Food Serving System

Abstract

According to one aspect, a food serving system is provided that enables weighed food amounts to be linked to a single user, regardless of whether the user is individually identified. According to another aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving weighing results associated with identifiers from at least one control unit associated with a plurality of food collection points, and generating a total result associated with the identifiers based on the weighing results associated with the identifiers.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of data processing and to solutions for operating and managing food serving systems. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, solutions exist for tracking the amount of food consumed by people having lunch and linking the consumed food to an identified user. For example, a lunch serving line may be equipped with scales associated with the served food and a reader for reading an identifier associated with the user, for example, from a smart card. At a particular food collection point, the user is first identified with a smart card, after which the user can take a desired amount of food. The amount taken by the user is weighed and the weighing information is associated with the user. By identifying users at multiple food collection points and associating the food weighing information with the user, for example, the energy content of the food selected by the user can be determined.

[0003] However, a problem with at least some existing solutions is that information about food consumption is only available to users who use a user-specific identification means, such as a smart card, to identify themselves: if a user does not have a smart card, food collected and weighed by such a user cannot be linked to any user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a technical solution that allows for weighed amounts of food to be linked to a single user, whether that user is individually identified or not. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object is achieved by the features of the attached independent claims. Further embodiments and examples are evident from the dependent claims, the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a food serving system is provided. The system includes a plurality of food serving points configured to serve food and a plurality of food collection points configured to receive trays, each food collection point associated with the food serving point, a control unit, a scale connected to the control unit and configured to weigh a user's tray, and a reader connected to the control unit and configured to read an identifier. Each control unit associated with the plurality of food collection points is configured to initiate a weighing event upon detecting a weight change at the scale associated with the food collection point, and in response to the initiation, associate an identifier read by the reader associated with the food collection point with the weighing event, generate at least one weighing result at the scale associated with the food collection point, and abort the weighing event when no weight is detected at the scale associated with the food collection point. A management unit is configured to receive the weighing result associated with the identifier from at least one control unit associated with the plurality of food collection points and generate a total result associated with the identifier based on the weighing result.

[0008] In an implementation of the first aspect, the identifier is associated with at least one of the tray, the user, or the user's mobile device.

[0009] In an implementation of the first aspect, the management unit is configured to start a new session when it detects the identifier for the first time.

[0010] In an implementation of the first aspect, the tray return point further includes a reader configured to read the identifier when the tray is returned, and the management unit is configured to terminate an existing session associated with the identifier in response to the reading.

[0011] In an implementation of the first aspect, the management unit is configured to terminate an existing session associated with the identifier upon failure to register the identifier at the tray return point within a predetermined period of time.

[0012] In an implementation of the first aspect, the system further comprises a waste point with an associated reader configured to read the identifier when the tray is returned, the waste point further comprising a waste collection point and a scale configured to weigh the amount of biowaste left by the user at the waste collection point, and the management unit configured to receive the identifier and the weighed weight of the biowaste from the waste point.

[0013] In an implementation of the first aspect, the management unit is configured to receive at least one information pair associated with a weighing result of a tray from a food collection point, each information pair consisting of a weighing result and an indication of whether the identifier was read correctly or incorrectly, and the management unit is configured to calculate a subtotal result associated with the food collection point by subtracting the first weighing result associated with the indication that the identifier was read correctly from the last weighing result associated with the indication that the identifier was read correctly.

[0014] In an implementation of the first aspect, the system further includes a display associated with the food collection point, and the management unit is configured to control the display to display at least one of an indication of a weighing event at the food collection point, the name of a dish to be served at a food serving point associated with the food collection point, and additional information regarding the dish to be served at the food serving point.

[0015] In an implementation of the first aspect, the system further comprises an identification point comprising a first reader configured to read the identifier and a second reader configured to read the user identifier, and the management unit is configured to receive the identifier and the user identifier from the identification point and link the identifier with the user identifier.

[0016] In an implementation of the first aspect, the management unit is configured to receive at least one additional food-related selection from the identification point and link the at least one additional food-related selection with a user identifier.

[0017] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method including receiving weighing results associated with the identifiers from at least one control unit associated with a plurality of food collection points, and generating a total result associated with the identifiers based on the weighing results associated with the identifiers.

[0018] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes initiating a new session upon detecting the identifier for the first time.

[0019] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving an identifier from the tray return point when the tray is returned, and terminating an existing session associated with the identifier.

[0020] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes terminating an existing session associated with the identifier upon failure to receive the identifier from the tray return point within a predetermined period of time.

[0021] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving at least one information pair associated with a weighing result of the tray from the food collection point, each information pair consisting of a weighing result and an indication of whether the identifier was read correctly or incorrectly, and calculating a subtotal result associated with the food collection point by subtracting the first weighing result associated with the indication that the identifier was read correctly from the last weighing result associated with the indication that the identifier was read correctly.

[0022] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes controlling a display associated with the food collection point to display at least one of an indication of a weighing event at the food collection point, a name of a dish to be served at a food serving point associated with the food collection point, and additional information regarding the dish to be served at the food serving point.

[0023] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving an identifier and a user identifier from an identification point, and linking the identifier with the user identifier.

[0024] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving at least one additional food-related selection from the identification point and linking the at least one additional food-related selection with the user identifier.

[0025] In an implementation of the second aspect, the identifier is associated with at least one of the tray, the user, or the user's mobile device.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code configured to cause, using the at least one processor, a user node to at least perform the steps of receiving weighing results associated with identifiers from at least one control unit associated with a plurality of food collection points, and generating a total result associated with the identifiers based on the weighing results associated with the identifiers.

[0027] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, using the at least one processor, cause the user node to perform at least the step of initiating a new session when detecting the identifier for the first time.

[0028] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause, using the at least one processor, the user node to perform at least the steps of receiving an identifier from a tray return point when a tray is returned, and terminating an existing session associated with the identifier.

[0029] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, using the at least one processor, to cause the user node to perform at least the step of terminating an existing session associated with the identifier upon failure to receive the identifier from the tray return point within a predetermined period of time.

[0030] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the user node, using the at least one processor, to perform at least the steps of receiving at least one information pair associated with a weighing result of a tray from a food collection point, each information pair consisting of a weighing result and an indication of whether the identifier was read correctly or incorrectly, and calculating a subtotal result associated with the food collection point by subtracting the first weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier was read correctly from the last weighing result associated with the indication that the identifier was read correctly.

[0031] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the user node, using the at least one processor, to perform at least the steps of receiving at least one information pair associated with a weighing result of a tray from a food collection point, each information pair consisting of a weighing result and an indication of whether the identifier was read correctly or incorrectly, and calculating a subtotal result associated with the food collection point by subtracting the first weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier was read correctly from the last weighing result associated with the indication that the identifier was read correctly.

[0032] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the user node, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the steps of controlling a display associated with the food collection point to display at least one of an indication of a weighing event at the food collection point, the name of a dish to be served at a food serving point associated with the food collection point, and additional information regarding the dish to be served at the food serving point.

[0033] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the user node, using the at least one processor, to perform at least the steps of receiving an identifier and a user identifier from an identification point and linking the identifier with the user identifier.

[0034] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the user node, using the at least one processor, to at least perform the steps of receiving at least one additional food-related selection from an identification point and linking the at least one additional food-related selection with a user identifier.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising program code which, when executed by at least one processor, performs the method of the second aspect.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising a computer program comprising program code which, when executed by at least one processor, performs the method of the second aspect.

[0037] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

[0038] The principles of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a food serving system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a food collection point in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; [Figure 1C] 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a waste point in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; [Figure 1D]1 illustrates a block diagram of an identification point in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; [Figure 1E] 1 illustrates a tray according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an example of a weighing event performed at a food collection point according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] An example illustrating four food serving points and four food collection points is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 shows a view on a display before a user places their tray on a scale associated with a food collection point, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 illustrates the view on the display when a user places a tray on the scale according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4C] 10 illustrates the view on the display when a user places a tray on the scale according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4D] 1 illustrates a view on a display as a user places food on a plate, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4E] 1 illustrates a view on a display as a user places food on a plate, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4F] 10 shows the view on the display when a user places a tray on the scale, but the tray is slightly misplaced, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4G] 10 illustrates the view on the display when the user places the plate back on the tray according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10 illustrates a view displayed by a touch-sensitive display of an identified point according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5B] According to an exemplary embodiment, a view on a display is shown when a user places a tray on a surface associated with an identification point and the identification point fails to identify any dishes previously associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using. [Figure 5C]According to an exemplary embodiment, the view on the display shows when a user places a tray on a surface associated with an identification point and the identification point is able to identify a dish previously associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using. [Figure 5D] According to an exemplary embodiment, when a user places a tray on a surface associated with an identification point, the identification point shows a view on the display when the user has not previously identified any dish previously associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using. [Figure 5E] According to an exemplary embodiment, an identification point indicates a view on the display when a QR code provided by a user is successfully read by a second reader. [Figure 6A] 10 illustrates a view displayed by a touch-sensitive display at a waste point in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a view on a display when a user places a tray on a surface associated with a waste point and the waste point is able to identify the previous dish associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates a view on a display when a user places a tray on a surface associated with a waste point and the waste point fails to identify a previous dish associated with an identifier associated with the tray the user is using, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates an administrative interface view for controlling a display according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a dish editing view according to an example embodiment. [Figure 7C] 10 illustrates a recipe editing view in accordance with an example embodiment. [Figure 7D] 1 illustrates a calendar view according to an example embodiment. [Figure 7E]1 illustrates a report view according to an example embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a management unit illustrating an exemplary system or device that may include various optional hardware and software components, according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific aspects, embodiments, and examples in which the present disclosure may reside. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, as the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the present disclosure may be embodied in many other forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function disclosed in the following description.

[0041] From the detailed description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure covers any embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, regardless of whether that embodiment is implemented independently or in concert with other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the systems disclosed herein can actually be implemented by using any number of the embodiments provided herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented using one or more of the elements recited in the appended claims.

[0042] As used herein, the term "food serving point" may refer to any point at which food is served. Furthermore, one or more dishes may be served at a single food serving point. In an exemplary embodiment, each dish may be served at a separate food serving point. For example, a food serving point may constitute a location where served dishes are placed and from which a user can remove a selected amount of the dish onto their plate. Multiple food serving points may be located at a single location.

[0043] As used herein, the term "food collection point" may refer to a point associated with a food serving point where a user can place a tray and one or more dishes, e.g., plates, carried by the tray. Each food collection point may also include a scale configured to weigh a tray placed at the food collection point. Multiple food collection points may be located at a single location.

[0044] As used herein, the term "tray" refers to an object that can be used to carry one or more other items, such as plates, glasses, etc. A tray may take any suitable form, for example, its shape may be rectangular, rounded rectangular, circular, etc. Each tray may be associated with an identifier that may uniquely identify the tray among all trays used at a food collection point. The identifier may be provided, for example, by a wirelessly readable tag, such as a near field communication (NFC) tag, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a visually readable tag. The identifier may also be provided by a visually readable code or identifier, such as a QR code, a barcode, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the identifier may be a feature of the tray itself. For example, a tag containing the identifier may be fixedly affixed to the tray, for example, glued onto the bottom surface of the tray, or incorporated into the tray. In another exemplary embodiment, the visually readable code or identifier may be, for example, printed on the tray, or affixed to the tray as, for example, a sticker. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the identifier may be provided by another device or tag that may be associated with the user or the user's device. For example, a mobile device placed on the tray may provide the identifier. Thus, the identifier may be provided, for example, via wireless transmission, e.g., using Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, Wi-Fi, etc. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the identifier may be associated with the user or the user's mobile device instead of the tray. Thus, while the exemplary embodiments discussed below may use the identifier as being associated with the tray, the identifier may alternatively be associated with, for example, the user or the user's mobile device. Furthermore, the identifier may be unique among identifiers used within a particular food serving system, or the identifier may be globally unique among all identifiers. The identifier may also be unique among all identifiers used by a particular device or type of device.The identifier may be, for example, a serial number or code associated with the device or component, or any other identifier that can be used for identification purposes.

[0045] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "reader" may refer to any type of reader capable of reading or recognizing an identifier. The reader may, for example, apply near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), or visual recognition. Visual recognition may, for example, refer to a solution in which the reader is capable of reading a visually readable code or identifier, such as a QR code, a barcode, etc. Alternatively, visual recognition may refer to a solution based on recognizing information from one or more images from a camera. Furthermore, the reader may be configured to read the identifier continuously or at preset intervals. The reader may also be configured to read the identifier after receiving an instruction to do so.

[0046] Figure 1A illustrates a food serving system according to an exemplary embodiment. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A will be discussed in conjunction with Figures 1B-1E.

[0047] The system includes a management unit 100 connected to at least one food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C. The food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C are configured to receive trays 142 carried by users. Each food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C may be associated with a corresponding food serving point 138A, 138B, 138C. From the food serving point 138A, 138B, 138C, the user can take a desired amount of food. The food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C comprise control units 104, 104A, 104B, 104C, scales 108, 108A, 108B, 108C connected to the control units 104, 104A, 104B, 104C and configured to weigh the user's trays 142, and readers 106, 106A, 106B, 106C connected to the control units 104, 104A, 104B, 104C and configured to read identifiers 144 associated with the trays 142. Food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C may also include displays 110, 110A, 110B, 110C configured to display information associated with the food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C and / or food serving points 138A, 138B, 138C. Each control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C associated with the plurality of food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C is configured to initiate a weighing event upon detecting a weight change on a scale 108, 108A, 108B, 108C associated with the food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C. In response to the initiation, the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C is configured to associate the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 read by the reader 106, 106A, 106B, 106C with the weighing event. Additionally, the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C is configured to generate at least one weighing result by the scale 108, 108A, 108B, 108C and to stop the weighing event upon detecting no weight on the scale 108, 108A, 108B, 108C.In addition to food serving points 138A, 138B, 138C, the system may include one or more additional food serving points not associated with a scale, such as a grill point, a dessert point, a beverage point, a soup point, a salad point, a bread point, etc.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the readers 106, 106A, 106B, 106C may be configured to read the identifiers, for example, continuously or at preset intervals. In another exemplary embodiment, the readers 106, 106A, 106B, 106C may be configured to read the identifiers after receiving an instruction to read the identifiers. Furthermore, when the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C associates the identifiers 144 read by the readers 106, 106A, 106B, 106C with a weighing event, the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C may use the last identifier read as the identifier associated with the weighing event. Alternatively, when the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C initiates a weighing event, the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C may be configured to instruct the reader 106, 106A, 106B, 106C to read the identifier and associate the read identifier with the weighing event. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, if the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C receives a read identifier from the reader 106, 106A, 106B, 106C after a weighing event has already been initiated, the control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C may set this identifier as the identifier associated with the weighing event.

[0049] The management unit 100 is configured to receive a weighing result associated with the identifier 144 from at least one control unit 104, 104A, 104B, 104C associated with the food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C and to generate a total result associated with the identifier 144 based on the weighing result. In other words, the management unit 100 is able to link all received weighing results associated with the different food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C to a particular identifier.

[0050] The system may also include at least one identification point 112, 112A, 112B, 112C. The identification point 112, 112A, 112B, 112C may include a first reader 116, 116A, 116B, 116C configured to read an identifier 144 associated with a tray 142 and a second reader 118, 118A, 118B, 118C configured to read a user identifier. In an exemplary embodiment, the second reader 118, 118A, 118B, 118C may include a QR code reader or a near field communication reader. The management unit 100 is then configured to receive the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 and the user identifier from the identification point 112, 112A, 112B, 112C and link the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 to the user identifier. Since the management unit 100 has previously received the weighing result associated with the tray's identifier, after receiving the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 along with the user identifier, the management unit 100 can establish a link between the particular user and the particular identifier 144 of the tray 142.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include at least one waste point 122, 122A, 122B, 122C comprising a control unit 124, 124A, 124B, 124C connected to a reader 126, 126A, 126B, 126C configured to read an identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 when the tray 142 is returned. The waste point 122, 122A, 122B, 122C further includes a waste collection point 140A, 140B, 140C and a scale 128, 128A, 128B, 128C connected to the control unit 124, 124A, 124B, 124C and configured to weigh an amount of biowaste left by a user at the waste collection point 140A, 140B, 140C. The management unit 100 may be configured to receive an identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 and the weighed weight of the biowaste from the control unit 124, 124A, 124B, 124C. The waste points 122, 122A, 122B, 122C may also include displays 130, 130A, 130B, 130C connected to the control units 124, 124A, 124B, 124C. The displays 130, 130A, 130B, 130C may display, for example, the weight of the biowaste left by the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the waste points 122, 122A, 122B, 122C may be configured to determine the contents of the biowaste left by the user or to estimate the contents of the biowaste left by the user. This determination or estimation may be based, for example, on identifying the contents of the biowaste from one or more images using digital image processing solutions. For example, an image of a user's tray may be taken before the user places biowaste at a waste collection point 140A, 140B, 140C.

[0052] The system may also include a management interface 134 that may be used to configure the information displayed by the displays 110, 110A, 110B, 110C of the food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C and to manage the operation of the system. For example, each display 110A, 110B, 110C may display at least one of the name of the dish, the ingredients of the dish, and one or more additional characteristics associated with the dish (e.g., that the dish is lactose-free and / or glutenin-free). The management interface 134 may be provided by the management unit 100, for example, as a browser-based interface.

[0053] The system may also include an external system interface 132 through which it may transmit, for example, information regarding system usage to one or more third parties.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, management unit 100 is configured to initiate a new session associated with tray 142 the first time it detects identifier 144 associated with tray 142. In other words, a new session begins when a user places tray 142 at a first food collection point for the first time and a successful read operation of identifier 144 associated with tray 142 occurs. After initiation, subsequent measurements at one or more food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C can be linked to identifier 144.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the management unit 100 may be configured to terminate an existing session associated with a tray 142 upon failure to register the tray 142 or identifier 144 at a tray return point within a predetermined period of time. Thus, the term "session" may define the period of time during which the same user controls the tray 142 from a first food collection point until returning the tray 142 at the tray return point. This allows a session to be terminated even if the tray return is not registered in the normal manner, for example, if the user leaves the tray on a table.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a tray return point (not shown in FIG. 1A ) that includes a reader configured to read the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 when the tray 142 is returned. The management unit 100 may then be configured to terminate an existing session associated with the tray 142 in response to the read. The existing session may be terminated immediately after reading the identifier 144. In another exemplary embodiment, there may be a time delay, e.g., 1 to 10 minutes, before the existing session is terminated when the tray 142 is returned. In an exemplary embodiment, it may occur that the tray 142 is not returned at all, or that the tray return point does not register the return of the tray 142. In this case, the management unit 100 may be configured to terminate an existing session associated with the tray 142 upon failure to register the tray 142 at the tray return point within a predetermined period, e.g., 45 minutes, from the start of the session associated with the tray 142. This can occur, for example, when the tray 142 is still in use within the system but does not show up at a tray return point, or if a user leaves the tray on a table without returning it.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the tray return point and waste point may be integrated into a single point of operation.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the system may comprise an information point comprising a display and a reader configured to read the identifiers 144 associated with the trays 142. The information point may be connected to the management unit 100. The information point may provide the user with summary information about the dishes selected by the user for that particular lunch, for example the possibility to see their energy content. In this way, even if the food serving system may not identify individual users, the system can provide summary information for each user before they return their trays.

[0059] The solution disclosed above may enable weighed food amounts to be linked to a single user, regardless of whether the user is individually identified. Each session may be identified, for example, based on an identifier associated with the tray, and since the identifiers are acquired separately at each food collection point, all weighing results can be linked to a specific tray or identifier. This allows for the collection of general, anonymous data regarding user behavior and food consumption. This can then, for example, allow for the provision of various reports and statistics based on the collected data. The solution may also collect statistical information regarding the amount of waste left by users and the composition of that waste. It may also be possible to deduct inedible parts (e.g., bones) from the collected statistical information. The collected statistics may enable the identification of unpopular recipes and / or the adaptation of recipes and dishes. Furthermore, the solution may also allow the determination of meal times associated with each user, since the start and end times of each session may be recorded.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a weighing event performed at a food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C, according to an exemplary embodiment. Circle 200 illustrates various phases 212-230 of the weighing event and the measurements provided by the scales 108, 108A, 108B, 108C. Diamond 202 indicates a failure to read the identifier associated with the tray, and diamond 204 indicates a successful reading of the identifier associated with the tray. Reference numeral 206 (open rectangle) illustrates a situation in which the scale fails to provide a measurement because the tray is not placed on the scale. Reference numeral 208 (hatched rectangle) illustrates a situation in which the tray is partially pressed onto the scale, causing the scale to provide a measurement. Reference numeral 210 (black rectangle) illustrates a situation in which the user centers the tray on the scale and is able to read the identifier associated with the tray.

[0061] At 212, the user has not yet placed the tray on the scale, and therefore no weight has been detected by the scale. At 214, the user slides the tray partially onto the scale, but the reader associated with the food collection point is not yet able to read the identifier associated with the tray. At 216, the user centers the tray on the scale, and the reader is now able to read the identifier associated with the tray. In effect, the weight measured by the scale at 216 (750 g) comprises the weight of the tray and any items placed on it. If the weighing result of 750 g seems too low (for example, if the user forgot to place an empty plate on the tray), the display associated with the food collection point may indicate this to the user.

[0062] At 218 and 220, the user adds food onto the plate. The user may hold the plate in their hand as they add food onto the plate, and only then place the plate back on the tray. Alternatively, the user may keep the plate on the tray at all times when adding food onto the plate. At 222, there is a slight decrease in the weight measured by the scale, and the tray moves slightly to the side from the correct weighing position, preventing the reader from reading the identifier. At 224, the user again places the tray correctly on the scale, and the reader is again able to read the identifier. At 226, the user again adds food onto the plate. At 228, the user begins to move the tray forward away from the food collection point (e.g., to another food collection point), causing the weight reading measured by the scale to decrease. At the same time, the reader may again fail to read the identifier associated with the tray. At 230, the tray is completely removed from the scale.

[0063] The control units 104, 104A, 104B, 104C of the food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C may store an information pair associated with each weighing result. Each information pair consists of the weighing result and an indication of whether the identifier associated with the tray was read correctly or incorrectly. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the information pairs would be (580g, false), (750g, true), (790g, true), (850g, true), (848g, false), (850g, true), and (620g, false). The actual weight gain at the food collection point (i.e., the weight of the food selected by the user) can be calculated by subtracting the last weight measurement where the identifier was successfully read from the first weight measurement where the identifier was successfully read. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the weight gain is 870g - 750g = 120g. In another exemplary embodiment, the control units 104, 104A, 104B, 104C may transmit the information pairs associated with each weighing result to the management unit 100 without permanently storing the information pairs.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, a weighing event is initiated when a change in weight is detected by the scale. Only then does the food collection point begin reading the identifier associated with the tray. Alternatively, the food collection point may read the identifier independently of the weighing process. Similarly, a weighing event ends when no weight remains on the scale. For example, even if the identifier associated with the tray cannot be read at 222, a weighing result will be included in the weighing event. The management unit 100 is configured to calculate a subtotal result associated with a single food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C by subtracting the first weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 was correctly read from the last weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier 144 associated with the tray 142 was correctly read. The subtotal result thus provides the weight of the food collected by the user at the food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows an example illustrating four food serving points 300 and four food collection points. As shown in FIG. 3, two or more food collection points may be grouped together into a larger food collection point, e.g., as a "food line." In other words, multiple dishes may be served at one large food collection point. As shown in FIG. 3, scales 302 may be integrated into or built into the food line to allow users to easily move trays between different food collection points. Additionally, each tray may include at least one alignment mark configured to align with corresponding alignment marks 304, 306 located on the food serving point 300 and / or scales 302. A display 308 associated with a food serving point 300 may be configured to display, for example, at least one of an indication of a weighing event at the food collection point, the name of a dish served at the food serving point 300 associated with the food collection point, and additional information regarding the dish served at the food serving point 300.

[0066] Additionally, each tray used in connection with a food collection point may be associated with an identifier that may uniquely identify it among all trays used with the food collection point. The identifier may be provided, for example, by a radio-readable tag, such as a near-field communication (NFC) tag or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The tag may be permanently attached to the tray, for example, glued to the bottom surface of the tray, or may be integrated into the tray. The identifier may also be provided, for example, by a visually readable code or identifier, for example, a QR code, a barcode, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the identifier may be a property of the tray itself. In other words, a tag comprising the identifier may be permanently attached to the tray, for example, glued on the bottom surface of the tray, or may be integrated into the tray. In another exemplary embodiment, the visually readable code or identifier may be printed on the tray, for example, or affixed to the tray as a sticker, for example. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the identifier may be provided by another device or tag that may be associated with the user or the user's device. For example, a mobile device placed on the tray may provide the identifier. Thus, the identifier may for example be provided via wireless transmission, for example using Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0067] 4A-4G show example views displayed by displays 110, 110A, 110B, 110C associated with food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C. Displays 110, 110A, 110B, 110C may display, for example, at least one of a dish name 400, the dish's ingredients 402, and one or more additional characteristics associated with the dish (e.g., that the dish is lactose-free and / or glutenin-free).

[0068] 4A shows an exemplary view on the display 110, 110A, 110B, 110C before a user places their tray on a scale associated with a food collection point. Reference numeral 400 refers to a section on the display where dish name information may be provided. Reference numeral 402 refers to a section on the display where any additional information about the dish to be served may be provided. Reference numeral 404 refers to a section on the display where instructions for a weigh-in event at the food collection point may be provided to the user.

[0069] 4B shows an exemplary view on the display 110, 110A, 110B, 110C when a user places a tray on the scale. Reference numeral 406 refers to a section on the display where information associated with the weighing process may be provided to the user.

[0070] 4C shows an exemplary view on the display 110, 110A, 110B, 110C when a user places a tray on the scale. Reference numeral 408 refers to an indication on the display that the weight of the tray has been identified and weighed by the scale. Even if the tray has a certain weight, taring may cause the weight shown to the user on the display to be 0g.

[0071] 4D shows an exemplary view on the display 110, 110A, 110B, 110C as the user is placing food on the plate. Reference numeral 410 refers to an instruction on the display for the user to return the plate to the tray after the food is placed on the display.

[0072] 4E shows an exemplary view on the display 110, 110A, 110B, 110C as the user is placing food on the plate. Reference numeral 412 refers to an instruction on the display for the user to return the plate to the tray after the food is placed on the display.

[0073] 4F shows an example view on the displays 110, 110A, 110B, 110C when a user places a tray on the scale but the tray is slightly misplaced. The misplacement may mean that a reader associated with the food collection point cannot read the identifier associated with the tray. The display view may indicate that the user needs to align the alignment mark visible on the tray with the corresponding alignment mark placed at the food collection point.

[0074] 4G shows an exemplary view on the display 110, 110A, 110B, 110C when the user places the plate back on the tray. Reference numeral 414 refers to an indication on the display to the user that the user has successfully weighed the food item they have taken. This indication may also show the weight of the food item they have taken.

[0075] 5A-5E show exemplary views displayed by touch-sensitive displays 120, 120A, 120B, 120C of identification points 112, 112A, 112B, 112C according to an exemplary embodiment. Identification points 112, 112A, 112B, 112C may comprise, for example, checkout points where users pay for their food items. Identification points 112, 112A, 112B, 112C may also comprise a first reader configured to read an identifier associated with a tray and, optionally, a second reader configured to read a user identifier. FIG. 5A shows the view on displays 120, 120A, 120B, 120C before a user places their tray on a surface associated with the identification point.

[0076] 5B shows an exemplary view on display 120, 120A, 120B, 120C when a user places a tray on a surface associated with an identification point and the identification point 120, 120A, 120B, 120C fails to identify any dishes previously associated with, for example, the identifier associated with the tray the user is using. Reference numerals 500 and 502 indicate several options for the user to proceed. Reference numeral 504 refers to a section on the display where the user is provided with information associated with possible dish selections and can select the correct dish.

[0077] 5C shows an exemplary view on display 120, 120A, 120B, 120C when a user places a tray on a surface associated with an identification point and the identification point is able to identify a dish previously associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using (indicated by reference numeral 506). Reference numeral 508 refers to an option that allows the user to select a dessert to add. Reference numeral 510 prompts the user to indicate a QR code associated with the user or the user's mobile device. When the user provides the QR code, it becomes possible to link a particular user to a particular identifier associated with the tray.

[0078] 5D shows an exemplary view on the display 120, 120A, 120B, 120C when a user places a tray on a surface associated with an identification point, and the identification point 120, 120A, 120B, 120C has not previously identified any dishes previously associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using. This view illustrates a situation where the user has selected a dish (from the view shown in FIG. 5B). Reference numeral 508 refers to an option that allows the user to select an additional dessert. Reference numeral 510 prompts the user to indicate a QR code associated with the user or the user's mobile device. The user's provision of the QR code allows a specific user to be linked to a specific identifier associated with the tray and a food selection.

[0079] 5E shows an exemplary view on display 120, 120A, 120B, 120C when identification point 120, 120A, 120B, 120C successfully reads a QR code provided by a user with a second reader. If the QR code is successfully read (indicated by reference numeral 512), it becomes possible to link a particular user to a particular identifier associated with the tray and any additional selections the user makes using display 120, 120A, 120B, 120C.

[0080] 6A-6C show exemplary views displayed by the touch-sensitive displays 130, 130A, 130B, 130C of the waste points 122, 122A, 122B, 122C. The waste points 122, 122A, 122B, 122C include readers configured to read identifiers associated with trays. FIG. 6A shows the view on the displays 130, 130A, 130B, 130C before a user places their tray on a surface associated with the waste point.

[0081] FIG. 6B shows an exemplary view on the display 130, 130A, 130B, 130C when a user places a tray on a surface associated with the waste point, allowing the waste point 130, 130A, 130B, 130C to identify previous dishes associated with an identifier associated with the tray the user is using. The view may provide a review capability (indicated by reference numeral 600) for reviewing or rating the consumed food. The waste point may also include a scale configured to weigh the amount of biowaste the user left at the waste collection point. The view may further show the weighed amount of biowaste the user left (indicated by reference numeral 602). The amount of biowaste the user left can be associated with a particular user based on the identifier associated with the tray if the user was previously identified at the identification point 112, 112A, 112B, 112C. Furthermore, the solution allows for the determination of biowaste per unidentified user for each mealtime, even if the user was not identified at the identification point 112, 112A, 112B, 112C. Since the amount of food taken by a given user is known and identifiers associated with the trays are available at both the food collection points 102, 102A, 102B, 102C and the food waste points 130, 130A, 130B, 130C, it becomes possible to determine the proportion of biowaste from the amount of food collected per user, whether or not the users themselves are identified.

[0082] 6C shows an exemplary view on display 130, 130A, 130B, 130C when a user places a tray on a surface associated with waste point 122, 122A, 122B, 122C and waste point 122, 122A, 122B, 122C fails to identify a previous dish associated with the identifier associated with the tray the user is using. This view prompts user 604 to select the dish the user ate. The view illustrated in FIG. 6B may be displayed after a user selection via the view illustrated in FIG. 6C.

[0083] 7A shows an example view operated by management interface 134 for controlling displays 130, 130A, 130B, 130C according to an example embodiment. The management interface view may be provided by a local server computer running control software. Alternatively, the management interface view may be provided as a cloud-based service.

[0084] The management interface view allows for the display of three main views: a meal plan view 700, a calendar view 702, and a report view 704. The view shown in Figure 7A is the meal plan view 700.

[0085] Reference numeral 706 refers to a selection item providing hot food served at food serving points 138A, 138B, 138C. Reference numeral 708 refers to a selection item providing salads served at food serving points 138A, 138B, 138C. Reference numeral 710 refers to a virtual dish view where each virtual dish 712 corresponds to a particular food collection point 102, 102A, 102B, 102C. Reference numeral 714 refers to a virtual dish view where each virtual dish 714 corresponds to an additional food serving point not associated with a scale, such as a grill point, dessert point, beverage point, soup point, salad point, bread point, etc.

[0086] Dishes may be associated with virtual dish views 710, 714 and with particular virtual dishes 712, 716, for example, by selecting the desired dish from a dish view 718. The dish view 718 may display various dishes 720 that the operator can select or edit. Additionally, each dish 720 may be associated with a corresponding edit dish option 722 that allows the operator to edit the contents of the dish 720 and an edit recipe option 724 that allows the operator to edit the recipe associated with the dish 720. A dish 720 may be assigned as a virtual dish 712 in view 710, for example, by selecting the dish 720 and dragging and dropping it onto the virtual dish 712. It will be apparent that other methods of assigning a dish 720 as a virtual dish 712 may also be used, for example, by using a selection menu associated with the dish 720.

[0087] 7B shows a dish edit view 726 according to an example embodiment. The dish edit view 726 may be provided when an operator selects the dish edit option 722 associated with the dish 720. Through the dish edit view 726, the operator can edit information associated with the dish 720, such as the name displayed by the displays 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, the recipe associated with the dish 720, etc.

[0088] 7C shows a recipe edit view 728, according to an example embodiment. The recipe edit view 728 may be provided when an operator selects the recipe edit option 724 associated with a dish 720. Through the recipe edit view 728, the operator may edit information associated with the recipe, such as allergen information, nutritional information, etc.

[0089] 7D illustrates a calendar view 730 according to an example embodiment. The calendar view 730 may display various dishes and salads assigned to each day.

[0090] 7E shows a report view 732 according to an example embodiment. Report view 732 may display various reports associated with the food service system. Sub-report 734 may display the number of customers as a function of time of day. The number of customers may be calculated, for example, by calculating the number of sessions associated with tray 142. Sub-report 736 may show the average time spent by customers eating. The average may be calculated, for example, based on the duration of the sessions associated with tray 142. Sub-report 738 may show various parameters associated with dish 752, such as: Number of portions served of a specific dish: 740 Total weight of specific dishes: 742 Average portion size of a particular dish: 744 Total biowaste from specific dishes: 746 748g of biowaste per portion of a specific dish 750 reviews associated with specific dishes

[0091] 8 shows a management unit 100 depicting an example system or device that may include various optional hardware and software components. The illustrated system or device may include one or more controllers or processors 800 (e.g., signal processors, microprocessors, ASICs, or other control and processing logic) for performing tasks such as signal coding, data processing, input / output processing, power control, and / or other functions, and a network interface 806 that enables wireless and / or wired data communication.

[0092] The illustrated system or device may also include one or more memories 802. The memory 802 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. The non-removable memory may include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk, or other known memory storage technologies. The removable memory may include flash memory or other known memory storage technologies. The memory 802 may be used to store data and / or code for running an operating system 804 and / or one or more applications.

[0093] The system or device may be configured to partially or completely implement various features, examples, and embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 1-7. The functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components, such as software components. The system or device may be comprised of a single device or multiple devices and may, for example, provide a cloud-based service accessible via a data communications network such as the Internet.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 800 may be configured by program code that, when executed, performs the described example and embodiment operations and functionality. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), program specific standard products (ASSPs), systems-on-chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc. A system or apparatus may additionally include components and elements not shown in FIG. 8 , such as input / output interfaces, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, input / output ports, displays, etc.

[0095] Any combination of the components disclosed and illustrated in FIG. 8 , e.g., processor 802 and / or memory 804, may comprise means for receiving weighing results associated with identifiers associated with trays from at least one control unit associated with the plurality of food collection points, and means for generating a total result associated with the identifiers based on the weighing results associated with the trays and identifiers.

[0096] Those skilled in the art should understand that each step or operation described above, or any combination of steps or operations, can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, and / or software. By way of example, one or more of the steps or operations described above may be embodied by computer- or processor-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other suitable data representations. Furthermore, computer-executable instructions embodying the steps or operations described above may be stored on corresponding data carriers and executed by at least one processor, such as processor 800, included in the device. The data carrier may be implemented as any computer-readable storage medium configured to be readable by the at least one processor to execute the computer-executable instructions. Such computer-readable storage media may include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise media implemented in any method or technology suitable for storing information. More specifically, examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, information delivery media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology (e.g., solid-state drives (SSD) or NVM Express (NVMe)), CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs), holographic media or other optical disk storage, magnetic tape, magnetic cassettes, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices.

[0097] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it should be noted that any various changes and modifications can be made in the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of legal protection defined by the appended claims. In the appended claims, the reference of an element in the singular does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. 1. A food serving system comprising: a plurality of control units (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) associated with a plurality of food collection points (102, 102A, 102B, 102C) configured to receive trays (142); each control unit is associated with a food serving point (138A, 138B, 138C, 300) configured to serve food, a scale (108, 108A, 108B, 108C, 302) configured to weigh a user's tray (142), and a reader (106, 106A, 106B, 106C) configured to read an identifier (144) associated with said tray (142); Each control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) initiates a weighing event when it detects a weight change on a scale (108, 108A, 108B, 108C, 302) associated with said control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C), and in response to the initiation, associates the identifier (144) read by the reader (106, 106A, 106B, 106C) associated with said control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) with the weighing event. a plurality of control units (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) configured to generate at least one weighing result on the scales (108, 108A, 108B, 108C, 302) associated with the control units (104, 104A, 104B, 104C), and to abort the weighing event when no weight is detected on the scales (108, 108A, 108B, 108C, 302) associated with the control units (104, 104A, 104B, 104C); a management unit (100) configured to receive a weighing result associated with the identifier (144) from at least one control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) associated with the plurality of food collection points (102, 102A, 102B, 102C) and generate a total result associated with the identifier (144) based on the weighing result; A food serving system comprising:

2. 2. The food serving system of claim 1, wherein the management unit (100) is configured to initiate a new session upon detecting the identifier (144) for the first time.

3. The food serving system of claim 2, further comprising a reader configured to read an identifier (144) when the tray (142) is returned at a tray return point, and the management unit (100) is configured to terminate an existing session associated with the identifier (144) in response to the reading.

4. 4. The food service system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the management unit (100) is configured to terminate an existing session associated with the identifier (144) upon failure to register the identifier (144) at a tray return point within a predetermined period of time.

5. The method further comprises a control unit (124, 124A, 124B, 124C) associated with an associated reader (126, 126A, 126B, 126C) configured to read the identifier (144) when the tray (142) is returned at a waste point (122, 122A, 122B, 122C), wherein the control unit (124, 124A, 124B, 124C) communicates with a waste collection point (140A, 140B, 140C) and a user and a scale (108A, 108B, 108C, 302) configured to weigh the amount of bio-waste left at the waste collection point (140A, 140B, 140C), and the management unit (100) is configured to receive the identifier (144) and the weighed weight of the bio-waste from the control unit (124, 124A, 124B, 124C).

6. 6. The food serving system of claim 1, wherein the management unit (100) is configured to receive at least one information pair associated with a weighing result of a tray (142) from a control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C), each information pair consisting of a weighing result and an indication of whether the identifier (144) was read correctly or incorrectly, and wherein the management unit (100) is configured to calculate a subtotal result associated with the food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C) by subtracting a first weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier (144) was read correctly from a last weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier (144) was read correctly.

7. and a display (110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 308) associated with the food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C), wherein the management unit (100) controls the display (110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 308) to: Indicating the weighing event at the food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C); the name of the food to be served at the food serving point (138A, 138B, 138C, 300) associated with said food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C); and Additional information regarding the food served at the food serving point (138A, 138B, 138C, 300) The food serving system of any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to display at least one of:

8. A food serving system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a control unit (114, 114A, 114B, 114C) associated with a first reader (116, 116A, 116B, 116C) configured to read the identifier (144) at an identification point (112, 112A, 112B, 112C) and a second reader (118, 118A, 118B, 118C) configured to read a user identifier, wherein the management unit (100) is configured to receive the identifier (144) and the user identifier from the control unit (114, 114A, 114B, 114C) and link the identifier (144) with the user identifier.

9. 9. The food serving system of claim 8, wherein the management unit (100) is configured to receive at least one additional food-related selection from the control unit (114, 114A, 114B, 114C) and link the at least one additional food-related selection with the user identifier.

10. The food serving system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the identifier (144) is associated with at least one of the tray, a user, or a mobile device of the user.

11. Receiving, by at least one processor, a weighing result associated with an identifier (144) associated with a tray (142) from at least one control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) associated with a plurality of food collection points (102, 102A, 102B, 102C); generating, by the at least one processor, a total result associated with the identifier (144) based on the weighing result associated with the identifier (144); A method comprising:

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising initiating a new session by the at least one processor upon detecting the identifier (144) for the first time.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving, by the at least one processor, an identifier (144) from a tray return point when the tray (142) is returned; terminating, by the at least one processor, an existing session associated with the identifier (144); The method of claim 12 further comprising:

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said at least one processor terminates an existing session associated with said identifier (144) upon failure to receive said identifier (144) from a tray return point within a predetermined period of time. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

15. Receiving, by said at least one processor, at least one information pair associated with a weighing result of a tray (142) from a food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C), each information pair consisting of a weighing result and an indication of whether said identifier (144) was read correctly or incorrectly; calculating, by the at least one processor, a subtotal result associated with the food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C) by subtracting a first weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier (144) was read correctly from a last weighing result associated with an indication that the identifier (144) was read correctly; The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising:

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor controls a display (110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 308) associated with a food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C), Indicating a weighing event at said food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C); the name of the food to be served at the food serving point (138A, 138B, 138C, 300) associated with said food collection point (102, 102A, 102B, 102C); and Additional information regarding the food served at the food serving point (138A, 138B, 138C, 300) displaying at least one of The method of any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising:

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, by said at least one processor, said identifier (144) and a user identifier from an identification point (112, 112A, 112B, 112C); linking, by said at least one processor, said identifier (144) with said user identifier; The method of any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising:

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, by said at least one processor, at least one additional food-related selection from said identification points (112, 112A, 112B, 112C); linking, by the at least one processor, the at least one additional food-related selection with the user identifier; 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the identifier (144) is associated with at least one of the tray, a user, or a mobile device of the user.

20. At least one processor (800); at least one memory (802) containing computer program code; An apparatus (100) comprising: The computer program code causes the at least one processor (800) to: receiving a weighing result associated with an identifier (144) associated with a tray (142) from at least one control unit (104, 104A, 104B, 104C) associated with a plurality of food collection points (102, 102A, 102B, 102C); generating a summation result associated with said identifier (144) based on said weighing result associated with said identifier (144); An apparatus (100) configured to cause at least

21. A computer program product causing at least one processor to carry out the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

22. A computer readable medium comprising a computer program which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 19.

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