Image Processing-Based Automated Pricing and Management System for Canteens

Abstract

This invention is a system that enables fast and accurate pricing by automatically recognizing the types and quantities of meals in cafeterias. The system identifies the dishes on the plate using image processing technology and calculates the total price of the identified dishes. Data obtained through user payments is stored in a database for calculating daily total earnings and the business's profit. The system also offers businesses the ability to manage sales data and monitor profit margins from different branches via a dedicated web platform. This innovative solution reduces workload and minimizes human error in self-service cafeterias, canteens, and restaurants. It improves user experience while ensuring efficiency, speed, and accuracy. Thanks to the system's daily and date range-based reporting feature, businesses have the opportunity to analyze their revenue in detail.

Description

1 TARIFF Image Processing Supported for Dining Halls Automated Pricing and Management System Technical Area The invention relates to canteen automation systems. Specifically, image processing technologies, 10 Data analysis, user interface, and database management are used to quickly and efficiently implement solutions in cafeterias. This involves developing a system that facilitates easy payment transactions. State of the Art Nowadays, cafeterias generally use manual payment systems. In these systems, cashiers check the food items on the tray one by one. It calculates the total price. Some modern cafeterias use RFID tags or Barcode scanning systems are being used to speed up payment processes. However, These methods involve labeling food or using separate barcodes. 20 This requires effort, which creates disadvantages in terms of both time and cost. Some upscale restaurants and self-service cafeterias abroad use RFID. It appears that this technology or specialized barcode scanning systems are being used. Although the systems may seem practical, the labeling of products and the 25 challenges in operational processes such as verifying accuracy This is possible. Furthermore, these systems generally require specific hardware and Its applicability on a large scale is limited. Although image processing technologies have become widespread in various sectors in recent years, 30 for use in cafeterias for direct food identification and automatic price calculation. There are a limited number of applications for this. Visual displays in cafeteria automation systems. A process-based solution is faster, more user-friendly, and more business-friendly than existing systems. It can offer an approach that reduces costs. With the widespread adoption of this type of technology, both Customer satisfaction and business efficiency can both be increased. 35 40 2 5 Technical Problems That the Invention Aims to Solve This invention addresses the following technical issues encountered in existing systems in cafeterias: It aims to solve problems: 1. Errors and Inefficiencies in Manual Payment Processes: In current systems, cashiers manually identify and price the meals, 10 This leads to wasted time and human error. This invention, image processing It uses technology to automatically identify dishes and correct errors. It eliminates it. 2. Operational Challenges of Labeling and Barcode Systems: Barcode or RFID-based systems can be used to label food items or assign individual barcodes to 15 items. This requires equipping the system. This process incurs both additional costs and operational difficulties. increases the workload. The invention addresses this need by offering an image processing-based solution. It eliminates it. 3. Deficiencies in Tracking Food and Sales Data: Current systems provide real-time 20-hour sales data and food consumption information. This does not adequately support monitoring and analysis. The invention enables businesses to end-of-day operations thanks to an integrated database and web-based interface. It provides easy access to reports and food consumption analyses. 4. Lack of Customer Satisfaction and Prompt Service: Especially during peak hours, manual processes or slow systems can cause customer 25 Customer satisfaction is declining. This invention provides a fast and error-free payment process. It aims to increase customer satisfaction. 5. Decreased Business Efficiency: Traditional methods involve reliance on human labor and operational aspects. Costs are high. This invention reduces dependence on human labor through automation, 30 It aims to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. 35 3 Advantages and Innovations: 5 Automatic food identification using image processing technology and Its pricing allows it to offer a fast and reliable solution. Businesses can monitor sales and food consumption data in real time. It provides the opportunity. Thanks to its structure that does not require labeling or barcodes, the cost and operational burden is reduced by 10. decreases. It provides a fast and seamless payment process that will increase customer satisfaction. Thanks to the web-based interface, managers or business owners can access detailed analyses. It is accessible, which facilitates strategic decision-making. Thanks to these features, the invention is more innovative and efficient compared to existing technologies. and offers a user-friendly solution. Explanation of the figures Figure 1: Camera perspective view and the process of food perception through image processing. 20 display device. Figure 2: General view of the web interface, where end-of-day reports and sales analyses are presented. screen design. Figure 3: Perspective view of the user interface; cashier displays food prices and total Screen design where the payment can be viewed. 25 Figure 4: Block diagram illustrating the general working principle of the database; food information, sales A structure that includes data and the reporting process. 35 4 Explanation of references in figures 5 1: Camera – A device that enables the detection of food using image processing. 2: Web Interface – A platform where company owners track sales and reporting processes. 3: User Interface – The screen where cashiers can see food prices and the total payment. 4: Database – The structure where food information, sales data, end-of-day reports, and other data are stored. 10 5: Tray – The surface on which customers carry their food, and which is detected by the camera. 6: Algorithm – Software that uses image processing to detect and price food items. processes. 7: Reporting Module – Web interface for generating end-of-day analyses and sales graphs. Description of the invention This invention automates a cafeteria system for food retrieval, pricing, payment, and reporting. It is a technological solution that optimizes the processes. The system uses image processing algorithms (6), 20 including a camera (1), web interface (2), user interface (3) and database (4) It consists of many components. The system aims to increase the efficiency of businesses and provide customers with fast and accurate service. to provide a service and enable business owners to effectively track their sales processes It aims to... 1. Food Definition and Database Update Process: The system starts with cafeteria staff defining the meals in the system. Every 25 The food is detected via the camera (1) placed in the cashier and its characteristics (e.g., food (name, portion size and price) are determined. This information is at the heart of the system. is recorded in the database (4). The database (4) organizes all the defined dishes. By storing it in this way, it is kept ready for use in payment transactions in the future. 2. Food Detection and Pricing Process: 30 When customers come to the cashier with their food on trays (5), the camera (1) captures the food on the tray It detects all the food. The algorithm (6) analyzes the image taken by the camera (1), It identifies the dishes on the tray. Each of the identified dishes is in the database (4) In this process, the image processing algorithm (6) matches the portions of the food and It calculates prices based on their contents. 35 3. Price Display via User Interface: The calculated total price is transmitted to the user interface (3) used by the cashier. The user interface (3) displays the name, price and total amount of each dish on the tray on the screen. This screen displays the total payment amount to the cashier quickly and accurately. It offers this opportunity. In addition, the detailed information presented to the customer on the screen ensures transparency in payment transactions. It ensures that it is carried out in this way. 4. Payment Processing and Database Recording: 5 After the payment process is complete, the customer's payment information and purchase details will be recorded. The meals received are recorded in the database (4). This process is for future reporting and analysis. They are stored systematically for use in the processes. 5. Reporting and Analysis via Web Interface: Business owners can view their end-of-day reports and sales analyses via the web interface (2). images. The web interface (2) shows which dishes are sold, how much they are sold, and at what times they are most popular. The graph shows the high volume of sales and the total revenue generated at the end of the day. This shows that business owners can also access historical data to conduct long-term analyses and They can make strategic decisions such as inventory management. 15 6. Operating Principles of System Components: Camera (1): Detects and transmits images of food to the system. Image Processing Algorithm (6): By analyzing the image taken by the camera (1), It determines the types and portion sizes of food on the tray. User Interface (3): 20 where the cashier displays food prices and payment transactions It is a screen. Database (4): Stores food information, customer payment information and sales data. Web Interface (2): Where business owners analyze sales data and view reports It is a platform. System Operation Process: 25 The system begins with the process of identifying meals, primarily by cafeteria staff. With the help of the camera (1) and image processing algorithm (6), the dishes are identified and added to the database. (4) is recorded. After customers choose their food, the camera (1) detects the food on the tray. and sends this information to the database (4). The algorithm (6) calculates the total price of the meals and transfers the information to the user interface (3). After the payment process is completed, the information is transferred to the database (4) 30 It is recorded and business owners can analyze the entire process via the web interface (2). This system speeds up the food pickup and payment processes, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. It provides operational efficiency to business owners. In addition, analyses based on historical data, It allows businesses to determine their future strategies. 35 40 6 5. How the invention can be applied to industry. This invention is particularly useful in public and private sector cafeterias that provide mass catering services, in university cafeterias, hospital kitchens, military units, factories and institutions This image processing-supported automated pricing system can be implemented in school canteens. By enabling food items to be identified with the help of cameras, payment processes become less human-intervention-free. It makes it possible to accomplish without it. For industrial implementation, the system's core components, camera hardware, are artificial intelligence-based. image processing algorithm, user interface (cashier screen), database and web-based The management panel can be integrated into existing cafeteria infrastructures. This integration process involves both 15 for new installations as well as additional modules to existing cafeteria automation systems. realizable. The invention improves customer satisfaction by enhancing the quality of service provided by businesses, thus improving payment. It shortens the lead times and reduces operational costs. At the same time, the data obtained This enables managers to make strategic decisions regarding sales, consumption, and inventory tracking. This allows the system to go beyond being just an automation tool and enable data analysis and 20 It also adds value to businesses in terms of digital transformation. Since the system can be developed using local hardware and software resources, it is suitable for different scales. It offers businesses a low-cost and sustainable solution. Furthermore, the invention is related to Industry 4.0. Within this scope, it can contribute to digitalization processes and increase the competitiveness of domestic industry. 30 35

Claims

7 REQUIREMENTS 5 1. The invention is a food identification and pricing system, the feature of which is; Detecting images of food through cameras (1), The image processing algorithm (6) automatically identifies food types and portions. defining, 10 Calculate the prices of the defined dishes and transmit the results to the user interface (3), It includes a structure that records all transaction and calculation data into a database (4).

2. A food recognition and pricing system according to Claim 1, whose feature is; The cameras (1) have a wide-angle field of view and food can be viewed from different angles. It enables it to be viewed. 15 3. A food recognition and pricing system according to Claim 1, whose feature is; The image processing algorithm (6) makes it easy to identify each dish. It includes a learning-based model.

4. According to Claim 1, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; The user interface within the system (3) displays the total price as well as the meals. It allows users to view portion sizes and unit prices separately.

5. A food recognition and pricing system according to Claim 1, whose feature is; The system database (4) separates daily sales data by food type. Its ability to store data and report this data on a historical basis.

6. According to claim 5, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; 25 It can store the data of multiple businesses by categorizing them on the database (4) and It can generate customized sales reports for businesses. 8 7. According to Claim 1, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; 5 The payment module within the system accepts cash, credit card, and digital payment methods. It is able to provide integrated support.

8. According to claim 7, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; The payment module allows users to store their payment history and provide customers with digital payment options. It includes an API integration to enable sending receipts. 10 9. According to Claim 1, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; The image processing algorithm (6) accurately detects the gram weight of the food and determines the price. Its ability to perform calculations and support different portion sizes is key.

10. According to Claim 1, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; The web interface (2) within the system allows business owners to access 15 real-time information. where they can track sales data, monitor system status, and access reports. It is a structure that contains a feature.

11. A food recognition and pricing system according to claim 10, whose feature is; The web interface (2) allows users to analyze profit and loss within a specific date range. It includes an analysis module that allows it to display images. 20 12. According to Claim 1, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; The system categorizes sales data from different businesses based on their locations and centralizes it. It has multi-branch support that can provide management.

13. According to claim 12, it is a food recognition and pricing system, the feature of which is; The system uses machine learning to manage inventory and forecast demand on a branch basis. It includes a base-based analysis engine.

14. It is a food recognition and pricing system according to Claim 1, and its feature is; The system operates continuously to ensure the continuity of services provided to customers. It includes a backup and fault tolerance mechanism that provides support.