Electronic register

Abstract

A register terminal is connected through a communications link to a kitchen video controller. The register terminal receives setting data for display control functions, and picture formats for the kitchen video controller display. The register terminal provides setting destination information related to the product item selected by a purchaser, and sets a display number on the kitchen video controller in response to the destination information. A customer's order is searched at the register terminal, for product items related to the destination information. Display data is forwarded to the kitchen video controller which displays the information to personnel servicing the order, following which the customer's orders can be erased. In one particular display mode, the controller can display the average sales numbers for specified product items, and for a given time range which includes a present time as well as immediately preceding and immediately time ranges for the day.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic register comprising:

a) a register terminal;

b) a kitchen video controller having one or more display devices;

c) data communication means connecting the register terminal and the kitchen video controller for providing data communication between the register terminal and the kitchen video controller; and

said register terminal comprising:

a1) means for receiving setting data of display control functions and indicated picture formats corresponding to the display devices of the kitchen video controller, and for transmitting the setting data to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller;

a2) means for setting destination information related to each product item, and for setting a display number of the kitchen video controller in response to the destination information; and

a3) means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by determining a correspondence among the destination information and the display devices, and for transmitting display data representative of the registered product items to the kitchen video controller;

wherein the kitchen video controller comprises:

b1) means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated on the display devices in indicated picture formats designated by the setting data;

b2) monitor control switches corresponding to the display devices respectively:

b3) means for erasing customer's orders from pictures on the display devices in response to actuation of the monitor control switches; and

b4) means for selecting the display control function and the indicated picture format in response to the setting data transmitted from the register terminal for each of the display devices wherein the register terminal further comprises a clock; means for selecting an item registered number contradistinction function as a display control function by the kitchen video controller; means for setting specified product items to be indicated by the item registered number contradistinction function; means for setting time range division data for indicating the item registered number contradistinction function in a manner divided into time ranges; means for transmitting setting data representative of the item registered number contradistinction function, the specified product items, and the time range division to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for collecting sales data of respective product items for each day of the week and each of the time ranges over past several weeks in an everyday exactly calculating process in the register terminal; means for generating a data base from the collected sales data; means for calculating average sales numbers of respective product items from the data base for the day of the week and for each of the time ranges; means for transmitting information of the calculated average sales numbers to the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting registered product item data and moments of registration of product items to the kitchen video controller during registration of a customer's order in the register terminal; and

wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises a clock; and means for enabling the average sales numbers and one days registered numbers to be indicated in a contradistinctive manner for the specified product items and the time range containing the present time and immediately-preceding and immediately-following time ranges of the day.

2. An electronic register as recited in claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting a segment division number of an indicated picture of a list of plural customer's orders as the indicated picture format in the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the segment division number to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for setting display segments of the display devices in response to the setting data of the segment division number transmitted from the register terminal; means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated on the display segments of the display devices; means for deciding whether or not a customer's order is of an overflow type having a quantity exceeding a capacity of one display segment; means for enabling the overflow-type customers order to be indicated over at least two successive display segments; means for indicating a given message on one of the two successive display segments, the given message representing the related customer's order is of the overflow type; and means for allowing an overflow-type customer's order to be erased from pictures on the display devices in response to actuation of the monitor control switches only in cases where the whole of the overflow-type customer's order is indicated.

3. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for designating one of an even segment-division indication format for indicating a list of customer's orders and an uneven segment-division indication format for indicating customer's orders in a condensed manner; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the designated indication format to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and wherein the kitchen Video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated on the display device in the designated indication format represented by the setting data.

4. An electronic register according to claim 1, further comprising a keyboard; an order-type inputting key provided on the keyboard; means for designating a type of a, customer's order registered in the register terminal in response to operation of the order-type inputting key, the customer's order type being one of different types including an eat-in type and a take-out type; means for setting a position of an indicated area of a customer's order in the kitchen video controller by the type of the customer's order; means for transmitting setting data representative of the indicated area to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for enabling a customer's order registered in the register terminal to be indicated in an indicated area of the display device of the kitchen video controller which is determined by the type of the customer's order.

5. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for storing information of a preset terminal identification number; means for adding the terminal identification number to a customer's order registered in the register terminal; means for setting a position of an indicated area of a customer's order in the kitchen video controller by the terminal identification number of the customer's order; means for transmitting setting data representative of the indicated area to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for enabling a customer's order registered in the register terminal to be indicated in an indicated area of the display device of the kitchen video controller which is determined by the terminal identification number of the customer's order.

6. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises an end key; means for selecting and designating a timing of transmission of a registered customer's order to the kitchen video controller from among a corresponding transmission timing upon registration of each item in the customer's order, and a timing corresponding to operation of the end key; means for transmitting setting data representative of the transmission timing to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting untransmitted order data to the kitchen video controller in response to key operation corresponding to each transmission timing by referring to the transmission timing setting data in cases where registration of each item occurs and operation of the end key is done in the register terminal; whereby a transmission timing of a registered customers order to the kitchen video controller is selected and designated from among a timing corresponding to transmission upon registration of each item in the customer's order and a timing corresponding to operation of the end key.

7. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting a tandem mode as a display control function provided by the kitchen video controller, the tandem being designed to unite pictures on the display devices; means for transmitting setting data representative of the tandem mode to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for sewing destination information and a display identification number with respect to each product item, the display identification number corresponding to the tandem mode of the kitchen video controller and responding to the destination information; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for, in cases where a picture on one of the display devices is fully filled with display data during indication of display data transmitted from register terminal in the tandem mode, enabling remaining display data to be indicated on another of the display devices; and means for erasing customer's orders from pictures on display devices in response to operation of the monitor control switches; whereby pictures on the display devices are united to serve as an enlarged picture on a single display device.

8. An electronic register according to claim 1, further comprising means for separating a picture on each display device into an order list indication picture for indicating a list of customer's orders and a summary item indication picture for indicating numbers of specified product items in all customer's orders which have been received from the register terminal; means provided in the register terminal for setting the specified product items; means provided in the register terminal for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating a function provided by the kitchen video controller; means provided in the kitchen video controller for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on the display device to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in an alphabetic sequence; means for decrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device in response to operation of the monitor control switch; and means for incrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a new customer's order is transmitted from the register terminal.

9. An electronic register according to claim 1, further comprising means for separating a picture on each display device into an order list indication picture for indicating a list of customer's orders and a summary item indication picture for indicating numbers of specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal; means provided in the register terminal for setting the specified product items and an indication sequence of the specified product items; means provided in the register terminal transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items and the indicator sequence to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; means provided in the kitchen video controller for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been received by the register terminal; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on the display device to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in the indication sequence represented by the setting data; means for decrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device in response to operation of the monitor control switch; and means for incrementing the indicated nu members of the specified product items when a new customer's order is transmitted from the register terminal.

10. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the monitor control switch of the kitchen video controller comprises a picture change switch; wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting specified product items to be indicated in a summary item indication picture in the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal in response to operation of the picture change key; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on the display device to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in an alphabetical sequence or a given indication sequence in response to operation of the picture change key; and means for replacing the summary item indication picture on the display device by the order item indication picture in response to next operation of the picture change key.

11. An electronic register as recited in claim 1, wherein the monitor control switch of the kitchen video controller comprises a picture change switch; wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting specified product items to be indicated in a summary item indication picture in the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal in response to operation of the picture change key; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on one of the display devices to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in an alphabetical sequence or a given indication sequence in response to operation of the picture change key; means for replacing the summary item indication picture on the display device by the order item indication picture in response to a subsequent operation of the picture change key; means for decrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device in response to operation of the monitor control switch; and means for incrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a new customer's order is transmitted from the register terminal.

12. An electronic register according to claim 8, wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for inhibiting a specified product item having a calculated number of 0 from being indicated while providing an indicating area therefor; means for allowing names and calculated numbers of specified product items having calculated numbers different from 0 to be indicated in the alphabetical sequence or the given indication sequence; and means for providing a blinked indication or a reverse indication of one of a name a calculated number of a specified product item which changes in calculated number or increases from 0 in calculated number in response to erasion of a customer's order from the indication or transmission of a new customer's order from the register terminal.

13. An electronic register according to claim 8, wherein the kitchen video controller further includes means for inhibiting a specified product item having a calculated number of 0 from being indicated; means for allowing names and calculated numbers of specified product items having calculated numbers different from 0 to be indicated in the alphabetical sequence or the given indication sequence without spaces provided therebetween; means for providing a blinking indication or a reverse indication of a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which changes in calculated number, or decreases to 0 in calculated number, in response to erasure of a customer's order from the indication or transmission of a new customer's order from the register terminal; means for indicating a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which increases from 0 in calculated number in a display area following display areas of currently indicated specified product items; and means for providing a blinked indication or a reverse indication of one of a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which increases from 0 in calculated number in response to erasion of a customer's order from the indication or transmission of a new customer's order from the register terminal.

14. An electronic register according claim 1, wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises confirmation sound generators corresponding to the display devices respectively; wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting a present, and an absence of a confirmation sound related to reception of a customer's order from the register terminal as a control function provided by the kitchen video controller; means for transmitting setting data representative of the confirmation sound generation to the kitchen video controller to set control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for, upon reception of each customer's order from the register terminal, setting the display device to indicate the customer's order in cases where the presence of the confirmation sound is set; and means for enabling the confirmation sound generator to generate the confirmation sound upon reception of each customer's order.

15. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for selecting and designating a presence and an absence of indication of a total price of a customer's order as an indicated picture format in the kitchen video controller for each of the display devices; means for transmitting setting data representative of the total price indication to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by a relationship between the destination information and the display devices, and means for adding information of a total price of a customer's order to the registered product items and transmitting display data representative of the order total price and the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be indicated on the display device; means for enabling designated the product items and the order total price to be indicated on the display device; and means for enabling the product items to be indicated on the display device and inhibiting the order total price from being indicated on the display device for which the absence of an indication of the order total price is designated.

16. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for selecting and designating a presence and an absence of an indication of information of a person in charge of registration of a customer's order together with an indication of the customer's order; means for transmitting setting data representative of the person-in-charge indication to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number from a relationship between the destination information and the display devices, and means for adding person-in-charge information to the registered product items and transmitting display data representative of the person-in-charge information and the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be indicated on the display device; and means for enabling the product items and the person-in-charge information to be indicated on the display device for which the presence of indication of the person-in-charge information is designated.

17. An electronic register according to claim 1, wherein the register terminal further comprises means for selecting and designating an indication sequence of product items in a customer's order in an indication format of each customer's order in pictures on the display devices of the kitchen video controller from among an indication sequence corresponding to a sequence of reception of the product items and an indication sequence determined by indication priority numbers transmitted together with the product items; means for transmitting setting data representative of the indication sequence to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for setting display priority numbers, destination information, and display identification numbers corresponding to the destination information for each product item, the display priority numbers controlling an item indication sequence in each customer's order in pictures in the kitchen video controller; means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by referring a correspondence relation among the destination information and the display devices, and means for adding information of the display priority numbers to the registered product items; means for transmitting display data representative of the priority information and the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for rearranging product items In a customer's order into an item indication sequence based on the priority information regarding display data transmitted from the register terminal; and means for enabling product items in a customer's order to be indicated on the display device in the priority-based item indication sequence.

18. An electronic register according to claim 1, further comprising a keyboard provided in the register terminal; a serve key provided on the keyboard; and means for erasing a customer's order from a picture on the display device in response to operation of the serve key.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to an electronic register. This invention specifically relates to a system for a restaurant such as a fast-food restaurant which includes a register terminal for registering a customer's order, a device for transmitting information of the customer's order from the register terminal to a kitchen, and a display device for visualizing the information of the customer's order in the kitchen.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,097 corresponding to Japanese published unexamined patent application 5-151467 discloses a customer order processing system which includes a register terminal for registering customer's orders. The customer's orders are sequentially transmitted to a kitchen video controller. The customer's orders are sequentially indicated on a display device of the kitchen video controller. In the customer order processing system disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,097, upon completion of preparation for a customer's order by a person in charge, the indication of that customer's order on the display device of the kitchen video controller is erased by manipulating a control switch. A time length between the reception of the customer's order and the erasure thereof is measured and stored as service time data in the kitchen video controller. The register terminal totalizes the service time data transmitted from the kitchen video controller to issue a management report.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved electronic register.

A first aspect of this invention provides an electronic register comprising a) a register terminal; b) a kitchen video controller having one or more display devices; and c) data communication means connecting the register terminal and the kitchen video controller for providing data communication between the register terminal and the kitchen video controller; wherein the register terminal comprises a1) means for receiving setting data of display control functions and indicated picture formats corresponding to the display devices of the kitchen video controller, and for transmitting the setting data to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; a2) means for setting destination information related to each product item, and for setting a display number of the kitchen video controller in response to the destination information; and a3) means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by referring a correspondence relation among the destination information and the display devices, and for transmitting display data representative of the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller comprises b1) means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated on the display devices in indicated picture formats designated by the setting data; b2) monitor control switches corresponding to the display devices respectively; b3) means for erasing customer's orders from pictures on the display devices in response to actuation of the monitor control switches; and b4) means for selecting the display control function and the indicated picture format in response to the setting data transmitted from the register terminal for each of the display devices.

A second aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting a segment division number of an indicated picture of a list of plural customer's orders as the indicated picture format in the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the segment division number to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for setting display segments of the display devices in response to the setting data of the segment division number transmitted from the register terminal; means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated on the display segments of the display devices; means for deciding whether or not a customer's order is of an overflow type having a quantity exceeding a capacity of one display segment; means for enabling the overflow-type customer's order to be indicated over at least two successive display segments; means for indicating a given message on one of the two successive display segments, the given message representing the related customer's order is of the overflow type; and means for allowing an overflow-type customer's order to be erased from pictures on the display devices in response to actuation of the monitor control switches only in cases where the whole of the overflow-type customer's order is indicated.

A third aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for designating one of an even segment-division indication format for indicating a list of customer's orders and an uneven segment-division indication format for indicating customer's orders in a condensed manner; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the designated indication format to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated on the display device in the designated indication format represented by the setting data.

A fourth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising a keyboard; an order-type inputting key provided on the keyboard; means for designating a type of a customer's order registered in the register terminal in response to operation of the order-type inputting key, the customer's order type being one of different types including an eat-in type and a take-out type; means for implementing setting such that a position of an indicated area of a customer's order in the kitchen video controller is determined by the type of the customer's order; means for transmitting setting data representative of the indicated area to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for enabling a customer's order registered in the register terminal to be indicated in an indicated area of the display device of the kitchen video controller which is determined by the type of the customer's order.

A fifth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for storing information of a preset terminal identification number; means for adding the terminal identification number to a customer's order registered in the register terminal; means for implementing setting such that a position of an indicated area of a customer's order in the kitchen video controller is determined by the terminal identification number of the customer's order; means for transmitting setting data representative of the indicated area to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for enabling a customer's order registered in the register terminal to be indicated in an indicated area of the display device of the kitchen video controller which is determined by the terminal identification number of the customer's order.

A sixth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises an end key; means for selecting and designating a timing of transmission of a registered customer's order to the kitchen video controller from among a timing corresponding to transmission upon registration of each item in the customer's order and a timing corresponding to operation of the end key; means for transmitting setting data representative of the transmission timing to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting untransmitted order data to the kitchen video controller in response to key operation corresponding to each transmission timing by referring to the transmission timing setting data in cases where registration of each item is done and operation of the end key is done in the register terminal; whereby a timing of transmission of a registered customer's order to the kitchen video controller is selected and designated from among a timing corresponding to transmission upon registration of each item in the customer's order and a timing corresponding to operation of the end key.

A seventh aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting a tandem mode as a display control function provided by the kitchen video controller, the tandem mode being designed to unite pictures on the display devices; means for transmitting setting data representative of the tandem mode to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and means for setting destination information and a display identification number with respect to each product item, the display identification number corresponding to the tandem mode of the kitchen video controller and responding to the destination information; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for, in cases where a picture on one of the display devices is fully filled with display data during indication of display data transmitted from register terminal in the tandem mode, enabling remaining display data to be indicated on another of the display devices; and means for erasing customer's orders from pictures on display devices in response to operation of the monitor control switches; whereby pictures on the display devices are united to serve as an enlarged picture on a single display device.

An eighth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising means for separating a picture on each display device into an order list indication picture for indicating a list of customer's orders and a summary item indication picture for indicating numbers of specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal; means provided in the register terminal for setting the specified product items; means provided in the register terminal for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; means provided in the kitchen video controller for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on the display device to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in an alphabetical sequence; means for decrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device in response to operation of the monitor control switch; and

means for incrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a new customer's order is transmitted from the register terminal.

A ninth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising means for separating a picture on each display device into an order list indication picture for indicating a list of customer's orders and a summary item indication picture for indicating numbers of specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal; means provided in the register terminal for setting the specified product items and an indication sequence of the specified product items; means provided in the register terminal for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items and the indication sequence to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; means provided in the kitchen video controller for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on the display device to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in the indication sequence represented by the setting data; means for decrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device in response to operation of the monitor control switch; and means for incrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a new customer's order is transmitted from the register terminal.

A tenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the monitor control switch of the kitchen video controller comprises a picture change switch; wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting specified product items to be indicated in a summary item indication picture in the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal in response to operation of the picture change key; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on the display device to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in an alphabetical sequence or a given indication sequence in response to operation of the picture change key; and means for replacing the summary item indication picture on the display device by the order item indication picture in response to next operation of the picture change key.

An eleventh aspect of this invention is based on the seventh aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the monitor control switch of the kitchen video controller comprises a picture change switch; wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting specified product items to be indicated in a summary item indication picture in the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting setting data representative of the specified product items to the kitchen video controller to set a summary item indicating function provided by the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be sequentially indicated in a summary item indication picture on the display device; means for counting and calculating numbers of the specified product items in all customer's orders which have been informed by the register terminal in response to operation of the picture change key; means for enabling a summary item indication picture on one of the display devices to indicate the calculated numbers of the specified product items in an alphabetical sequence or a given indication sequence in response to operation of the picture change key; means for replacing the summary item indication picture on the display device by the order item indication picture in response to next operation of the picture change key; means for decrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device in response to operation of the monitor control switch; and means for incrementing the indicated numbers of the specified product items when a new customer's order is transmitted from the register terminal.

A twelfth aspect of this invention is based on the eighth aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for inhibiting a specified product item having a calculated number of 0 from being indicated while providing an indicating area therefor; means for allowing names and calculated numbers of specified product items having calculated numbers different from 0 to be indicated in the alphabetical sequence or the given indication sequence; and means for providing a blinked indication or a reverse indication of one of a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which changes in calculated number or increases from 0 in calculated number in response to erasion of a customer's order from the indication or transmission of a new customer's order from the register terminal.

A thirteenth aspect of this invention is based on the ninth aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for inhibiting a specified product item having a calculated number of 0 from being indicated, means for allowing names and calculated numbers of specified product items having calculated numbers different from 0 to be indicated in the alphabetical sequence or the given indication sequence without spaces provided therebetween; means for providing a blinked indication or a reverse indication of one of a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which changes in calculated number or decreases to 0 in calculated number in response to erasion of a customer's order from the indication or transmission of a new customer's order from the register terminal; means for indicating a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which increases from 0 in calculated number in a display area following display areas of currently indicated specified product items; and means for providing a blinked indication or a reverse indication of one of a name and a calculated number of a specified product item which increases from 0 in calculated number in response to erasion of a customer's order from the indication or transmission of a new customer's order from the register terminal.

A fourteenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises confirmation sound generators corresponding to the display devices respectively; wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting a present and an absence of generation of confirmation sound related to reception of a customer's order from the register terminal as a control function provided by the kitchen video controller; means for transmitting setting data representative of the confirmation sound generation to the kitchen video controller to set control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for, upon reception of each customer's order from the register terminal, deciding the display device to indicate the customer's order in cases where the presence of generation of the confirmation sound is set; and means for enabling the confirmation sound generator corresponding to the decided display device to generate the confirmation sound upon reception of each customer's order.

A fifteenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for selecting and designating a presence and an absence of indication of a total price of a customer's order as an indicated picture format in the kitchen video controller for each of the display devices; means for transmitting setting data representative of the total price indication to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by referring a correspondence relation among the destination information and the display devices, and means for adding information of a total price of a customer's order to the registered product items and transmitting display data representative of the order total price and the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be indicated on the display device; means for enabling the product items and the order total price to be indicated on the display device for which the presence of indication of the order total price is designated; and means for enabling the product items to be indicated on the display device and inhibiting the order total price from being indicated on the display device for which the absence of indication of the order total price is designated.

A sixteenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for selecting and designating a presence and an absence of indication of information of a person in charge of registration of a customer's order together with indication of the customer's order; means for transmitting setting data representative of the person-in-charge indication to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by referring a correspondence relation among the destination information and the display devices, and means for adding person-in-charge information to the registered product items and transmitting display data representative of the person-in charge information and the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for enabling the display data transmitted from the register terminal to be indicated on the display device; and means for enabling the product items and the person-in-charge information to be indicated on the display device for which the presence of indication of the person-in-charge information is designated.

A seventeenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for selecting and designating an indication sequence of product items in a customer's order in an indication format of each customer's order in pictures on the display devices of the kitchen video controller from among an indication sequence corresponding to a sequence of reception of the product items and an indication sequence determined by indication priority numbers transmitted together with the product items; means for transmitting setting data representative of the indication sequence to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for setting display priority numbers, destination information, and display identification numbers corresponding to the destination information for each product item, the display priority numbers being for controlling an item indication sequence in each customer's order in pictures in the kitchen video controller; means for searching a customer's order, which is registered in the register terminal, for registered product items related to the destination information corresponding to each display number by referring a correspondence relation among the destination information and the display devices, and means for adding information of the display priority numbers to the registered product items; means for transmitting display data representative of the priority information and the registered product items to the kitchen video controller; wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for rearranging product items in a customer's order into an item indication sequence based on the priority information regarding display data transmitted from the register terminal; and means for enabling product items in a customer's order to be indicated on the display device in the priority-based item indication sequence.

An eighteenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising a keyboard provided in the register terminal; a serve key provided on the keyboard; and means for erasing a customer's order from a picture on the display device in response to operation of the serve key.

A nineteenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises a clock; means for selecting an item registered number contradistinction function as a display control function by the kitchen video controller; means for setting specified product items to be indicated by the item registered number contradistinction function; means for setting time range division data for indicating the item registered number contradistinction function in a manner divided into time ranges; means for transmitting setting data representative of the item registered number contradistinction function, the specified product items, and the time range division to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for collecting sales data of respective product items for each day of the week and each of the time ranges over past several weeks in an everyday exactly calculating process in the register terminal; means for generating a data base from the collected sales data; means for calculating average sales numbers of respective product items from the data base for the day of the week and for each of the time ranges; means for transmitting information of the calculated average sales numbers to the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting registered product item data and moments of registration of product items to the kitchen video controller during registration of a customer's order in the register terminal; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises a clock; and means for enabling the average sales numbers and today's registered numbers to be indicated in a contradistinctive manner for the specified product items and the time range containing the present time and immediately-preceding and immediately-following time ranges of the day of the week.

A twentieth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises a clock; means for setting product material names in a product material file; means for setting product material identification numbers and numbers of members thereof in a registered item menu file; means for selecting a product material registered number contradistinction function as a display control function by the kitchen video controller; means for setting specified product materials to be indicated by the product material registered number contradistinction function; means for setting time range division data for indicating the product material registered number contradistinction function in a manner divided into time ranges; means for transmitting setting data representative of the product material registered number contradistinction function, the specified product materials, and the time range division to the kitchen video controller to set display control functions provided by the kitchen video controller; means for collecting sales data of respective product materials for each day of the week and each of the time ranges over past several weeks in an everyday exactly calculating process in the register terminal; means for generating a data base from the collected sales data; means for calculating average sales numbers of respective product materials from the data base for the day of the week and for each of the time ranges; means for transmitting information of the calculated average sales numbers to the kitchen video controller; and means for transmitting registered product material data and moments of registration of product materials to the kitchen video controller during registration of a customer's order in the register terminal; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises a clock; and means for enabling the average sales numbers and today's registered numbers to be indicated in a contradistinctive manner for the specified product materials and the time range containing the present time and immediately-preceding and immediately following time ranges of the day of the week.

A twenty-first aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register wherein the register terminal further comprises means for setting product material names and unit numbers in the product material file, the unit numbers serving as constants of unit conversion; and means for setting product material identification numbers and numbers of members thereof in the registered item menu file; and wherein the kitchen video controller further comprises means for indicating a value equal to a registered number divided by a unit number for a product material related to a set unit number in the contradistinctive indication of the average sales numbers and today's registered numbers for the specified product materials and the time range containing the present time and immediately-preceding and immediately-following time ranges of the day of the week.

A twenty-second aspect of this invention is based on the nineteenth aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising a product comparison key on the monitor control switch in the register terminal; and means for enabling later one of the display devices to indicate a contradistinctive picture in response to operation of the product comparison key.

A twenty-third aspect of this invention is based on the seventh aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising an order recall display buffer provided in the kitchen video controller; an order recall key provided on the monitor control switch; an order erasion key provided on the monitor control switch; means for storing current display information of a customer's order into the order recall display buffer in a fast-in fast-out manner and erasing the customer's order from a picture on the display device in response to operation of the order erasion key; and means for transmitting the contents of the order recall display buffer to a later one of the display devices and enabling erased customer's orders to be recalled and indicated on the display device.

A twenty-fourth aspect of this invention is based on the seventh aspect thereof, and provides an electronic register further comprising an order look key provided on the monitor control switch; a received data buffer storing order data transmitted from the register terminal; and means for transmitting a portion of the order data in the received data buffer, which overflows from a display data capacity of the display devices and which waits to be indicated, to a later one of the display devices and enabling the overflow portion of the order data to be indicated on the display device.

A twenty-fifth aspect of this invention provides an apparatus comprising a register terminal for registering a customer's order having product items containing a product item of a first type and a product item of a second type, and for generating information of the product item of the first type in the registered customer's order and information of the product item of the second type in the registered customer's order; a first display device connected to the register terminal; a second display device connected to the register terminal; means for storing predetermined assignment information representing that a product item of the first type and a product item of the second type are assigned to the first display device and the second display device respectively; means for transmitting the information of the product item of the first type in the registered customer's order from the register terminal to the first display device in response to the predetermined assignment information; means for transmitting the information of the product item of the second type in the registered customer's order from the register terminal to the second display device in response to the predetermined assignment information; wherein the first display device visualizes the information of the product item of the first type in a controllable visualization format; the second display device visualizes the information of the product item of the second type in a controllable visualization format; the register terminal comprises means for generating first data representing a setting visualization format related to the first display device and second data representing a setting visualization format related to the second display device; and means for transmitting the first data from the register terminal to the first display device; means for transmitting the second data from the register terminal to the second display device; means for controlling the visualization format in the first display device in response to the first data; and means for controlling the visualization format in the second display device in response to the second data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic register according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a register terminal in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mode switch in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a kitchen video controller and associated devices in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a monitor control switch in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the register terminal of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the register terminal in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a PLU item setting file in the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a setting file of display device ID numbers in the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the register terminal of FIG. 2 which operates in a setting mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a picture of a kitchen video setting menu which is indicated on the display device in the register terminal of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the register terminal in FIG. 2 which is designed to provide the PLU item setting file in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the register terminal in FIG. 2 which is designed to set ID numbers of display devices in the kitchen video controller of FIG. 4.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of examples of registering key operations and customer's orders in connection with the register terminal of FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an example of separation of a customer's order in response to destination flags (steer flags) in the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of separation of a customer's order in response to destination flags (steer flags) in the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to the kitchen video controller in the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller of FIG. 4.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of segment data in a display buffer provided in the kitchen video controller memory of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling the kitchen video controller in FIG. 4 which relates to display buffer control flags.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of pictures on a display device in the kitchen video controller of FIG. 4.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller of FIG. 4.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a register terminal which operates in a kitchen video setting mode according to a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in a kitchen video controller in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling the kitchen video controller which is designed to decide the structure of a display buffer in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of segment data in a display buffer provided in the kitchen video controller memory of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling the kitchen video controller which relates to display buffer control flags in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 29(a) is a diagram of a 4-segment picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 29(b) is a diagram of an 8-segment picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to a decision regarding indication of items in a customer's order in the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a register terminal which operates in a kitchen video setting mode according to a third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in a kitchen video controller in the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling the kitchen video controller which is designed to decide the structure of a display buffer in the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of segment data in a display buffer provided in the kitchen video controller memory of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling the kitchen video controller which relates to display buffer control flags in the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 37(a) is a diagram of an uneven (condensed) picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 37(b) is a diagram of another uneven (condensed) picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of a register terminal which is designed to set system flags in a fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 39(a) is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the register terminal which operates in a system flag setting mode in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 39(b) is a diagram of another picture on the display device in the register terminal which operates in the system flag setting mode in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 40 is a front view of a keyboard in the register terminal in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 41(a) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of a customer's order in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 41(b) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of another customer's order in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 42 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to a kitchen video controller in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 45 is a block diagram of an electronic register according to a fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of a register terminal which is designed to set system flags in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 47 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the register terminal which operates in a system flag setting mode in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 48 is a diagram of another picture on the display device in the register terminal which operates in the system flag setting mode in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 49(a) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of a customer's order in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 49(b) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of another customer's order in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 50 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to a kitchen video controller in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 52 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the fifth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 53 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from a register terminal to a kitchen video controller in a sixth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling the register terminal which is designed to transmit customer's order information to the kitchen video controller in the sixth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 55(a) is a diagram of an example of registering key operations and transmission timings in the sixth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 55(b) is a diagram of another example of registering key operations and transmission timings in the sixth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the sixth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 57 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the sixth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 58 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a register terminal which operates in a kitchen video setting mode according to a seventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 59 is a diagram of pictures on display devices in a kitchen video controller in the seventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 60 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the seventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 61 is a diagram of pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the seventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 62 is a diagram of pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the seventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the seventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 64 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a register terminal which operates in a setting mode in an eighth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 65 is a diagram of a picture of a kitchen video setting menu which is indicated on the display device in the register terminal in the eighth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 66 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a kitchen video controller in the eighth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 67 is a diagram of a summary item setting picture on the display device in the register terminal in the eighth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 68 is a diagram of a picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the eighth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 69 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the eighth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 70 is a diagram of the structure of a summary-picture display buffer in FIG. 69.

FIG. 71 is a diagram of a summary item setting picture on a display device in a register terminal in a ninth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 72 is a front view of a monitor control switch in the ninth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 73 is a diagram of an order list indication picture on a display device in a kitchen video controller in the ninth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 74 is a diagram of a summary item indication picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the ninth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 75 is a diagram of another summary item indication picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the ninth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 76 is a diagram of order list indication pictures on display devices in a kitchen video controller in a tenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 77 is a diagram of an order list indication picture and a summary item indication picture on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the tenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 78 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the tenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 79 is a diagram of the structure of a summary-picture display buffer in FIG. 78.

FIG. 80 is a diagram of an order list indication picture and a summary item indication picture on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the tenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 81 is a diagram of an order list indication picture and a summary item indication picture on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the tenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 82 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the tenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 83 is a diagram of the structure of a summary-picture display buffer in an eleventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 84 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a kitchen video controller in the eleventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 85 is a diagram of another picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the eleventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 86 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to a summary item indication picture in the eleventh embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 87(a) is a diagram of the structure of a summary-picture display buffer #1 in a twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 87(b) is a diagram of the structure of another summary-picture display buffer #2 in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 88 is a diagram of an order list indication picture on a display device in a kitchen video controller in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 89 is a diagram of a summary item indication picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 90(a) is a diagram of an additional customer's order in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 90(b) is a diagram of the structure of the summary-picture display buffer #2 in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 91 is a diagram of a summary item indication picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 92 is a diagram of an order list indication picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 93(a) is a diagram of the structure of the summary-picture display buffer #1 in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 93(b) is a diagram of the structure of the summary-picture display buffer #2 in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 94 is a diagram of a summary item indication picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 95 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to a summary item indication picture in the twelfth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 96 is a block diagram of a kitchen video controller and associated devices in a thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 97 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a register terminal which operates in a kitchen video setting mode in the thirteenth embodiment of this Invention.

FIG. 98 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to a kitchen video controller in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 99 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 100 is a diagram of segment data in a display buffer provided in the kitchen video controller memory of FIG. 99.

FIG. 101 is a diagram of the structure of a setting data file in the kitchen video controller memory of FIG. 99.

FIG. 102 is a diagram of a first picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 103 is a diagram of a second picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 104 is a diagram of a third picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 105 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to the generation of confirmation sound in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 106 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to picture indication in the thirteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 107 is a diagram of a PLU item setting file in a fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 108 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of a register terminal which is designed to provide the PLU item setting file in FIG. 107 according to the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 109 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to a kitchen video controller in the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 110(a) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of a customer's order in the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 110(b) is a diagram of an order file related to the customer's order registration in FIG. 110(a).

FIG. 111 (a) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of another customer's order in the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 111(b) is a diagram of an order file related to the customer's order registration in FIG. 111(a).

FIG. 112(a) is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 112(b) is a diagram of another picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 113 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the fourteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 114 is a front view of a keyboard in a register terminal in a fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 115(a) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of a customer's order in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 115(b) is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of another customer's order in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 116(a) is a diagram of a first picture on a display device in a kitchen video controller in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 116(b) is a diagram of a second picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 117(a) is a diagram of a third picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 117(b) is a diagram of a fourth picture on the display device in the kitchen video controller in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 118 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller in the fifteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 119 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in a register terminal which operates in a kitchen video setting mode in a sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 120 is a diagram of a PLU item setting file in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 121 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of a register terminal which is designed to provide the PLU item setting file in FIG. 120 according to the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 122 is a diagram of a data base file in the register terminal in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 123 is a diagram of the details of the data base file in FIG. 122.

FIG. 124 is a diagram of an average value data file in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 125 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to a kitchen video controller in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 126 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 127 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 128 is a front view of a monitor control switch in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 129 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to picture indication in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 130 is a front view of a modified monitor control switch in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 131 is a diagram of a comparison item setting picture on a display device in the register terminal in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 132 is a diagram of a time range setting picture on the display device in the register terminal in the sixteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 133 is a diagram of a product material setting file in a seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 134 is a diagram of a PLU item setting file in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 135 is a diagram of a data base file in a register terminal in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 136 is a diagram of the details of the data base file in FIG. 135.

FIG. 137 is a diagram of an average value data file in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 138 is a diagram of an order file transmitted from the register terminal to a kitchen video controller in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 139 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 140 is a diagram of key operations which occur during the registration of a customer's order in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 141(a) is a diagram of the relation between PLU items and product materials in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 141(b) is a diagram of the structure of product material data in a transmitted customer's order in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 142 is a diagram of a picture on a display device in the kitchen video controller in the seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 143 is a front view of a monitor control switch in an eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 144 is a diagram of first pictures on display devices in a kitchen video controller in the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 145 is a diagram of second pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 146 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 147 is a diagram of third pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 148 is a diagram of fourth pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 149 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to order recall in the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 150 is a front view of a monitor control switch in a nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 151 is a diagram of first pictures on display devices in a kitchen video controller in the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 152 is a diagram of second pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 153 is a diagram of the structure of a memory in the kitchen video controller in the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 154 is a diagram of third pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 155 is a diagram of fourth pictures on the display devices in the kitchen video controller in the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 156 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for controlling operation of the kitchen video controller which relates to order look in the nineteenth embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1, an electronic register includes a register terminal 11 which is connected to a kitchen video controller 12 via a data communication line or a data communication path 17. The kitchen video controller 12 is connected to a display device (#1) 13, a monitor control switch (#1) 14, a display device (#2) 15, and a monitor control switch (#2) 16. An instruction signal for controlling information indicated on the display device (#1) 13 can be generated by operating the monitor control switch (#1) 14. An instruction signal for controlling information indicated on the display device (#2) 15 can be generated by operating the monitor control switch (#2) 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the register terminal 11 includes a keyboard 21, an arithmetic operation controller 22, a mode switch 23, a display device 24, a memory 25, and a transmitter 26. The keyboard 21 is connected to the arithmetic operation controller 22. The keyboard 21 has an array of keys including numeral registering keys, ordered item registering keys, and a totalizing key. Upon operation of these keys, signals representative of corresponding key code words are generated. The generated key code signals are fed to the arithmetic operation controller 22. The arithmetic operation controller 22 includes a microcomputer, a digital signal processor, or a similar device having a combination of an interface, a processing section, a RAM, and a ROM. The ROM within the arithmetic operation controller 22 stores processing programs for implementing the tasks assigned to the register terminal 11. The arithmetic operation controller 22 is connected to the mode switch 23, the display device 24, the memory 25, and the transmitter 26. The transmitter 26 is connected to the data communication line 17.

With reference to FIG. 3, the mode switch 23 serves to designate operation modes such as an OFF mode, a registration (REG) mode, an inspection (X) mode, an adjustment (Z) mode, an a setting (P) mode. The switch input data generated by manipulating the mode switch 23 is read by the arithmetic operation controller 22 before the start of the execution of every task processing program. The switch input data determines the processing to be implemented.

Returning to FIG. 2, the display device 24 is controlled by the arithmetic operation controller 22 to indicate the contents of the processings such as the contents of registered customer's orders, the contents of data occurring at the moment of the setting, and the contents of reports made at the time of the inspection and the time of the adjustment. The memory 25 stores setting data for registration processings and totalization processings as well as data generated during these processings. As shown in FIG. 6, the memory 25 contains a setting data file 61 and a data file 62 for the registration processings and the totalization processings.

With reference to FIG. 2, the transmitter 26 serves to transmit the data, set by the register terminal 11, to the kitchen video controller 12 via the data communication line 17. The transmitter 26 implements transmission processings for setting the control function by the kitchen video controller 12, and transmission processings for sequentially transmitting registered customer's orders to the kitchen video controller 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, the kitchen video controller 12 includes an arithmetic operation controller 43, a memory 46, and a receiver 47. The arithmetic operation controller 43 includes a microcomputer, a digital signal processor, or a similar device having a combination of an interface, a processing section, a RAM, and a ROM. The ROM within the arithmetic operation controller 43 stores processing programs for implementing the tasks assigned to the kitchen video controller 12. The arithmetic operation controller 43 is connected to the display device (#1) 13, the monitor control switch (#1) 14, the display device (#2) 15, the monitor control switch (#2) 16, the memory 46, and the receiver 47. The receiver 47 is connected to the data communication line 17.

The monitor control switch (#1) 14 and the monitor control switch (#2) 16 are similar in structure. As previously described, the monitor control switch (#1) 14 is used for the control of the display device (#1) 13. The monitor control switch (#2) 16 is used for the control of the display device (#2) 15. As shown in FIG. 5, the monitor control switch (#1) 14 (or the monitor control switch (#2) 16) has an array of keys such as a left-hand shift key 51, a right-hand shift key 52, a preparation start key 53, and an order erasion key 54. Upon operation of these keys, corresponding key signals are generated. The generated key signals are fed to the arithmetic operation controller 43.

Returning to FIG. 4, the display device (#1) 13 and the display device (#2) 15 are controlled by the arithmetic operation controller 43 to indicate customer's orders represented by the data transmitted from the register terminal 11. The memory 46 contains a setting data file and a reception data file. The setting data file in the memory 46 stores setting data for the control of the kitchen video controller 12 which is set by the register terminal 11 and which is transmitted therefrom via the data communication line 17. The reception order file in the memory 46 stores data representative of customer's orders which is transmitted from the register terminal 11 via the data communication line 17. The reception order file in the memory 46 remains accessed during the indication of the order data on the display device (#1) 13 and the display device (#2) 15. The receiver 47 serves to receive the order data and the setting data from the register terminal 11 via the data communication line 17. As previously described, the setting data is generated by the register terminal 11, and is designed for the kitchen video controller 12.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a program controlling the task processing executed by the register terminal 11. The program is periodically reiterated. With reference to FIG. 7, a first step 71 of the program decides whether or not the mode switch 23 is in an OFF state. When the mode switch 23 is in the OFF state, the program advances from the step 71 to a step 80. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 71 to a step 72. The step 80 places the register terminal 11 in a closed state to inhibit operation of the register terminal 11. After the step 80, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 72 decides whether or not the mode switch 23 is in a REG (registration) state. When the mode switch 23 is in the REG state, the program advances from the step 72 to a step 73. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 72 to a step 74. The step 73 executes a process of registering customer's orders. The step 73 transmits information of customer's orders to the kitchen video controller 12 in response to the states of steer flags or destination flags for respective ordered items (ordered products). After the step 73, the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 74 decides whether or not the mode switch 23 is in an X (inspection) state. When the mode switch 23 is in the X state, the program advances from the step 74 to a step 75. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 74 to a step 76. The step 75 reads out data representative of a totalization result generated in the register terminal 11. The step 75 issues a report in response to the totalization result data. After the step 75, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 76 decides whether or not the mode switch 23 is in a Z (adjustment) state. When the mode switch 23 is in the Z state, the program advances from the step 76 to a step 77. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 76 to a step 78. The step 77 reads out data representative of a totalization result generated in the register terminal 11. The step 77 issues a report in response to the totalization result data. Then, the step 77 resets or clears a memory area for the totalization result data. After the step 77, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 78 decides whether or not the mode switch 23 is in a P (setting) state. When the mode switch 23 is in the P state, the program advances from the step 78 to a step 79. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 78, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 79 implements tasks of setting the register terminal 11, for example, setting a PLU and setting a kitchen video control mode. The step 79 transmits the kitchen video setting data to the kitchen video controller 12. After the step 79, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a program controlling the task processing executed by the kitchen video controller 12. The program is periodically reiterated. With reference to FIG. 8, a first step 81 of the program decides whether or not a process of communication with the register terminal 11 is required. When the process of communication with the register terminal 11 is required, the program advances from the step 81 to a step 82. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 81 to a step 86.

The step 82 decides whether or not information of a customer's order is received from the register terminal 11. When the information of the customer's order is received, the program advances from the step 82 to a step 83. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 82 to a step 84. The step 83 controls the display devices 13 and 15 to indicate the received information of the customer's order. After the step 83, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 84 decides whether or not setting data is received from the register terminal 11. When the setting data is received, the program advances from the step 84 to a step 85. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 84, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 85 stores the received setting data into the setting data file in the memory 46. After the step 85, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 86 decides whether or not one of the shift keys 51 and 52 in the monitor control switch 14 (or the monitor control switch 16) is depressed. When one of the shift keys 51 and 52 is depressed, the program advances from the step 86 to a step 87. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 86 to a step 88. The step 87 shifts the currently-addressed order, indicated on the display device, leftward or rightward in response to the type of the depressed shift key. Regarding the address position, the order number (the order ID number) indicated on the display device is blinked. After the step 87, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 88 decides whether or not the preparation start key 53 in the monitor control switch 14 (or the monitor control switch 15) is depressed. When the preparation start key 53 is depressed, the program advances from the step 88 to a step 89. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 88 to a step 90. The step 89 controls the display devices 13 and 15 to implement reverse indication of the order number part of the corresponding order file. After the step 89, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 90 decides whether or not the order erasion key 54 in the monitor control switch 14 (or the monitor control switch 15) is depressed. When the order erasion key 54 is depressed, the program advances from the step 90 to a step 90A. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 88, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 90A decides whether or not the order data in question is in a start state. When the order data is in the start state, the program advances from the step 90A to a step 90B. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 90A, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 90B clears the order data in question, and places indicated order data pieces in an area starting from the left-hand edge of a display screen without providing positive spaces therebetween. After the step 90B, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

FIG. 9 shows the structure of a price look up PLU item setting file provided in the memory 25 within the register terminal 11. The PLU item setting file has information pieces 91 of PLU code words, information pieces 92 of item names, information pieces 93 of unit prices, and destination information pieces 94 of steer flags. The destination information pieces 94 of the steer flags determine the assignment of ordered items to the display devices 13 and 15 related to the kitchen video controller 12.

FIG. 10 shows the structure of a display number setting table provided in the memory 25 within the register terminal 11. With reference to FIG. 10, the number for identifying a display device connected to the kitchen video controller 12 is set in a setting area 102 in correspondence with each of the destination information flags (the steer flags) 101.

FIG. 11 shows an example of displayed conditions of a setting task menu related to the register terminal 11. When the mode switch 23 is moved to the setting mode position (P), the setting task menu in FIG. 11 is indicated on the display device 24. FIG. 12 shows an example of displayed conditions of a kitchen video setting menu related to the register terminal 11. When "60 KITCHEN VIDEO" is selected from among character combinations (stages) in FIG. 11 by operating the keyboard 21, the kitchen video setting menu in FIG. 12 is indicated on the display device 24.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a program for providing the PLU item setting file in FIG. 9. With reference to FIG. 13, a first step 131 of the program waits motion of the mode switch 23 to the setting mode position (P). When the mode switch 23 is moved to the setting mode position (P), the step 131 indicates the setting task menu of FIG. 11 on the display device 24.

A step 132 following the step 131 waits operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "40" (totalization). When the operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "40" (totalization) is executed, "PLU item setting stage 40" is selected. After the step 132, the program advances to a step 133.

The step 133 waits operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "10" (PLU). When the operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "10" (PLU) is executed, an area corresponding to, for example, PLU#10 is designated and selected from among areas in the PLU item setting file in FIG. 9. After the step 133, the program advances to a step 134.

The step 134 decides whether or not setting of a product name (an article name) is required. When the setting of the product name is required, the program advances from the step 134 to a step 135. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 134 to a step 136. The step 135 enables the setting of the product name. Specifically, an item name setting address area corresponding to, for example, PLU#10 is designated by operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "1" (cashier). A product name (an item name) corresponding to, for example, PLU#10 is set by operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "product name code" (totalization). After the step 135, the program advances to a step 140.

The step 136 decides whether or not setting of a unit price is required. When the setting of the unit price is required, the program advances from the step 136 to a step 137. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 136 to a step 138. The step 137 enables the setting of the unit price in response to operation of the keyboard 21. After the step 137, the program advances to the step 140.

The step 138 decides whether or not the setting of destination information (steer information) is required. When the setting of the destination information is required, the program advances from the step 138 to a step 139. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 138 to the step 140. The step 139 enables the setting of the destination information in response to operation of the keyboard 21. After the step 139, the program advances to the step 140.

The step 140 decides whether or not all the setting processes have been completed. In the case where all the setting processes have been completed, the program exits from the step 140 and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 140 to a step 140A.

The step 140A decides whether or not maintaining the same PLU item is required, that is, whether or not change of the PLU item is required. When maintaining the same PLU item is required, that is, when the change of the PLU item is not required, the program advances from the step 140A to the step 134. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 140A to the step 133.

A part of the sequence of the above-indicated steps is repeated while the PLU code number is changed. As a result, different PLU code areas are sequentially selected.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a program for providing the display number setting table in FIG. 10. With reference to FIG. 14, a first step 141 of the program waits motion of the mode switch 23 to the setting mode position (P). When the mode switch 23 is moved to the setting mode position (P), the step 141 indicates the setting task menu of FIG. 11 on the display device 24.

A step 142 following the step 141 waits operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "60" (totalization). When the operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "60" (totalization) is executed, "kitchen video setting stage 60" is selected. In addition, the kitchen video setting menu of FIG. 12 is indicated on the display device 24.

A step 143 following the step 142 decides whether or not setting of a display ID number is required. When the setting of the display ID number is required, the program advances from the step 143 to a step 144. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 143 to a step 148. The step 144 enables selection of a display number setting stage. Specifically, a display setting stage "STEER# VS VIDEO#" is selected by operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "1" (totalization). After the step 144, the program advances to a step 145.

The step 145 enables designation of a destination information address (a steer flag number or an address number) in response to operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to, for example, "1" (cashier). For example, a destination flag number "1" (STEER 1) is designated.

A step 146 following the step 145 enables setting of a display ID number corresponding to the destination flag number (for example, the destination flag number "1") in response to operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "display number" (totalization).

A step 147 following the step 146 decides whether or not all the setting processes have been completed. In the case where all the setting processes have been completed, the program exits from the step 147 and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. Otherwise, the program returns from the step 147 to the step 145.

The steps 145 and 146 are repeated while the destination flag number is changed. As a result, display ID numbers are sequentially set which correspond to the respective destination flag numbers "1", "2", "3", and "4".

The step 148 enables movement out of the setting stage in response to operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "totalization". A step 149 following the step 148 executes a process of setting a display mode. After the step 149, the current execution cycle of the program ends. The display setting data is automatically transmitted from the transmitter 26 within the register terminal 11 to the receiver 47 within the kitchen video controller 12 via the data communication line 17. Then, the display setting data is down-loaded into the setting data file in the memory 46 within the kitchen video controller 12.

FIG. 15 shows examples 15A and 15B of operation of the keyboard 21 which occurs when a customer's order is registered. FIG. 15 also shows examples 15C and 15D of a registered customer's order which relate to the keyboard operation 15A and the keyboard operation 15B respectively. With reference to FIG. 15, according to the key operation 15A, one "COFFEE", two "JUICE", and three "HAMB" are registered. The contents of the related customer's order 15C are indicated on the display device 24. In FIG. 15, "#101" denotes an order number (an order ID number) which is automatically issued by the register terminal 11 in a serial manner when the customer's order is registered. In FIG. 15, "1 COFFEE 150" means that one "COFFEE" is registered, and a price thereof is 150 yen. In addition, "2 JUICE 400" means that two "JUICE"s are registered, and a price thereof is 400 yen. Further, "3 HAMB 750" means that three "HAMB"s are registered, and a price thereof is 750 yen. In FIG. 15, "TAX" denotes an amount of consumption tax, and "TOTL" indicates a total sum of the prices of the registered items and the consumption tax. According to the key operation 15B, the related customer's order 15D is registered which has the order ID number "#102". The contents of the customer's order 15D are indicated on the display device 24. In FIG. 15, the customer's order with the order number "#101" is registered, and then the customer's order with the order number "#102" is registered.

FIG. 16 shows the structure 16A of the customer's order #101 in FIG. 15, and the structures 16B and 16C of transmission data pieces. With reference to FIG. 16, the order data 16A which is registered in the register terminal 11 is divided or separated according to the destination information (STEER). The ordered items for which the destination information "1" (STEER 1) is set are combined into the transmission item file 16B. The ordered items for which the destination information "2" (STEER 2) is set are combined into the transmission item file 16C. The transmission item files 16B and 16C are of a format suited to transmission to the kitchen video controller 12.

FIG. 17 shows the structure 17A of the customer's order #102 in FIG. 15, and the structures 17B and 17C of transmission data pieces. With reference to FIG. 17, the order data 17A which is registered in the register terminal 11 is divided or separated according to the destination information (STEER). The ordered items for which the destination information "1" (STEER 1) is set are combined into the transmission item file 17B. The ordered items for which the destination information "2" (STEER 2) is set are combined into the transmission item file 17C. The transmission item files 17B and 17C are of a format suited to transmission to the kitchen video controller 12.

FIG. 18 shows the structure of a transmission order file used in the transmission of a registered customer's order from the register terminal 11 to the kitchen video controller 12. As shown in FIG. 18, the transmission order file has an area 181 for storing information of a display ID number, an area 182 for storing information of an order ID number, and an area 183 for storing information of ordered items. Upon every operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "totalization" and which represents an end of a customer's order, the register terminal 11 sequentially transmits order data pieces of a format corresponding to the previously-indicated transmission file structure to the kitchen video controller 12. The transmitted order data pieces are indicated on the display devices 13 and 15.

With reference to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, the transmission item files 16B, 16C, 17B, and 17C are stored in the order number area 182 and the ordered item area 183. A display ID number corresponding to every order item destination information is determined by referring to the display number setting table of FIG. 10, and information of the determined display ID number is stored into the display number area 181. Then, the transmission order file is transmitted to the kitchen video controller 12.

FIG. 19 shows the structure of an information recording area in the memory 46 within the kitchen video controller 12. As shown in FIG. 19, the memory 46 is provided with a work area 191, a setting data file 192, a received order file 193, and a display buffer 194. The work area 191 is used for the control of the kitchen video controller 12. Setting data for the control of the kitchen video controller 12 is generated by the register terminal 11, and is transmitted from the register terminal 11 to the kitchen video controller 12 via the data communication line 17. The setting data file 192 stores the transmitted setting data. The received order file 193 stores order data transmitted from the register terminal 11. The display buffer 194 is used to enable data pieces in the received order file 193 to be sequentially indicated by the display device 13 or 15. The display buffer 194 has a set of unit segments 1940 each corresponding to an indication area on the screen of the display device 13 or 15. The display buffer 194 is divided into an order area 1941 storing information which has been erased, an order area 1942 storing information which is currently indicated, and an order area 1943 storing information which will be indicated later. The order area 1941 for the erased information is of the fast-in fast-out structure. The order area 1941 for the erased information serves as a save area for the erased information which is used in recalling the erased information and confirming the erased information.

FIG. 20 shows the structure of segment data stored in the display buffer 194. As shown in FIG. 20, the segment data has an order ID number area 201, an ordered item area 202, and a control flag area 203. The control flag area 203 stores flags used in the control of the indication of a customer's order. The stored flags include a cursor position flag 2031 and a preparation start flag 2032. The cursor position flag 2031 represents the position of a cursor which is moved in response to actuation of the shift keys 51 and 52 in the monitor control switch 14 or 16. The preparation start flag 2032 is set by actuation of the preparation start key 53 in the monitor control switch 14 or 16.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a program for processing the previously-indicated control flags. As shown in FIG. 21, a first step 211 of the program decides whether or not the cursor position flag is "1" (corresponding to a set state). When the cursor position flag is "1", the program advances from the step 211 to a step 212. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 211 to a step 213.

The step 212 blinks the corresponding indicated order number to implement the indication of the cursor position.

The step 213 decides whether or not the preparation start flag is "1" (corresponding to a set state). When the preparation start flag is "1", the program advances from the step 213 to a step 214. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 213, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 214 enables the corresponding order number to be indicated in a reverse manner. After the step 214, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

FIG. 22 shows examples 22A, 22B, and 22C of pictures indicated on the display device 13 connected to the kitchen video controller 12. Ordered items in the previously-mentioned transmission item files 16B and 17B are indicated on the display device 13 in a manner such as shown in FIG. 22. In the picture 22A, the order ID number is blinked as an indication of the cursor position. The cursor position is moved leftward and rightward by actuation of the left-hand shift key 51 and the right-hand shift key 52 in the monitor control switch 14 respectively.

A person in charge of preparation for a response to a customer's order is invited to actuate the preparation start key 53 in the monitor control switch 14 (or 16) before starting the preparation. The actuation of the preparation start key 53 changes the picture 22A to the picture 22B in which the order number "#101" is indicated in a reverse manner while being blinked. The reverse indication of the order number "#101" prevents duplicate responses to the single customer's order from being prepared. Immediately after the preparation for a response to the customer's order is completed, the person in charge of preparation is invited to actuate the order erasion key 54 in the monitor control switch 14 to erase the contents of the order "#101" from the display device 13. Accordingly, the picture 22B is replaced by the picture 22C in which the order number "#102" is blinked.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a picture indicated on the display device 15 connected to the kitchen video controller 12. Control of the information indicated on the display device 15 is similar to the previously-mentioned control of the information indicated on the display device 13. Ordered items in the previously-mentioned transmission item files 16C and 17C are indicated on the display device 15 in a manner such as shown in FIG. 23. According to the picture example in FIG. 23, the order ID number is blinked as an indication of the cursor position.

The STEER 2 is set for every ordered item corresponding to drink, and the STEER 1 is set for every ordered item. Accordingly, ordered items corresponding to drinks can be prepared by monitoring the display device 15. All items in every customer's order are indicated on the display device 13. Therefore, the display device 13 can be used for dishing completed items onto a tray or packing the completed items.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of this invention is similar to the first embodiment thereof except for an additional arrangement described later. Regarding the format of an indicated picture on the display device 13 or 15, the second embodiment is provided with the function of setting the segment division number related to the indicated picture for simultaneous indication of plural customer's orders. In the case where a customer's order exceeds the indication capacity of a unit display segment, a message "CONT.fwdarw." is indicated while the indication of the customer's order is extended from the corresponding display segment into a next display segment. The message "CONT.fwdarw." represents that the indication of the customer's order extends beyond the unit display segment.

Regarding such a lengthy customer's order, the indication of the customer's order is erased from the picture on the display device 13 and 15 by actuating the monitor control switch 14 or 16 under conditions where all the related order data is indicated on the display device 13 or 15.

When the mode switch 23 in the register terminal 11 is moved to the setting mode position (P), the setting task menu in FIG. 11 is indicated on the display device 24. Upon operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "60" (totalization), a "KITCHEN VIDEO" setting stage 60 is selected. Then, the "KITCHEN VIDEO PROG" menu in FIG. 12 is indicated on the display device 24. When operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "2" (totalization) is executed, a setting state "VIDEO MODE" is selected which relates to a kitchen video operation mode.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a setting picture related to an indication status and an indication mode of the kitchen video. In FIG. 24, "FIELD 1" denotes a setting area for the kitchen video indication mode, and "FIELD 2" denotes a setting area for the kitchen video indication status. Here, "FIELD 1" of "VIDEO #2 (display device #2)" is designated by operating the keyboard 21, and the keyboard 21 is subjected to operation corresponding to "21" (SBTL). Subsequently, the indication format (the segment division number) related to "KVS #2" is set by operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "segment division mode #" (totalization). For example, one can be selected out of the 4-segment indication format and the 8-segment indication format.

FIG. 25 shows the structure of an information recording area in the memory 46 within the kitchen video controller 12. As shown in FIG. 25, for each of the display devices 13 and 15, the memory 46 is provided with a work area 251, a setting data file 252, a received order file 253, and a display buffer 254. The work area 251 is used for the control of the kitchen video controller 12. Setting data for the control of the kitchen video controller 12 is generated by the register terminal 11, and is transmitted from the register terminal 11 to the kitchen video controller 12 via the data communication line 17. The setting data file 252 stores the transmitted setting data. The received order file 253 stores order data transmitted from the register terminal 11. The display buffer 254 is used to enable data pieces in the received order file 253 to be sequentially indicated by the display device 13 or 15. The display buffer 254 has a set of unit segments 2540 each corresponding to an indication area on the screen of the display device 13 or 15. The display buffer 254 is divided into an order area 2541 storing information which has been erased, an order area 2542 storing information which is currently indicated, and an order area 2543 storing information which will be indicated later. The order area 2541 for the erased information is of the fast-in fast-out structure. The order area 2541 for the erased information serves as a save area for the erased information which is used in recalling the erased information and confirming the erased information.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a program for setting the indication format. As shown in FIG. 26, a first step 261 of the program decides whether or not a required indication format agrees with the 4-segment indication format. When the required indication format agrees with the 4-segment indication format, the program advances from the step 261 to a step 262. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 261 to a step 263. The step 262 sets the display buffer 254 into agreement with the 4-segment indication format. After the step 262, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

The step 263 decides whether or not the required indication format agrees with the 8-segment indication format. When the required indication format agrees with the 8-segment indication format, the program advances from the step 263 to a step 264. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 263, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 264 sets the display buffer 254 into agreement with the 8-segment indication format. After the step 264, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

FIG. 27 shows the structure of segment data stored in the display buffer 254. As shown in FIG. 27, the segment data has an order number area 271, an ordered item area 272, and a control flag area 273. The control flag area 273 stores flags used in the control of the indication of a customer's order. The stored flags include a cursor position flag 2731, a preparation start flag 2732, and a plural-segment order flag 2733. During movement of the cursor position by actuating the shift keys 51 and 52 in the monitor control switch 14 or 16, the cursor position flag 2731 is set when the cursor comes to the corresponding display segment. The preparation start flag 2732 is set by actuation of the preparation start key 53 in the monitor control switch 14 or 16. The plural-segment order flag 2733 represents whether or not ordered items designated by a single order can not be placed within the corresponding display segment.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a program corresponding to processes responsive to the previously-mentioned control flags. As shown in FIG. 28, a first step 281 of the program decides whether or not the cursor position flag 2731 is "1" (corresponding to a set state). When the cursor position flag 2731 is "1", the program advances from the step 281 to a step 282. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 281 to a step 283. The step 282 blinks the indication of the order ID number to implement the cursor indication. After the step 282, the program advances to the step 283.

The step 283 decides whether or not the preparation start flag 2732 is "1" (corresponding to a set state). When the preparation start flag 2732 is "1", the program advances from the step 283 to a step 284. Otherwise, the program advances from the step 283 to a step 285. The step 284 enables the indication of the order ID number to be in a reverse manner. After the step 284, the program advances to the step 285.

The step 285 decides whether or not the plural-segment order flag 2733 is "1" (corresponding to a set state). When the plural-segment order flag 2733 is "1", the program advances from the step 285 to a step 286. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 285, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends. The step 286 enables the indication of "CONT.fwdarw.". After the step 286, the current execution cycle of the program ends.

FIG. 29(a) shows an example of a picture displayed according to the indication format of the 4-segment type. FIG. 29(b) shows an example of a picture displayed according to the indication format of the 8-segment type. In the 4-segment indication of FIG. 29(a), all items of each of customer's orders are contained in a corresponding display segment. In the 8-segment indication of FIG. 29(b), items of the customer's order "#101" overflow from the first display segment into the second display segment while the message "CONT.fwdarw." is indicated at the bottom of the first display segment. All the items of the customer's order "#101" are indicated on the two display segments. Such a customer's order is referred to as a first-type overflow customer's order. In the 8-segment indication of FIG. 29(b), a part of items of the customer's order "#107" fully occupies the eighth display segment while the remaining part thereof is not indicated. Such a customer's order is referred to as a second-type overflow customer's order. The indication of the first-type overflow customer's order can be erased from the picture on the display device 13 or 15 by actuating the order erasion key 54 in the monitor control switch 14 or 16. On the other hand, the indication of the second-type overflow customer's order is inhibited from being erased from the picture on the display device 13 or 15.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a program controlling the task processing executed by the kitchen video controller 12. The program in FIG. 30 is similar to the program in FIG. 8 except that a block 301 is added. As shown in FIG. 30, the block 301 follows the step 90A. The block 301 decides whether or not all items of order data in question (all items of a customer's order in question) are indicated. When the all items are indicated, the program advances from the block 301 to the step 90B. Otherwise, the program exits from the block 301, and then the current execution cycle of the program ends.

FIG. 31 shows the details of the block 301 in FIG. 30. As shown in FIG. 31, the block 301 includes a step 311 following the step 90A. The step 311 decides whether or not the customer's order in question corresponds to a plurality of display segments. When the customer's order in question corresponds to a plurality of display segments, the program advances from the step 311 to a step 312. Otherwise, the program exits from the step 311, and it is decided at a step 314 that all the items of the customer's order in question are indicated. The step 312 decides whether or not the position of the indication of the customer's order in question corresponds to the final display segment. When the position of the indication corresponds to the final display segment, the program exits from the step 312 and it is decided at a step 313 that at least part of the items of the customer's order is not indicated. When the position of the indication does not correspond to the final display segment, the program exits from the step 312 and it is decided at the step 314 that all the items of the customer's order in question are indicated.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of this invention is similar to the first embodiment thereof except for an additional arrangement described later. Regarding the format of an indicated picture on the display device 13 or 15 which is provided by the kitchen video controller 12, the third embodiment is provided with the function of setting an uneven segment-division indication format where customer's orders are indicated in a condensed manner.

When the mode switch 23 in the register terminal 11 is moved to the setting mode position (P), a setting task menu similar to that in FIG. 11 is indicated on the display device 24. Upon operation of the keyboard 21 which corresponds to "60" (totalization), a "KITCHEN VIDEO" setting stage 60 is selected. Then, a "KITCHEN VIDEO PROG" menu similar to that in FIG. 12 is indicated