therefore, unlike when using other sensors that need to be installed in the sushi placement area (for example, weight sensors), there is no need to transport the electrical system for driving the sensors (for example, wiring or batteries to supply power from an external source to the sensors) by the transport device. Thus, the system configuration and operation methods are less likely to become complicated.

[0041] The specific configuration of the identifier can also be selected as appropriate. For example, identifiers such as QR codes (registered trademarks) or barcodes may be used in the sushi restaurant management system. Alternatively, multiple identifiers that differ in at least one of the following: color, shape, and size, may be used in the sushi restaurant management system.

[0042] Each of the multiple sushi display units may be assigned an identifier, and information regarding the sales amount of the products placed in each sushi display unit may be associated with that identifier. The management device may identify the removal location when packaged sushi being transported by a conveying device is removed from the sushi display unit while still wrapped in its packaging, and may also obtain sales amount information corresponding to the identifier detected by a sensor. The management device may include the sales amount corresponding to the identifier in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal location.

[0043] In this case, the management device can appropriately include the sales amount of the sushi (product) taken out from the sushi installation section in the amount billed to the customer at the specified take-out position. Therefore, even when transporting a plurality of types of products with different sales amounts on the transport device, the sushi restaurant can be appropriately operated.

[0044] It is also possible to change the specific method for using the identifier in the management of the sushi restaurant. For example, information on the type of product installed in the sushi installation section may be associated with each of the plurality of identifiers. Based on the detection result of the identifier, the management device can also perform aggregation of the sales status (sales performance, etc.) of each product.

[0045] An identifier that can be detected by the sensor may be attached to the movable part of the sushi installation section. Depending on the movable state of the movable part that moves according to the presence or absence of the installed packaged sushi, the detection state of the identifier attached to the movable part by the sensor may change.

[0046] In this case, by the movable part moving according to the presence or absence of the installed packaged sushi, the detection state of the identifier by the sensor clearly changes. Therefore, the presence or absence of the installed packaged sushi in the sushi installation section (for example, whether the packaged sushi has been taken out or not) can be more appropriately and easily detected.

[0047] A plurality of identifiers may be attached to the movable part of the sushi installation section. Among the plurality of identifiers attached to the movable part, the identifier detected by the sensor may change according to the movable state of the movable part (that is, the presence or absence of sushi installed in the food and beverage installation section).

[0048] In this case, by setting different identifiers for those detected while the pre-packaged sushi is placed on the sushi placement section and those detected while no pre-packaged sushi is placed thereon, the management device can more appropriately detect whether pre-packaged sushi is placed on the sushi placement section. Also, when the sushi placement section passes through the detection range of the sensor, the position where the identifier is attached is set so that any one of the multiple identifiers attached to one movable part is always detected. Thus, even when multiple sushi placement sections are transported in parallel by a transport device, the presence or absence of pre-packaged sushi placed on each sushi placement section can be appropriately detected. Therefore, it becomes easier to operate the sushi restaurant more appropriately.

[0049] A specific method for attaching multiple identifiers to one movable part can also be appropriately selected. For example, in addition to the placement section, the rotation support section, and the biasing section, the movable part of the sushi placement section may further include an identifier placement section where the identifier is placed. The identifier placement section extends in a direction different from the direction in which the placement section extends with respect to the rotation axis. For example, the identifier for the installed state detected by the sensor in the state where pre-packaged sushi is placed on the sushi placement section (the state where the angle of the placement section is the installed angle) may be attached to the identifier placement section of the movable part. The identifier for the non-installed state detected by the sensor in the state where no pre-packaged sushi is placed on the sushi placement section (the state where the angle of the placement section is the non-installed angle) may be attached to the placement section of the movable part. In this case, among the two identifiers provided for each movable part, the identifier detected by the sensor appropriately changes (switches) according to the presence or absence of pre-packaged sushi placed on the sushi placement section. Therefore, it becomes easier to detect with higher accuracy that the pre-packaged sushi has been taken out by the customer. Note that the identifier placement section may also serve as a stopper that restricts the rotation angle of the movable part. When the movable part rotates due to the biasing force of the biasing section, the identifier placement section (stopper) contacts another member, so that the angle of the placement section may stop at the non-installed angle. In this case, the movable part can move more appropriately.

[0050] However, it is also possible to change the specific method for assigning an identifier to the sushi placement area. For example, the relative positions of the identifier and the sensor may be adjusted so that when pre-packaged sushi is placed in the sushi placement area, the identifier assigned to the sushi placement area is obscured by the pre-packaged sushi. In this case, even without providing a movable part in the sushi placement area, the detection state of the identifier by the sensor (i.e., whether or not it can be detected) will change appropriately depending on whether or not pre-packaged sushi is placed in the sushi placement area. Therefore, the presence or absence of pre-packaged sushi (for example, whether or not the pre-packaged sushi has been removed) can be appropriately detected.

[0051] Furthermore, it is possible to detect whether or not packaged sushi has been removed from the conveying device without using an identifier. For example, the state of a movable part that moves depending on whether or not packaged sushi is placed may be detected by various sensors such as a contact sensor or an optical sensor. Even in this case, it is possible to appropriately detect whether or not packaged sushi has been removed from the sushi placement area. In addition, a weight sensor or optical sensor may be provided on the placement area of ​​the sushi placement area to detect whether or not packaged sushi has been placed. In this case, even if the sushi placement area does not have a movable part, the management device can appropriately detect whether or not packaged sushi has been removed from the conveying device. When using a weight sensor, multiple weight sensors may be provided on the conveying path carried by the conveying device. The management device may determine which position each of the multiple weight sensors is being transported at on the conveying path by detecting at least one position on the conveying lane. The management device may identify the removal location of the packaged sushi based on the position of the weight sensor at the time when the removal of the packaged sushi is detected by the weight sensor. Furthermore, the sushi restaurant management system may also be equipped with an image sensor (camera) as a sensor. The management device may determine the retrieval location based on images captured by a camera. For example, the management device may input images captured by a camera into a mathematical model trained by a machine learning algorithm, and have the mathematical model output the result of determining the retrieval location where the sushi was taken. Alternatively, multiple sensors (e.g., a weight sensor and an image sensor) may be used in combination.

[0052] The management device may output information about the billing amount to be charged to each customer to the mobile device owned by the customer at each dining location. The management device may also display special offer information on the customer's mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) when the sushi sales status for each customer meets predetermined conditions.

[0053] In this case, customers can easily check their bill simply by operating their mobile device. Furthermore, customers can receive special offers when their sushi purchases meet certain conditions, making their dining experience more enjoyable. This also appropriately increases customer purchasing intent.

[0054] The specific method for using the customer's mobile device can be selected as appropriate. For example, a dining location identifier that can be read by the mobile device may be installed at each of the multiple dining locations. When the customer operates their mobile device and the dining location identifier is read by the mobile device, a state may be established in which information can be sent and received between the management device and the customer's mobile device. In this case, various information such as the billing amount can be easily and appropriately sent and received between the management device and the customer's mobile device.

[0055] The specific content of the reward information displayed on the customer's mobile device can be selected as appropriate. For example, the management device may generate random number information each time the sushi sales status to a customer meets a predetermined condition (for example, each time the number of sushi sold reaches a predetermined number), and based on the generated random number information, conduct a lottery to determine whether or not to grant a predetermined reward (for example, a prize). The management device may display information indicating the result of the lottery (for example, a video) as reward information on the customer's mobile device. Furthermore, if the lottery result is a win, the management device may display information indicating the right to the reward won as reward information on the customer's mobile device. Alternatively, the management device may display reward information on the mobile device without conducting a lottery each time the sushi sales status to a customer meets a predetermined condition (for example, each time the number of sushi sold reaches a predetermined number). Additionally, the sushi restaurant management system may be equipped with a prize dispensing device in the store that dispenses prizes when the lottery conducted when the sushi sales status to a customer meets a predetermined condition is a win. Furthermore, a display device for displaying the aforementioned reward information may be provided in the store.

[0056] The management device may acquire the status of each of the multiple dining locations and have the notification unit notify the acquired status of each dining location. In this case, customers and employees can appropriately understand the status of the multiple dining locations (for example, whether a dining location is available or not) based on the information provided by the notification unit.

[0057] Furthermore, the specific method for notifying the notification unit of the status of each dining area can be appropriately selected. For example, the management device may acquire whether the status of each dining area is (1) vacant or (2) in use, and notify the notification unit of the acquired result. In addition to (1) and (2) above, the management device may also notify the notification unit of information indicating that the dining area will soon be vacant (for example, that it is being cleaned). The management device may also notify the notification unit of information regarding the elapsed time since the start of use of each dining area.

[0058] A sushi restaurant management system may be equipped with anti-fraud cameras that photograph one or more customers at their dining locations. The management device may output information indicating whether or not customer fraud has occurred based on the images captured by the anti-fraud cameras. For example, the management device can input images captured by the anti-fraud cameras into a mathematical model trained by a machine learning algorithm, causing the mathematical model to output information indicating whether or not customer fraud has occurred. In this case, the possibility of customer fraud being overlooked is appropriately reduced, and fraudulent activity is also suppressed. For example, fraudulent activity such as stealing pre-packaged sushi from a different dining location while moving to the restroom can be appropriately suppressed by the anti-fraud cameras.

[0059] As mentioned above, the sushi may be transported by the conveying device via a disposable plate or container with a lid that supports the sushi without covering it. In this case, the disposable plate or container can be described as a disposable protective body that protects the sushi and the surface on which it is placed from becoming contaminated. In this case, the technology relating to this disclosure can also be described as follows.

[0060] A sushi restaurant management system for managing a sushi restaurant, comprising: a disposable protective body interposed between a placement surface on which sushi is placed and the sushi; a transport device that transports the sushi protected by the protective body along a transport path without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the sushi protected by the protective body has been removed from the transport device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport path of the transport device, and the management device, based on the detection result from the sensor, detects when the sushi being transported by the transport device has been removed from the transport device while still protected by the protective body, and identifies the removal position among the plurality of dining positions which is the dining position from which the sushi protected by the protective body was removed, and includes the sales price of the removed sushi in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal position.

[0061] Furthermore, even when using disposable protective materials, it is possible to appropriately adopt at least some of the aforementioned technologies that can be used when using disposable packaging. In that case, by changing "packaging" to "protective material" and "packaged sushi" to "protected sushi" in the description of the technology when using disposable packaging, it becomes a description of the technology when using disposable protective materials.

[0062] Furthermore, this disclosure provides an example of a sushi restaurant management system used in a sushi restaurant that serves sushi to customers. However, at least some of the technologies described in this disclosure can also be used in restaurants that serve food and beverages other than sushi (e.g., yakiniku, etc.). In that case, by changing "sushi" to "food and beverages" and "sushi restaurant" to "restaurant" in the description of the sushi restaurant management system technology mentioned above, it can be described as a description of a restaurant management system technology.

[0063] Furthermore, when actually using the system disclosed herein, it is important to use disposable packaging or protective coverings to reduce the workload on employees handling a large number of dishes. However, it goes without saying that when developing the system disclosed herein, the business that provides the disposable packaging or protective coverings to restaurants (such as sushi restaurants) and the business that provides the system other than the packaging or protective coverings to the restaurants may be different businesses. In this case, the technology related to this disclosure can also be expressed as follows.

[0064] A sushi restaurant management system for managing a sushi restaurant comprises a transport device that transports pre-packaged sushi, which is sushi wrapped in disposable packaging, along a transport route without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the pre-packaged sushi is removed from the transport device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant. Multiple dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport route of the transport device. The management device detects when the pre-packaged sushi being transported by the transport device is removed from the transport device while still wrapped in its packaging, and identifies the removal position among the multiple dining positions where the pre-packaged sushi was removed, based on the detection result from the sensor. The management device includes the sales price of the removed pre-packaged sushi in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal position.

[0065] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the sushi restaurant management system (transportation system) 1 of this embodiment. This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the first dining position 15A and the second dining position 15B in Figure 1, viewed from the right front. This is a perspective view of the sushi placement section 50 with the packaged sushi 2 installed, viewed from the right upper. This is a perspective view of the sushi placement section 50 with the packaged sushi 2 installed, viewed from the rear at an angle. This is a perspective view of the sushi placement section 50 without the packaged sushi 2 installed, viewed from the right upper. This is a perspective view of the sushi placement section 50 without the packaged sushi 2 installed, viewed from the rear at an angle. This is a flowchart of the sushi restaurant management process executed by the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment. This is a perspective view of a modified sushi placement section 150 with the packaged sushi 2 installed, viewed from the right upper. This is a perspective view of a modified sushi placement section 150 without the packaged sushi 2 installed, viewed from the right upper.

[0066] (Outline Configuration of Sushi Restaurant Management System) Hereinafter, one of the typical embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the outline configuration of the sushi restaurant management system (transportation system) 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment comprises a transport device 10 and a management device 40.

[0067] The conveying device 10 conveys objects along the conveying path 11. As will be described in detail later, the conveying device 10 of this embodiment conveys sushi 3 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pre-packaged sushi 2"), which is packaged in a disposable packaging 4, along the conveying path 11 without passing through plates that require washing. As an example, in this embodiment, the pre-packaged sushi 2 is conveyed by the conveying device 10 when the sushi placement section 50 (see Figures 2 to 6) on which the pre-packaged sushi 2 is placed is conveyed. The conveying path 11 of the conveying device 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is a circulating path that runs between the kitchen K and the dining area G. The shape of the conveying path 11 shown in Figure 1 is formed as a rectangle in plan view, but it is also possible to make the shape of the conveying path 11 into other shapes (for example, the shape of the letter E in plan view). In addition, the conveying path 11 of the conveying device 10 can be, for example, a crescent chain that moves multiple plates along the path. The sushi placement unit 50 (see Figures 2 to 6) may be placed on the transport path 11 (for example, on a crescent chain) and transported by the transport device 10. Alternatively, the sushi placement unit 50 may be transported while incorporated into the transport path 11.

[0068] In the dining area G of the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment, multiple dining positions 15 (15A to 15I) where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport path 11 of the transport device 10. Each dining position 15 may be provided with at least one of the following: a table on which sushi etc. is placed, a chair for the customer to sit on, condiments, and a trash can for disposing of the packaging 4 etc., which will be described later. The number of customers who can eat and drink at each dining position 15 may be one or more. The number of customers who can eat and drink may differ depending on the dining position 15. Packaged sushi 2 (in this embodiment, the sushi placement section 50 on which the packaged sushi 2 is placed) placed on the transport path 11 in the kitchen K is transported through the dining area G along the transport path 11 and sequentially transported to the multiple dining positions 15 arranged along the transport path 11. Packaged sushi 2 that is not taken by any of the customers at the multiple dining positions 15 in the dining area G is returned to the kitchen K.

[0069] The management device 40 controls the sushi restaurant management system 1. In this embodiment, when the sushi 3 being transported by the transport device 10 is removed from the transport device 10 while still packaged in its packaging (i.e., removed as packaged sushi 2), the management device 40 identifies the removal location, which is the eating location from which the packaged sushi 2 was removed, among a plurality of eating locations 15 arranged along the transport path 11, based on the detection results from the sensors 30 (30A to 30J). As will be described in detail later, the detection range of the sensors 30 includes the transport path 11 of the transport device 10. The sensors 30 are used to detect that the packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the transport device 10. The management device 40 includes the sales price of the removed packaged sushi 2 in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal location.

[0070] In other words, the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment can identify which customer at which of the multiple dining locations 15 took the pre-packaged sushi 2, which was being transported by the transport device 10 without using plates that require washing, from the transport device 10. Therefore, the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment can appropriately calculate the amount charged to each customer at each dining location without having to count the number of plates taken by the customer. Thus, the sushi restaurant can transport pre-packaged sushi 2 to customers without using plates that require washing, reduce the workload of employees who would otherwise have to handle plates, and operate the restaurant appropriately.

[0071] As an example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") is used as the management device 40 in this embodiment. However, various devices capable of processing information (e.g., servers and mobile terminals) can be used as the management device 40. One device may function as the management device 40 on its own, or multiple devices may function together as the management device 40.

[0072] The management device 40 comprises a CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, and NVM 44. The CPU 41 is an example of a processor (controller) that performs various control processing. The ROM 42 stores various programs and initial values ​​for controlling the management device 40. The RAM 33 temporarily stores various information. The NVM 44 is a non-volatile storage medium that can retain its contents even when the power supply is cut off. The program for executing the sushi restaurant management processing (see Figure 7), which will be described later, may be stored in the NVM 44.

[0073] In this disclosure, the term "processor" refers to one or more hardware processors configured to execute program code contained in a program (i.e., one or more instructions of a program). In other words, a "processor" is a hardware device capable of executing one or more programmed processes. For example, a "processor" may be a general-purpose or application-specific processor and may be at least one of a CPU, microprocessor, GPU, and DFP (Data Flow Processor).

[0074] In this disclosure, the term “memory” refers to one or more hardware memories that are non-transitional tangible recording media configured to record at least one of computer program code and data in a manner accessible from a processor. “Memory” can be implemented by memory technologies such as SRAM, SDRAM, non-volatile / flash type memory, or other types of memory. The computer program code that constitutes the program is recorded in memory and executed by the processor to realize various functions in the management device 40 and the sushi restaurant management system 1.

[0075] In this disclosure, the term “circuit” refers to one or more logic circuits as hardware, configured to enable the management device 40 and the sushi restaurant management system 1 to perform functions. In other words, “circuit” refers to one or more non-programmable devices. For example, “circuit” could be a custom IC designed to be non-programmable for a specific application.

[0076] In this disclosure, at least one of a circuit and a processor having memory storing computer program code enables the management device 40 and the sushi restaurant management system 1 to function. The expression "at least one of a circuit and a processor" should be interpreted as disjunctive (logical OR) and not as at least one circuit and at least one processor.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment further includes a sushi packaging machine 5, an occupancy status notification unit 7, and a fraud prevention camera 9. The sushi packaging machine 5 automatically packages the sushi 3 using a packaging body 4 (see Figure 3). The occupancy status notification unit 7, controlled by the management device 40, notifies customers of the occupancy status of each of the multiple dining positions 15. The occupancy status notification unit 7 of this embodiment is a display device that collectively notifies the occupancy status of multiple dining positions 15. However, the occupancy status notification unit may also be a lamp or the like individually provided at each dining position 15. The fraud prevention camera 9 photographs one or more customers in the restaurant. The management device 40 outputs information indicating whether or not fraud has occurred by a customer based on the image captured by the fraud prevention camera 9. These details will be described later.

[0078] (Partitions and Sensors) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of partitions 20 (20A to 20J). Each of the plurality of partitions 20 divides the space around the transport path 11 of the transport device 10 between a pair of adjacent dining positions 15. For example, the second partition 20B from the upstream side of the transport path 11 divides the space around the transport path 11 between the first dining position 15A from the upstream side and the second dining position 15B adjacent to it. Also, the third partition 20C from the upstream side divides the space around the transport path 11 between the second dining position 15B from the upstream side and the third dining position 15C adjacent to it. In this embodiment, partitions 20A are also provided further upstream than the furthest upstream dining position 15A. Furthermore, partitions 20J are also provided further downstream than the furthest downstream dining position 15I. However, it is also possible to omit at least one of the partition portion 20A and the partition portion 20J.

[0079] As in this embodiment, when pre-packaged sushi 2 (see Figures 2 and 3) is transported by the transport device 10 without using plates that require washing, customers can take out the pre-packaged sushi 2 from various directions while it is being transported. Therefore, for example, there is a concern that customers may take out the pre-packaged sushi 2 from the transport path 11 before it reaches their eating position 15, or after it has passed their eating position 15. There is also a concern that customers may try to avoid being charged by deliberately taking out the pre-packaged sushi 2 from an eating position 15 adjacent to their own eating position 15. In response to this, by providing a partition 20 between a pair of adjacent eating positions 15, it becomes more difficult for customers to take out the pre-packaged sushi 2 from an eating position 15 adjacent to their own eating position 15. In other words, it becomes easier to determine from which of the pair of eating positions 15 located on either side of the partition 20 the pre-packaged sushi 2 was taken out. Therefore, the possibility of the sales price being mistakenly included in the billing amount for customers who have not removed the pre-packaged sushi 2 is appropriately reduced.

[0080] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the first dining position 15A and the second dining position 15B in Figure 1, taken from the right-hand side (customer side). Although only the two dining positions 15A and 15B and one partition 20B are shown in Figure 1, the same configuration as shown in Figure 1 can be adopted for the other dining positions 15 and partitions.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, each partition section 20 (partition section 20B in Figure 2) separates a pair of adjacent eating positions 15 (in Figure 2, the first eating position 15A and the second eating position 15B from the upstream side of the transport path 11) by covering the perimeter of the transport path 11 in a direction intersecting the transport path 11, without obstructing the transport of objects (e.g., the sushi placement section 50, etc.) by the transport path 11. As an example, partition section 20B shown in Figure 2 includes a tunnel section 22 (22B) that covers the perimeter of the transport path 11 in a tunnel shape (other partition sections 20 also include tunnel sections 22). As a result, it becomes difficult for customers to take out the packaged sushi 2 from a position beyond the area partitioned by the partition section 20. Furthermore, it becomes difficult for customers to take out the packaged sushi 2 from inside the space covered by the tunnel section 22. Therefore, by using the partition section 20 equipped with the tunnel section 22, it becomes even clearer which eating position 15 the packaged sushi 2 was taken from.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, a sensor 30 (sensor 30B in Figure 2) that includes the transport path 11 in its detection range is provided in each of the multiple partition sections 20 (partition section 20B in Figure 2). The sensor 30 in this embodiment is positioned to detect from the back side (opposite side from the customer side) to the front side of the tunnel section 22. The identifier 60 assigned to the sushi placement section 50 (installation status identifier 60A shown in Figure 4, and non-installation status identifier 60B shown in Figure 6), which will be described later, passes through the detection range of each of the multiple sensors 30. The management device 40 identifies the retrieval position from which the packaged sushi 2 was taken out based on the detection results from the sensors 30 provided in the partition section 20. As mentioned above, since the partition section 20 (in this embodiment, the tunnel section 22 of the partition section 20) is positioned to cover the transport path 11, the possibility of the packaged sushi 2 being taken out by a customer is low while the packaged sushi 2 is passing through the partition section 20. Therefore, by utilizing the sensors 30 provided in each partition 20, it becomes easier to more accurately identify the eating position 15 from which the pre-packaged sushi 2 was actually taken out, out of the pair of eating positions 15 located on either side of the partition 20. Thus, the possibility of the sales amount being mistakenly included in the billing amount for customers who did not take out the pre-packaged sushi 2 is further reduced.

[0083] In this embodiment, the length of the tunnel section 22 of the partition section 20 that surrounds the transport path 11 in the direction along the transport path 11 is formed to be at least 1 / 4, more specifically at least 1 / 2, of the width of the transport path 11. As a result, the length of the tunnel section 22 in the direction along the transport path 11 is appropriately secured, making it even more difficult for customers to take out the packaged sushi 2 from inside the space covered by the partition section 20. If the area above the transport path 11 is covered by some other structure (for example, a shelf where condiments are placed, another transport path, or the ceiling of the store), the height of the upper end of the tunnel section 22 in the partition section 20 may be adjusted to be lower than the lower end of the other structure covering the area above the transport path 11. Also, the vertical height of the tunnel section 22 may be less than twice the width of the transport path 11. In this case, the possibility of the packaged sushi 2 being taken out of the tunnel section 22 is further appropriately reduced.

[0084] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, each of the multiple dining locations 15 is assigned a dining location identifier 25 that can be read by the customer's mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) (in Figure 2, the dining location identifier 25A for the first dining location 15A and the dining location identifier 25B for the second dining location 15B). As will be described in detail later, when the customer operates their mobile device and has it read the dining location identifier 25 of the dining location 15 where they will be dining, the management device 40 establishes a state in which it can send and receive information with the customer's mobile device and identifies the dining location 15 that the customer will be using.

[0085] (Packaging) Referring to Figure 3, an example of packaging 4 that can be used in the sushi restaurant management system 1 will be described. As mentioned above, the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment transports sushi 3 (pre-packaged sushi 2) packaged in disposable packaging 4 via a transport path 11 without using plates that require washing. In this embodiment, at least a part of the material (in this embodiment, the whole) of the disposable packaging 4 is made of a transparent material. In this embodiment, the packaging 4 is made of a transparent resin film or wrap. Furthermore, the packaging 4 of this embodiment encloses the sushi 3 by covering the sushi 3. Therefore, the sushi 3 is less likely to dry out even while the pre-packaged sushi 2 is being transported by the transport device 10. In addition, customers can see the sushi 3 contained inside the packaging 4 from the outside. Therefore, the pre-packaged sushi 2 is more easily transported by the transport device 10.

[0086] As described above, the kitchen K in the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a sushi packaging machine 5 (see Figure 1) that automatically packages the sushi 3 with packaging bodies 4. Therefore, the properly packaged sushi 2 is transported by the conveying device 10 with simple work. The sushi packaging machine 5 may also be equipped with a function to automatically form the rice balls used in the sushi 3. For example, the sushi packaging machine 5 can be the "SGP-SNB" or "PGS-SNB" manufactured by Suzumo Machinery Co., Ltd. However, it is also possible for employees to manually package the sushi 3 with packaging bodies 4 without using the sushi packaging machine 5.

[0087] (Sushi Placement Section) Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the sushi placement section 50 provided in the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figures 3 and 4 show the sushi placement section 50 with pre-packaged sushi 2 placed (on) inside. In Figure 4, the placed pre-packaged sushi 2 is hidden by the identifier placement section 57. Figures 5 and 6 show the sushi placement section 50 without pre-packaged sushi 2 placed (on) inside. In the sushi placement section 50, sushi 3 (i.e., pre-packaged sushi 2) packaged in disposable packaging 4 is placed without the need for plates that require washing. Therefore, the amount of work required of employees to wash plates and handle them in a clean state is appropriately reduced. The hygienic condition of the sushi placement section 50 is also easily maintained. The sushi placement section 50 is transported along the transport path 11 (see Figure 1) of the transport device 10. As mentioned above, the sushi placement section 50 may also be transported by the transport device 10 by being placed on the transport path 11 (for example, on a crescent chain). In this case, maintenance such as cleaning of both the sushi placement unit 50 and the transport path 11 becomes easier. Furthermore, the sushi placement unit 50 may be transported while integrated into the transport path 11. In this case, the possibility of the sushi placement unit 50 itself being removed from the transport device 10 by the customer is suppressed.

[0088] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the sushi placement unit 50 comprises a base unit 51 and a movable unit 55. The base unit 51 supports the entire sushi placement unit 50. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a recessed portion 52 is formed at the rear of the upper surface of the base unit 51, which is recessed downwards. The recessed portion 52 can house a biasing unit 59, which will be described later. The movable unit 55 moves depending on whether or not pre-packaged sushi 2 is placed inside. As will be described in detail later, the management device 40 detects that pre-packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the conveying device 10 (specifically, the sushi placement unit 50 being conveyed by the conveying device 10) by detecting the movement state of the movable unit 55 of the sushi placement unit 50 using a sensor 30 (see Figures 1 and 2). The accuracy of detecting the movement state of the movable unit 55 can be easily improved compared to the accuracy of directly detecting the presence or absence of pre-packaged sushi 2 using a camera or the like. In addition, customers can intuitively understand whether or not they will be charged based on whether or not the movable unit 55 has moved. Therefore, it becomes easier to operate sushi restaurants properly.

[0089] In this embodiment, the movable part 55 of the sushi placement section 50 includes a placement section 56 (see Figures 3, 5, and 6), an identifier placement section 57, a rotation support section 58 (see Figures 3 and 5), and a biasing section 59 (see Figures 3 and 4). Packaged sushi 2 is placed on the placement section 56 without the need for a plate that requires washing. The identifier placement section 57 rotates integrally with the placement section 56. The rotation support section 58 supports the angle of the placement section 56 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis extending horizontally (left and right in this embodiment) within the angle range of an installation angle (angle shown in Figures 3 and 4) and a non-installation angle (angle shown in Figures 5 and 6). The installation angle is the angle of the placement section 56 when packaged sushi 2 is placed on it. The non-installation angle is the angle of the placement section 56 when packaged sushi 2 is not placed on it. The biasing unit 59 biases the angle of the mounting unit 56 from the mounting angle to the non-mounting angle (i.e., in the direction of arrow R in Figure 3). In this embodiment, the biasing unit 59 biases the angle of the mounting unit 56 towards the non-mounting angle by gravity of the weight. However, the biasing unit may also bias the angle of the mounting unit 56 towards the non-mounting angle by a spring or the like. The biasing force exerted by the biasing unit 59 is adjusted to be less than the force exerted by the weight of the sushi placed on the mounting unit 56 (i.e., the packaged sushi 2 placed without a plate).

[0090] When a packaged sushi 2 is placed on the placement section 56, the angle of the placement section 56 rotates from the non-placement angle to the placement angle, contrary to the biasing force from the biasing section 59. When the packaged sushi 2 is removed from the placement section 56, the angle of the placement section 56 rotates from the placement angle to the non-placement angle due to the biasing force from the biasing section 59. As a result, the movable section 55 moves appropriately depending on whether or not the packaged sushi 2 is placed (placed). In detail, the movable section 55 in this embodiment moves depending on whether or not the weight of the packaged sushi 2 is added to the placement section 56, which is the placement position of the packaged sushi 2. Therefore, it becomes easier to detect with higher accuracy whether or not the packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the transport path 11 (in detail, the placement section 56 of the sushi placement section 50 being transported by the transport path 11).

[0091] In this embodiment, if the packaged sushi 2 is properly placed on the placement section 56, the movable section 55 will move appropriately due to the weight of the placed packaged sushi 2. In other words, by using the shape of the outer frame of the placement section 56 as a guide and placing (placing) the packaged sushi 2 within the inner range of the outer frame of the placement section 56, the sushi restaurant management system 1 can appropriately detect that the packaged sushi 2 has been taken out by a customer. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shape of the outer frame of the movable section 55 itself functions as a guide for the appropriate placement position of the packaged sushi 2.

[0092] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the sushi placement unit 50 of this embodiment is assigned identifiers 60 (60A, 60B) detectable by the sensor 30. In this embodiment, a QR code (registered trademark) is used for the identifier 60, but other identifiers can also be used. The sensor 30 of this embodiment is an image sensor (camera) capable of detecting the identifier 60. The detection state of the identifier 60 by the sensor 30 changes depending on whether or not packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement unit 50. Therefore, the management device 40 can appropriately detect whether or not packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement unit 50 based on the change in the detection state of the identifier 60 by the sensor 30 (in this embodiment, the difference in the detected identifier 60). Furthermore, the management device 40 can further improve the efficiency of sushi restaurant management by associating various information with the identifier 60 (details will be described later). In addition, when using identifiers 60, it is sufficient for the identifier 60 to be detected from outside the sushi placement unit 50 being transported by the transport device 10. Therefore, unlike when other sensors (such as weight sensors) that need to be installed in the sushi placement section 55 are used, there is no need to transport the electrical system for driving the sensor (for example, wiring or batteries for supplying power from an external source to the sensor) by the transport device 10. As a result, the system configuration and operation method are less likely to become complicated.

[0093] In this embodiment, an identifier 60 is assigned to the movable part 55 of the sushi placement section 50. Depending on the movable state of the movable part 55, which moves depending on whether or not packaged sushi 2 is placed, the detection state of the identifier 60 assigned to the movable part 55 by the sensor 30 changes. Therefore, as the movable part 55 moves depending on whether or not packaged sushi 2 is placed, the detection state of the identifier 60 by the sensor 30 changes clearly. Thus, the presence or absence of packaged sushi 2 in the sushi placement section 50 (for example, whether or not packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the sushi placement section 50) can be detected more appropriately.

[0094] More specifically, in this embodiment, the movable part 55 of the sushi placement section 50 is assigned multiple (two in this embodiment) identifiers 60A and 60B. Of the two identifiers 60A and 60B assigned to the movable part 55, the identifier detected by the sensor 30 changes according to the movable state of the movable part 55. More specifically, in this embodiment, the installation state identifier 60A, which is detected when the packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement section 50 (i.e., the state in Figures 3 and 4 where the mounting section 56 is at the installation angle), and the non-installation state identifier 60B, which is detected when the packaged sushi 2 is not placed (i.e., the state in Figures 5 and 6 where the mounting section 56 is at a non-installation angle), are different identifiers. Therefore, the management device 40 can more appropriately detect whether or not the packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement section 50. Furthermore, the positions for assigning identifiers 60A and 60B are set such that when the sushi placement unit 50 passes through the detection range of the sensor 30, at least one of the two identifiers 60A and 60B assigned to one of the movable parts 55 is always detected by the sensor 30. As a result, even when multiple sushi placement units 50 are transported in parallel by the transport device 10, the presence or absence of pre-packaged sushi 2 in each sushi placement unit 50 is appropriately detected. Therefore, it becomes easier to operate the sushi restaurant more efficiently.

[0095] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, in this embodiment, the identifier mounting section 57 is connected to the rotating support section 58 such that the identifier mounting section 57 extends in a direction different from the direction in which the mounting section 56 extends (a direction in which there is a 90-degree angle difference when viewed from the side). As shown in Figures 3 and 5, there is a 90-degree angle difference between the mounting angle (angle shown in Figure 3) and the non-mounting angle (angle shown in Figure 5) of the mounting section 56. When the packaged sushi 2 is placed on the sushi mounting section 50 (the state in Figures 3 and 4 where the angle of the mounting section 56 is the mounting angle), the mounting state identifier 60A, which is detected by the sensor 30, is attached to the identifier mounting section 57 of the movable section 55. When the packaged sushi 2 is not placed on the sushi mounting section 50 (the state in Figures 5 and 6 where the angle of the mounting section 56 is the non-mounting angle), the non-mounting state identifier 60B, which is detected by the sensor 30, is attached to the mounting section 56 of the movable section 55. As a result, of the two identifiers 60A and 60B provided on the movable part 55, the identifier detected by the sensor 30 changes appropriately (switches) depending on whether or not the packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement part 50. Therefore, it becomes easier to detect with higher accuracy that the packaged sushi 2 has been taken out by the customer.

[0096] Furthermore, the identifier mounting section 57 in this embodiment also serves as a stopper to limit the rotation angle of the movable section 55. When the movable section 55 rotates due to the biasing force of the biasing section 59, the identifier mounting section 57 (stopper) comes into contact with the upper surface of the base section 51, causing the angle of the mounting section 56 to stop at the non-mounting angle. As a result, the movable section 55 can move more appropriately.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, the sensor 30 detects changes (in this embodiment, changes in the movable state by the movable part 55) caused by the presence or absence of the weight of the packaged sushi 2 being added to the installation position (placement part 56) where the packaged sushi 2 is placed. Here, the plates that are normally used in conventional sushi restaurants have a predetermined shape. It is relatively easy to detect when a plate with a predetermined shape has been taken out by a customer. For example, a conventional retrieval device that counts the number of plates that are put in can detect when a plate of a predetermined shape has been put in. In addition, there are known food and beverage transport containers that close the lid when a plate is placed in and open the lid when a plate is taken out.

[0098] In contrast, the size and shape of the pre-packaged sushi 2 vary from one piece to another. Therefore, it is difficult to detect with high accuracy that sushi has been removed based on the presence or absence of an object of a predetermined shape. On the other hand, although the shape of the pre-packaged sushi 2 varies, each piece of pre-packaged sushi 2 has a certain amount of weight. Therefore, the sensor 30 can detect changes caused by the presence or absence of the weight of the pre-packaged sushi 2 being added to the installation position (the mounting section 56 in this embodiment), thereby appropriately detecting that the pre-packaged sushi 2 has been removed. This makes it easier to operate the sushi restaurant more efficiently. Furthermore, even when the sushi is transported to the conveying device 10 via disposable plates or disposable containers with lids, the weight of the disposable plates and containers is very small, so detecting the removal of sushi based on the presence or absence of the weight of the sushi itself is extremely useful.

[0099] (Sushi Restaurant Management Process) Referring to Figure 7, the sushi restaurant management process performed by the sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 41 of the management device 40 of the sushi restaurant management system 1 executes the sushi restaurant management process illustrated in Figure 7, according to the sushi restaurant management program stored in the NVM 44, while the sushi restaurant is in operation. The sushi restaurant management process shown in Figure 7 is performed for all of the multiple dining positions 15. In the following, to simplify the explanation, an example will be given in which the process is performed for the Nth dining position 15 from the upstream side of the transport path 11.

[0100] First, the CPU 41 determines whether the dining location identifier 25 assigned to the Nth dining location 15 has been read by the customer's mobile terminal (S1). If it has not been read (S1: NO), the process proceeds directly to S5. If the dining location identifier 25 of the Nth dining location 15 has been read by the mobile terminal (S1: YES), the CPU 41 processes the customer who had the dining location identifier 25 read by their mobile terminal as the customer of the Nth dining location 15 (S2). Specifically, the CPU 41 establishes a state where information can be sent and received between the management device 40 and the mobile terminal that read the dining location identifier 25 of the Nth dining location 15. The CPU 41 stores in the NVM 44 that the Nth dining location 15 is in use by a customer. The CPU 41 notifies the availability notification unit 7 that the Nth dining location 15 is in use (S3).

[0101] The CPU 41 determines whether the passage of the packaged sushi 2 has been detected by the sensor 30 on the Nth partition section 20 that separates the upstream side of the Nth eating position 15 (S5). In this embodiment, the CPU 41 determines whether the packaged sushi 2 has passed through the detection range of the sensor 30 by whether the installation status identifier 60A assigned to the sushi installation section 50 has been detected by the sensor 30 provided on the Nth partition section 20. As described above, in this embodiment, when the packaged sushi 2 is installed in the sushi installation section 50, the non-installation status identifier 60B is not detected by the sensor 30, and the installation status identifier 60A is detected by the sensor. On the other hand, when the packaged sushi 2 is not installed in the sushi installation section 50, the installation status identifier 60A is not detected by the sensor 30, and the non-installation status identifier 60B is detected by the sensor. If the passage of the packaged sushi 2 has not been detected (S5: NO), the process proceeds directly to S14.

[0102] When the sensor 30 of the Nth partition section 20 detects the passage of the packaged sushi 2 (S5: YES), the CPU 41 determines whether the packaged sushi 2 that passed through the Nth partition section 20 in S5 has also passed through the (N+1)th partition section 20 which partitions the downstream side of the Nth eating position 15 (S6). If the installation status identifier 60A detected by the sensor 30 of the Nth partition section 20 in S5 is also detected by the sensor 30 of the (N+1)th partition section 20 (i.e., the packaged sushi 2 that passed through the Nth partition section 20 has also passed through the (N+1)th partition section 20) (S6: NO), the packaged sushi 2 has not yet been taken out, so the process proceeds directly to S14.

[0103] If the sensor 30 of the Nth partition section 20 detects the installation status identifier 60A, while the sensor 30 of the N+1th partition section 20 detects the non-installation status identifier 60B for the same sushi installation section 50 (i.e., if the sushi installation section 50, which had passed through the Nth partition section 20 with the packaged sushi 2 installed, passed through the N+1th partition section 20, and the packaged sushi 2 was not installed in the sushi installation section 50) (S6: YES), then the packaged sushi 2 has been removed at the Nth eating position 15. Therefore, the CPU 41 identifies the Nth eating position 15 as the removal position where the packaged sushi 2 was removed (S7). As described above, in this embodiment, by using the sensors 30 of each partition section 20 upstream and downstream of a specific eating position 15, the removal position can be identified appropriately with high accuracy. In other words, the management device 40 can easily and appropriately determine the removal position of the packaged sushi 2 simply by detecting whether or not the packaged sushi 2 passes through the detection range of each sensor 30 (in this embodiment, whether or not the installation status identifier 60A passes through the detection range of the sensor 30), without performing complex processing such as analyzing customer movements. Furthermore, customers can stop being charged by returning the packaged sushi 2 they have removed to the conveyor device 10 before detection by the sensor 30 of the downstream partition section 20 occurs. Thus, the sushi restaurant can be operated more efficiently.

[0104] Next, the CPU 41 acquires sales amount information corresponding to the identifier 60 detected in at least one of S5 and S6 (i.e., at least one of the installed state identifier 60A and the non-installed state identifier 60B) (S8). In this embodiment, the identifier 60 assigned to each of the multiple sushi installation units 50 is associated with sales amount information of the products installed in each sushi installation unit 50. The CPU 41 includes the sales amount corresponding to the identifier 60 detected in at least one of S5 and S6 in the billing amount charged to the customer at the Nth dining position 15 (S9). As described above, the management device 40 of this embodiment can appropriately include the sales amount of the packaged sushi 2 (products) taken out from the sushi installation unit 50 in the billing amount charged to the customer at the specified pick-up position. Therefore, even when multiple types of packaged sushi 2 with different sales amounts are transported to the transport device 10, the sushi restaurant can be operated appropriately. The sales amount for each packaged sushi 2 may be added sequentially each time a packaged sushi 2 is removed from the conveying device 10, or the sales amount for all the packaged sushi 2 that the customer has taken may be added together when billing the customer.

[0105] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether the sales status of the packaged sushi 2 to the customer at the Nth dining location 15 meets predetermined conditions (S11). As an example, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the number of packaged sushi 2 sold to a specific customer has reached a predetermined number T (for example, T = 5). If the sales status does not meet the predetermined conditions (S11: NO), the process proceeds directly to S14. If the sales status meets the predetermined conditions (S11: YES), the CPU 41 displays special offer information on the mobile terminal of the customer at the Nth dining location 15 (S12). Therefore, customers can enjoy their meal because they can obtain special offer information when their purchase status of packaged sushi 2 meets predetermined conditions. The customer's willingness to purchase is also appropriately increased.

[0106] As an example, in S11 and S12 of this embodiment, the CPU 41 generates random number information each time the number of packaged sushi 2 sold reaches T, and based on the generated random number information, it performs a lottery to determine whether or not to grant a predetermined benefit (e.g., a prize). The CPU 41 displays information (e.g., a video) indicating the result of the lottery as benefit information on the customer's mobile terminal. Furthermore, if the lottery result is a win, the CPU 41 displays information indicating the right to the benefit won as benefit information on the customer's mobile terminal. Therefore, customers can participate in a lottery for a benefit each time they purchase T packaged sushi 2, allowing them to enjoy their meal while looking forward to the lottery.

[0107] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the customer at the Nth dining location 15 has issued a request to settle the bill (S14). In this embodiment, the customer can input a request to settle the bill into the sushi restaurant management system 1 by operating a mobile terminal that has been read by the dining location identifier 25. If no payment instruction has been entered (S14: NO), the process proceeds directly to S18. If a payment instruction has been entered by the customer at the Nth dining location 15 (S14), the CPU 41 displays information for cashless settlement of the current billing amount (total amount) for the customer at the Nth dining location 15 on the mobile terminal used by the customer at the Nth dining location 15 (S15). As a result, cashless payment is completed on the mobile terminal. Needless to say, the payment method can be changed as appropriate. For example, the sushi restaurant management system 1 may be equipped with a payment machine. The payment machine may settle payments with customers by obtaining the amount due to the customer via at least one of the customer's mobile terminal, management device 40, and identifier (barcode, etc.). Payment may also be made in cash. Employees may also settle payments with customers.

[0108] When payment is completed for the customer at the Nth dining position 15, the CPU 41 stores in the NVM 44 that the Nth dining position 15 is available and also notifies the availability notification unit 7 that the Nth dining position 15 is available (S16). The CPU 41 may also notify the availability notification unit 7 of information indicating that the dining position 15 will soon be available (for example, because it is being cleaned). The CPU 41 may also notify the availability notification unit 7 of information regarding the elapsed time since the start of use of each dining position 15.

[0109] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is suspicion of fraud by a customer (S18). The sushi restaurant management system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a fraud prevention camera 9 (see Figure 1) that photographs one or more customers in the restaurant. For example, if a customer commits fraud by taking pre-packaged sushi 2 from a dining position 15 other than their own when moving between a restroom or the like and their dining position 15, the fraudulent act will be captured by the fraud prevention camera 9. Based on the image captured by the fraud prevention camera 9, the CPU 41 outputs information indicating whether or not there is suspicion of fraud by the customer. As an example, the CPU 41 of this embodiment inputs the image captured by the fraud prevention camera 9 into a mathematical model trained by a machine learning algorithm, causing the mathematical model to output information indicating whether or not there is suspicion of fraud by the customer. If there is no suspicion of fraud (S18: NO), the process returns to S1, and the processes S1 to S19 are repeated. If suspicion of fraud is detected (S18: YES), the CPU 41 issues an alert prompting employees to check for customer fraud (S19). As a result, the likelihood of customer fraud being overlooked is appropriately reduced, and fraudulent activity is also deterred.

[0110] The technologies disclosed in the above embodiments are merely examples. Therefore, it is possible to modify the technologies exemplified in the above embodiments. It is also possible to implement only a portion of the technologies exemplified in the above embodiments.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the use of identifiers 60 ensures that even when multiple types of products with different sales prices are transported to the transport device 10, the sales price is appropriately charged to the customer who takes out the packaged sushi 2. However, it is also possible to change the way identifiers 60 are used. For example, information on the type of product to be placed in the sushi placement unit 50 may be associated with each of the multiple identifiers 60. The management device 40 may perform calculations such as aggregating the sales status (sales figures, etc.) of each product based on the detection results of identifiers 60.

[0112] Furthermore, the method of assigning the identifier 60 to the sushi placement section 50 can be changed. For example, when a packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement section 50, the positional relationship between the identifier 60 and the sensor 30 may be adjusted so that the identifier 60 assigned to the sushi placement section 50 is obscured by the packaged sushi 2. In this case, even without providing a movable part 55 in the sushi placement section 50, the detection state of the identifier 60 by the sensor 30 (i.e., whether or not it can be detected) will change appropriately depending on whether or not a packaged sushi 2 is placed in the sushi placement section 50. Therefore, the presence or absence of a packaged sushi 2 (for example, whether or not the packaged sushi 2 has been removed) can be appropriately detected.

[0113] Furthermore, it is possible to detect whether or not the packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the conveying device 10 without using the identifier 60. For example, the state of the movable part 55, which moves depending on whether or not the packaged sushi 2 is placed there, may be detected by various sensors such as a contact sensor or an optical sensor. Even in this case, it is possible to appropriately detect whether or not the packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the sushi placement unit 50. In addition, a weight sensor or optical sensor, etc., may be provided on the placement unit 56 of the sushi placement unit 50 to detect whether or not the packaged sushi 2 has been placed there. In this case, even if the sushi placement unit 50 does not have a movable part 55, the management device 40 can appropriately detect whether or not the packaged sushi 2 has been removed from the conveying device 10. Furthermore, the sushi restaurant management system 1 may also be equipped with an image sensor (camera) as the sensor 30. The management device 40 may identify the removal location based on the image captured by the camera. For example, the management device 40 may input the image captured by the camera into a mathematical model trained by a machine learning algorithm, and have the mathematical model output the result of determining the removal location where the packaged sushi 2 was removed.

[0114] Furthermore, it is possible to change the configuration of the sushi placement section. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, an example of a modified sushi placement section 150 will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view from the upper right of the sushi placement section 150 with the packaged sushi 2 placed (on) inside. Figure 9 is a perspective view from the upper right of the sushi placement section 150 without the packaged sushi 2 placed (on) inside. In Figure 9, the placement section 156, which has been moved to a non-placement angle, hides the recessed section 52, the identifier placement section 157, and the biasing section 159 shown in Figure 8.

[0115] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the modified sushi placement section 150 comprises a base section 151 and a movable section 155. The base section 151 supports the entire sushi placement section 150 and rotatably supports the movable section 155 via a rotating support section 158 (see Figure 9). As shown in Figure 8, a recessed section 152 is formed at the rear of the upper surface of the base section 151, which is recessed downwards. The recessed section 152 can house a biasing section 159 inside. The movable section 155 moves depending on whether or not pre-packaged sushi 2 is placed inside.

[0116] The movable part 155 of the modified example includes a mounting part 156 (see Figures 8 and 9), an identifier mounting part 157 (see Figure 8), a rotation support part 158 ​​(see Figure 9), and a biasing part 159 (see Figure 8). Packaged sushi 2 is placed on the mounting part 156 without the need for a plate that requires washing. The identifier mounting part 157 rotates together with the mounting part 156. The rotation support part 158 ​​supports the angle of the mounting part 156 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis extending horizontally (left and right in this embodiment) within an angular range between the mounting angle (angle shown in Figure 8) and the non-mounting angle (angle shown in Figure 9). The biasing part 159 biases the angle of the mounting part 156 from the mounting angle to the non-mounting angle.

[0117] The main body of the mounting section 156 in the modified example is a plate-shaped member whose upper surface is horizontal at the installation angle (the angle shown in Figure 8). The main body of the mounting section 156 is provided with a front end wall section 156F that extends downward from the front end at the installation angle. As shown in Figure 9, the front end wall section 156F is provided with a sushi type display section that indicates the type of sushi 2 packaged by the pre-packaged sushi 2.

[0118] As shown in Figure 9, on the upper surface of the base portion 151, when the angle of the mounting portion 156 is at the installation angle (as shown in Figure 8), a wide area of ​​the inclined surface 160 is formed below the mounting portion 156 (in this embodiment, the area covered by the mounting portion 156). As shown in Figure 8, when the angle of the mounting portion 156 is at the installation angle, the inclined surface 160 is covered by the mounting portion 156, so that the sushi restaurant employee can place the packaged sushi 2 on the horizontal mounting portion 156. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, when the angle of the mounting portion 156 is not at the installation angle, not only is the angle of the mounting surface of the mounting portion 156 no longer horizontal (it becomes approximately vertical in Figure 9), but the upper surface of the base portion 151 that is exposed above is also inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the possibility of a customer returning the packaged sushi 2 that they have taken out to the sushi mounting portion 150 is reduced. Therefore, even though the packaged sushi 2 is removed from the placement section 156 and the amount charged to the customer is increased, the possibility that the packaged sushi 2, once removed, will be returned to the sushi placement section 150, resulting in a disadvantage for the customer, is appropriately reduced by the inclined surface 160.

[0119] In the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the angle of the mounting portion 156 is set to the installation angle, the entire top, bottom, left, and right sides of the inclined surface 160 are covered. However, when the angle of the mounting portion 156 is set to the installation angle, it is sufficient that at least the upper part of the inclined surface 160 is covered by the mounting portion 156, and at least one of the front, left, and right sides of the inclined surface may be exposed to the outside.

[0120] In the above embodiments and modified examples, the case in which pre-packaged sushi 2, which is packaged in a packaging body 4, is transported by the transport device 10 is illustrated. However, the sushi 3 may also be transported by the transport device 10 via a disposable plate that supports the sushi 3 without covering it, or via a container with a lid. Even in this case, by appropriately adopting at least some of the technologies illustrated in the above embodiments, the sushi restaurant will be easier to operate properly.

[0121] 1 Sushi restaurant management system 2 Packaged sushi 3 Sushi 4 Packaged body 7 Availability notification unit 9 Anti-fraud camera 10 Conveying device 11 Conveying route 15 (15A-15I) Dining position 20 (20A-20J) Partition section 22B Tunnel section 25A, 25B Dining position identifier 30 (30A-30J) Sensor (camera) 40 Management device 41 CPU 44 NVM 50 Sushi placement section 55 Movable section 56 Mounting section 58 Rotation support section 59 Biasing section 60 (60A, 60B) Identifier 160 Inclined surface

Claims

1. A sushi restaurant management system for managing a sushi restaurant, comprising: a disposable packaging body for packaging sushi; a transport device for transporting the packaged sushi, which is sushi packaged in the disposable packaging body, along a transport route without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the packaged sushi has been removed from the transport device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport route of the transport device, and the management device performs detection of when the packaged sushi being transported by the transport device has been removed from the transport device while still packaged in the packaging body, and identifies the removal position among the plurality of dining positions which is the dining position from which the packaged sushi was removed, based on the detection result from the sensor, and the sales price of the removed packaged sushi is included in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal position.

2. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposable packaging is made of at least a portion of a transparent material and encloses the sushi by covering the sushi inside.

3. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, further comprising a partition that separates the space around the transport path of the transport device between a pair of adjacent dining positions.

4. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 3, wherein the partition section covers the perimeter of the transport path in a direction intersecting the transport path, thereby separating a pair of adjacent dining positions, and the sensor, which includes the transport path in its detection range, is provided in the partition section, and the management device identifies the retrieval position based on the detection result from the sensor provided in the partition section.

5. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 4, wherein the management device detects that packaged sushi was being transported by the sensor of the partition that partitions the upstream side of a specific dining position in the transport path, and thereafter detects that packaged sushi is not being transported by the sensor of the partition that partitions the downstream side of the specific dining position, the management device identifies the specific dining position as the retrieval position.

6. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor detects a change caused by the presence or absence of the weight of the packaged sushi being added to the installation position where the packaged sushi is placed without the need for washing plates, and the management device identifies the retrieval position based on the change detected by the sensor, which is caused by the presence or absence of the weight of the packaged sushi being added to the installation position.

7. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, further comprising a sushi placement section on which pre-packaged sushi, which is transported along the transport route and packaged in the disposable packaging, is placed without the need for plates that require washing, the sushi placement section comprises a movable part that moves depending on whether or not the pre-packaged sushi is placed, and the management device detects the movable state of the movable part of the sushi placement section using the sensor, thereby detecting that the pre-packaged sushi that was placed in the sushi placement section has been removed from the transport device while still packaged in the packaging.

8. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 7, wherein the movable part moves according to whether or not the weight of the packaged sushi is added to the installation position of the packaged sushi in the sushi installation section.

9. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 7, wherein the movable part of the sushi placement part comprises: a placement part on which the packaged sushi is placed without the need for a plate that needs to be washed; a rotating support part that supports the angle of the placement part so as to be rotatable between a placement angle when sushi is placed and a non-placement angle when sushi is not placed, with respect to a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction; and a biasing part that biases the angle of the placement part from the placement angle to the non-placement angle.

10. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 9, wherein the sushi placement unit further comprises a base unit that rotatably supports the placement unit via the rotating support unit, and at least a portion of the upper surface of the base unit that is located below the placement unit when the angle of the placement unit is the installation angle has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the inclined surface on the upper surface of the base unit is exposed upward when the angle of the placement unit rotates from the installation angle to the non-installation angle.

11. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of a display and a shape indicating an appropriate position for the pre-packaged sushi to be placed is formed at the installation location where the pre-packaged sushi is placed without the need for plates that need to be washed.

12. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, further comprising a sushi placement section on which pre-packaged sushi, which is transported along the transport route and packaged in the disposable packaging, is placed, wherein the sushi placement section is assigned an identifier detectable by the sensor, and the detection state of the identifier by the sensor changes depending on whether or not the pre-packaged sushi is placed.

13. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 12, wherein an identifier is assigned to each of the plurality of sushi installation units, and information on the sales amount of the products installed in each of the sushi installation units is associated with the identifier, and the management device, when the packaged sushi being transported by the transport device is removed from the sushi installation unit while still packaged in the packaging, identifies the removal location, acquires sales amount information corresponding to the identifier detected by the sensor, and includes the sales amount corresponding to the identifier in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal location.

14. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 7, wherein the movable part of the sushi installation unit is assigned an identifier detectable by the sensor, and the detection state of the identifier assigned to the movable part by the sensor changes according to the movable state of the movable part which moves according to whether or not packaged sushi is installed.

15. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of identifiers are assigned to the movable part of the sushi installation unit, and the identifier detected by the sensor among the plurality of identifiers assigned to the movable part changes according to the movable state of the movable part.

16. A sushi restaurant management system according to claim 1, wherein the management device outputs information on the billing amount to be charged to the customer to a mobile terminal owned by the customer at each of the dining locations, and displays special offer information on the customer's mobile terminal when the sales status of the sushi to the customer meets predetermined conditions.

17. A sushi restaurant management method performed by a sushi restaurant management system, the sushi restaurant management system comprising: a disposable packaging body for packaging sushi; a transport device for transporting packaged sushi, which is sushi packaged in the disposable packaging body, along a transport route without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the packaged sushi has been removed from the transport device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport route of the transport device; the management device detects when the packaged sushi being transported by the transport device has been removed from the transport device while still packaged in the packaging body, and identifies the removal position, which is the dining position from which the packaged sushi was removed, among the plurality of dining positions, based on the detection result from the sensor; and includes the sales price of the removed packaged sushi in the billing amount charged to the customer at the identified removal position.

18. A transport system installed in a sushi restaurant, comprising: a disposable packaging body for packaging sushi; a transport device for transporting the packaged sushi, which is sushi packaged in the disposable packaging body, along a transport path without using plates that require washing; a sensor for detecting when the packaged sushi has been removed from the transport device; and a management device for managing the sushi restaurant, wherein a plurality of dining positions where customers eat and drink are arranged in a row along the transport path of the transport device; the management device performs detection of when the packaged sushi being transported by the transport device has been removed from the transport device while still packaged in the packaging body, and identifies the removal position, which is the dining position from which the packaged sushi was removed, based on the detection result from the sensor; and further comprises a sushi placement section that is transported along the transport path and where the packaged sushi, which is packaged in the disposable packaging body, is placed without using plates that require washing; the sushi placement section comprises a movable part that moves depending on whether or not the packaged sushi is placed. The management device detects the movement state of the movable part of the sushi placement section using the sensor, thereby detecting that the packaged sushi that was placed in the sushi placement section has been removed from the conveying device while still packaged in the packaging; and the movable part moves according to whether or not the weight of the packaged sushi is added to the placement position of the packaged sushi in the sushi placement section.

19. A sushi placement unit used in the conveying system according to claim 18.

Images