Abstract: The vacancy rate calculation apparatus is provided with a restaurant information storing part for storing table identification information, the number of customers that can be seated at each table and group information indicating a group of a plurality of tables which can be grouped. The vacancy rate calculation apparatus receives table identification information of a table at which a customer or customers is/are seated and the number of the customer or customers and determines whether or not the number of the customers exceeds the number that can be seated at the table. When it is determined that the number of the customers exceeds, the vacancy rate calculation apparatus determines whether or not another table is vacant which can be combined with the table indicated by the received table identification information.

Abstract: A unique layout with a matrix of traces having at least traces in one direction provided with portions which are interleaved with portions of adjacent traces. Unlike the prior art zigzag pattern, the extensions of the traces of the present invention are actually interleaved, so that they overlap with portions of the adjacent trace. Thus, a finger moving from one trace to the next will contact the interleaved portions of the adjacent trace before it leaves the interleaved portions of the first trace.