KR20110018608A - Store management systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a low-power low-cost store management device that can improve the efficiency of the store management and increase the customer satisfaction by processing the business process between customers, clerks, workers and cashiers in a store such as a restaurant by wireless communication.

Store, Host Controller, Wireless Ordering Device, Wireless Information Terminal, Low Power

Description

Store management system {SHOP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a store management apparatus, and more particularly, in a restaurant such as a restaurant, a beauty salon, and the like, the business process between a customer, a cashier, a worker, and a cashier by wireless communication improves the efficiency of store management and improves customer satisfaction. It relates to a store management device that can be made.

In restaurants, Korean restaurants, taverns, and cafes, restaurants (Korean restaurants, pubs, cafes, etc.) write orders by hand in the order form and calculate them by submitting them to the counter. Can be. For example, the counter must manually enter the order details into the POS, resulting in customer waiting time, incorrect price due to POS input errors, and checks for missing items by checking the order and POS at checkout after closing. There is also a possibility that the order can be missed because the employee verbally informs the kitchen of the customer's order details, and if there is a misunderstanding between the employee serving in the kitchen and the hall or when the employee is immature, the food ordered by the customer is delivered. You can buy customer complaints. Thus, there is a problem in that the labor costs are increased in order to hire a skilled worker when supplying the manpower is complicated.

In order to overcome this problem, restaurants (POS) are currently starting to use a Point of Sale (POS) system that integrates and manages orders received from customers. Such a POS system generally includes an order terminal which each employee carries and receives an order from a customer, and a counter terminal which receives an order history from each order terminal and processes it. The counter is mainly used in place of a conventional cash register. It is only. The order terminal in the existing POS system uses a wireless modem method such as CDMA, and the size of the components, such as the terminal, is larger and larger than necessary, and the configuration is complicated and expensive. In addition, it is linked to the kitchen, the customer's orders can not be processed, the business process between the kitchen and the employee is processed in a conventional manner there is a limit that can not be efficiently processed and serving the customer order efficiently.

The present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, one object of the present invention is to use the Zigbee (Zigbee) technology in the store, the order, serving, payment between customers, employees, such as cooks, cashiers, etc. The present invention relates to a wireless network shop management device that enables integrated operation of all the steps.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a store management apparatus that can be implemented at low cost while reducing unnecessary power consumption of the wireless terminal in the store management apparatus.

One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is

A central information processing unit mounted with a control program for controlling the overall operation of the system and wireless communication between each component;

A host controller connected to the central information processing unit, transmitting order related information received from each wireless ordering terminal to a central information processing unit, and transmitting the corresponding information to the wireless information terminal according to a control signal of the central information processing unit;

A wireless ordering terminal which bidirectionally communicates with the host controller, stores, displays, and transmits the order contents input by the user to the host controller and the wireless information terminal;

It relates to a store management device having an input and output device, and displays the customer order information sent from the host controller to the worker, and transmits the operator's contact information to the wireless ordering terminal or the host controller.

According to the store management apparatus of the present invention, since the overall service processing of the store is processed by the wireless network, it is possible to provide a faster and more accurate service, thereby improving the efficiency of the store management and increasing customer satisfaction.

In addition, the store management apparatus of the present invention can be implemented at low cost, easy to maintain and low power consumption, and can efficiently manage the store without hiring a high-skilled clerk in the store, significantly reducing the store operating costs such as labor costs. Can be reduced.

In addition, since the kitchen can be contacted wirelessly orally or in writing without contacting the clerk or the counter, a quick and accurate serving of the ordered food can be achieved.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail the present invention. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known general functions or configurations will be omitted.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of a store management apparatus of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the store management apparatus of the present invention wireless network for the entire process of ordering, service preparation (cooking food), service provision (for example, food serving), payment, etc. of the customer in the store, such as restaurants Through the treatment can improve the efficiency of store management. The user receives the customer's order and transmits the order details wirelessly to the counter and the kitchen, checks the order contents in the kitchen, cooks them according to the order details, and displays them on a separate display or wirelessly after the cooking is completed. If notified, it is a comprehensive management system to serve the food ordered after confirming the table number accordingly.

2, the store management apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention

A central information processor (40) mounted with a control program for controlling the overall operation of the system and wireless communication between each component;

A host controller 20 connected to the central information processing unit, transmitting the order related information received from each wireless ordering terminal to the central information processing unit, and transmitting the corresponding information to the wireless information terminal according to the control signal of the central information processing unit;

A wireless ordering terminal (10) for two-way wireless communication with the host controller, each user carrying an order and receiving an order from a customer and transmitting order information to the host controller and the wireless information terminal;

And a wireless information terminal 30 including an input / output device, displaying customer order information sent from the host controller to a worker, and transmitting contact information of the worker to the wireless order terminal or the central information processing unit.

In the present invention, the central information processing unit 40 is any device having an information processing capability such as a computer (PC), a notebook computer, a laptop computer, etc. In the central information processing unit 40, the overall operation of each system and each component A control program for controlling wireless communication between elements and a program for store management can be installed.

The host controller 20 has a function of wirelessly bidirectionally communicating with the wireless ordering terminal and the wireless information terminal. In this case, the wireless communication may use any wireless communication method suitable for a service such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, or the like. The wireless ordering terminal 10 and the central information processing unit 40 communicate wirelessly through the host controller 20. Preferably, Zigbee is a technology capable of transmitting data at a speed of 20 to 250 Kbps at a short distance of 1 to 100 m. A Zigbee module is small in size, low in power consumption, and inexpensive. In the store management apparatus of the present invention, the wireless order terminal may be implemented at low cost.

The wireless information terminal 30 includes a display unit, and wirelessly communicates with the host controller 20 to process information received from the host controller and display the information in the kitchen and hall. The order of processing, features, etc. are displayed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless ordering terminal 10 includes a microprocessor unit (MCU) 140 that collectively controls and controls all information from the central information processing unit 40 and the wireless information terminal 30; A wireless communication unit 180 connected to the microprocessor unit 140 and wirelessly communicating with the central information processing unit 40 and the wireless information terminal 30; An input / output unit (130) connected to the microprocessor unit (140) for inputting various kinds of information related to ordering and payment in which a lighting device is built so as to be distinguishable even in a dark environment; A display unit 120 connected to the microprocessor unit 140 and equipped with a backlight for displaying service provision details, customer order details, and information for payment processing; An optical sensor (110) connected to the display unit (120) and the input / output unit (130) and measuring an amount of ambient light to adjust the brightness of the display unit and the input / output unit; An RFID reader 160 or barcode reader 150 to identify the ordering customer and order menu; And a power supply unit 170 connected to the wireless communication unit 180 and the microprocessor unit 140 for supplying power.

The input / output unit 130 has a built-in lighting device to be distinguishable even in a dark environment. The input / output unit 130 may be a key input unit, a touch pad, a haptic device, or the like as an arbitrary device capable of inputting numbers or letters.

The wireless ordering terminal 10 adjusts the backlight brightness of the display unit 120 by recognizing the amount of ambient light, and also adjusts the illumination of the input / output unit 130 by recognizing the amount of ambient light to reduce power. 180) is activated only in the final order, and returns to the standby mode after short-term wireless communication, and monitors the power status in real time to display the power status and to display the battery charging and replacement time. In order to increase the responsiveness that can be immediately used when necessary, the microprocessor unit 140 is kept in a standby state and activated when necessary, and the wireless communication unit 180 is required to maintain a standby state after wireless connection with the host controller 20. Send information immediately upon arrival.

The wireless ordering terminal has a built-in RFID reader 160 or barcode reader 150 for orderer identification and order item identification to minimize errors due to manual input by the user.

The RFID reader 160 and the barcode reader 150 may be selectively mounted or both may be mounted. In order to automatically enter a customer's order, RFID or barcode should be printed on the menu board.

The power supply unit 170 may be implemented as a battery or a rechargeable battery to facilitate the portable ordering device.

The operation of the wireless order terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, the wireless order terminal 10 displays and maintains an input standby state by changing the microprocessor unit 140 from a standby state to an operating state when a user requests it. The ordering destination (customer table number) is identified and received in one or more ways of the keypad, the RFID reader 160 and the barcode reader 150 (S1). If the customer number is entered, the order proceeds to the order content (order menu) input mode, and then receives the order number in one or more ways of the pad, the RFID reader 160 and the barcode reader (S2). When the input of the order contents is completed, the order quantity input mode is performed, and the quantity is input by the keypad (S3). Steps S2 and S3 may be repeated several times until the completion button is pressed after entering the order quantity. When the order process is completed, the order complete button is pressed (S4), and data is transmitted to the host controller 30 by using the transmit button (S5). In order to modify the order content in the order number input step (S2) to repeat the existing order content items, and then enter the order quantity modified in the order quantity input step (S3). In order to cancel the order contents, the existing order contents items are repeatedly entered in the order number input step (S2), and the quantity is input as 0 in the order quantity input step (S3). The confirmation button and scroll button can be used to check the entire order. After pressing the customer number and pressing the send button, the customer's order is sent to the host controller and the wireless information terminal.

Referring to FIG. 5, the host controller 20 includes a central information processing unit interface unit 230 for connecting to the central information processing unit; A power supply unit 240 receiving power from the input / output port of the central information processing unit to supply power to the entire host controller; A wireless communication unit 210 communicating with the wireless ordering terminal and the wireless information terminal; And a microprocessor unit 220 for overall data processing and control.

The host controller 20 supports the UART, RS-232, USB, etc., which are standard interfaces with the central information processor 40, so that the host controller 20 can communicate with the central information processor 40 without any dedicated equipment. The host controller 20 is a multi-access technology is combined to enable two-way communication with a plurality of wireless ordering terminal 10 wirelessly.

Label output function that can be attached to the order terminal when the order item is updated to the existing order system of the central information processing unit 40 using the software provided with the host controller 20, the wireless order terminal 10 when the order item updates Additional functions such as the ability to upgrade the terminal SW by wired connection with a wire and a call function to call individual terminals to find the terminal location can be added.

The host controller may include a label output unit attachable to the order terminal when the order item is updated; And an additional SW relating to a wireless caller that calls an individual wireless ordering terminal to locate the wireless ordering terminal.

Referring to FIG. 6, the host controller 20 operates in a standby mode for power saving until an order is received and order related information is received from the wireless order terminal (S51). When the order data is received from the wireless ordering terminal, the type of data is determined and transmitted to the central information processing unit 40 (S52 and S53), and the order details are confirmed by the central information processing unit 40 according to the received data type. To the wireless information terminal of the kitchen and hall side (S54). Since the host controller 20 uses the standard central information processor interface 230, it can be easily applied to the existing system with minimal changes. Therefore, the store management apparatus of the present invention has excellent system adaptability, thereby minimizing the cost for adding a wireless ordering function.

Referring to FIG. 7, the wireless information terminal 30 includes a wireless communication unit 310 which wirelessly transmits and receives information in both directions with the host controller; A microprocessor unit (MCU) for processing information received from the host controller and controlling the operation of each component of the wireless information terminal; A first signal converting unit 330 which is converted into a general monitor signal under the control of the microprocessor unit and transmitted to a kitchen display unit; A second signal converter 360 which is controlled by the microprocessor unit and converts the signal into a general monitor signal and transmits it to the hall display unit; The kitchen input and output port 350 connected to the microprocessor unit, and receives the order-related information from the first signal converting unit 330, and after the completion of the order for the kitchen for transmitting the completion contents to the host controller A display unit 380; Hall for input and output port 370 connected to the microprocessor unit, receiving the order-related information from the second signal conversion unit 360, and displays the processed order content and order destination A display unit 390; And a power supply unit 340 for supplying power. The power supply unit 340 is implemented as a battery or a rechargeable battery to improve the portability of the wireless sleeping terminal.

The wireless information terminal 30 has a built-in signal conversion unit that can be easily connected to the general-purpose display, excellent in versatility, and the display unit is divided into kitchen and hall according to the purpose. The kitchen display unit 380 displays the order number and the order contents. When the processing of the order is completed, the completion content is transmitted to the host controller 20 using the kitchen input / output port 350. The kitchen input / output port 350 supports a waterproof function and is configured in the form of a large button that can be easily touched. On the other hand, the hall display unit 390 displays the processed order content and the order destination. When the user checks the order contents and the order table (customer table) to pick up the ordered product (order food), the host controller 20 is notified of the pickup fact using the hall input / output port 370. The hall display unit 390 displays a table number, and the user in charge of the hall serves the cooked food after checking the table number.

Referring to FIG. 8, the wireless information terminal 30 is prepared in a normal reception standby state (S71) and is activated when data is received (S72). Information received from the host controller 20 is displayed on the kitchen display unit 380 (S73). When the processing of the order is completed and the user uses the kitchen input and output port 350 (S74), when the completion signal is sent to the host controller 20 transmits the corresponding content (S75). After checking the host controller 20, the corresponding content is displayed on the hall display unit 390 (S76). After the user completes the pickup of the order product, the hall input / output port 370 is used (S77) to transmit a completion signal, and the hall completion data is transmitted to the host controller 20 (S78). The hall input / output port 370 may insert a ring tone so that the user can recognize it.

When a customer makes a payment, he / she can calculate the table number immediately after checking the table number by wireless communication with the counter using a wireless ordering terminal carried by the user (for example, a hall serving employee), so that payment can be made immediately without waiting for manual input. have.

The store management apparatus of the present invention may be implemented to collectively manage the management of the sales of the store, the attendance of the employee, the management of procurement of food materials and the like by modifying the program. In addition, it may be implemented to be managed in connection with the main office or other related stores via the Internet.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, these are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above description mainly described with respect to the store management in a restaurant, such a store management device may be used in beauty salons, skin care rooms, hospitals, etc. in addition to restaurants.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a store management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a store management apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention,

3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless ordering terminal of the store management apparatus;

4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless ordering terminal;

5 is a schematic block diagram of a host controller of the store management apparatus;

6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the host controller;

7 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless information terminal of the store management apparatus;

8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless information terminal.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

10: wireless order terminal 20: wireless information terminal

30: host controller 40: central information processing unit

110: light sensor 120: display unit

130: input and output unit 140: microprocessor unit

150: barcode reader 160: RFID reader

170: power supply unit 180: wireless communication unit

210: wireless communication unit 220: microprocessor unit

230: central information processing unit interface 240: power supply unit

310: wireless communication unit320: microprocessor unit

330: first signal conversion unit 340: power supply unit

350: input / output port for kitchen 360: second signal conversion unit

370: input / output port for the hall 380: kitchen display unit

390: hall display unit

Claims (7)

A central information processing unit mounted with a control program for controlling the overall operation of the system and wireless communication between each component; A host controller connected to the central information processing unit, transmitting order related information received from each wireless ordering terminal to a central information processing unit, and transmitting the corresponding information to the wireless information terminal according to a control signal of the central information processing unit; A wireless ordering terminal which bidirectionally communicates with the host controller, stores, displays, and transmits the order contents input by the user to the host controller and the wireless information terminal; And a wireless information terminal having an input / output device, displaying customer order information sent from the host controller to a worker, and transmitting contact information of the worker to the wireless ordering terminal or the singer host controller. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless order terminal A microprocessor unit which collectively controls and controls all information from the central information processing unit and the wireless information terminal; A wireless communication unit connected to the microprocessor unit and wirelessly communicating with the central information processing unit and the wireless information terminal; An input / output unit connected to the microprocessor unit and configured to input various types of information related to ordering and payment in which a lighting device is built so as to be distinguishable even in a dark environment; A display unit connected to the microprocessor unit and equipped with a backlight for displaying service provision details, customer order details, and information for payment processing; An optical sensor connected to the display unit and the input / output unit and configured to measure an amount of ambient light to adjust the brightness of the display unit and the input / output unit; An RFID reader or barcode reader attached to the menu board to identify the ordering customer and the ordering menu; And And a power supply unit connected to the wireless communication unit and the microprocessor unit and configured to be chargeable. According to claim 1, The wireless ordering terminal is normally in the standby mode is activated only when the customer's final order, and after a short time wireless communication returns to the standby mode, and monitors the power status in real time to display the power status And Store management device characterized in that it is implemented to display the battery charging and replacement time. The method of claim 1, wherein the host controller is A central information processing unit interface unit for connecting with the central information processing unit; A power supply unit receiving power from an input / output port of the central information processing unit to supply power to the entire host controller; A wireless communication unit communicating with the wireless ordering terminal and the wireless information terminal; And A store management device comprising a microprocessor unit for overall data processing and control. The method of claim 4, wherein the host controller Label output unit that can be attached to the order terminal when the order item updates; And And a wireless calling unit for calling an individual wireless ordering terminal to locate a wireless ordering terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless information terminal A wireless communication unit which wirelessly transmits and receives information in both directions with the host controller; A microprocessor unit for processing information received from the host controller and controlling the operation of each component of the wireless information terminal; A first signal converter converting the general monitor signal into a kitchen display unit under the control of the microprocessor unit; A second signal converter converting the general monitor signal under the control of the microprocessor unit and transmitting the converted signal to a hall display unit; A kitchen display unit having a kitchen input / output port connected to the microprocessor unit, receiving and displaying order related information from the first signal converting unit, and transmitting the completed contents to the host controller after processing of the order; A hall display unit having an input / output port for a hole connected to the microprocessor unit, receiving and displaying order-related information from the second signal conversion unit, and displaying a processed order content and an order destination; And Store management apparatus comprising a power supply for supplying power. According to claim 1, wherein the store management device And a wireless customer terminal for allowing a customer to communicate wirelessly with the wireless ordering terminal and the wireless information terminal.

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