Order notification device for issuing an alarm signal in case of theft and corresponding procedure

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an order indicator device, which is understood to be a system for signaling a desire to be served to serving personnel, for use particularly in restaurants, inns, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to an order indicator device with improved visibility. State of the art

[0002] Waiter call systems have recently emerged in various forms. Known systems typically comprise an input device operated by a guest at a table or counter and equipped with a transmitter. The transmitter transmits a signal to at least one receiving device, providing information about a guest's order request and, if necessary, additional information.

[0003] The use of such systems makes it easier for guests to place orders, and also provides service staff with a clear signal that an order has been requested from a specific guest or table.

[0004] DE1993861U discloses a waiter call system that includes an optical signaling device that makes it possible to alert service personnel to a guest. This waiter call system is equipped with a battery, allowing the system to be placed on a table or similar device. Furthermore, DE29509928U1 discloses a waiter call device that consists of a table lamp with exposed light sources. The light sources can be switched on for signaling using an associated switch.

[0005] The disadvantage of the waiter call systems presented here is that they are not transparent in terms of operation and overview for both the waiter and the guest, resulting in confusion. They also lack interfaces for smartphones, smartwatches, or tablets. Furthermore, due to their technical design and size, the existing inventions are not suitable as a candle replacement, making it difficult to place the systems on an already crowded restaurant table.

[0006] Another problem is that the visibility of such a waiter call system or order indicator device can vary depending on the weather and time of day. For example, in bright environments, such as during the day on sunny days, the visibility of the order indicator device may be less than in the evening after sunset, because a light of the same brightness is less noticeable in bright environments than in dark environments.

[0007] Furthermore, visibility can vary greatly depending on the location. For example, given the same weather and time of day, an order sign may be less visible in the sun than one in the shade.

[0008] There's also the problem that the systems are easily stolen. Increased visibility in the event of a theft would be desirable.

[0009] An order indicator device with improved visibility under different external circumstances, in particular under different external lighting conditions, in different locations or under different forces (accelerations, movements) would be desirable.

[0010] US 2015 / 0199720 A1 shows a system and a method for targeted advertising and promotion using display devices that can be used on tables. Overview of the invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of creating an order notification device that eliminates the aforementioned problems. In particular, the object of the invention is to simplify and optimize the ordering process within a restaurant or similar establishment for guests and service personnel. Guests should no longer have to worry about the service personnel and no longer have to compete for their attention. Furthermore, the service personnel should be able to maintain a complete overview of each guest's waiting time to be served.

[0012] According to the invention, the above object is achieved according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the order notification device according to the invention are specified in the dependent subclaims.

[0013] According to the invention, an order information device of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized in that the input device is operatively connected to a display device such that, after activation by the input device, the display device signals the actuation of the input device by means of an optical signal, wherein the optical display device emits a continuous optical signal after activation, which can be deactivated. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a device is provided for detecting the time since the last activation of the continuous optical signal. This device can be used to detect how long a guest has been waiting for service personnel, wherein this waiting process can be displayed by means of the optical display device. Preferably, the color of the continuous optical signal changes as a function of time.In particularly preferred embodiments, the actuation process of the input device cannot be transmitted to a control unit via a communication interface.

[0014] Fundamentally, different designs are conceivable for implementing such a representation of the waiting time. For example, in a first embodiment, the light intensity of the continuous optical signal can be varied over time. In a second embodiment, the color of the continuous optical signal and / or, in a third embodiment of the invention, the frequency of the continuous optical signal are varied over time. The aforementioned designs can also be combined. Of course, other optical signal variations are also conceivable.

[0015] The variation of the color, the light intensity and / or the frequency of the continuous optical signal advantageously occurs at time intervals, so that, for example, over a predetermined period of time there is initially a slight light intensity, which changes into a stronger one after a few minutes, etc.

[0016] The above statements will be discussed in more detail below using a concrete example.

[0017] The order indicator, which is preferably placed on a restaurant table as a candle replacement, changes its mode from "candle flickering" to a color interval that can be individually adjusted in time and color as soon as the guest requests service and has tapped the designated "call button." A color transition, for example, from green to red, ensures that the waiter can see at a glance how long each guest has been waiting to be served. The same principle also applies to the "pay button" when the guest wishes to pay.

[0018] Furthermore, it should preferably be possible for the waiter to obtain this information via a preferably provided software / app for smartphone, tablet and smartwatch and thus obtain an additional overview, even if the order information device is not in his field of vision.

[0019] Statistics generated by the order notification device and displayed on the app enable the restaurateur to coordinate staffing needs both in the short and long term.

[0020] A corresponding interface to the order notification device can thus also provide the restaurateur with the opportunity to monitor the capacity utilization and the status of things in his business even when on the move.

[0021] Furthermore, the variation of the color, the light intensity and / or the frequency of the continuous optical signal may depend on an operating state of the order indication device and / or on one or more input parameters on the input device.

[0022] The order information device according to the invention for use in restaurants, inns, and the like comprises an input device operable by a guest, a communication interface, a memory, an optical display device, and a control unit. The optical display device comprises one or more first light sources and one or more second light sources. The brightness setting of the one or more first light sources and the brightness setting of the one or more second light sources depend on an ambient condition.In addition, the input device is operatively connected to the optical display device via the control unit in such a way that the optical display device, after being activated by the input device, signals the actuation process of the input device by means of an optical signal, wherein the optical display device, after being activated, outputs a continuous optical signal which can be deactivated, wherein a device is provided for detecting the time period since the activation of the continuous optical signal.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the order notification device further comprises a brightness sensor for measuring the ambient brightness and is further configured to adapt the brightness of the one or more first light sources and the one or more second light sources to the measured ambient brightness.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the order notification device further comprises a near field communication reader for reading information from a near field communication tag (NFC tag).

[0025] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, a setting of the one or more first light sources and a setting of the one or more second light sources depends on information read by the near-field communication reader.

[0026] According to the invention, the order notification device further comprises a motion detector and is configured to emit an alarm signal in the event of an attempt to steal the order notification device.

[0027] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, the output of the alarm signal comprises a flashing of the optical output means, in particular of the one or more second light sources.

[0028] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, the order notification device further comprises a loudspeaker, wherein the output of the alarm signal comprises an audio output via the loudspeaker.

[0029] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, the output of the alarm signal comprises an electronic transmission of an alarm signal via the communication interface to a control unit.

[0030] According to the invention, the alarm signal is output in stages, wherein if the motion detector sends a signal to the control unit for longer than a first threshold time period, the control unit initiates a first of the stages, and if the motion detector sends the signal to the control unit for longer than a second threshold time period, the control unit initiates a second of the stages.

[0031] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, the optical output means further comprises a light guide, wherein the light guide is further formed substantially in the form of a hollow truncated cone or a tapered hollow cylinder.

[0032] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, the light guide has one or more first recesses at a first end, wherein the one or more first light sources are each arranged in the one or more first recesses, and wherein the one or more second light sources are arranged further outward in the order indication device than the one or more first light sources.

[0033] In some further preferred embodiments of the invention, the optical fiber has at least one second recess at a second end for passing through at least one cable.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the order-indicating device comprises a projector, wherein the projector is configured to project information onto a surface of the order-indicating device.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the order-notification device comprises a projector, wherein the projector is configured to project information onto a placement surface of the order-notification device, and wherein the projector is configured to project information onto a placement surface of the order-notification device, and wherein the brightness of the projected information is further taken into account when adjusting the brightness of the one or more first light sources and adjusting the brightness of the one or more second light sources.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system having a plurality of order indicator devices described in the present disclosure, the system having a corresponding plurality of near field communication tags.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments of the system, the plurality of order indicating devices each comprise a near-field communication reader for reading information from the plurality of near-field communication tags, wherein the plurality of order indicating devices are wirelessly connectable to a control device via the respective communication interfaces.

[0038] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for adjusting an optical display device of an order information device, which has an input device, a communication interface, a motion detector, a memory, the optical display device, and a control unit, wherein the optical display device has one or more first light sources and one or more second light sources. The input device is operatively connected to an optical display device such that, after being activated by the input device, the optical display device signals the actuation of the input device by means of an optical signal. After being activated, the optical display device emits a continuous optical signal, which can be deactivated. Furthermore, a device is provided for detecting the time period since the activation of the continuous optical signal.The setting of the brightness of the one or more first light sources and the setting of the brightness of the one or more second light sources depend on an ambient condition.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for issuing an alarm signal in response to an attempt to steal an order notification device described in the present disclosure, the method comprising issuing an alarm signal in response to an attempt to steal. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Further objects, features, advantages, and possible applications of the order indicator device according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in individual claims or their interrelationship.

[0041] The drawings show Fig. 1 an order indication device in a particularly preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 a system with a variety of order indicators; Fig. 3 a method for configuring an order indicator device using a near-field communication label; Fig. 4a and 4b a method for preventing theft of the order indicator device; Fig. 5how the all-clear can be given regarding theft of the order notification device; Fig. 6 a light guide which can be installed in a preferred embodiment of the order indication device; Fig. 7 the light guide Fig. 6 , schematically illustrating a cable routing; Fig. 8 the light guide installed in an exemplary order information device made of Fig. 6 or 7 . Implementation of the invention

[0042] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the order information device 1 according to the invention comprises an input device 110 operable by a guest, a control unit 120, and an optical display device 160. The optical display device 160 comprises one or more first light sources 167 and one or more second light sources 168.

[0043] The input device can be connected to a communication interface 180 via a control unit 120. Thus, in preferred embodiments of the invention, a signal can be sent to at least one control unit 3 (see Fig. 3 ) when a guest activates the input device 110, thereby providing information about a guest's order request and, if applicable, further information.

[0044] The order notification device 1 preferably contains a memory 130. This allows the order notification device 1 to store, for example, customizable settings.

[0045] Preferably, the order-indicating device 1 contains its own power source 140, such as a battery or accumulator. This allows the order-indicating device 1 to be used even in locations without access to a power grid (e.g., outdoors) and is easily transportable.

[0046] Preferably, the order notification device 1 further includes a brightness sensor 145. This allows the order notification device 1 to measure the ambient light conditions and adapt its settings accordingly.

[0047] According to the invention, the order-indicating device 1 further includes a motion detector 150. This allows the order-indicating device 1 to determine whether it is being moved. The order-indicating device 1 can then adjust its settings depending on whether and, if so, how it is moved.

[0048] As already mentioned, the optical display device 160 contains one or more first light sources 167 and one or more second light sources. The optical display device 160 may further comprise a light guide 160. Preferably, the order indicator device 1 may further comprise a loudspeaker 170 for outputting an audio signal.

[0049] As already mentioned, the order information device 1 contains a communication interface 180. This communication interface 180 is preferably a wireless communication interface. This wireless communication interface preferably comprises Bluetooth® or a communication interface according to the industry standard IEEE 802.15.1 and / or a WLAN communication interface or a communication interface according to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards and / or a similar communication interface.

[0050] Preferably, the order notification device 1 may further comprise a near-field communication (NFC) reader 190 for reading a near-field communication tag 2.

[0051] The order indicator device 1 according to the invention is preferably designed in the form of a cube, in particular a largely transparent, luminous cube. Text areas on the input devices 110 (touch buttons) can be punched out. This allows them to be read and recognized even in the dark.

[0052] The advantages offered by the order indicator device 1 according to the invention for gastronomy and restaurants are that, in this embodiment, it preferably replaces candles on a restaurant table and turns it into a customizable lighting gadget, which also contributes to improving the overview for waiters and minimizing stress and increasing guest satisfaction.

[0053] Furthermore, efficient configuration of a variety of order information devices is possible.

[0054] Since it is a plug-and-play solution, the order notification device is particularly intuitive to use, making it very easy for restaurateurs, waiters, and guests to operate.

[0055] In contrast to similar concepts, the order indicator device 1 according to the invention preferably has two light sources—preferably two sets of light sources. One set of light sources can be optimized for good scattering, the other set of light sources for good visibility. This can improve visibility under different conditions, especially different external circumstances. Brightness adjustment according to ambient light

[0056] The order notification device according to the invention can have a brightness sensor 145 for measuring the ambient brightness. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168 are switched off for measuring the ambient brightness and, after the measurement, are reconfigured as before the measurement. This ensures that the measurement actually measures the ambient brightness and that the measurement is not distorted by the optical display means 160.

[0057] The brightness sensor 145 can be a phototransistor, for example. Resistors and / or capacitors can preferably be connected downstream of the brightness sensor 145. Brightness sensors 145, especially phototransistors, are often very sensitive, which can lead to an overload of the output signal of the brightness sensor 145. Using the resistors, the output of the brightness sensor 145 can be dimensioned to the desired range. In other words, even with a very sensitive brightness sensor 145, the control of the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168 can be adapted to the measured ambient brightness.

[0058] Furthermore, brightness sensors 145, especially phototransistors, can react very quickly. Artificial light, such as light from fluorescent lamps, is often not constant, but varies with a sine wave from the power grid. A frequency from the power grid, which may be 50 Hz or 60 Hz, for example, is transferred to the artificial light. While humans generally do not perceive this flickering, controlling the brightness of the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168 based on an ambient brightness measured directly with a brightness sensor 145 could result in lively brightness control. The light signal from the brightness sensor 145 can be smoothed by using one or more capacitors.This avoids a very active control of the brightness of the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168, which protects the energy source (e.g. a battery or an accumulator).

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the order indication device according to the invention can be configured to adapt the brightness of the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168 to the measured ambient brightness.

[0060] This means that the order indicator is clearly visible in both dark and bright environments.

[0061] Furthermore, the one or more second light sources 168 can be arranged further outward in the order-indicating device 1 than the one or more first light sources 167. As a result, the one or more second light sources 168 can be more visible. Furthermore, the one or more first light sources 167 can be arranged such that the one or more first light sources 167 emit more diffused light than the one or more second light sources 168.

[0062] Accordingly, in low ambient light, the order-indicating device 1 according to the invention can reduce the brightness of the one or more second light sources 168 or turn them off completely. Furthermore, in low ambient light, the order-indicating device according to the invention can adapt the brightness of the one or more first light sources 167 to the ambient light and the brightness of the one or more second light sources 168.

[0063] Preferably, a table is stored in the memory 130 of the order information device 1, in which table corresponding brightness setting levels for the one or more first light sources 167 and for the one or more second light sources 168 are specified for different brightness ranges measured by the brightness sensor 145. The brightness ranges can preferably be defined by two of a plurality of brightness threshold values. The corresponding brightness setting levels can also include a complete switching off (setting to brightness level zero) of the one or more first light sources 167 and / or the one or more second light sources 168.Preferably, the brightness setting levels for the one or more first light sources 167 and / or the one or more second light sources 168 comprise more than just two levels each, for example three, four, five, ten or more brightness setting levels for the one or more first light sources 167 and for example two, three, four, five, ten or more brightness setting levels for the one or more second light sources 168.

[0064] The control unit 120 of the order information device 1 can accordingly receive a brightness signal from the brightness sensor 145 - possibly after passing through a resistor and / or capacitor circuit -, determine from the table stored in the memory 130 the brightness of the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168 to be adjusted accordingly, and adjust this brightness at the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168.

[0065] This means that the order indicator is always clearly visible under different ambient lighting conditions. Synchronization via near-field communication labels

[0066] The order indicator has various settings. A restaurant or hotel can use a variety of order indicators (see Fig. 2). The correct settings may vary for order indicator devices installed at different locations. Setting the respective order indicator device according to its installation location may preferably be performed by reading a near-field communication tag, as shown in an example method 300 with reference to Fig. 3 explained.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the order indicator device 1 further comprises a near field communication reader for reading information from a near field communication label.

[0068] In some particularly preferred embodiments, a setting of the one or more first light sources and a setting of the one or more second light sources depends on information read by the near-field communication reader.

[0069] For example, an adjustment of the one or more first light sources 167 and an adjustment of the one or more second light sources 168 can be performed by placing an order notification device 1 near an NFC tag 2 in a step 310 (step 310). The NFC tag 2 can, for example, be attached on, in, or under a table. An operator (e.g., a waiter) of a control unit 3 can send a read command via the control unit 3 to the order notification device 1 via the communication interface 180 to read the nearby NFC tag (step 320), which the order notification device executes (330). The order notification device 1 reads an NFC tag identity (NFC tag ID) from the NFC tag 2. This sends (step 340) them together with its own order notification device identifier (order notification device ID) via the communication interface 180 to the control unit 3.

[0070] The control unit 3 thus has the information about which NFC tag the order notification device is linked to. Preferably, the location of each NFC tag 2 and the settings used to configure the order notification device 1 are already stored in a memory of the control unit 3. If the current settings of the order notification device 1 are not correct for the location of the now-linked NFC tag, the control unit 3 can send the information for the correct configuration to the order notification device 1 (350). This eliminates the need to determine from scratch each time which settings are correct for the order notification device 1 at a new location; instead, these settings are fixed by the link to the NFC tag.The relocation of the order indicating devices 1 can occur, for example, because the order indicating devices 1 are collected for charging at a charging station and after charging a plurality of order indicating devices 1 (see . Fig. 2 ) the order indicators 1 can be relocated to other locations. This can increase the efficiency of the order indicator configuration.

[0071] However, if the control unit 3 determines that the current settings of the order notification device 1 already match the correct settings for the location of the now-linked NFC tag, no configuration information is sent. Since configuration takes time, this can further increase the efficiency of correct configuration.

[0072] If the order notification device 1 receives configuration information via the communication interface 180, the control unit 120 of the order notification device 1 can configure the order notification device 1 according to the configuration information. The configuration information preferably contains information regarding the settings of the one or more first light sources 167 and the one or more second light sources 168.

[0073] By setting the order indicator by reading a near-field communication label, it can be ensured that the order indicator is set correctly according to its installation location.

[0074] This leads to a particularly efficient individual setting of a large number of order indication devices. Theft prevention device

[0075] The order-indicating device 1 preferably contains a power source 140, such as a battery or accumulator. This makes the order-indicating device 1 easily transportable, which also poses a risk of the order-indicating device 1 being stolen by guests.

[0076] The order indicator device 1 is therefore designed according to the invention in such a way that theft of the order indicator device 1 is prevented or at least made more difficult. For example, when the order indicator device 1 is accelerated by an external force acting on the order indicator device 1, visibility can be increased by appropriately adjusting the brightness of the one or more first light sources 167 and the brightness of the one or more second light sources 168. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more first light sources 167 and / or the one or more second light sources 168 can flash, which further attracts attention (and thus improves visibility).

[0077] According to the invention, the order notification device sounds an alarm in the event of an attempted theft of the order notification device. Method 400 for sounding an alarm in the event of an attempted theft is described below with reference to Figures 4a and 4b explained.

[0078] The order notification device 1 can be in a default state. If the order notification device 1 should be in a different state, the order notification device 1 should initially transition to the default state. In optional step 410, the control unit 120 configures the order notification device according to a default state. The settings for the default state can be stored in a memory 130 and can be specified in advance by a control unit 3 via the communication interface 180.

[0079] A motion detector 150 of the order-indicating device 1 detects in step 420 whether the order-indicating device 1 is currently being moved. The motion detector 150 can be a gyroscope. Preferably, the motion detector 150 can be a gyroscope capable of sending event signals to the control unit 120. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 120 or the motion detector 150 can consider only certain relevant motion components (e.g., a portion of motion in a specific direction x) of the motion detector signal. In other words, certain other irrelevant motion components of the motion detector 150 signal can be ignored. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, movements that only involve rotating the order-indicating device 1 can be ignored. This makes it easier to detect whether an order-indicating device 1 is about to be stolen.

[0080] If the motion detector 150 detects that the order-indicating device is not being moved, or is not being moved in a relevant manner, the motion detector 150 preferably does not send a signal to the control unit 120. Due to the failure to receive a signal from the motion detector 150, the control unit 120 detects that the order-indicating device 1 is not being moved, or is not being moved in a relevant manner. The control unit can therefore optionally reconfigure the order-indicating device according to a default state, if necessary.

[0081] If the motion detector 150 detects that the order-indicating device 1 is being moved, or is being moved in a relevant manner, the motion detector 150 preferably sends (step 430) a signal to the control unit 120 that the order-indicating device 1 is being moved, or is being moved in a relevant manner. By receiving (step 435) a signal from the motion detector 150, the control unit 120 detects that the order-indicating device 1 is being moved, or is being moved in a relevant manner. Consequently, the control unit checks in step 440 whether the signal from the motion detector 150 has already lasted longer than a first threshold time period. The first threshold time period can be stored in the memory 130 and can have been set in advance by a control unit 3 via the communication interface 180. It can be, for example, between 5 and 15 s, e.g., approximately 10 s.

[0082] If the signal from the motion detector 150 does not last longer than a first threshold time period, it is checked whether the movement continues (again step 420).

[0083] If the signal from the motion detector 150 has already persisted for longer than a first threshold time period, the control unit configures (450) the settings of the order notification device according to a pre-alarm condition, which, similar to the first threshold time period, may be stored in a memory 130 and may have been set in advance by a control unit 3 via the communication interface 180.

[0084] Preferably, the visibility of the order indication device 1 can be increased in the pre-alarm state by the optical display device 160 starting to flash.

[0085] It is then checked whether the movement continues (step 460).

[0086] If the motion detector 150 detects that the order-indicating device is no longer being moved, or is no longer being moved in a relevant manner, the motion detector 150 preferably does not send a signal to the control unit 120. Due to the failure to receive a signal from the motion detector 150, the control unit 120 detects that the order-indicating device 1 is no longer being moved, or is no longer being moved in a relevant manner. The control unit 120 can now reconfigure the order-indicating device according to a basic state (step 410).

[0087] If the motion detector 150 detects that the order-indicating device 1 is being moved, or is being moved in a relevant manner, the motion detector 150 preferably sends (step 470) a further signal to the control unit 120 that the order-indicating device 1 is being moved, or is being moved in a relevant manner. By receiving (step 475) the signal from the motion detector 150, the control unit 120 detects that the order-indicating device 1 is still being moved, or is being moved in a relevant manner. The control unit therefore checks in step 480 whether the signal from the motion detector 150 has already lasted longer than a second threshold time period, which is longer than or equal to the first threshold time period. The second threshold time period can be stored in the memory 130 and can have been set in advance by a control unit 3 via the communication interface 180. It can, for example, be between 11 and 20 s, e.g. B. be approximately 15 s.Alternatively, the additional duration after the expiration of the first threshold period can be used. This can then be, for example, between 0 and 10 seconds.

[0088] If the signal from motion detector 150 does not persist for longer than the second threshold time period, a check is made to determine whether motion continues (again, step 460). The pre-alarm state continues.

[0089] If the signal from the motion detector 150 has already persisted for longer than the second threshold period, the control unit configures (490) the settings of the order notification device according to an alarm condition, which, similar to the pre-alarm condition, may be stored in the memory 130 and may have been preset by the control unit 3 via the communication interface 180. Preferably, in the alarm condition, in addition to the enhanced visibility of the pre-alarm condition, an audio signal is output via a loudspeaker 170. Furthermore, in the alarm condition, an alarm signal is output to the control unit 3 via the communication interface 180.

[0090] An operator (e.g., a waiter) of the control device 3 is thus informed that an order notification device 1 is about to be stolen and can, if necessary, easily locate the order notification device 1 and counteract the theft due to the improved visibility or the audio output.

[0091] Preferably, the visibility of the order indicator device 1 can be increased in the pre-alarm state by the optical display device 160 starting to flash. Preferably, the one or more second light sources 168 are more visible than the one or more first light sources 167. Preferably, to improve visibility in an alarm state or a pre-alarm state, at least the one or more second light sources 168 are switched on or set to flash.

[0092] With the method 400, visibility of the order indicator device 1 can be increased more precisely at the time when the order indicator device 1 is about to be stolen.

[0093] It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the order notification device 1 does not automatically transition from an alarm state to a basic state, but requires receiving an all-clear signal via the communication interface 180 (see Fig. 5 ). For example, in step 510, an operator (e.g., a waiter) of the control unit 3 enters a user input into the control unit 3 for the all-clear signal. The control unit sends an all-clear signal to the order notification device (step 520). In step 530, the order notification device receives the all-clear signal via the communication interface 180. As a result, the control unit reconfigures the order notification device according to a default state (step 540).

[0094] This ensures that visibility remains high as long as the order indicator is about to be stolen. light guide

[0095] As in Figures 6, 7 and 8As shown, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the optical display device 160 has a light guide 161. This light guide 161 preferably has a substantially hollow truncated cone shape or a tapered hollow cylinder shape. At a lower end 162 of the light guide 161, there are preferably one or more recesses 165 for accommodating the one or more first light sources 167. The one or more first light sources 167 can be RGB LEDs. The one or more first light sources 167 can be arranged further inward than the one or more second light sources 168. By positioning the first light sources 167 at the bottom of the recess 165 in the light guide wall, the light from the first light source is scattered particularly homogeneously due to the conical shape of the light guide 161. The light guide 161 can preferably be made of a transparent material, e.g., a transparent plastic, e.g.,a polycarbonate mixture. Preferably, the outer surface of the light guide 161 is matte. This can be achieved by roughening the surface. The inner surface of the light guide 161 is preferably smooth.

[0096] The light guide preferably contains one or more upper recesses 166 at an upper end 163. A cable 111, which can connect, for example, an input device 110 to the control unit, can be guided through the cavity of the light guide 161 and, if appropriate, through the upper recess 166 of the light guide 161.

[0097] This ensures that cable 111 does not cast a shadow. This further improves the visibility of order indicator device 1.

[0098] The one or more second light sources 168 are preferably outside the light guide 161 (see Fig. 8) but arranged in the order-indicating device 1. This increases the visibility of the one or more second light sources 168 compared to the one or more first light sources 167 arranged in or below the light guide 161, because light that must penetrate the light guide is partially reflected by the matte surface of the light guide 161. If the one or more second light sources 168 are arranged outside the light guide 161 (but in the order-indicating device 1), the visibility can be increased.

[0099] Due to the separate controllability of the first light sources 167 and the second light sources 168, the visibility can be easily adapted to the external circumstances. projector

[0100] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the order-notification device 1 further comprises a projector, wherein the projector is configured to project information onto a support surface of the order-notification device 1. The projector can be located in an upper half of the order-notification device 1. This has the advantage that the distance from the projector to the support surface is somewhat greater and distortion caused by the projection can be reduced.

[0101] The support surface of the order information device 1 can be, for example, a table surface. For example, the information projected onto the support surface can be a menu recommendation.

[0102] In some particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the control unit further takes into account the brightness of the projected information when adjusting the brightness of the one or more first light sources and when adjusting the brightness of the one or more second light sources. General

[0103] The order indicator device 1 according to the invention is not limited in its design to the preferred embodiments specified above. Rather, a multitude of design variations are conceivable, which utilize the solution presented even in fundamentally different configurations. List of reference symbols

[0104] 1 Ordering guide 2 Near-field communication label 3 Control unit 110 Input devices 111 Cable 120 Control unit 130 Memory 140 Power source 145 Brightness sensor 150 Motion detector 160 Optical indicator 161 Light guide 162 Lower end of the light guide 163 Upper end of the light guide 165 Lower cutout 166 Upper cutout 167 Inner RGB LEDs 168 Outer RGB LEDs 170 Speaker 180 Communication interface

Claims

1. Order indication device (1) for use in restaurants, inns and the like, wherein the order indication device (1) comprises an input device (110) which can be actuated by a guest, a communication interface (180), a memory (130), a movement detector (150) which detects whether the order indication device (1) is moved, optical indication means (160) and a control unit (120), wherein the optical indication means (160) comprises one or more first light sources (167) and one or more second light sources (168), wherein the setting of the brightness of the one or more first light sources (167) and the setting of the brightness of the one or more second light sources (168) depend on an environmental condition, wherein the input device (110) is operatively connected to the optical indication means (160) via the control unit (120) such that the optical indication means (160), after its activation by the input device (110), signals the actuation process of the input device (110) by means of an optical signal, wherein the optical indication means (160), after its activation, outputs a continuous optical signal which can be deactivated, wherein the order indication device (1) further includes a means for detecting the time elapsed since the activation of the continuous optical signal, wherein the order indication device (1) is configured to output (490) an alarm signal in the event of an attempt to steal the order indication device (1), wherein the output (490) of the alarm signal takes place in stages, wherein, if the movement detector (150) sends (430) a signal to the control unit (120) for more than a first threshold period, the control unit (120) initiates (450) a first one of the stages, and if the movement detector (150) sends (470) the signal to the control unit (120) for more than a second threshold period, the control unit (120) initiates (490) a second one of the stages.

2. Order indication device (1) of claim 1, wherein the order indication device (1) further comprises a brightness sensor (145) for measuring the ambient brightness, wherein the order indication device (1) is further configured to adapt the brightness of the one or more first light sources (167) and the one or more second light sources (168) to the measured ambient brightness.

3. Order indication device (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the order indication device (1) further comprises a near-field communication reader for reading information from a near-field communication tag.

4. Order indication device (1) of claim 3, wherein a setting of the one or more first light sources (167) and a setting of the one or more second light sources (168) depend on information read by the near-field communication reader.

5. Order indication device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein outputting (490) the alarm signal comprises blinking the optical output means (160), in particular of the one or more second light sources (168).

6. Order indication device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the order indication device (1) further comprises a loudspeaker (170), wherein outputting (490) the alarm signal comprises audio output via the loudspeaker (170).

7. Order indication device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein outputting (490) the alarm signal comprises electronic transmission of an alarm signal via the communication interface (180) to a control unit (3).

8. Order indication device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical output means (160) further comprises a light guide (161), wherein the light guide (161) is further formed substantially in the form of a hollow truncated cone or a tapering hollow cylinder.

9. Order indication device (1) of claim 8, wherein the light guide (161) comprises one or more first recesses (165) at a first end (162), wherein the one or more first light sources (167) are respectively arranged in the one or more first recesses (165), and wherein the one or more second light sources (168) are arranged further outwardly than the one or more first light sources (167) in the order indication device (1).

10. Order indication device (1) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the light guide (161) comprises at least one second recess (166) at a second end (163) for passing at least one cable (111).

11. Order indication device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the order indication device (1) further comprises a projector, wherein the projector is configured to project information onto a surface on which the order indication device (1) is placed, and wherein the brightness of the projected information is further taken into account in the setting of the brightness of the one or more first light sources (167) and the setting of the brightness of the one or more second light sources (168).

12. System comprising a plurality of order indication devices according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a corresponding plurality of near-field communication tags (2), wherein the plurality of order indication devices (1) each comprise a near-field communication reader for reading information from the plurality of near-field communication tags, and wherein the plurality of order indication devices can be wirelessly connected to a control unit (3) via the respective communication interfaces (180).

13. Method for outputting an alarm signal in the event of an attempt to steal an order indication device (1) which comprises an input device (110), a communication interface (180), a movement detector (150), a memory (130), an optical indication means (160) and a control unit (120), wherein the optical indication means (160) comprises one or more first light sources (167) and one or more second light sources (168), wherein the input device (110) is configured to be operatively connected to an optical indication means (160) such that the optical indication means (160), after its activation by the input device (110), signals the actuation process of the input device (110) by means of an optical signal, wherein the optical indication means (160), after its activation, is configured to output a continuous optical signal which can be deactivated, wherein a means for detecting the time elapsed since the activation of the continuous optical signal is provided, wherein the setting of the brightness of the one or more first light sources (167) and the setting of the brightness of the one or more second light sources (168) depend on an environmental condition, wherein in the method, in the event of an attempt to steal the order indication device (1), the order indication device (1) outputs (490) an alarm signal, wherein the output (490) of the alarm signal takes place in stages, wherein, if the movement detector (150) sends (430) a signal to the control unit (120) for more than a first threshold period, the control unit (120) initiates (450) a first one of the stages, and if the movement detector (150) sends (470) the signal to the control unit (120) for more than a second threshold period, the control unit (120) initiates (490) a second one of the stages.