NON-INTRUSIVE ELECTRONIC INTERACTION DEVICE FOR TABLES OR BOARDS

Abstract

An electronic interaction device (1) for tables or boards in customer service establishments, comprising: a) A housing (9) made of durable, low-thickness material, arranged under the tabletop (2) of a table (3). b) A capacitive sensor (7) arranged on the inner upper part of the housing (9), aligned with a marked area (4) on the surface of the tabletop (2). c) A rechargeable battery (6) housed inside the housing (9). d) A USB-C connector (5) for recharging the battery. e) A wireless communication module (8), configured to transmit a signal that includes the unique identification of the device.

Description

NON-INTRUSIVE ELECTRONIC INTERACTION DEVICE FOR TABLES OR BOARDS TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the field of electronic interaction devices oriented towards customer service environments, such as restaurants, bars, cafes and similar establishments In particular, the invention relates to automation systems for improving the customer experience, allowing the optimization of assistance request and service provision processes through wireless communication technologies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In establishments serving the public, such as restaurants, bars, cafes, and similar businesses, customers typically use conventional methods to request service: pressing buttons integrated into the table, raising their hand, or verbally calling the staff. These mechanisms have various operational and usability limitations. Tabletop call buttons, while automating the call process, require mechanical activation that can be damaged with continuous use and cause delays if the system doesn't alert staff quickly enough. Furthermore, their location and generic design can hinder the customer experience, clash with the establishment's decor, or simply go unnoticed. On the other hand, manual signals—simple gestures like raising a hand—depend on visibility in an environment with varying table layouts and lighting levels, reducing their reliability and making them difficult to detect automatically. Currently, there are no widely used solutions that allow for natural, discreet, and effective interaction. The present invention arises to overcome these limitations, providing an advanced system that improves customer-staff interaction and optimizes the flow of service within the establishment. List of patents and utility models obtained from a systematic search in the databases related to them. Patent ES 2593274 A1. A systematic search identified Patent ES 2593274 A1, entitled "Interactive service control and management procedure in catering establishments and equipment for carrying it out," which describes a system based on communication between customer mobile devices and the establishment's servers for order management. Our utility model application presents the following key differences compared to this solution: Standalone device independent of apps. Our invention consists of a module that allows the establishment to receive customer service requests without requiring the customer to install applications or rely on their own device. Patent ES 2593274 A1 requires the use of mobile apps and data traffic from customers' phones. Energy autonomy. Our device has an internal battery and its own wireless connection. Patent ES 2593274 A1 limits its range to the local network and direct connection to servers via mobile devices. Modular design and adaptability. Our device can be installed permanently or detachably to integrate into any furniture. Patent ES 2593274 A1 defines a generic system without a specific physical device or differentiated mounting options. Patent ES 2597881 A1 Patent ES 2597881 A1, entitled "Information system in catering establishments and method for said system," is based on the use of QR codes and a proprietary mobile application for customers to download and view the menu and other information about the establishment. Our device offers the following advantages over this solution: Specific operational objective. Our device prioritizes efficient customer service and optimized staff workflow with a minimally invasive system. Patent ES 2597881 A1 focuses on collecting and displaying information (reviews, menus, establishment data) through the establishment's app or website. Operating procedure. Our device performs its function without the need for apps or customer data. Patent ES 2597881 A1 depends on user terminals and the customer's own data connection. Specialized module. Our device features detection sensors and wireless communication, optimized for more natural interaction between customers and staff. Patent ES 2597881 A1 describes a generic information system without defining dedicated hardware. Utility Model ES 1217644 U Utility Model ES 1217644 U, entitled "Electronic Device for Restaurants," proposes an information unit placed on the table that displays data to the customer. Our device differs from this approach in the following ways: Service functionalities. Our device enables call-for-service functionality, optimizing staff workflow and reducing wait times. The ES 1217644 U Utility model focuses solely on information dissemination. Utility model ES 1220374 U Utility Model ES 1220374 U, entitled "WiFi Menu for Terrace Tables, Bars and Restaurants," proposes a menu consultation system via local Wi-Fi connectivity. Our device differs from this solution in the following ways: Adaptable device. Our device integrates discreetly and imperceptibly into tables or counters, making it virtually invisible to customers. It adapts to various service environments, allowing for seamless integration without disrupting the user experience. The ES 1220374 U utility model is a static Wi-Fi access point with a display serving as the customer interface. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electronic interaction device designed to be integrated into tables or boards of establishments such as restaurants, bars or cafes, to make service requests. The device incorporates a capacitive touch sensor, batteries, and electronics that enable wireless communication, as well as connectors that allow the batteries to be recharged. The device allows concealment behind materials such as fiberboard, particleboard, plexiglass, glass, marble, etc. This device can be placed on the underside of a board or table, and on the visible side of the surface the location of the detectable contact zone can be indicated with an image or icon. When the establishment's customer interacts with the designated detectable zone, this interaction is transformed into a signal that unambiguously identifies the specific device and the detected interaction and is transmitted from the device. Our device allows, for example, a third-party computer system to collect the signal sent and alert the establishment's staff to come to the table or process said signal for other uses. In summary, the device helps to provide a technological solution to improve customer service and management processes in service environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1. Perspective view of the device. This figure shows the device (1). The compact design is highlighted, and the general outline of the device is presented. Figure 2. Side view of the device inserted into a board or table. This figure provides a side view of the table (3) and the board (2) into which the device (1) is inserted, with this board (2) superimposed on the table (3), allowing a typical installation to be seen, showing the arrangement of the device (1) inserted into the board (2). The interaction zone (4), indicated on the top of the board (2), is also shown. Figure 3. Side view of the device attached to a board or table. This figure provides a side view of the device (1) and the table (3), showing a typical installation with the device (1) positioned under the tabletop (3). The interaction zone (4), marked on the top of the table (3), is also shown. Figure 4. Schematic drawing of the device. This figure schematically represents the internal components of the device (1). It shows the USB-C connector (5) that allows the internal battery (6) to be recharged. The internal battery (6) powers the capacitive sensor (7) and the wireless communication module (8). The wireless communication module (8) transmits the interactions detected by the capacitive sensor (7). All of this is housed within the casing (9) that protects and isolates the other components. Figure 5. Representation of various devices in the establishment. This figure presents an example of a distribution showing the arrangement of several devices (1) located on the tables (3) in a restaurant establishment. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is a device (1) for installation under the tabletop (2) of tables (3) in establishments, imperceptible to the customer, which allows the request for attention from the staff by means of a capacitive sensor (7) and a wireless communication module (8). Device design and structure. Housing (9). The device (1) has a housing (9) made of a durable, thin-walled material, attached to the inner chassis of the table (3) by mechanical or magnetic fasteners or industrial adhesives. The housing (9) protects the electronic components from shocks, dust, and humidity. Capacitive sensor (7). It comprises a capacitive sensor (7) located in the inner upper part of the housing (9), aligned with a marked area (4) on the upper surface of the board (2). Said sensor (7) detects the contact exerted by the user on the marked area (4) without requiring mechanical pressure. Power supply. It incorporates rechargeable batteries (6). The batteries (6) are accessible via a service cover for replacement or maintenance, or via a USB-C connector (5) that allows recharging with an external power supply. Wireless communication module (8). Compatible with protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi, which handles data transmission. Device operation. Contact detection. When the hand is placed on the marked area of ​​the panel, the capacitive sensor (7) detects the variation in the electric field and generates an event signal. Signal processing. An internal microcontroller, included in the wireless communication module (8), validates the event and prepares a request message that includes the unique device ID (1) that identifies the table (3) where it is located, Wireless transmission. The wireless communication module (8) sends the encoded message via the local network or point-to-point link. Reception and alert. The system that receives the signal, which may consist of a management terminal or mobile devices, will activate a visual or audible alert indicating the table (3) that requires attention. Advantages over the state of the art. Concealed installation. Preserves the aesthetics of the furniture as it is not visible to the user. No moving parts. The use of a capacitive sensor (7) eliminates mechanical wear and reduces maintenance. Simple and open communication protocol. Facilitates its adoption and integration into any existing digital infrastructure. Integration into management systems. The device (1) can communicate its operation with the establishment's point of sale (POS) systems or the establishment's management software so that requests can be recorded on the operations control platform.

Claims

1. An electronic interaction device (1) for tables or boards in customer service establishments, comprising: a) A housing (9) made of durable, low-thickness material, arranged under the tabletop (2) of a table (3). b) A capacitive sensor (7) arranged on the inner upper part of the housing (9), aligned with a marked area (4) on the surface of the tabletop (2). c) A rechargeable battery (6) housed inside the housing (9). d) A USB-C connector (5) for recharging the battery. e) A wireless communication module (8), configured to transmit a signal that includes the unique identification of the device.