DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PRODUCT DATA

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the acquisition of product data and the processing of such data.

[0002] The present invention finds advantageous application in the field of institutional catering, but of course the present invention can also be applied to other fields. ART ANTERIEUR

[0003] In the field of institutional catering, users usually take a meal tray on which they place various products to consume, then they go to the checkout.

[0004] When the customer arrives at the checkout, the cashier identifies and records the products corresponding to the contents of the tray in a computer system. The recorded products correspond to an amount that the customer must pay.

[0005] Typically, the user presents a badge associated with an account, which is then debited with the amount due. It is observed that, on average, the number of trays processed per minute by a cashier is low, around six.

[0006] It is understandable that it is desirable to be able to reduce the waiting time for users in such restaurants.

[0007] We know of the state of the art and in particular of documents EP3038015, US5497314 and WO2013039393, of systems which allow to automatically identify products, and then to pay, in cash or using a payment card, an amount corresponding to these products.

[0008] We know, in particular from document EP2570967A1, of an installation comprising a data acquisition station and a pre-release validation station. The products selected by the user are placed in a data acquisition station which takes an image of the products along with their barcodes. A processor is used to read the data from each barcode. It should be noted that this solution is complex and expensive since it requires applying a barcode to each product, in an orientation adapted to image capture.

[0009] The risk of reading errors resulting in particular from barcode degradation is not negligible.

[0010] Such an installation requires not only that each product be equipped with a specific identification element, such as a barcode, but, in addition, that the user, after presenting their products at the acquisition station, move with said products to the validation station to make payment for said products.

[0011] The document US20100076855A1 describes a product purchasing system that includes a purchasing device present in a point of sale.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide an installation and a method to overcome all or part of the problems described above. RESUME DE L'INVENTION

[0013] For this purpose, the invention relates to an installation according to claim 1.

[0014] Such an installation allows asynchronous processing of product data that has been acquired with the acquisition station and stored in pre-orders, and thus to benefit from a fluidity of user flow at the acquisition station.

[0015] In particular, the installation allows, through the processing station, the entry of product data into an order from pre-order data previously acquired using the acquisition station.

[0016] After a pre-order is generated and stored in the pre-order memory using the acquisition station, the processing station can process a corresponding order formed from the pre-order, independently of the acquisition station's operation. The acquisition station can then be used by a subsequent user to generate another pre-order. This setup ensures continuity of service, notably by eliminating the need for the user to visit the processing station to finalize their purchase, except in specific circumstances.

[0017] The acquisition station can quickly generate pre-orders, while an operator can, from the processing station, process the pre-order data at their own pace to form corresponding orders by adding reference product(s) data to said orders using the corresponding selection elements of the pre-order processing interface.

[0018] Each image displayed in the corresponding display area of ​​the processing interface allows the operator to identify the reference product that corresponds to a product shown in the image. The operator can then activate the corresponding selection element to add the corresponding reference product data to an order generated from the pre-order and display this reference product data in the processing interface's command area. Activating the selection element can be done, for example, by clicking on it with a mouse or by tapping a corresponding area of ​​the screen when the interface is touch-enabled.

[0019] Thus, in the case of a catering application where the acquisition station is used between the product distribution area and the catering area, the asynchronous processing function, by the processing station, of the data related to the products that have been acquired by the acquisition station, makes it possible to optimize the fluidity of the passage of users from the product distribution area to the catering area.

[0020] Such a design of the installation offers a disengagement function in the sense that it is possible to suspend the processing of pre-orders by the processing station, while the acquisition station can continue to generate pre-orders which are recorded in a computer memory accessible to the processing station.

[0021] The ability to add data to an order, which includes at least some of the pre-order data, allows the order to be built progressively, without having to worry about the operation of the acquisition station.

[0022] In particular, the asynchronous processing, by the processing station, of the data acquired by the acquisition station, makes it possible to limit the time spent, at the acquisition station, by the user associated with the platform and thus to reach a number of platform passes per minute per acquisition station of around twelve, knowing that it is possible to associate several acquisition stations to further increase the number of platform passes per minute.

[0023] Such a decoupling of the acquisition of data relating to products brought by users at the acquisition station, and their processing by an operator at the processing station, also allows for a posteriori visual control thanks to the remote display at the processing station of the images acquired by the acquisition station.

[0024] Storing order data in memory allows the order to be built in that memory, from pre-order data from the acquisition station and additional data generated and added using the processing station.

[0025] Such an installation configuration allows the data for an order to be built simply, quickly and reliably.

[0026] Operations performed using pre-order data include adding data relating to products identified from pre-order images to introduce valuable data into the order, such as the price of products to be paid, useful for the payment process.

[0027] The images displayed in the processing station interface's display area allow the operator to identify the reference product corresponding to a product shown in an image. The operator can then select the corresponding product to add the relevant reference product data to an order generated from the pre-order, and display this reference product data in the processing interface's order area.

[0028] The added data is then associated with the corresponding pre-order images and used to determine the price to be paid. These image-linked data addition features enable the transaction to be completed, since the acquiring station does not provide data corresponding to price values ​​associated with the products whose images are acquired.

[0029] Unlike the solution in document EP2570697A1, the solution according to the invention avoids the need to equip products with barcodes, which would be complex, expensive and a source of error.

[0030] Conversely, the solution according to the invention eliminates the need for such barcodes by using pre-order memory and providing, at the processing station level, an interface that allows images to be loaded from pre-order data and an order data set to be constructed. This set includes at least a portion of the pre-order data and additional data, added via the processing station interface, that is useful for the transaction. In particular, the selection elements allow the data for reference products corresponding to those present in the images loaded into the interface to be added to the order data associated with the pre-order data.

[0031] The acquisition station can thus quickly generate pre-orders, while an operator can, from the processing station, process the pre-order data at their own pace to form corresponding orders by adding reference product(s) data to said orders using the corresponding selection elements of the pre-order processing interface.

[0032] The ability to add data to an order, which includes at least part of the pre-order data using the processing station, allows the order to be built progressively, without being subject to a risk of barcode reading error as in document EP2570967A1.

[0033] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the installation includes a user account database in which user account data is stored, each user account comprising: a user identifier; a balance value, credit or debit; and the control device is configured to determine if the acquired user ID matches the user ID of a registered user account.

[0034] The operation of the data acquisition station or authorization to leave the facility may be conditional upon the acquired user's ID corresponding to a registered user account, and possibly other characteristics of that user account, such as account balance. Otherwise, the user may be prompted, for example by a message displayed on a screen, to proceed to another facility or to a processing station within the facility.

[0035] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each user account includes usage rights information to indicate whether the user associated with the user account is authorized or not to use said acquisition station or installation, and the control device is configured to, after determining whether the user account corresponds to the acquired user identifier, authorize or not the use of the acquisition station or installation according to the usage rights information associated with said user account.

[0036] In one particular aspect, an order includes the corresponding user ID and a value corresponding to the selling price of said product or set of products.

[0037] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the installation includes a memory in which data sets called tickets are stored, each ticket comprising at least a part of the data of an order and / or a part of the data of the associated pre-order, and at least a part of the data of a ticket associated with a user is accessible from a terminal.

[0038] The acquisition station is configured to operate independently of the processing station.

[0039] The processing station is configured to allow the processing of generated pre-orders, regardless of whether the acquisition station continues or stops operating.

[0040] The said processing station is configured to allow switching between the pre-order processing interface and another interface, called the direct input interface, in which no product image(s) acquired by the acquisition station are displayed, the said processing unit being configured to, when using the direct input interface, generate a data set, called a direct order, which includes at least one data item from a reference product corresponding to a selection element requested by the operator.

[0041] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the processing unit is configured to, when a user's identifier is entered or detected, and a pre-order is associated with said identifier, automatically select said pre-order by displaying the corresponding identification and image data in the pre-order processing interface.

[0042] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, said processing station is configured to allow the operator to act on the image, for example by zooming or navigating in the image.

[0043] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each pre-order includes pre-order status information indicating whether the pre-order is: to be treated; or undergoing treatment, or treated; and the processing station is configured to filter pre-orders to be displayed in the processing interface based on their status.

[0044] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each reference product includes product name data, price data and quantity data, said processing unit of the processing station is configured to add this product name, price and quantity data to the order when said reference product is selected in the pre-order processing interface.

[0045] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, said pre-order also including, for each image, a relative position data of the product or set of products with respect to said image, said processing station is configured to display in the image area of ​​the processing interface an enlarged view of said image according to said position data.

[0046] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the acquisition station comprising a display screen and the image acquisition device comprising a camera, the control unit is configured to: trigger the display on the screen of the image filmed by the camera when the insertion of the product or set of products at the level of the installation surface is detected; trigger the stop of the display of the filmed image when the product or set of products is removed from the installation surface.

[0047] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the processing station is configured to allow modification of the orders corresponding to the processed pre-orders.

[0048] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the installation comprises several processing stations and / or several acquisition stations.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method for managing product data, implemented using an installation as described above, characterized in that the method includes the generation of pre-orders using the acquisition station, and in that the method includes, using the processing station, the following steps: displaying an image of a pre-order in the image display area of ​​the processing interface; using the selection elements of the processing interface of the processing station, adding to an order associated with the pre-order, data of a reference product corresponding to a product present in the displayed image.

[0050] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the steps carried out using the processing station are carried out asynchronously with respect to those carried out with the acquisition station.

[0051] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the control device is also configured to, after the identifier has been associated with the acquired images, control an exit authorization or indication device to allow or indicate to the user to retrieve his or her product(s).

[0052] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the acquisition station includes a lighting system for illuminating the placement surface.

[0053] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the acquisition station comprises a back face that extends substantially orthogonally to the mounting surface of the platform. The back face is configured to provide better diffusion of the light from the lighting system, compared to the mounting surface.

[0054] In particular, the diffusion of light by the back face makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the distribution of lighting at the level of said product by limiting the importance of shadow areas and limiting the presence of light reflections.

[0055] The exposure surface is chosen so as to diffuse the received light as little as possible in order to limit the reflection of light, from the lighting system, towards the image acquisition devices opposite which said exposure surface is located and to ensure sufficient contrast with said products to be identified.

[0056] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the acquisition station comprising a background face which extends substantially orthogonally to the exposure surface, the image acquisition device comprises a first image acquisition device whose optical axis is oriented vertically, and two other image acquisition devices arranged on either side of a plane passing through the optical axis of the first image acquisition device and perpendicular to the background face of the acquisition station.

[0057] Such an arrangement of image acquisition devices, which include cameras, for example, makes it possible to obtain images from different angles to reliably identify the product(s) present. In particular, such an arrangement makes it possible to effectively identify, with at least one of the image acquisition devices, a product that would be obscured by another product in the field of view of a different image acquisition device.

[0058] The second and third image acquisition devices are preferably oriented so that their optical axes form an angle between 40° and 50°, preferably 45°, with the vertical.

[0059] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the image acquisition device comprising one or more CCD sensors, the control device is configured to detect ambient brightness, and adjust the sensitivity of the CCD sensor(s) according to the measured ambient brightness.

[0060] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the image acquisition device provides a video stream, and the control device is configured to: detect the introduction of said product or set of products at the level of the installation surface; display on the screen, the video of the product or set of products present at the level of the installation surface, as well as information defined according to the position of the product or set of products relative to the installation surface to indicate whether the product or set of products is correctly positioned.

[0061] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, to carry out the image acquisition step, the control device is configured to extract an image from said acquired video stream.

[0062] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the control device is configured to determine, from the images of the video stream and according to at least one predefined rule, whether the product or set of products is correctly positioned relative to the installation surface.

[0063] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the control device is configured to allow or not the acquisition of the user identifier using the identification device, depending on the positioning state of said product or set of products relative to the installation surface.

[0064] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the control device is configured to trigger the acquisition of images of said product or set of products based on characteristics of the acquired user identifier.

[0065] In one particular aspect, the backing absorbs less natural light than the mounting surface. Preferably, the lighting system emits daylight-type light, for example, with a color temperature of around 6400 K. The light emitted by the lighting system is therefore absorbed less by the backing than by the mounting surface. The backing has a matte finish for good light diffusion and thus uniform lighting. Advantageously, the mounting surface also has a matte finish to prevent glare.

[0066] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the lighting system comprises lighting devices and a light diffusion device, such as a translucent plate, for example made of plexiglass.

[0067] The diffusion of light by the diffusion device makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous distribution of light and to limit the presence of shadows and / or bright reflections that could appear on the images and hinder their use.

[0068] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the light diffusion device has a face, oriented towards the mounting surface, which is curved.

[0069] The curvature of the face of the diffusion device, which is oriented towards the surface of application, promotes the proper distribution of the light flux at the level of the product or set of products to be identified.

[0070] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the mounting surface is formed from a single piece and has, on the bottom face side, a raised edge limiting the risk of infiltration into the acquisition station.

[0071] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the acquisition station comprising a chamber in which the lighting system is housed, said chamber extends above and away from the mounting surface, said chamber having a front part of greater width than that of the mounting surface.

[0072] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, said acquisition station includes a communication system with the user, preferably interactive, comprising a display device enabling in particular the display of an image of said at least one product.

[0073] The installation thus makes it possible to reduce the time spent by users while benefiting from images of the products that can be reliably used to identify or help to correctly identify these products.

[0074] In the case of a collective catering establishment where the said product or set of products corresponds to the contents of a tray, the installation makes it possible to accelerate and streamline the passage at the checkout level formed by the installation.

[0075] In one particular embodiment, the installation lacks means for automatically recognizing characteristics, such as a price code, of the product(s) whose images are acquired at the acquisition station. Information related to each product is provided by the processing station using selection elements of the corresponding interface, which are accessed asynchronously by an operator in relation to the generation of pre-orders. BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS

[0076] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, on which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of an installation according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 2 is a schematic view of a dataset corresponding to a pre-order according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 3 is a schematic view of a data set corresponding to a command according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 4 is a schematic view of a data set corresponding to a ticket according to one embodiment of the invention; the figure 5 is a schematic view of a pre-order processing interface of a processing station according to one embodiment of the invention; the figure 6 is a schematic view of a direct input interface for a processing station according to one embodiment of the invention; the figure 7 is a screenshot from a user's phone displaying information from a ticket corresponding to an order placed by the user, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; the figure 8 is a screenshot of a user's phone screen displaying an image associated with the ticket information from the figure 7 ; there figure 9 is a perspective view of the acquisition station of an installation according to an embodiment of the invention, part of the acquisition station's casing being removed to show the lighting system and image acquisition devices; the figure 10 is an exploded view of the acquisition station of an installation according to an embodiment of the invention, the lighting system not being shown. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE

[0077] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to similar elements in all the drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are offered so as to make this description complete and to communicate the scope of the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the accompanying claims.

[0078] A reference throughout the description to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0079] There figure 1 This schematically illustrates an installation conforming to an embodiment of the invention. The installation includes an acquisition station 1. An example of an acquisition station 1 is described in the international application published under number WO2018073510 (A1), the content of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into this application.

[0080] In one particular embodiment, the installation comprises several acquisition stations that can operate in parallel with each other. Therefore, the following description is given for a single acquisition station but is of course applicable to an installation configuration with multiple acquisition stations.

[0081] Acquisition station 1 allows several successive users to acquire information relating to a product or set of products from each user. A product is defined as a concrete object, edible or not, that the user can handle.

[0082] In one embodiment, and as illustrated in the figures, the product or set of products comprises the contents of a meal tray. The product or set of products can be considered to be both the contents of the tray and the tray itself, since the image of the tray is intended to be acquired simultaneously with its contents, even though the aim is to allow the operator of processing station 2 (described below) to enter data corresponding to the tray's contents. However, in a particular aspect, the tray, and specifically its positioning relative to acquisition station 1, can be used to control the operation of acquisition station 1.

[0083] Similarly, as detailed below, the tray, in particular its outline, can serve as a reference when displaying an image in the processing interface 200 (presented below) of the processing station 2. Of course, the rest of the description is also applicable in the case where the product or set of products is a product or set of products other than the contents of a meal tray.

[0084] The acquisition station 1 includes a surface 11 allowing the user to place their meal tray. The acquisition station may include locating means, for example visual and / or physical, for positioning the tray. As explained below, a display screen may also be provided to show the image of the tray and indicate the required positioning to the user, for example by displaying a contour within which the image of the tray must be located.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the station includes a lighting system 30, allowing illumination of the work surface of the tray. As illustrated in the figure 9 , the lighting system 30 is positioned above the resting surface 11 of the platform.

[0086] An image acquisition device 14 is oriented towards the posing surface 11. In the example illustrated in the figures, the image acquisition device 14 comprises several image acquisition devices 141, 142, 143 configured to take an image of a tray and its contents at each user passage.

[0087] In particular, the use of several image acquisition devices makes it possible to obtain images of the product or set of products from different angles and thus reliably identify said product or set of products. According to one embodiment, the image acquisition devices 141, 142, 143 are oriented towards the mounting surface 11 of the platform in different optical directions in order to acquire images of the platform from different angles.

[0088] In one particular respect, every image acquisition device is a CCD camera. Thus, in the following description, every image acquisition device is a camera, but the description also applies to other types of image acquisition devices, and in particular to cameras other than CCD cameras.

[0089] Alternatively, the acquisition system may include a different number of devices, for example, a single image acquisition device. Preferably, the image acquisition device(s) is a camera that allows filming and / or photography of the area corresponding to the exposure surface 11 and the acquisition, for each user, of an image of the set and its contents.

[0090] The acquisition station 1 includes a back face 12 that extends substantially orthogonally to the mounting surface 11 of the tray. The back face 12 is chosen to provide better diffusion of light from the lighting system compared to the mounting surface 11. Preferably, the back face 12 is matte, for example, matte white. In one embodiment, the mounting surface 11 is darker than the back face 12. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting surface 11 is gray to allow reliable differentiation between the mounting surface and the contents of the tray and the tray itself.

[0091] The lighting system 30 comprises lighting devices 31, 32, 33 and a light diffusion device 34, such as a translucent plate, for example made of plexiglass. Advantageously, the lighting devices are arranged in a triangle or an arc.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the light diffusion device 34 has a face, oriented towards the mounting surface 11 of the platform, which is curved.

[0093] Advantageously, the mounting surface 11 of the platform is formed from a single piece and has, on the side of the bottom face 12, a raised edge 11B limiting the risk of infiltration into the station. The side of the bottom face 12 is the side of the base that is opposite the area where the platform carrier is located when it is positioned in front of the acquisition station.

[0094] As illustrated in figures 9 And 10 , the acquisition station 1 includes a chamber 300 in which are housed the lighting devices 31, 32, 33 and the image acquisition devices 141, 142, 143.

[0095] The said chamber 300 extends above and away from the mounting surface 11 of the tray. The chamber 300 and the mounting surface define between them a space for the insertion of the tray, open laterally and on the front face, as opposed to the back face.

[0096] The chamber 300 has a front portion that is wider than the mounting surface. The width of the chamber 300 corresponds to a dimension taken along a direction parallel to the axis connecting the open side faces of the unit, as opposed to the height and depth of the unit.

[0097] To this end, the front part of the camera 300 comprises a top wall 330 and peripheral walls 320, 340, with, in particular, lateral sections, called ears 302, 303, which maximize the various shooting angles and the illuminated surface while minimizing the volume required for integration and visual impact. The diffusion face 34 forms the underside of said camera 300.

[0098] As illustrated in the figure 10 , acquisition station 1 includes a chassis 100. The chassis 100 is L-shaped and preferably one piece to ensure the rigidity of all elements and allow any type of implementation: placed on or integrated into a piece of furniture, placed on a stand or mast, or fixed to the wall.

[0099] A space is delimited between the chassis 100 and the bottom face 12 and / or mounting surface to allow the integration of all technical elements within the structures to prevent cables or connectors from being visible and potentially generating safety and / or hygiene problems.

[0100] A secure terminal block (to limit unauthorized access to the connectors) allows the acquisition station to be connected to external devices and the network without opening the station, while protecting access against abusive manipulations.

[0101] Advantageously, the base face 12 and / or the mounting surface 11 are removable from the chassis 100. Providing that the base and / or the base face is at least partially removable and therefore interchangeable facilitates cleaning of station 1. The fact that the face 12 and / or the mounting surface 11 is at least partially removable also allows easy access to the active components of the station, which simplifies maintenance.

[0102] The acquisition station is presented in the form of a structure whose side faces and front face are open to allow the tray to be inserted and removed smoothly.

[0103] The acquisition station 1 includes a user communication system, preferably interactive. The communication system includes a display screen 19 and an interactive user communication interface. The interactive communication interface includes, for example, a touchscreen layer, and / or a microphone, and / or a speaker. Advantageously, the display device is a touchscreen, allowing, for example, the user to view the positioning status of their tray relative to a tray placement area, and optionally to validate and / or correct information in the event of automatic recognition of the products present on the tray.

[0104] In the example shown in the figures, the lower front part of the workstation, which houses the display screen 19, has a surface designed with an angle and curved shape to ensure good user accessibility. This design prevents glare and makes the workstation accessible to people with disabilities.

[0105] The unit includes a natural convection cooling system designed to cool at least part of the control device. This natural convection cooling system eliminates the need for a fan, thereby reducing energy consumption, noise, and the risk of malfunctions. Advantageously, the cooling system is integrated between the chassis and the bottom panel 12, and advantageously includes air intake grilles at the top and bottom.

[0106] The installation includes a 700 user account database containing predefined user account data. The 700 user account database is either local or remote from workstation 1. The 700 database is stored in a memory location that may be at least partially shared with all or some of the other memories described below, or it may be physically separate. In the example shown in the figure 1 , only one user account CU1 is shown schematically, but of course several unrepresented user accounts are defined in the 700 database.

[0107] In one particular aspect, each CU1 user account includes a user identifier (701) and a balance value (702), either credit or debit. In a preferred embodiment, each account is a private electronic payment account.

[0108] In one particular aspect, each CU1 user account also includes other information, such as a 703 access permission. This 703 access permission indicates, for example, whether the user is authorized to use a given acquisition workstation or installation. It's possible, for instance, that a user might be authorized to access a specific workstation in one restaurant but not another workstation in a different restaurant.

[0109] The usage information may include one or more data points enabling the control device (described below): to validate the general right to use the workstation among several workstations, and / or to check the account status: for example "valid", "closed", where applicable, to check the status of the physical medium of the user identifier (such as a badge): for example "lost", "active", or "inactive"

[0110] The control system commands the display of messages on the screen based on this data.

[0111] Advantageously, the user account includes data corresponding to the number of authorized passes, that is, the number of times the ID and image acquisition cycle can be performed before the account is debited. Thus, it can be anticipated that the control system will prevent the execution of a new cycle when the authorized number of passes is reached and as long as the account has not been debited, and that the control system will display a corresponding message on the screen.

[0112] Thus, when the number of transactions is set to 1, the user can only process one tray at the workstation, preventing them from processing an indefinite number of trays when their account is insufficiently funded. Since the account is debited asynchronously with the acquisition and association steps performed at the workstation, limiting the number of authorized transactions, combined with a minimum balance threshold for using the acquiring workstation or the system, reduces instances of fraudulent use of the system.

[0113] In one embodiment, each user account also includes information relating to the workstation(s) that the user can or cannot access. For example, this information could be a workstation identifier that the user can access.

[0114] An identification device 15 allows the user to be identified. In one embodiment, said identification device 15 includes a badge reader for reading an identifier 601 contained in a user's badge 16. For example, the badge reader is a contactless reader. Of course, the user identifier could be obtained by means other than reading a badge.

[0115] Alternatively, the identification device 15 can be a device configured to communicate with the user's phone to retrieve the user identifier or can be any other type of device capable of collecting an identifier, for example, of an electronic type, or biometric information.

[0116] A control device 17 is configured to acquire the user's identifier and to acquire an image of the tray and its contents with each of the devices 141, 142, and 143 of the image acquisition device 14. Thus, in the example illustrated in the figures, the user can swipe their badge 16 in front of the reader 15, which then reads the associated identifier, triggering an image capture by each device 141, 142, and 143. This embodiment optimizes the time spent at the workstation and improves its ergonomics. The number of actions required from the user is reduced, and the user benefits from the convenience of identifying themselves after placing their tray. Furthermore, data processing is seamless as it is not interrupted.

[0117] The control system also communicates with the database of 700 user accounts from which it receives user account data.

[0118] The control system can then compare the acquired user ID with the user account data to determine if a registered user account exists that corresponds to that user ID. If so, the control system can compare the workstation ID it has stored with the workstation ID associated with the user account to determine if the user is authorized to use that workstation.

[0119] The images of the set of products acquired by cameras 141, 142, 143 are associated in a database 3, called the pre-order database, with the user ID, after verifying that the acquired user ID 601 corresponds to the user ID 701 of a predefined user account in the first database 700. IlReference is made to the association of images with user ID 701, but of course, reference could also be made to user ID 601, which corresponds to user ID 701. The order in which the images and ID 601 are acquired may vary depending on the embodiment. Different embodiments are presented below. The images and ID 701 thus form part of, or constitute, a dataset, also called a pre-order, which can be used to manage the purchase of said set of products. A pre-order is thus stored in database 3 each time a user accesses the workstation.

[0120] It is understood that images and identifiers can be stored either by being copied directly into database 3 or using a reference data point, for example, a link to an image stored elsewhere than in the database's memory. Depending on one particular aspect, images may undergo processing between their acquisition and their storage in database 3.

[0121] Thus, the second database 3 comprises datasets that include, for each acquired user ID corresponding to a user account ID, the acquired images associated with that user ID. It is therefore possible to subsequently retrieve the acquired images from the user ID.

[0122] Advantageously, the monitoring system compares the balance with the threshold value associated with the account and displays an alert information on the screen when the balance is less than said threshold value.

[0123] It can be expected that the balance value will be displayed on screen 19 after the identification device 15 has acquired the user identifier and the control device has determined the corresponding registered user account.

[0124] In one embodiment, once the identifier has been acquired and the corresponding user account identified, screen 19 displays the balance before debit. Displaying this balance information allows the user to keep their eyes on the screen to follow the on-screen instructions. As explained above, this information could be, for example, an invitation to retrieve their tray to eat (nominal case) or to proceed to another station (specific case).

[0125] According to a particular embodiment, the user identifier acquisition step can also be performed after image capture. Preferably, the control device 17 is provided to perform a step of determining the position state, correct or incorrect, of the platform and / or its contents on the exposure surface prior to the image acquisition step.

[0126] As explained in the international application published under number WO2018073510 (A1), the control device comprises a processing and computing unit, such as a computer, tablet, or other type of unit comprising a processor or microprocessor. The control device may also include: An internal peripherals block to interface the workstation's peripherals with the processing unit. These peripherals may include, for example, image acquisition devices such as cameras, sensors, the lighting system, indicator lights, a printer, etc. An external peripherals block to interface the workstation with a data communication network and external peripherals, such as an access gate, a power supply.

[0127] The acquisition of the user ID may be followed by verification steps associated with that ID, such as a step to verify the existence of an associated registered user account and possibly a step to verify access authorization for the use of the acquisition workstation and / or the account balance. Image acquisition and / or the triggering of other steps may therefore be conditional upon one or more verification steps related to the ID.

[0128] In particular, image acquisition can be contingent upon the user ID matching a known user account ID and, potentially, on the user ID being associated with authorization information for the acquisition workstation or installation. Image acquisition can be performed independently of the account balance, which is then checked. If the balance is insufficient, the user is prompted to top up their account or pay at a separate, designated workstation.

[0129] Computer data corresponding respectively to the user identifier (data 316) and the associated acquired images (data 311, 312, 313) are then stored in a computer system memory 3. This memory can be local memory integrated into the acquisition station or remote memory. The acquired user identifier is thus associated with the acquired images. As detailed below, associating the user identifier with these images allows for efficient and reliable management of the user's purchase of the product(s) and, if necessary, also for controlling access to the station.

[0130] In particular, this installation design allows the user to place their tray at the acquisition station while the ID acquisition, image acquisition, and association operations are performed. The user can then leave the acquisition station to get refreshments without having to go to a separate station, except in certain specific cases, such as when the user is not recognized. In this particular case, the user may be prompted, by corresponding on-screen instructions, to go to a specific processing station where an operator is present.

[0131] Depending on a particular aspect, the installation issues an authorization to leave the station to go eat (nominal case) or an invitation to move to another place, for example a specific processing station (special case), which is materialized by a message displayed and / or by the emission of a visual and / or audible signal, and / or by the emission of a control signal from a mechanical passage control system for example to unlock a barrier.

[0132] In the example illustrated in the figures, the user ID and the associated acquired images are part of a dataset 310 referred to hereafter as a "pre-order." The term "pre-order" reflects the fact that, when the user passes through the acquisition station, images of the tray and its contents have been captured, but the products that make up the tray's contents have not yet been identified, and in particular, product-specific data such as their name, price, and quantity have not yet been recorded. As explained later, this product data is intended to be added, using processing station 2, to a dataset called an "order."

[0133] To the figure 2 A pre-order 310 has been schematically represented, comprising image data 311, 312, and 313, which may be images acquired by devices 141, 142, and 143. It can be assumed that the acquired images are pre-processed or not before being saved to form image data 311, 312, and 313. Generally, an image corresponding to a given shot of a product or set of products may undergo different processing at different stages of the installation's operation, for example, in terms of format and / or quality, while still being considered a single image for clarity. In one embodiment, each pre-order also includes other data, such as the position of the platform within the image.

[0134] As illustrated in the figure 1 The installation also includes a second processing station. In one particular configuration, the second processing station is separate from, and preferably located remotely from, the first acquisition station. In another embodiment, the installation comprises several processing stations that can operate in parallel. Therefore, the following description is based on a single second processing station but is applicable to any installation configuration with multiple processing stations.

[0135] The processing station 2 comprises a display screen 20, a human-machine interface, such as a mouse or a touchscreen layer, a processing unit 21, such as a processor or microprocessor, and a power supply. The processing station 2 is, for example, a computer on which software is installed to implement the functionalities detailed below.

[0136] The processing unit 21 is configured to display a pre-order processing interface 200 on the screen 20. The pre-order processing interface 200 includes a navigation area 212 with navigation elements 212A for selecting a pre-order to be processed. Selecting a user's pre-order displays information about that pre-order. In particular, the processing interface 200 includes an image display area 212B corresponding to the image data 311, 312, 313 of the selected pre-order.

[0137] The processing interface 200 of the processing station 2 allows the operator to act on the images, so as to manipulate the platform virtually, for example by zooming or navigating in the images.

[0138] Thus, the pre-order processing interface allows not only navigation within the queue (or stack) of pre-orders generated using acquisition station 1, but also navigation within or manipulation of an image associated with a pre-order.

[0139] The pre-order processing interface also includes a display area for user identification information corresponding to the pre-order user's identification data. This user identification data corresponds directly or indirectly to the acquired identifier. In a specific instance, the user identification information allows for the identification of an account associated with the user, that is, a corresponding user account.

[0140] The pre-order processing interface 200 also includes a display area 213 with multiple selection elements, which here include selection buttons 213A, 213B, 213C, 213D, each associated with a reference product. Each reference product is a product likely to be present in the acquired images and whose data—such as title, price, and / or quantity—is pre-recorded in the system's memory, for example, during a system configuration step.

[0141] As illustrated in the figure 5 A key or set of keys 213A, 213B, 213C, 213D for reference products can be accessed from another key 214, called a category key, corresponding to a category under which these reference products are grouped. Thus, keys 213A, 213B, 213C, 213D can be displayed when the user clicks key 214, the "daily menu," or they can be displayed by default. Similarly, the interface includes other user-selectable category keys to display reference product selection keys associated with those categories.

[0142] The pre-order processing interface 200 also includes a display area, called the product order area 215. When the operator presses a selection key associated with a reference product, order area 215 displays information about that corresponding reference product within the same order area. For example, when the operator presses key 213A, order area 215 displays the product name, price, and quantity.

[0143] In addition, when one of the selection keys, for example key 213A, is pressed by the operator, reference product data associated with that key, for example the product name, price and quantity, are added to order 410. According to a particular aspect, it may be provided that the addition of reference product data to the order requires validation by the operator.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the processing interface also includes at least one of the following keys to meet the needs of pre-order processing or direct entry: a key 221 allowing to cancel a line of the order area 215 and to clear the corresponding product data in the associated order; a key 222 order search allowing to recall in the interface the data of a pending order or a closed order; a key 223 user search to associate a user with an order to be entered using the direct entry interface; a key 224 allowing to print a ticket from an order; a key 225 allowing to close an order to generate a ticket; a key 226 allowing to switch between the pre-order processing interface and the direct entry interface as explained below.

[0145] As illustrated in the figure 3 , order 410 includes a data 416, corresponding to the identification data 316 of pre-order 310, and data, referenced here 414, 415, 417 corresponding to the product data associated with the reference product selection key operated by the user.

[0146] As explained above, each processed pre-order corresponds to an order that includes data representing at least some of the data from said pre-order, as well as additional data resulting from the selection of one or more reference products. In one embodiment, the order does not include certain pre-order data, such as image data and the position of the tray relative to the image.

[0147] According to one particular aspect, each pre-order 310 also includes a pre-order status 319 indicating whether the pre-order is: to be processed; in the process of being processed (an order being in the process of being built); or processed (that is, when the corresponding order is closed and therefore the ticket has been generated).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the processing station 2 allows the operator to view the status of said pre-order 310. When the installation includes several processing stations, a pre-order being processed by one processing station is not accessible to other processing stations.

[0149] In the example illustrated in the figures, these commands are stored in a memory 4 of a computer system that is separate from memory 3. Alternatively, these memories may be shared. Furthermore, in the example shown schematically in the figure 1 An order and its corresponding pre-order are two distinct entities. Alternatively, an order and its associated pre-order can be considered a single entity, i.e., a single set of data, which is considered an order when one of the data in said set has a given value and considered a pre-order when said data has a different value.

[0150] Each order can be used to generate a ticket. Each ticket corresponds to a set of data that includes at least some of the data from a pre-order and / or at least some of the data from the order associated with that pre-order. Each ticket also includes one or more other data points. The generated tickets can be stored in a computer system memory location.

[0151] Memory 5 can be common or distinct from memory 3 or 4. Similarly, the ticket can be a distinct entity from the order and / or pre-order, or be the same entity, that is to say the same set of data which is then considered as a ticket, a pre-order or an order depending on the value taken by one of the data of said set.

[0152] Thus, a 510 ticket can be generated from the 410 order and the associated 310 pre-order. As illustrated in the implementation method of the figure 4 Ticket 510 includes: a user identification data 516 which corresponds directly or indirectly to the identification data 416 or 316, a primary image data 512, which is the top view of the tray, and secondary image data 511 and 513 corresponding to opposite side views of the tray and which correspond respectively to the data 312, 311 and 313 of the pre-order; product data 514, 515, 517 corresponding to the product data 414, 415 and 417 of the order.

[0153] Ticket 510 also includes specific data from 518, meaning data not present in the order or pre-order. Depending on the specific aspect, this specific data is payment method information (e.g., credit card, cash, payment by account) and / or tax information, such as the facility operator's establishment identification number and / or the software version used to generate the ticket.

[0154] As illustrated in the figure 5 and to the figure 6 A key 226 allows the operator to switch between the pre-order processing interface 200 and another interface, called the direct input interface 201, in which no product image(s) acquired by the acquisition station 1 are displayed. In this direct input interface, the operator enters the product data into the order using the interface without loading any pre-order data. In particular, no pre-order image data is loaded into the direct input interface 201.

[0155] In one particular aspect, the direct entry interface 201 incorporates the main elements of the pre-order processing interface 200, except for areas 212A and 212B of the processing interface 200, which are replaced in the direct entry interface 201 by an area 212C devoid of image display and navigation elements for the pre-order stack. Thus, the direct entry interface no longer displays any information related to pre-orders.

[0156] When using the direct input interface 201, the processing unit 21 generates a command 420, known as the direct command. This direct command is not associated with a pre-order. The direct command 420 includes a person's identification data and reference product(s) data corresponding to one or each selection key on the direct input interface 201 pressed by the operator.

[0157] Button 226 allows you to exit pre-order management and switch to direct entry (i.e., without pre-order data), and vice versa, which makes it possible not to dedicate a processing station 2 solely to the processing of pre-orders 310, but also to respond to particular situations where, for example, the user does not have a badge.

[0158] At least some of the ticket data is accessible from a terminal 6, preferably via a web portal or mobile application, to allow the user, for example, the user associated with order 410, to view information 601, 602 related to the ticket. The user accesses this information associated with their account using a corresponding login and password or an identification token.

[0159] As illustrated in the figure 7 Using the example of a user who wants to be able to check the information associated with their transaction, terminal 6 allows the display of ticket data, such as the list of products, their price, their quantity and other information related to the user's account, such as their identifier and the corresponding account balance.

[0160] The application also displays a 603 icon which allows the user to display at least one 602 image ( figure 8 ) corresponding to one of the acquired images, preferably the top image of the tray and its contents, allowing the user to verify the consistency between the data in the entered product list and the contents of the tray. The user can also return to the display of the entered product list using the 604 icon. It is also possible to allow the user to access their ticket via a customer portal using a terminal such as a computer.

[0161] Terminal 6 is, for example, a user's smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0162] In one embodiment, terminal 6 can be used to validate a pre-order and thus generate an order. A ticket can also be generated from this order.

[0163] The installation may also include a terminal usable by the operator via a specific interface, such as a management portal, designed to access information related to tickets, orders, and / or pre-orders. The terminal may also be trained by the processing station itself.

[0164] Due to the architecture of such an installation, acquisition station 1 can operate independently of processing station 2. In other words, processing station 2 does not need to have completed the processing of a pre-order before acquisition station 1 can generate new pre-orders.

[0165] As long as there are pre-orders to process, processing station 2 can handle the 310 generated pre-orders, regardless of whether new pre-order generation continues or stops. Processing station 2 can therefore operate independently of acquisition station 1.

[0166] Users operate acquisition station 1 individually, meaning that a user places their plate on the exposure surface and then retrieves it once the image(s) have been acquired, allowing the next user to do the same. In other words, a user can place their plate in the exposure area only after the previous user has removed theirs.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the control device 17 is also configured to, after the identifier has been associated with the acquired images, control an exit authorization or indication device 9 to allow or indicate to the user to take back his tray (to go eat).

[0168] In other words, when user identification is performed and images are acquired, the acquisition station emits a validation signal that can be interpreted by a controller, whether that controller is a physical person (when the validation signal is a light or a ticket to be presented) or a mechanical access control system, such as a gate.

[0169] In the example illustrated in the figures, the authorization device 9 includes indicator lights that emit a light of a given color, for example green, when the processing and computing unit commands the emission by the indicator light(s) of said color light corresponding to an exit authorization or passage validation.

[0170] Using indicator lights as an authorization (or validation) device allows for process supervision by an operator. These lights can also be used to identify the workstation's status (open or closed).

[0171] The tray's release is authorized by the control system once the acquired image of the tray and the tray carrier's ID have been matched. Advantageously, an additional validation condition could be that the ID corresponds to a user authorized to dine at the restaurant associated with the station. Another additional validation condition could be that the user's account corresponding to the ID has sufficient credit and / or allows for sufficient debits. Thus, a predetermined credit threshold or maximum authorized debit limit could be introduced as a validation parameter.

[0172] Different operating modes for the installation are possible.

[0173] According to one embodiment applied, for example, to institutional catering, the user approaches an acquisition station and places their tray on the placement surface 11. The acquisition station 1, which was previously in standby mode, detects, using the image acquisition device 14, a movement corresponding to the introduction of the tray onto the placement surface. The acquisition station 1 then provides interactive information to assist in positioning the tray.

[0174] Acquisition station 1 detects any contact between the tray or a tray content and the sides of an imaginary frame displayed on screen 19 superimposed on the image of the tray.

[0175] The imaginary frame is a frame corresponding to the edges of the image within which the tray and its contents are intended to be positioned to be considered correctly placed. If the tray or its contents touch one side of this frame, that side is displayed in red, for example, and a message instructing the user to reposition it is shown. When the tray and its contents are correctly positioned within the frame, i.e., within the frame's edges, the frame is displayed in green, for example, and a message is shown on screen 19 prompting the user to present their badge.

[0176] These check and validation steps for platform positioning help to limit the processing time of the acquired data, since these steps ensure that the acquired images are usable at the processing station 2, while the user is guided through these steps, so that the time spent by the user at the acquisition station 1 is reduced.

[0177] The user then presents their badge 16 in front of the reader 15. After a verification step of the right of passage according to the account associated with the badge and possibly according to its balance, the acquisition device 14 then takes images of the platform and its contents from different angles.

[0178] Shooting from three different angles provides the processing station operator with a comprehensive view of the set and its contents.

[0179] Once the acquisition operations are complete, the user can remove their tray and go eat, while another user can position their tray on the surface of the acquisition station.

[0180] The data acquired by acquisition station 1 during a user's visit forms a stored pre-order accessible by processing station 2. After several users have visited, a stack of pre-orders is obtained.

[0181] An operator present at the processing station 2 can then process a pre-order which he can select using the navigation area of ​​the processing interface 200 or which can be automatically selected by the processing station 2.

[0182] The 200 processing interface allows the operator to navigate the stack of pre-orders and process each pre-order by entering product data into a corresponding command. This data matches the products shown in the on-screen images from the pre-order. Entering product data into a command involves writing that product data to the command memory and associating it with the data already present in the order.

[0183] When a pre-order is selected in the processing interface 200, the acquired images contained in the pre-order are displayed. The operator can then enter—that is, add—data corresponding to the names, prices, and quantities of the products shown in the images to create an order based on the pre-order, using the selection keys in the processing interface 200. When the operator considers the order complete, that is, when the reference product data corresponding to the products shown in the images has been entered (added) to the order, the operator can close the order.

[0184] Upon order completion, a receipt is generated. This receipt includes the product name, price, and quantity from the order, along with specific data such as tax information (VAT) and / or payment method details. A low-resolution image, preferably one of the images from the pre-order, is also included in the receipt data. The receipt is accessible to the user, who can view it on a device such as their phone and / or print it from a designated kiosk. The product data included in the receipt and the corresponding tray image are also accessible to the operator, for example, via a management portal accessible from a terminal such as the processing station.

[0185] It can be expected that an amount relating to the price of the products from the order will be debited from the corresponding user account.

[0186] In the event of a dispute over a ticket, it can be expected that the operator may modify the order, correct the existing ticket, or issue a new corresponding ticket.

[0187] In one particular configuration, processing station 2 can be associated with, or include, an ID reader, such as a badge reader. When the ID is read by this reader, processing station 2 automatically positions the processing interface's navigation area on the corresponding badge ID within the pre-order stack. This configuration allows the processing interface to automatically load the relevant pre-order data when a user wants to modify an order. It also handles situations where a pre-order has been generated but users must go through the processing station to finalize it, for example, due to insufficient funds.

[0188] As mentioned above, it is possible to connect multiple acquiring stations, while a single processing station is used by an operator to handle pre-orders from the different stations. This type of installation design further increases checkout capacity. It is also possible to configure the system with multiple processing stations, allowing several operators to access a single stack of pre-orders.

[0189] The functions and steps described above can be implemented as a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps performed by the acquisition and processing stations, and especially by their control or processing units, can be carried out by computer instruction sets implemented in a (micro)processor or controller, or by dedicated electronic components or FPGA or ASIC-type components. It is also possible to combine computer and electronic components.

[0190] Computer programs, or computer instructions, can be contained in program storage devices, such as computer-readable digital data storage media, or executable programs. Programs or instructions can also be executed from program storage devices.

[0191] Depending on one particular aspect, pre-orders, orders and tickets are stored in the form of one or more database(s).

[0192] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Consequently, it must be understood that, where the features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference numerals, these numerals are included solely for the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting the scope of the claims.

[0193] Furthermore, the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps. In addition, features or steps described with reference to one of the embodiments set out above may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments set out above.

Claims

1. An installation comprising: • an acquisition station (1) making it possible, for several successive users, to acquire data relating to a product or a set of products, such as the content of a meal tray, of each user, said acquisition station (1) comprising: - a laying surface (11) allowing the user to lay down said product or set of products; - an image acquisition device (14) oriented toward the laying surface (11); - an identification device (15) making it possible to identify the user; - a control device (17) configured, for each user, to: - acquire an identifier of the user associated with a user account; - acquire an image of said product or set of products with the image acquisition device (14), before or after the step of acquisition of the identifier of the user; • a memory (3) in which is stored, for each user, a set of data, called preorder (310), said preorder comprising a datum (316) corresponding to the identifier of the user and a datum (311) corresponding to the acquired image; • a memory (4) in which are stored sets of data, called orders, each order comprising at least a part of the data of a preorder; characterised in that the installation comprises: • a processing station (2) comprising a display screen (20), a human-machine interface and a processing unit (21) configured to display, on the screen (20), a preorder processing interface (200) which comprises: - a navigation zone (212A) making it possible to select a preorder; - an image display zone (212B) making it possible to display the image of the preorder; - an identifier display zone (211) for displaying an identification datum of the user with which the preorder is associated; - selection elements (213A) each associated with a reference product, - a display zone, called order zone (215); said processing unit (21) of the processing station (2) being also configured to, when one of said selection elements (213A) is invoked by the operator, display a datum of the corresponding reference product in said order zone (215), and add, in an order (410) associated with the preorder (310), the datum of said reference product; the installation being configured to debit the user account associated with the user identifier of the selected preorder with an amount relating to the price of the reference products added in the order; in that the acquisition station (1) is configured to function independently of the processing station (2); in that the processing station (2) is configured to make it possible to process preorders (310) that have been generated, independently of whether the acquisition station (1) is continuing to operate or has stopped; and in that said processing station (2) is configured to make it possible to switch between the preorder processing interface (200) and another interface, called direct input interface (201), in which no image of product(s) acquired by the acquisition station (1) is displayed, said processing unit (21) being configured to, upon a use of the direct input interface (201), generate a set of data, called direct order (420), which includes at least one datum of a reference product corresponding to a selection element (213A) invoked by the operator.

2. The installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the installation comprises a database (700) of user accounts in which are recorded user account data, each user account (CU1) comprising: - an identifier of a user (701); - a balance value (702), credit or debit; and in that the control device (17) is configured to determine whether the identifier (601) of the user that has been acquired corresponds to the identifier of the user (701) of a recorded user account.

3. The installation as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that each user account (CU1) comprises right-of-use information (703) to indicate whether the user associated with the user account (CU1) is or is not authorized to use said acquisition station or the installation, and in that the control device (17) is configured to, after having determined whether the user account (CU1) corresponds to the identifier of the user (601) that has been acquired, authorize or not authorize the use of the acquisition station or of the installation as a function of the right-of-use information (703) associated with said user account (CU1).

4. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, the installation comprises a memory (5) in which are stored sets of data called tickets (510), each ticket (510) comprising at least a part of the data of an order (410) and / or a part of the data of the associated preorder (310), and in that at least a part of the data of a ticket associated with a user is accessible from a terminal (6).

5. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit (21) is configured to, when the identifier of a user is input or detected, and a preorder is associated with said identifier, automatically select said preorder by displaying the corresponding identification and image data in the preorder processing interface (200).

6. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said processing station (2) is configured to allow the operator to act on the image, for example by zooming or navigating in the image.

7. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each preorder (310) comprises preorder status information (319) indicating whether the preorder is: - to be processed; or - currently being processed, or - processed; and in that the processing station (2) is configured to filter the preorders to be displayed in the processing interface as a function of their status.

8. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, each reference product comprises a product naming datum, a price datum and a quantity datum, said processing unit (21) of the processing station (2) is configured to add these product naming, price and quantity data into the order (410) when said reference product is selected in the preorder processing interface (200).

9. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, said preorder (310) also comprising, for each image, a position datum relating to the product or the set of products relative to said image, said processing station (2) is configured to display, in the image zone (212B) of the processing interface (200), an enlarged view of said image as a function of said position datum.

10. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the acquisition station (1) comprising a display screen (19) and the image acquisition device (14) comprising a camera, the control unit (17) is configured to: - trigger the display on the screen (19) of the image filmed by the camera when the introduction of the product or of the set of products on the laying surface is detected; - trigger the stopping of the display of the filmed image when the product or the set of products is removed from the laying surface.

11. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing station (2) is configured to make it possible to modify the orders corresponding to the preorders that have been processed.

12. The installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the installation comprises several processing stations (2) and / or several acquisition stations (1).

13. A product data management method, implemented using an installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the generation of preorders (310) using the acquisition station (1), and in that the method comprises, using the processing station (2), the following steps: - displaying an image of a preorder (310) in the image display zone (212B) of the processing interface (200); - using selection elements (213A) of the processing interface (200) of the processing station (2), adding, into an order (410) associated with the preorder, data of a reference product corresponding to a product present in the displayed image.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the steps performed using the processing station (2) are performed asynchronously with respect to that or those performed with the acquisition station (1).