Commercial kitchen workstation computing devices and methods

Abstract

A system and method for a commercial kitchen order processing and workstation management. A cook station computing device provides visual guidance for completing the tasks at a cook station in the commercial kitchen. A plurality of cook lanes are presented on the cook station user interface, corresponding to lanes on a physical cook. Each of the cook lanes is divided into a queue cook lane and an active cook lane. Icons representing ingredients to be cooked are presented in the queue cook lanes. Upon user input, an icon representing an ingredient can be moved from the queue portion of a cook lane to an active portion of the same cook lane, indicating that the ingredient has been placed on the corresponding lane on the physical cook.

Description

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN WORKSTATION COMPUTING DEVICES AND METHODSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This specification relates to management systems for commercial kitchens. More particularly, the present specification relates to electronic order processing and workstation workflow management.BACKGROUND

[0002] The days are long gone when most restaurants took orders on paper order tickets which were then passed to the kitchen crew, who hung them above a workstation for reference. The old paper system has long been replaced with electronic Point of Sale (POS) systems in which customer orders are entered and transmitted to Kitchen Display System (KDS) displays positioned above kitchen workstations. Fig. 1 shows a typical KDS display 100. However, the typical KDS does little more than display order tickets on an electronic display. It is still up to the kitchen staff to figure out the tasks and work flow to fulfill the orders.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations thereof. Like reference numbers and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding, or similar components in different figures. The figures associated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -1-

[0004] Fig. 1 shows a typical KDS display .

[0005] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of one type of cook station in a commercial kitchen, specifically a grill station.

[0006] Fig. 3 is a schematic of a first embodiment Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System .

[0007] Fig. 4 is a schematic of a second embodiment Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System .

[0008] Fig. 5 shows information flow of orders and status in the second embodiment system .

[0009] Fig. 6 shows a digital order ticket generating system .

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates example components of the kitchen workstation computing devices described herein.

[0011] Fig. 8 shows a build station user interface with multiple order lanes and multiple items in each lane, each item displayed in multiple columns.

[0012] Fig. 9 shows a build station user interface with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view and in dual columns.

[0013] Fig. 10 shows a build station user interface with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view and in a single column.

[0014] Fig. 11 shows a build station user interface with multiple order lanes and multiple items in each lane, each item displayed in single columns.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -2-

[0015] Fig. 12 shows a build station user interface with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view and in a single column.

[0016] Fig. 13 shows the build station user interface of Fig. 11 with an arrow tab on the right side to indicate more orders not seen.

[0017] Fig. 14 shows the build station user interface of Fig. 8 with a pulldown menu for a user to call up other digital order numbers and have them displayed.

[0018] Fig. 15 shows the build station user interface of Fig. 14 after a digital order number has been called up and displayed.

[0019] Fig. 16 shows the build station user interface of Fig. 8 with an order that has been built being removed from the user interface with a swipe by the user on the display.

[0020] Fig. 31 shows a grill station user interface with one or more virtual grill lanes and grill ingredient icons.

[0021] Fig. 32 shows the grill station user interface with a grill ingredient icon (Chicken) moving from a queue virtual grill lane to an active virtual grill lane (as seen in Fig. 31).

[0022] Fig. 33 shows the grill station user interface with a grill ingredient icon (Green Chiles) moving from a queue virtual grill lane to an active virtual grill lane (as seen in Fig. 32).

[0023] Fig. 34 shows the grill station user interface with a grill ingredient icon (Large Patty) moving from a queue virtual grill lane to an active virtual grill lane (as seen in Fig. 33).

[0024] Fig. 35 shows a grill station user interface with one or more virtual grill lanes and grill ingredient icons, the grill ingredient icons shown with modifier icons of various types.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -3-

[0025] Fig. 36 shows several series of grill icons, each showing how the icon changes during a particular cook sequence.

[0026] Fig. 37 shows a pack station user interface with multiple pack lanes and multiple items in each lane.

[0027] Fig. 38 shows a pack station user interface with multiple items displayed in the first pack lane displayed with check icons.

[0028] Fig. 39 shows a pack station user interface with a packed order in the first pack lane being removed from the user interface with a swipe by the user on the display.

[0029] Fig. 40 shows a pack station user interface with an incompletely packed order in the first pack lane that cannot be removed from the user interface with a swipe by the user on the display.

[0030] Fig. 41 shows a pack station user interface with a pack lane and order items divided into two portions with a divider between each assigned a different container.

[0031] Figs. 42A-42C show a flow chart for an order processing method .

[0032] Fig. 43 shows a flow chart for method 4300, a more detailed method for step 4236 of method 4200 (executing instructions for an action associated with the modifier).

[0033] Fig. 44 shows a flow chart for method 4400, a continuation of method 4200, handling cases of subitems.

[0034] Fig. 45 shows a flow chart for method 4500, a continuation of method 4300, which together comprise a more detailed method for step 4236 of method 4200 (executing instructions for an action associated with the modifier).Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -4-

[0035] Fig. 46 shows a flow chart for method 4600, a continuation of methods 4300 and 4500, which together comprise a more detailed method for step 4236 of method 4200 (executing instructions for an action associated with the modifier).

[0036] Fig. 47 shows a flow chart for method 4700, a continuation of methods 4300, 4500, and 4600, which together comprise a more detailed method for step 4236 of method 4200 (executing instructions for an action associated with the modifier).

[0037] Fig. 48 shows a flow chart for method 4800, a continuation of methods 4300, 4500, 4600, and 4700, which together comprise a more detailed method for step 4236 of method 4200 (executing instructions for an action associated with the modifier).

[0038] Figs. 49A-49D show a flow chart for a method for the cook station module .

[0039] Figs. 50A-50E show a flow chart for a method for the build station module .

[0040] Figs. 51A-51C show a flow chart for a method for the pack station module .

[0041] Figs. 52A-52B show a flow chart for a method for the pack station module regarding packing an order into multiple containers.

[0042] Fig. 53 shows a flow chart for a method for the pack station module regarding ensuring an order is packed by comparing measured and expected weights.

[0043] Fig. 54 shows a flow chart for a method for the pack station module regarding user input to call up a particular order by digital order number.

[0044] Fig. 55 shows a flow chart for a method for the pack station module regarding bumping a pack order lane and digital order to make room on the display for another digital order.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -5-

[0045] Fig. 56 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface5602.

[0046] Fig. 57 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602 in which the first fry ingredient icon 5604 (Fries) has moved.

[0047] Fig. 58 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602 including a first quick add icon 5622.

[0048] Fig. 59 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602 including a first special instruction box 5624.

[0049] Fig. 60 shows a grill station computing device 6000 displaying a grill station user interface 6002 including a grill production list 6010.

[0050] Fig. 61 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 with the first build order lane 6012 selected.

[0051] Fig. 62 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 after the first build order lane 6012 has been bumped.

[0052] Fig. 63 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 but with the grill production list 6010 divided by digital order items instead of by digital orders.

[0053] Fig. 64 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 after the first digital order item lane 6112, the second digital order item lane 6114, and the third digital order item lane 6116 have been bumped (removed) along with their associatedDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -6-digital order items.

[0054] Fig. 65 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying a solo display 6036 of the fourth digital order item graphic 6026 within the grill station user interface 6002.

[0055] Fig. 66 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying a large order queue lane 6040 in the grill station user interface 6002.

[0056] Fig. 67 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying movement of ingredient quantities from the large order queue lane 6040 to queue virtual grill lanes.

[0057] Fig. 68 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying a large order options menu 6058 in the grill station user interface 6002.

[0058] Fig. 69 shows a fry station computing device 6900 configured for routing and separate holding. Some commercial kitchens may have multiple production lines that share one or more stations.

[0059] Fig. 70 shows a fry station computing device 6900 configured for routing and separate holding and displaying a routing message 6906.

[0060] Fig. 71 and shows a computing device with order status app 7000.

[0061] Fig. 72 shows a drink station computing device 7200 displaying a drink station user interface 7202.

[0062] Fig. 73 shows a drink station computing device 7300 displaying a drink station user interface 7302 with a hold button 7306.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -7-

[0063] Fig. 74 shows a drink station computing device 7300 displaying a hold menu 7308 within the drink station user interface 7302.

[0064] Fig. 75 shows a drink station computing device 7300 displaying in which a fourth build order lane 7326 is introduced into the drink station user interface 7302.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In describing the one or more representative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, use of directional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below”, “in front of,” “behind,” etc., unless otherwise stated, are intended to describe the positions and / or orientations of various components relative to one another as shown in the various Figures and are not intended to impose limitations on any position and / or orientation of any component relative to any reference point external to the Figures.

[0066] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of representative embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made in order to achieve specific goals, such as compliance with application and business related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the representative embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the claims. It will, of course, be understood that modifications of the representative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only after study, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single feature, function or property of the representative embodiments isDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -8-essential. In addition to the embodiments described, other embodiments of the inventive subject matter are possible, their specific designs depending upon the particular application. Any embodiment described as “comprising” includes the case of “consisting only of.” The scope of the inventive subject matter should not be limited by the particular embodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.KITCHEN WORKSTATIONS

[0067] Commercial kitchens are typically organized as multiple kitchen workstations. Typically, there are one or more Point of Sale (POS) stations configured to generate order tickets for food order items, one or more cook stations where ingredients for the food order items are prepared and / or cooked, one or more build stations where the ingredients are assembled into food order items, and one or more pack stations where the food order items are packed. A cook station includes and is organized around a cooking appliance, such as a grill, a deep fryer, or a stove. A grill is a cooking appliance on which food is directly cooked on a heated surface (e.g. a grate or a flattop griddle) which is part of the appliance. A deep fryer is a cooking appliance used to cook food ingredients by full immersion in hot oil. A stove is a cooking appliance that applies heat to pots and / or pans in which the food ingredients are cooked. A build station includes a work surface for building or assembling ingredients into food order items. Typically, there are containers with ingredients on, in, or near the work surface to facilitate assembly of food order items. Sometimes, some or all assembly of a food order item is performed at the cook station. A pack station includes a work surface for wrapping or packaging individual food order items and for packing individual food order items from the same order into one or more containers. Sometimes, some or all of the packing of food order items and / or entire orders is performed at the build station and / or the cookDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -9-station. The physical arrangement of the kitchen workstations within a kitchen varies but typically the build stations are located close to a cook station.

[0068] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of one type of cook station in a commercial kitchen, specifically a grill station 200. The grill station 200 centers on a commercial grill 202. In the exemplary embodiment, the commercial grill 202 has a flat section 204 in the center, a clamshell section 206 on the right, and a transfer section 208 on the left. Each of these sections has a flat griddle surface that is heated by one or more heat sources, typically electrical or gas. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the sections may have grates over open flame instead of the flat griddle surface. The clamshell section 206 has an upper griddle plate 210 that is hinged at the back of the grill 202 so that it can be raised into a loading / unloading position and lowered into a grilling position. The upper griddle plate 210 has its own heat source, typically electrical elements. Part of the flat section 204 is occupied by a press tool 212, which is used to weigh down and help cook certain items, similar to the upper griddle plate 210 on the clamshell section 206. It is typically kept on part of the flat section 204 to keep it hot. This means that nothing else can be cooked on this part of the flat section 204 as the press tool 212 occupies the section when not pressing food items.

[0069] The workstation 200 has vent hood 214 over the commercial grill 202. On the vent hood 214 is mounted an embodiment of a grill station computing device 216. The grill station computing device 216 is shown with a user interface on its display that has a virtual representation of the working surface of the grill 202, divided into four numbered virtual lanes 218 that correspond to four lanes on the commercial grill 202. The lanes on the commercial grill 202 may be defined by markings on the surface of the commercial grill 202. However, on this grill 202 there are noDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -10-markings to indicate the boundaries of the lanes on its working surface. Instead, the lanes on the grill must be imagined by the grill operator as suggested by the corresponding virtual lanes 218 in the grill station computing device 216 and by the location of the numbers applied to the vent hood214.KITCHEN WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT ARCHITECTURE

[0070] Fig. 3 is a schematic of a first embodiment Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System 300. The first embodiment system 300 is built around one or more kitchen workstation computing devices. The first embodiment system 300 includes one or more build station computing devices 302, one or more cook station computing devices 304, and one or more pack station computing devices 306. The cook station computing devices 304 may be particularly configured for specific cooking appliance. For example, some cook station computing devices 304 may be configured as grill station computing devices, some as stove station computing devices, and some may be configured as fry station computing devices.

[0071] In the first embodiment system 300, one of the build station computing devices 302 functions as a master device that controls the other kitchen workstation computing devices in the first embodiment system 300. Kitchen workstation computing devices of similar types may be configured to focus on a particular set of tasks. For example, one cook station computing device may be configured as a grill station to only deal with breakfast items while another cook station computing device may be configured as a grill station to deal with lunch and dinner sandwiches. Kitchen workstation computing devices of similar types may be configured to load balance to maximize production efficiency.

[0072] Fig. 4 is a schematic of a second embodiment Kitchen Order Processing and WorkstationDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -11-Management System 400. Similar to the first embodiment system 300, the second embodiment system 400 is built around one or more other kitchen workstation computing devices. The second embodiment system 400 includes one or more build station computing devices 402, one or more cook station computing devices 404, and one or more pack station computing devices 406. However, in the second embodiment system 400, none of the other kitchen workstation computing devices acts as a master device, controlling the other station computing devices. Rather, in the second embodiment system 400, one computing device is designated to receive digital order tickets and processes them, forwarding copies to the other station computing devices. Each station computing device uses local criteria to determine what tasks that kitchen workstation computing device needs to perform to fulfill the order. Each kitchen workstation computing device informs the other kitchen workstation computing devices which tasks it is doing and keeps the other kitchen workstation computing devices informed of relevant status of these tasks. In some alternative embodiments, the other kitchen workstation computing devices are capable of being used in either the mesh mode of the second embodiment system 400 or in the master-slave mode of the first embodiment system 300.

[0073] Fig. 5 shows information flow 500 of orders and status in the second embodiment system 400. Orders 504 may be received into any of the kitchen workstation computing devices, here a build station computing device 502, and processed locally. Copies of the orders 504 and order status 506 are forwarded to the other kitchen workstation computing devices in the system 400, here a pack station computing device 508. At the same time, orders 504 may be received into the pack station computing device 508 and processed locally. Copies of the orders and order status506 are forwarded to the build station computing device 502.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -12-

[0074] Fig. 6 shows a digital order ticket generating system 600. A printer emulator 602 receives an order from a point of sale (POS) system and puts out a preliminary order ticket. The printer emulator 602 is a standard piece of restaurant equipment and not part of any embodiment of the Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System. A parser 606 translates the preliminary order ticket into a digital order ticket 604 in a format that can be used by the Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System. The parser 606 may be incorporated into the station computing devices or be a stand-alone device. In the first embodiment 300 and second embodiment 400, the format for the digital order ticket 604 is JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), but in other embodiments, other formats may be used. Digital order tickets 604 in proper format may be generated by a local API 608, a web hook 610, or some other convenient mechanism.KITCHEN WORKSTATION COMPUTING DEVICE

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates example components of the kitchen workstation computing devices 700 described herein. As illustrated, each kitchen workstation computing devices 700 may include one or more processors 702, one or more interfaces 706 for communicating with other devices, and one or more touch screen displays 704 for presenting visual information and for receiving user input. In addition, each kitchen workstation computing devices 700 includes computer-readable media 708. The computer-readable media 708 includes an instance of an order processing module 710, which enables some of the order processing techniques described herein. Each kitchen workstation computing device 700 has stored in its computer-readable media 708, one or more of the following: a build station module 712, a cook station module 714, and a pack station module 716. The computer-readable media 708 includes a data base of menu items 718, a data base of master build lists 720, and a data base of child build lists 722. The data base of menu items 718Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -13-comprises the names of all the items the kitchen is set up to prepare. The data base of child build lists 722 comprises one more child build lists. Each child build list is associated with one of the item names in the data base of menu items 718 and comprises information about the basic ingredients and instructions necessary for making a standard build of a particular menu item. The data base of master build lists 720 comprises one or more master build lists. Each master build list is associated with one of the item names in the data base of menu items 718 and associated with one of the child build lists. Each master build list comprises information about additional ingredients and instructions necessary for making non-standard build of a particular menu item. That is, it has information for making substitutions and additions to the standard build of the menu item.

[0076] The order processing module 710 is configured for extraction of a digital order from a digital order ticket, identifying menu items in the digital order as well as modifiers of menu items. The order processing module 710 is further configured for creating a digital order item for each instance of a menu item identified, each digital order item comprising a list of ingredients and instructions needed to make that menu item based on the child build list associated with that menu item, the master build list associated with that menu item, and any modifiers in the digital order that modify that instance of the menu item in the digital order.

[0077] The kitchen workstation computing devices 700 typically comprise tablet computing devices, but in alternative embodiments may be any type of computing device, such as mobile phones, laptop computers, desktop computers, server computers, and specialized computers. Some or all of the components described may additionally or alternatively reside in a remote service and / or at other locations.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -14-COOK STATION / GRILL STATION COMPUTING DEVICE

[0078] Fig. 31 shows a grill station computing device 3100 displaying a grill station user interface 3102. The grill station computing device 3100 is a kitchen workstation computing device 700 with a cook station module 714 particularly configured for a grill station. The grill station computing device 3100 is configured to determine a number of instances of an ingredient that need to be cooked, determine availability status of the virtual grill lanes, assign the number of instances of the ingredient to be cooked to one or more of the virtual grill lanes based on the availability status of the virtual grill lanes, displaying one or more ingredient icons, one in each of the assigned lanes, displaying with each ingredient icon the name of the ingredient and the number of instances of the ingredient assigned to that virtual grill lane. Determining the number of instances of an ingredient that need to be cooked may be based on the number of instances of the ingredient in a single digital order item or the number of instances of the ingredient in an entire digital order.

[0079] A grill working surface virtual representation 3106 is displayed on a portion of the grill station user interface 3102, representing the working surface of an associated physical grill (see item 202 in Fig. 2) on which ingredients of food order items are cooked. This grill working surface virtual representation 3106 typically has roughly similar proportions as the working surface of the associated physical grill but typically does not include photos or real-time video of the working surface of the associated physical grill.

[0080] The grill station computing device 3100 is configured to display one or more virtual grill lanes, including a first virtual grill lane 3120, within the grill working surface virtual representation 3106 of the grill station user interface 3102. Each of the one or more virtual grill lanes represents a lane on the working surface of the associated physical grill. There may be markings on theDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -15-working surface of the associated physical grill to indicate the boundaries of the lanes, but typically there are no such markings. Instead, the lanes on the grill must be imagined by the grill operator as suggested by the corresponding virtual grill lanes on the grill station computing device 3100. The grill station computing device 3100 is configured to display border lines 3118 between the one or more virtual grill lanes. In alternative embodiments, the virtual grill lanes are visually separated from each other by some other method such as each lane is presented as a different color. The virtual grill lanes are typically presented with each lane running vertically as shown in Fig. 31, but in other embodiments the virtual grill lanes may run horizontally. The grill station computing device 3100 is configured to display each of the one or more of the virtual grill lanes as divided into a queue virtual grill lane and an active virtual grill lane. In Fig. 31, the first virtual grill lane 3120 is divided into a queue virtual grill lane 3110 and an active virtual grill lane 3116, with a dividing line 3112 between them. In alternative embodiments, a virtual grill lane may be visually divided by some other method such as the queue and the active portions of the virtual grill lane are each presented in a different color. The queue virtual grill lane 3110 is typically presented on top of the active virtual grill lane 3116, as this is more intuitive, but in other embodiments may be reversed with the active virtual grill lane 3116 above the queue virtual grill lane 3110. The grill station computing device 3100 may be configured to display a virtual transfer area 3124 that represents a transfer area on or near the associated physical grill where ingredients are placed after cooking and before further processing.

[0081] Grill ingredient icons are presented in the lanes along with an ingredient name and quantity number. For example, a first grill ingredient icon 3104 (Chicken) is presented in the queue virtual grill lane 3110 with a quantity number of 4 within the icon. In Fig. 31, the grill ingredient icons are rectangles, but alternatively may be regular geometric shapes or pictograms. In Fig. 31, theDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -16-ingredient name and quantity are displayed within the grill ingredient icon but alternatively may be displayed adjacent to the grill ingredient icon.

[0082] The grill station computing device 3100 is configured to allow the user to interact with a particular grill ingredient icon to re-assign that ingredient icon and its associated quantities of ingredients to a different virtual grill lane. The interaction may be a touch and hold on the grill ingredient icon until it is presented differently (such as a different colored outline), then dragging the grill ingredient icon to the different virtual grill lane. The grill station computing device 3100 is configured to move an ingredient icon from a queue side of a lane to an active side of a lane to indicate that the instances of an ingredient represented by the ingredient icon have started cooking.

[0083] Fig. 32 shows a grill station computing device 3200 displaying a grill station user interface 3202 in which the grill ingredient icon 3204 (“Chicken”) has moved from the queue virtual grill lane 3210 (as seen in Fig. 31) to the active virtual grill lane 3216. This occurs when the grill user has placed items on the physical grill (in the first lane) and interacts with the grill ingredient icon 3204 to indicate cooking of these ingredients has commenced. The user interaction is typically a tap on the icon, but may be a swipe or other interaction. A timer starts to count down from a predetermined value and the real-time count is displayed with the grill ingredient icon 3204. The grill station computing device 3100 determines that four pieces of chicken require the whole active virtual grill lane 3216, and so displays the grill ingredient icon 3204 in the center of the active virtual grill lane 3216, leaving no room for additional ingredient icons in the active virtual grill lane 3216.

[0084] Fig. 33 shows a grill station computing device 3300 displaying a grill station user interface3302 in which a grill ingredient icon 3304 (“Green Chiles”) has moved from the queue virtual grillDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -17-lane 3310 (as seen in Fig. 32) to the active virtual grill lane 3316 in response to a grill station user interacting with the “Green Chiles” grill ingredient icon 3304 (such as tapping or swiping) to indicate that the user has placed on the corresponded lane on the associated physical grill the quantity of green chilies indicated in the “Green Chiles” grill ingredient icon 3304. The active virtual grill lane 3316 already had a “Small Patty” ingredient icon with a quantity of 2 indicated. Two small patties require half of an active grill lane or less, so the grill station computing device 3100 had positioned the “Small Patty” ingredient icon in the upper half of the active virtual grill lane 3316, leaving the lower half empty. The grill station computing device 3100 determines that three order items of Green Chilies only require half of the active virtual grill lane 3316 or less and therefor allows the move of the “Green Chiles” grill ingredient icon 3304 to the lower half of the active virtual grill lane 3316. If the quantity indicated in the “Green Chiles” grill ingredient icon 3304 is more than the available area in the lane on the associated physical grill can handle, then the grill station computing device 3300 moves a copy of the grill ingredient icon 3304 to the active virtual grill lane 3316 with the quantity that the physical grill lane can handle and displays another copy of the “Green Chiles” grill ingredient icon 3304 in the queue virtual grill lane 3310 with the remaining quantity.

[0085] Fig. 34 shows a grill station computing device 3400 displaying a grill station user interface 3402 in which the grill ingredient icon 3404 (“Large Patty”) has moved from the queue virtual grill lane 3410 (as seen in Fig. 33) to the active virtual grill lane 3416. Three large patties require the whole active virtual grill lane 3416, so the grill ingredient icon 3404 is shown as taking up the entire lane. The grill station computing device 3100 determines that the three large patties require the whole active virtual grill lane 3416 and so displays the grill ingredient icon 3404 in the center of the active virtual grill lane 3416, leaving no room for additional ingredient icons in the activeDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -18-virtual grill lane 3416.

[0086] Fig. 35 shows a grill station computing device 3500 displaying a grill station user interface 3502 in which the grill ingredient icons are shown with modifier icons of various types. Grill ingredient icon 3504 is for two small patties and it has a “Well Done” icon. Grill ingredient icon 3506 is for four BOB (Breakfast On a Bun) eggs and has one row of two “extra seasoning” icons and a quantity of three following. This indicates that 2 of the 3 BOB eggs get extra seasoning and one does not. A second row is presented with the a “no seasoning” icon and labeled “w / Chorizo” and a quantity of one following. This indicates that the one BOB egg gets chorizo and no seasoning. Grill ingredient icon 3506 is presented with a “Touch when Done” text box instead of a timer. The user determines when the four BOB eggs are done and touches the Grill ingredient icon 3506 to indicate these four eggs have been removed from the grill.

[0087] Grill ingredient icon 3508 is for Six BOB (Breakfast On a Bun) eggs and has one row of four “extra seasoning” icons and a quantity of four following. This indicates that all four of the BOB eggs get extra seasoning. A second row is presented with the a “no seasoning” icon and labeled “w / Chorizo” and a quantity of one following. This indicates that one BOB egg gets chorizo and no seasoning. A second row is presented with the a “no seasoning” icon and labeled “w / Jalapeno” and a quantity of one following. This indicates that one BOB egg gets jalapeno and no seasoning. Grill ingredient icon 3508 is presented with a “Touch when Done” text box instead of a timer.

[0088] Fig. 36 shows several series of grill icons, each showing how the icon changes during a particular cook sequence.

[0089] Figs. 49A-49D show a flow chart for method 4900, a method for the cook station moduleDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -19-714. On Fig. 49A, method 4900 starts with step 4902, which presents on a display of the grill station computing device, a grill station user interface. Step 4904 presents a first virtual grill lane within the grill station user interface, the first virtual grill lane one of a plurality of virtual grill lanes, each of the plurality of virtual grill lanes divided into a queue virtual grill lane and an active virtual grill lane, the first virtual grill lane divided between a first queue virtual grill lane and a first active virtual grill lane. Step 4906 determines a first number of instances of a first ingredient to be cooked for a first digital order item, the first ingredient associated with a first ingredient name. Alternatively, Step 4906 determines a first number of instances of a first ingredient to be cooked for a first digital order. Step 4908 receives, from a build device, a first cook instruction to cook the first number of instances of the first ingredient for the first digital order item. The instructions received in step 4908 may be redundant to the determination made in step 4906 or may override it. Step 4910 determines a current status of each of the plurality of virtual grill lanes. Step 4912 selects the first virtual grill lane for grilling the first ingredient based on the current status of the plurality of virtual grill lanes.

[0090] On Fig. 49B, step 4914 presents, in the first queued virtual grill lane, a first grill ingredient icon associated with the first ingredient name. Step 4916 presents, with the first grill ingredient icon, a first grill icon quantity set to the first number of instances. Step 4918 determines if a third modifier flag (Well Done) is set, the third modifier flag (Well Done) associated with any instance of the first ingredient name in the first digital order item. If NO, then method 4900 skips to step 4922. If YES, then method 4900 proceeds to step 4920, which presents, with the first grill ingredient icon, a first grill modifier icon (Well Done). Step 4922 receives a first user input selecting the first grill ingredient icon, wherein the first user input is a first tap on the first grill ingredient icon on the display of the grill station computing device. Step 4924 moves the first grillDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -20-ingredient icon to the first active virtual grill lane. Step 4926 starts timing down a first grill ingredient timer from a first ingredient cook timer start value.

[0091] On Fig. 49C, step 4928 presents a real-time value of the first grill ingredient timer with the first grill ingredient icon. Step 4930 sends a first cooking status message to a build station computing device with the real-time value of the first grill ingredient timer and a first digital order item number. Step 4932 determines if the first grill ingredient timer has completed timing down from the first ingredient cook timer start value. If NO, then the method 4900 loops back on step 4932. If YES, then method 4900 proceeds to step 4934, which presents a flip icon with the first grill ingredient icon. Step 4936 receives a second user input selecting the first grill ingredient icon, wherein the second user input is a second tap on the first grill ingredient icon. Step 4938 removes the flip icon. Step 4940 starts timing down the first grill ingredient timer from a first ingredient flip side timer start value. Step 4942 presents the real-time value of the first grill ingredient timer with the first grill ingredient icon.

[0092] On Fig. 49D, step 4944 determines if the first grill ingredient timer has completed the timing down from the first ingredient flip side timer start value. If NO, then the method 4900 loops back on step 4944. If YES, then method 4900 proceeds to step 4946, which presents a done icon with the first grill ingredient icon. Step 4948 sends a second cooking status message to a build device that the first ingredient for the first digital order item is done. Step 4950 receives a third user input selecting the first grill ingredient icon, wherein the third user input is a third tap on the first grill ingredient icon. Step 4952 removes the first grill ingredient icon. Step 4954 sends a third cooking status message to a build device that the first number of instances of the first ingredient for the first digital order item have been moved to a transfer area.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -21-BUILD STATION COMPUTING DEVICE

[0093] Fig. 8 shows a build station computing device 800 displaying a build station user interface 802 with multiple order lanes and graphical representations of multiple order items in each lane, each order item displayed in multiple columns. The build station computing device 800 is a kitchen workstation computing device 700 with a build station module 712. The build station user interface 802 includes a first build order lane 820, a second build order lane 822, and a third build order lane 824, each displaying a graphical representation of a digital order. The lanes are separated by graphical dividers 826. A first status bar 806 is presented over the graphical representation of a first order 804 along with a first order number 808, and an elapsed time 810 for the order. A graphical representation of a first order 804 is presented in the first build order lane 820, with graphical representations of three digital order items, including a first digital order item 812 (a burger), and presented with corresponding digital order item numbers, including a first digital order item number 816. Images representing the ingredients of first digital order item 812 are presented in three columns within the first build order lane 820, with images of ingredients for a top portion of the first digital order item 812 (the burger) on the left, images of ingredients for a bottom portion of the first digital order item 812 (the burger) in the middle and images for “on the side” ingredients associated with the first digital order item 812 (the burger) on the right. Alternatively, the arrangement for the top, bottom, and side ingredients into columns could be different, such as the top portion ingredients in the right column, bottom portion ingredients in the left column, and the side ingredients in the center column.

[0094] Modifier icons 814 are presented with the first digital order item 812, including a cut icon,Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -22-a no butter icon, and a well done icon. A text callout 818 with an ingredient name (Spicy Jalapeno Fry Sauce) is presented next to a graphical representation of the ingredient named in the callout. In the exemplary embodiment, the build lanes are vertical, but in other embodiments, they may be horizontal.

[0095] Fig. 9 shows a build station computing device 900 displaying a build station user interface 902 with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view and in dual columns. A user tapping on the display on a graphical representation of an order item will bring up a solo display 904 with that order item in an expanded (exploded) format. Images of the ingredients are presented in two columns with images of the ingredients for a top portion of the burger on the left, images of ingredients for a bottom portion of the burger on the right. Each ingredient image has a callout 906 naming the ingredient and giving quantities. The solo display 904 also presents modifier icons 910, a digital order item number 912 and a text box 914 with the name of the order item.

[0096] Fig. 10 shows a build station computing device 1000 displaying a build station user interface 1002 with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view and in a single column. A user tapping on the display on a graphical representation of an order item presented in a single column will bring up a solo display 1004 with that order item in an expanded (exploded) format. The images of the ingredients are presented in a single column. Each ingredient image has a callout 1006 naming the ingredient and giving quantities. The solo display 1004 also presents a digital order item number 1012, and a text box 1014 with the name of the order item.

[0097] Fig. 11 shows a build station computing device 1100 displaying a build station user interface 1102 with multiple order lanes and multiple items in each lane, each item displayed in a single column. The build station user interface 1102 is divided into a first build order lane 1120, aDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -23-second build order lane 1122, and a third build order lane 1124, each displaying a graphical representation of a digital order, including graphical representation of a first order 1104.

[0098] Fig. 12 shows a build station computing device 1200 displaying a build station user interface 1202 with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view and in a single column. A user tapping on the display on a graphical representation of an order item presented in a single column will bring up a solo display 1204 with that order item in an expanded (exploded) format. The images of the ingredients are presented in a single column. Each ingredient image has a callout 1206 naming the ingredient and giving quantities. The solo display 1204 also presents a text box 1210 with the name of the order item.

[0099] Fig. 13 shows a build station computing device 1300 displaying a build station user interface 1302 with an arrow tab 1332 on the right side to indicate more orders not seen. A user can swipe on the arrow tab to scroll to other orders not currently on screen. As orders enter and are presented on the right, orders presented to the left move leftward and are removed from the user interface 1302 if there is insufficient room.

[0100] Fig. 14 shows a build station computing device 1400 displaying a build station user interface 1402 with a pulldown menu 1404 for a user to call up other digital order numbers 1408 and have them displayed. A user can touch a pulldown tab 1408 and select one of the order numbers 1408 with a touch.

[0101] Fig. 15 shows a build station computing device 1500 displaying a build station user interface 1502 after a digital order number 1504 has been called up and displayed. The newly called up order is presented in the left most build order lane and the other orders are pushed right. If there is not enough room, the rightmost order is removed.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -24-

[0102] Fig. 16 shows a build station computing device 1600 displaying a build station user interface 1602 with an order 1604 being removed from the user interface 1602 with a swipe by a user. When an order has been built, the user can dismiss the order by swiping 1610 downward within that order’s build lane 1620. In embodiments with horizontal lanes, the swipe can be to the left or the right.

[0103] Figs. 50A-50E show a flow chart for method 5000, a method for the build station module 712. On Fig. 50A, method 5000 starts with step 5002, which presents, on a display of the build station computing device, a build station user interface. Step 5004 presents a first build order lane within the build station user interface. Step 5006 presents, within the first build order lane, a graphical representation of a first digital order. Step 5008 presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order, a first digital order number. Step 5010 presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order, a first digital order elapsed time. Step 5012 presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order, a status bar. Step 5014 presents, as part of the graphical representation of the first digital order, a graphical representation of a first digital order item, the first digital order item associated with a first ingredient name, the first ingredient name representing a first ingredient.

[0104] On Fig. 50B, method 5000 continues with step 5016, which presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order item, a first digital order item number. Step 5018 presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order item, a first set of ingredient images in one or more vertical columns. Each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images depicts an ingredient associated with one of one or more ingredient names in the first digital order item. Each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images isDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -25-positioned within the graphical representation of the first digital order item as per an arrangement of the ingredient names in a first master build list. Step 5020 presents a first subset of ingredient images, part of the first set of ingredient images, in a first vertical column of the one or more vertical columns. The first subset of ingredient images comprises inverted versions of any of the one or more ingredient images in the first set of ingredient images associated with the ingredient names in the first digital order item that are tagged as being in a top portion of the first digital order item. Step 5022 presents a second subset of ingredient images, part of the first set of ingredient images, in a second vertical column of the one or more vertical columns. The second vertical column is horizontally adjacent the first vertical column. The second subset of ingredient images comprises any of the one or more ingredient images in the first set of ingredient images associated with the ingredient names in the first digital order item that are tagged as being in a bottom portion of the first digital order item.

[0105] On Fig. 50C, method 5000 continues with step 5024, which presents a third subset of ingredient images in a third vertical column of the one or more vertical columns. The third subset of ingredient images is part of the first set of ingredient images, wherein the third subset of ingredient images comprises any of the one or more ingredient images in the first set of ingredient images associated with the ingredient names in the first digital order item for which a fifth flag (On-the-Side) is set. Step 5026 presents a text callout of the first ingredient name pointing to a first ingredient image associated with the first ingredient name. Step 5028 determines if a third modifier flag (Well Done) for any ingredient name in the first digital order item is set. If NO, then the method 5000 skips to step 5032. If YES, then method 5000 proceeds to step 5030, which presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order item, a first icon (WellDone). Step 5032 determines if a fourth flag (Cut) for the first digital order item is set. If NO, thenDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -26-the method 5000 skips to step 5036 (FIG. 50D). If YES, then method 5000 proceeds to step 5034, which presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order item, a first icon (Cut).

[0106] Fig. 50D shows method 5000 continuing with step 5036, which presents, within the first build order lane, a graphical representation of a second item from the first digital order. Step 5038 determines if there is not enough unused space within the build station user interface for the second build order lane and a graphical representation of the second digital order. If NO, there is enough space, then the method 5000 skips to step 5042. If YES, there is not enough space, then method 5000 proceeds to step 5040, which removes from the build station user interface the first build order lane and the graphical representation of the first digital order. Step 5042 presents a second build order lane within the build station user interface. Step 5044 presents, within the second build order lane, a graphical representation of a second digital order. Step 5046 determines whether a first user input to the build station computing device has been received, wherein the first user input is a swipe on the display of the build station computing device within the first build order lane. If NO, no first user input received, then method 5000 skips to step 5050 at the top of Fig. 50E. If YES, a first user input has been received, then method 5000 proceeds to step 5048, which removes from the build station user interface the first build order lane and the graphical representation of the first digital order and terminates method 5000.

[0107] Fig. 50E shows method 5000 continuing with step 5050, which determines whether the build station computing device has received a second user input, the second user input including a third digital order number. If NO, no such input received, then method 5000 skips to step 5056. If YES, the method 5000 proceeds to step 5052, which presents a third build order lane within theDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -27-build station user interface. Step 5054 presents, within the third build order lane, a graphical representation of a third digital order.

[0108] Step 5056 determines if the first ingredient name is flagged as a first type of ingredient (e.g. Meat). If NO, then method 5000 terminates. If YES, then method 5000 proceeds to step 5058, which presents a first cook icon with the graphical representation of the first digital order item. Step 5060 sends, to a grill device, a first cook instruction to cook a first number of instances of the first ingredient for the first digital order item.

[0109] Step 5062 determines if a first cooking status message has been received from the grill device. If NO, then method 5000 loops back on step 5062. If YES, then method 5000 proceeds to step 5064, which presents, with the first cook icon, a cooking status of the first ingredient.PACK STATION COMPUTING DEVICE

[0110] Fig. 37 shows a pack station computing device 3700 displaying a pack station user interface 3702 with multiple order lanes and graphical representations of multiple order items in each lane, each order item displayed in multiple columns. The pack station computing device 3700 is a kitchen workstation computing device 700 with a pack station module 716. The pack station user interface 3702 is divided into a first pack order lane 3720, a second pack order lane 3722, and a third pack order lane 3724, each displaying a graphical packing guide for a digital order. The lanes are separated by graphical dividers 3738. A first status bar 3706 is presented over the graphical representation of a first order 3704 along with a first order number 3708, and an elapsed time (3710) for the order. A graphical representation of a first order 3704 is presented in the first pack order lane 3720, with item icons representing the digital order items, including a first item icon 3716 (a burger). Digital order item numbers 3718 are presented on or with some of the item icons.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -28-Standard items such as sides and condiments are represented with side item icons 3714 and condiment icons 3712, but are not presented with digital order item numbers. A packing container icon 3726 is displayed in the pack order lane, along with text describing the container (e.g. 20 lb. bag). The item icons (3712, 3714, 3716) are presented in one or more layers within the first pack order lane 3720, a bottom layer representing items to be packed first, a middle layer representing items to be packed second, and a top layer representing items to be packed last. In the exemplary embodiment, the pack lanes are vertical, but in other embodiments, they may be horizontal.

[0111] Fig. 38 shows a pack station computing device 3800 displaying a pack station user interface 3802 with multiple items displayed in the first order pack lane displayed with check icons 3828. As the user packs the order, the user can tap on the icons representing the items packed (e g. first item icon 3816, side item icon 3814, condiment icon 3812). A check icon 3828 is placed on each and flagged as being packed.

[0112] Fig. 39 shows a pack station computing device 3900 displaying a pack station user interface 3902 with an order 3904 being removed from the user interface 3902 with a swipe by a user. When an order has been packed, the user can dismiss the order by swiping 3910 downward within that order pack lane 3920. The remaining pack order lanes shift left and any waiting order can be presented on the right. In embodiment with horizontal lanes, the swipe can be to the left or the right.

[0113] Fig. 40 shows a pack station computing device 4000 displaying a pack station user interface4002 with an incompletely packed order 4004 in the first order pack lane 4020 that cannot be removed from the user interface 4002 with a swipe by the user. One item icon 4014 in the first order pack lane 4020 does not have a check icon 4028 as all the other item icons do. The packDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -29-station computing device 4000 will not let the order 4004 be dismissed until all items have check icons 4028. In some embodiments, pack station computing device 4000 receives a measured weight input from a scale and only allows dismissal of the order if the measured weight input is within an expected weight range for the first digital order.

[0114] Fig. 41 shows a pack station computing device 4100 displaying a pack station user interface 4102 with a first pack lane 4120 and order items (4112, 4114, 4116) divided into a first portion 4132 and a second portion 4134 with a divider 4138 between them. When the pack station computing device 4100 determines that a digital order has too much weight or volume for the available containers it will split the order and designate the additional containers. Here, the first digital order 4104 is divided into a first container 4126 (12 lb. bag) and a second container 4128.

[0115] Figs. 51A-51C show a flow chart for method 5100, a method for the pack station module 716. On Fig. 51 A, method 5100 starts with step 5102, which presents, on a display of a pack station computing device, a pack station user interface, wherein the pack station computing device is associated with an order packing station. Step 5104 presents a first pack order lane within the pack station user interface. Step 5106 presents, within the first pack order lane, a first digital order number. Step 5108 presents, within the first pack order lane, a first digital order elapsed time. Step 5110 presents, within the first pack order lane, a status bar. Step 5112 presents, within the first pack order lane, a first graphical packing guide for a first digital order. Step 5144 presents, as part of presenting the first graphical packing guide, a first set of item icons, each item icon associated with one of one or more item names in the first digital order, the first set of item icons arranged within the first pack order lane to suggest how to pack the first digital order.

[0116] On Fig. 5 IB, method 5100 continues with step 5116, which presents, with the first itemDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -30-icon associated with a first digital order item, a first digital order item number. Step 5118 presents, as part of presenting the first graphical packing guide, the first set of item icons in one or more layers within the first pack order lane, including a bottom subset of first set of item icons in a bottom layer representing items to be packed first, and including a top subset of first set of item icons in a top layer representing items to be packed last. Step 5120 selects a type of packing container to be used for packing the first digital order. The selection is made based on the known inventory of the various types of packing containers available and based on the known volume and weight of the items in the first digital order. Step 5122 presents, as part of presenting the graphical packing guide for the first digital order, a text description of the type of packing container, or an icon for the type of packing container, or both. Step 5124 presents, within the first pack order lane, a graphical representation of a second item from the first digital order. Step 5126 presents a second pack order lane within the pack station user interface. Step 5128 presents, within the second pack order lane, a second graphical packing guide for a second digital order.

[0117] On Fig. 51C, method 5100 continues with step 5130 which determines if a first user input has been received, the first user input comprising a tap on a first item icon of the first set of item icons on the display of the pack station computing device. If NO, no such input has been received, then method 5100 skips to step 5136. If YES, then method 5100 proceeds to step 5132, which flags the first item icon as tapped. Step 5134 presents, with the first item icon, a tapped icon. This lets the user indicate that the corresponding item has been packed.

[0118] Step 5136 Determines if a second user input has been received, wherein the second user input is a swipe on the display of the pack station computing device within the first pack order lane. If NO, no such input has been received, then method 5100 loops back to step 5130. If YES,Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -31-then method 5100 proceeds to step 5138, which determines if the first set of item icons have all been flagged as tapped. If NO, the items have not all been flagged as tapped, then method 5100 loops back to step 5130. If YES, then method 5100 proceeds to step 5140 removes from the pack station user interface the first pack order lane and the first graphical packing guide.

[0119] Figs. 52A-52B show a flow chart for method 5200, a method for the pack station module 716 regarding packing an order into multiple containers. On Fig. 52A, method 5200 starts with step 5202, which selects a first type of packing container and a second type of packing container to be used for packing the first digital order. The pack station module determiners whether to select a second container based on the known weights and volumes of the items in the digital order and the known capacity of the types of containers. Step 5204 presents a divider graphic between a first portion of the first pack order lane and a second portion of the first pack order lane. Step 5206 presents, in the first portion of the first pack order lane, a text description of the first type of packing container, or an icon for the first type of packing container, or both. Step 5208 presents, in the second portion of the first pack order lane, a text description of the second type of packing container, or an icon for the second type of packing container, or both.

[0120] Step 5210 determines a first portion of the first set of item icons are to be placed in the first portion of the first pack order lane and a second portion of the first set of item icons to be placed in the second portion of the first pack order lane. Item icons are placed based on the known weights and volumes of the items in the digital order and the known capacity of the types of containers. Step 5212 presents, in the first portion of the first pack order lane, the first portion of the first set of item icons.

[0121] On Fig. 52B, method 5200 starts with step 5214, which presents, in the second portion ofDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -32-the first pack order lane, the second portion of the first set of item icons. Step 5216 determines if a first digital order item number and a second digital order item number are equivalent. If NO, method 5200 terminates. If YES, method 5200 proceeds to step 5218, which places, in the first portion of the first pack order lane, both the item icon associated a first digital order item and the item icon associated a second digital order item. This ensures subitems are placed in the same portion of the same pack order lane as their associated order item.

[0122] Fig. 53 shows a flow chart for method 5300, a method for the pack station module 716 regarding ensuring an order is packed by comparing measured and expected weights. Method 5300 starts with step 5302, which determines if a second user input has been received, wherein the second user input is a swipe on the display of the pack station computing device within the first pack order lane. If NO, then method 5300 loops back to step 5302. If YES, then method 5300 proceeds to step 5304, which receives a measured weight input from a scale to the pack station computing device. Step 5306 determines if the measured weight input is within an expected weight range for the first digital order. If NO, then method 5300 loops back to step 5302. If YES, then method 5300 proceeds to step 5308, which removes from the pack station user interface the first pack order lane and the first graphical packing guide.

[0123] Fig. 54 shows a flow chart for method 5400, a method for the pack station module 716 regarding user input to call up a particular order by digital order number. Method 5400 starts with step 5402, which determines whether a second user input has been received, the second user input including a third digital order number. If NO, then method 5400 loops back to step 5402. If YES, then method 5400 proceeds to step 5404. which presents a third pack order lane within the pack station user interface. Step 5406 presents, within the third pack order lane, a third graphical packingDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -33-guide for a third digital order.

[0124] Fig. 55 shows a flow chart for method 5500, a method for the pack station module 716 regarding bumping a pack order lane and digital order to make room on the display for another digital order. Method 5400 starts with step 5502, which receives a second user input to the pack station computing device, the second user input including a third digital order number.

[0125] Step 5504 determines if there is enough unused space within the pack station user interface for a third pack order lane and a third graphical packing guide for a third digital order. If YES, then method 5500 skips to step 5508. If NO, then method 5500 proceeds to step 5506, which removes from the pack station user interface the first pack order lane and the first graphical packing guide. Step 5508 presents the third pack order lane within the pack station user interface. Step 5510 presents, within the third pack order lane, the third graphical packing guide.COOK STATION / FRY STATION COMPUTING DEVICE

[0126] Fig. 56 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602. The fry station computing device 5600 is a kitchen workstation computing device with a cook station module 714 particularly configured for a fry station. The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to determine a number of instances of an ingredient that needs to be cooked, to determine availability status of the virtual fry lanes, to assign the number of instances of the ingredient to be cooked to one or more of the virtual fry lanes based on the availability status of the virtual fry lanes, to display one or more ingredient icons, one in each of the assigned lanes, and to display with each ingredient icon the name of the ingredient and the number of instances of the ingredient assigned to that virtual fry lane. Determining the number of instances of an ingredient that needs to be cooked may be based on the number of instances of the ingredient in a singleDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -34-digital order item or the number of instances of the ingredient in an entire digital order.

[0127] A deep fryer virtual representation 5606 is displayed on a portion of the fry station user interface 5602, representing a hot oil vat of an associated physical deep fryer that may be a single large vat or a bank of separated vats. This deep fryer virtual representation 5606 typically has roughly similar proportions as a hot oil vat of the associated physical deep fryer but typically does not include photos or real-time video of the associated physical deep fryer.

[0128] The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to display one or more virtual fry lanes, including a first virtual fry lane 5620, within the deep fryer virtual representation 5606 of the fry station user interface 5602. Each of the one or more virtual fry lanes represents a portion of the associated physical deep fryer vat that is occupied by one of multiple fry baskets. There may be partitions between the portions of the physical vat to keep the fry baskets in the proper location. There typically are markings on the fry basket and / or the portion of the physical vat to indicate which basket or portion corresponds to which virtual fry lane on the fry station user interface 5602. If there are not any such markings, then fry lanes on the fryer must be imagined by the fry operator as suggested the corresponding virtual fry lanes within the fry station user interface 5602 presented by the fry station computing device 5600. The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to display lane border lines 5618 between the one or more virtual fry lanes. In alternative embodiments, the virtual fry lanes are visually separated from each other by some other method such as each lane being presented in a different color. The virtual fry lanes are typically presented with each lane running vertically as shown in Fig. 56, but in other embodiments the virtual fry lanes may run horizontally. The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to display each of the one or more virtual fry lanes as divided into a queue virtual fry lane and an active virtual fryDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -35-lane by presenting the queue and the active portions of the virtual fry lane each in a different color. Alternatively, a virtual fry lane may be visually divided by some other method such as dividing line. The queue virtual fry lane is typically presented on top of the active virtual fry lane, as this is more intuitive, but in other embodiments may be reversed with the active virtual fry lane above the queue virtual fry lane. In Fig. 56, the first virtual fry lane 5620 is divided into a first queue virtual fry lane 5610 and a first active virtual fry lane 5616. The fry station computing device 5600 may be configured to display a virtual transfer area (not shown in Fig. 56) that represents a transfer area on or near the associated physical deep fryer where ingredients are placed after cooking and before further processing such as building and packing.

[0129] Fry ingredient icons are presented in the lanes along with an ingredient name and quantity number. For example, a first fry ingredient icon 5604 is presented in the first queue virtual fry lane 5610 with an ingredient name “Fries” and a quantity number of 1 within the icon. In Fig. 56, the fry ingredient icons are rectangles, but alternatively may be regular geometric shapes or pictograms. In Fig. 56, the ingredient name and quantity are displayed within the fry ingredient icon but alternatively may be displayed adjacent to the fry ingredient icon. A second fry ingredient icon 5608 is presented (with the ingredient name “Hashbrown Stix”) above the first fry ingredient icon 5604 (Fries) in the first queue virtual fry lane 5610 with a quantity number of 6 within the icon. The second fry ingredient icon 5608 is presented in a different manner (dimmed) to indicate that it is not eligible to be selected for cooking, in this case because there is another ingredient icon queued ahead of it (the first fry ingredient icon 5604). Alternatively, the different manner of presentation could include a different fill color or a different border color.

[0130] The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to move an ingredient icon from aDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -36-queue side of a lane to an active side of a lane to indicate that the instances of ingredient represented by the ingredient icon have started cooking. The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to allow the user to interact with a particular fry ingredient icon to re-assign that ingredient icon and its associated quantities of ingredients to a different virtual fry lane. The interaction may be a touch and hold on the fry ingredient icon until it is presented differently (such as a different colored outline), then dragging the fry ingredient icon to the different virtual fry lane.

[0131] Fig. 57 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602 in which the first fry ingredient icon 5604 (Fries) has moved from the first queue virtual fry lane 5610 (as seen in Fig. 56) to the first active virtual fry lane 5616 in response to a fry station user interacting with the first fry ingredient icon 5604 (Fries) to indicate the associated ingredient(s) (Fries) have been placed into the portion of the deep fryer hot oil vat corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620 to indicate cooking of these ingredient(s) has commenced. The user interaction is typically a tap on the first fry ingredient icon 5604, but maybe a swipe or other interaction. A timer starts to count down from a pre-determined value and the real-time count is displayed with the first fry ingredient icon 5604. The fry station computing device 5600 is configured to determine the capacity that is used in the portion of the deep fryer corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620 when the quantity of ingredient indicated by the first fry ingredient icon 5604 is added, then alter how the first fry ingredient icon 5604 is displayed. Typically, the size of first fry ingredient icon 5604 is altered so that it takes up roughly the same amount of the first active virtual fry lane 5616 as the fraction of capacity used in the corresponding portion of the deep fryer corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620. Alternatively, the first fry ingredient icon 5604 is filled with a different color to roughly the same fraction of capacity used in the portion of the deep fryer corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620. The fry station computing deviceDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -37-5600 may be configured this way if the fry station is set up such that individual ingredients can be added and removed. However, if the fry station is set up with a single basket per virtual fry lane, all items must be removed at the same time. In such arrangement, the fry station computing device 5600 may be configured to indicate the entire capacity is used in the portion of the deep fryer corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620. Such is the case in Fig. 57 where the size of the first fry ingredient icon 5604 is altered so that it takes up roughly the entire first active virtual fry lane 5616, even though only a quantity of 1 serving of Fries is indicated. After the first fry ingredient icon 5604 has been moved to the first active virtual fry lane 5616, the fry station computing device 5600 moves the second fry ingredient icon 5608 (Hashbrown Stix) down to the bottom of the first queue virtual fry lane 5610. The second fry ingredient icon 5608 is still presented in a different manner (dimmed) to indicate that it is not eligible to be selected for cooking, in this case because there is insufficient capacity available in the portion of the deep fryer corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620 as there is already a batch of fries cooking.

[0132] Fry station computing devices, like all devices with the cook station module 714, are configured to use modifier icons in the same way as the grill station computing device. Fry station computing devices, like all devices with the cook station module 714, are configured to perform the methods described for the grill station computing device in Figs. 49A-49D and associated paragraphs elsewhere herein, the necessary changes being made.

[0133] Fig. 58 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602 including a first quick add icon 5622. This first quick add icon 5622 is presented with the ingredient name “Fries” below the first active virtual fry lane 5616. This first quick add icon 5622 will add a first fry ingredient icon 5604 with the ingredient name “Fries” in the first active virtualDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -38-fiy lane 5616. This first quick add icon 5622 allows a fry station user to quickly start cooking a menu item without an order and without using the more tedious “make ahead” function. The first quick add icon 5622 is presented in a different manner (dimmed) to indicate that it is not eligible for to be selected for cooking, in this case because there is insufficient capacity available in the portion of the deep fryer corresponding to the first virtual fry lane 5620 as there is already a batch of fries cooking.COOK STATION MODULE - SPECIAL INSTRUCTION BOX

[0134] Fig. 59 shows a fry station computing device 5600 displaying a fry station user interface 5602 including a first special instruction box 5624. All kitchen workstation computing devices with a cook station module 714, including fry station computing devices, are configured to display a special instruction box when the user interacts with an ingredient icon that is set for receiving special instructions. The special instruction box has one or more option icons displayed within it. The option icons present the option they represent with text and / or pictograms. A user may interact with one or more of the display option icons to select their associated option(s). Selection may be limited to one option. The interaction may be a single touch, a double touch, etc. The way the ingredient icon is displayed may be changed after an option has been selected, such as changing the color or outline of the ingredient icon or adding a badge. The badge is an icon of smaller size that is placed on or near the ingredient icon, much like the previously described modifier icon. In Fig. 59, fry station computing device 5600 displays a third fry ingredient icon 5612 and the ingredient name “Classic” (short for chicken wings with classic seasoning). Upon a user interaction (e.g. double tap), the fry station computing device 5600 displays the first special instruction box 5624 somewhere on the fry station user interface 5602 with first option icon 5626Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -39-and the second option icon 5628 displayed within the first special instruction box 5624. The first option icon 5626 is labeled “Full Cook 18 minutes.” This option is selected when uncooked “Classic” chicken wings are to be used. The second option icon 5628 is labeled “From Holding +5 minutes.” This option is to be selected if there are sufficient partially cooked “Classic” chicken wings to be used. If there are insufficient number of partially cooked “Classic” chicken wings in a holding area associated with the fry station, then the second option icon 5628 is displayed differently (e.g. dimmed or greyed out) and cannot be selected by the user. A holding badge is applied to the second option icon 5628. Since the two options represented by the first option icon 5626 and the second option icon 5628 are contradictory, the fry station computing device 5600 is configured to allow a user to only select one of them. If the second option is selected, then the holding badge is applied to the ingredient icon, as shown in Fig. 59 on a fourth fry ingredient icon 5614.COOK (GRILL) STATION MODULE - PRODUCTION LIST

[0135] Cook station modules 714 have the option to display a production list within the user interfaces. This option may be activated by user interaction or by other methods. The production list is a compact version of the build station user interface 802 (See e.g. Fig. 8), with all the same functions and features except as noted. While the cook station module focuses on the cooking of ingredients, the addition of a production list allows menu items to be partially or fully built from multiple ingredients while at the cook station. Cook station module(s) 714 are configured to present one or more graphical representation(s) of digital order item(s) within one or more order lane(s) within a production list. An order number is displayed within each of the one or more build order lanes. The production list is initially empty, then populated with order lanes and digital orderDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -40-item graphics when corresponding ingredient icons are queued into grill lanes.

[0136] Fig. 60 shows a grill station computing device 6000 displaying a grill station user interface 6002 including a grill production list 6010. The grill production list 6010 is displayed by the grill station computing device 6000 within the grill station user interface 6002. Other objects in the grill station user interface 6002 may be shrunk in one or two dimensions to make room for the grill production list 6010. Alternatively, some other objects in the grill station user interface 6002 may be shrunk in one or two dimensions to make room for the grill production list 6010. The grill production list 6010 that extends horizontally as a lane across the bottom of the grill station user interface 6002. Alternatively, the grill production list 6010 may be oriented in directions other than horizontal and may not extend entirely across the grill station user interface 6002. The grill station computing device 6000 is configured to present one or more graphical representation(s) of digital order item(s) within one or more order lane(s) within the grill production list 6010. In Fig. 60, the grill station computing device 6000 displays a first digital order item graphic 6020 (Jr. Cheeseburger) and a second digital order item graphic 6022 (Double Cheeseburger) within a first build order lane 6012, third digital order item graphic 6024 (Double Cheeseburger) within a second build order lane 6014, a fourth digital order item graphic 6026 (Jr. Cheeseburger) and a fifth digital order item graphic 6028 (Cheeseburger) within a third build order lane 6016, and a sixth digital order item graphic 6030 (Double Cheeseburger) within a fourth build order lane 6018. The lanes are separated by graphical dividers 826. An order number is displayed within each of the one or more build order lanes. If there is more than one instance of a digital order item in a digital order, an item quantity icon is displayed by the grill station computing device 6000 near the digital order item graphic. In Fig. 60, the item quantity icon 6038 (labeled “5”) is displayed next to the sixth digital order item graphic 6030. The user can interact with the grill station computingDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -41-device 6000 to configured it to always display the item quantity icon 6038.

[0137] Unlike the build station user interface 802 which displays images representing the ingredients of a digital order item in three columns, the grill production list 6010 displays images representing the ingredients of a digital order item in a single column. In Fig. 60, the grill station computing device 6000 displays one or more set(s) of images of ingredients for bottom portion(s) of digital order item(s). This allows the grill operator to build a menu item on the grill in the reverse order from that indicated in the digital order with the bottom ingredient on top. To facilitate this, the digital order item includes instructions that its ingredients to be cooked on the grill are included in the bottom portion of the digital order item. Alternatively, the grill station computing device 6000 may display one or more set(s) of images of ingredients for top portion(s) of digital order item(s). This allows the grill operator to build a menu item on the grill in the same order as indicated in the digital order with the top ingredient on top. To facilitate this, the digital order item includes instructions that any of its ingredients to be cooked on the grill are included in the top portion of the digital order item.

[0138] The grill production list 6010 is initially empty, then populated with order lanes and digital order item graphics when corresponding ingredient icons are queued into grill lanes. For example, when the grill station computing device 6000 introduces a first grill ingredient icon 6004 (labeled “Small Patty”) with a quantity indicator of 2 into one of the virtual grill lanes on the grill station user interface 6002, it identifies the associated digital order(s) and digital order item(s) for which this quantity of 2 ingredients (“Small Patty”) are to be cooked. The grill station computing device 6000 introduces the first build order lane 6012 along with an associated order number (309925) and introduces the first digital order item graphic 6020 (Jr. Cheeseburger) into the first build orderDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -42-lane 6012. It also introduces the third build order lane 6016 along with an associated order number (309927) and the fourth digital order item graphic 6026 (Jr. Cheeseburger) into the third build order lane 6016. Thus, destinations for both instances of “Small Patty” associated with the first grill ingredient icon Small Patty 6004 have been accounted for in the grill production list 6010.

[0139] When the grill station computing device 6000 introduces a second grill ingredient icon 6006 (labeled “Large Patty”) into one of the virtual grill lanes on the grill station user interface 6002, it identifies the associated digital order(s) and digital order item(s) for which this quantity of 4 ingredients (“Large Patty”) are to be cooked. The grill station computing device 6000 adds the second digital order item graphic 6022 (Double Cheeseburger) into the first build order lane 6012, introduces the second build order lane 6014 along with an associated order number along with an associated order number (309926), and introduces the third digital order item graphic 6024 (Double Cheeseburger) into the second build order lane 6014. Thus, destinations for all four instances of “Large Patty” associated with the second grill ingredient icon Large Patty 6006 have been accounted for in the grill production list 6010.

[0140] When the grill station computing device 6000 introduces a third grill ingredient icon 6008 (labeled “Large Patty”) into one of the virtual grill lanes on the grill station user interface 6002, it identifies associated digital order(s) and digital order item(s) for which this quantity of 3 ingredients (“Large Patty”) are to be cooked. The grill station computing device 6000 adds the fifth digital order item graphic 6028 (Cheeseburger) into the third build order lane 6016 and introduces the fourth build order lane 6018 along with an associated order number (309928) and introduces the sixth digital order item graphic 6030 (Double Cheeseburger) into the fourth build order lane 6018. Thus, destinations for all three instances of “Large Patty” associated with the thirdDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -43-grill ingredient icon Large Patty 6008 have been accounted for in the grill production list 6010.

[0141] Fig. 61 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 with the first build order lane 6012 selected. A selected status icon 6032 is placed in the first build order lane 6012 by the grill station computing device 6000 in response to a user interaction (e.g. a touch, a click, etc.) with the first build order lane 6012. The user does this to signify that the menu items shown in the first build order lane 6012 have been made as shown and transferred out of the physical grill station, typically to a build station. More than one lane may be selected at the same time. The grill station computing device 6000 displays a bump button 6034 with the grill production list 6010. The grill station computing device 6000 will remove the selected lanes along with their digital order items from the grill station user interface 6002 upon a user interaction (e.g. a touch, a click, etc.) with the bump button 6034 and the remaining lanes are shifted to fill the gaps. If none of the displayed lanes are selected, then the grill station computing device 6000 will remove the lane closest to the bump button 6034.

[0142] Fig. 62 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 after the first build order lane 6012 has been bumped. The first build order lane 6012 has been removed along with the first digital order item graphic 6020 and the second digital order item graphic 6022. The second build order lane 6014, third build order lane 6016, and the fourth build order lane 6018 have shifted left to fill the gap left by the first build order lane 6012 along with their associated digital order items.

[0143] Fig. 63 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 but with the grill production list 6010 divided by digital order items instead of by digital orders. The build order lanes 6012, 6014, 6016, 6018 shown in Fig. 60 are not presented.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -44-Instead, the first digital order item graphic 6020 is presented with a first digital order item lane 6112, the second digital order item graphic 6022 is presented within a second digital order item lane 6114, the third digital order item graphic 6024 is presented within a third digital order item lane 6116, the fourth digital order item graphic 6026 is presented within a fourth digital order item lane 6118, the fifth digital order item graphic 6028 is presented within a fifth digital order item lane 6120, and the sixth digital order item graphic 6030 is presented within a sixth digital order item lane 6122. The graphical dividers 826 between the build order lanes 6112, 6114, 6116, 6118, 6120, 6122 are presented in a different color than in Fig. 60 when separating build order lanes 6012, 6014, 6016, 6018.

[0144] In Fig. 63 the first digital order item lane 6112, the second digital order item lane 6114, and the third digital order item lane 6116 have been selected. A selected status icon 6032 is placed in these build order lanes by the grill station computing device 6000 in response to a user interaction (e g. a touch, a click, etc.) with each respective lane. The user does this to signify that the menu items shown in the selected lanes have been made as shown and transferred out of the physical grill station, typically to a build station. More than one lane may be selected at the same time. The grill station computing device 6000 will remove the selected lanes along with their digital order items from the grill station user interface 6002 upon a user interaction (e.g. a touch, a click, etc.) with the bump button 6034 and the remaining lanes are shifted to fdl the gaps. If none of the displayed lanes are selected, then the grill station computing device 6000 will remove the lane closest to the bump button 6034.

[0145] Fig. 64 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying the grill station user interface 6002 after the first digital order item lane 6112, the second digital order item lane 6114,Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -45-and the third digital order item lane 6116 have been bumped (removed) along with their associated digital order items. The fourth digital order item lane 6118, the fifth digital order item lane 6120, and the sixth digital order item lane 6122 have shifted left to fill the gap along with their associated digital order items.

[0146] Fig. 65 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying a solo display 6036 of the fourth digital order item graphic 6026 within the grill station user interface 6002. Similar to the solo display 904 displayed by the build station computing device 900 in the build station user interface 902 (see Fig. 9), the grill station computing device 6000 displays the solo display 6036 with an expanded view of a single item in exploded view, but with only a single column like digital order item graphics are displayed in the grill production list 6010. Auser interacting (e g. touching, clicking on, etc.) on the display on a graphical representation of a digital order item will bring up a solo display with that order item in an expanded (exploded) format. Images of the ingredients are presented with each ingredient image having a callout naming the ingredient and giving quantities. The solo display 6036 also presents modifier icons.COOK (GRILL) STATION MODULE - LARGE ORDERS

[0147] Fig. 66 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying a large order queue lane 6040 in the grill station user interface 6002. If the grill station computing device 6000 receives a digital order that requires an ingredient to be cooked in a quantity that is larger than a user settable threshold (e.g. 20), then instead of placing multiple grill ingredient icons into the queue virtual grill lanes, the grill station computing device 6000 places a single grill ingredient icon into a large order queue lane. In Fig. 66, the grill station computing device 6000 receives a digital order for 50 hamburgers and 50 cheeseburgers. Since this digital order requires 100 Large Patties, which isDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -46-over the large order threshold, the grill station computing device 6000 displays the fourth grill ingredient icon 6042 (labeled “Large Patty”) in the larger order queue lane 6040 with the quantity “100”.

[0148] Fig. 67 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying movement of ingredient quantities from the large order queue lane 6040 to queue virtual grill lanes. Upon a user interaction (e g. touch, click, etc.) with the fourth grill ingredient icon 6042 (Large Patty), the grill station computing device 6000 displays a fifth grill ingredient icon (Large Patty) 6044 in the queue portion of virtual grill lane marked “2”. This lane already has an eighth grill ingredient icon 6050 (Large Patty) with a quantity of “2” displayed. Each lane on the physical grill only has a capacity for 4 large patties, so the grill station computing device 6000 only assigns a quantity of 2 to the fifth grill ingredient icon 6044 (Large Patty). Upon two more user interactions (e.g. touch, click, etc.) with the fourth grill ingredient icon 6042 (Large Patty), the grill station computing device 6000 displays a sixth grill ingredient icon 6046 (Large Patty) and a seventh grill ingredient icon 6048 (Large Patty) in the queue portions of virtual grill lanes marked “3” and “4” respectively. Neither of these lanes have anything in their active portions, so the grill station computing device 6000 only assigns a quantity of 4 to both the sixth grill ingredient icon 6046 (Large Patty) and the seventh grill ingredient icon 6048 (Large Patty). The grill station computing device 6000 decreases the quantity displayed with the fourth grill ingredient icon Large Patty 6042 in the large order queue lane 6040 from “100” to “88”. The grill station computing device 6000. displays within a fifth build order lane 6056, seventh digital order item graphic 6052 (hamburger), and an eighth digital order item graphic 6054 (cheeseburger) both displayed with quantity icons label “50”. If it was not already displayed, the grill station computing device 6000 introduces the fifth build order lane 6056 into the grill production list 6010 along with its associated digital order number 30923.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -47-Digital order item graphics associated with digital orders and grill ingredient icons in the large order queue lane 6040 are not introduced into the grill production list 6010 until some of the quantities of the digital order have been queued to grill ingredient icons in the virtual grill lanes.

[0149] Fig. 68 shows the grill station computing device 6000 displaying a large order options menu 6058 in the grill station user interface 6002. The grill station computing device 6000 opens the large order options menu 6058 upon user interaction (a touch, a double tap, a click, etc.) with the fourth grill ingredient icon 6042 (Large Patty). The options in the large order options menu 6058 can be similarly interacted with by the user to cause the grill station computing device 6000 to execute that option. The first option presented in the large order options menu 6058 is to send the fourth grill ingredient icon (Large Patty) 6042 and its associated digital order to another grill. Fig. 68 shows this option as “Send to DI grill” which refers to a grill that is dedicated to “Dine In” (the grill station user interface 6002 shown is for a “Drive Through” or “DT” grill). The second option present is for “Cook All” which when triggered causes the grill station computing device 6000 to all at once break up the fourth grill ingredient icon (Large Patty) 6042 into a sufficient number of grill ingredient icons and distribute them in the queue portions of the virtual grill lanes. The third option presented is for “Cancel Cook” which is self-explanatory.COOK (FRY) STATION MODULE - ROUTING & SEPARATE HOLDING

[0150] Fig. 69 shows a fry station computing device 6900 configured for routing and separate holding. Some commercial kitchens may have multiple production lines that share one or more stations. A typical production line would have a grill station, a fry station, a build station, and a pack station. A typical fry station can support more typical orders than a grill station, so it is common to have fewer fry stations than grill stations and have each fry station support multipleDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -48-production lines. Users of the fry station computing device 6900 need to know how to route ingredients after they are cooked. In Fig. 69 the fry station computing device 6900 has displayed a first fry ingredient icon 6904 in the active portion of a virtual fry lane on a fry station user interface 6902. The first fry ingredient icon 6904 indicates that a quantity of 26 wings are currently being cooked in lane 4 of the physical deep fryer and has an indication “Done.” The first fry ingredient icon 6904 can now be dismissed with a user interaction (a touch, a double tap, a mouse click, etc.).

[0151] Fig. 70 shows a fry station computing device 6900 configured for routing and separate holding and displaying a routing message 6906. After the first fry ingredient icon 6904 has been dismissed, the fry station computing device 6900 displays a routing message 6906 in its place. Two production lines are identified: Grill 1 and Grill 2. The quantities that are to be sent to each are displayed: 22 for Grill 1 and 4 for Grill 2. A user configurable special handling message may also be included in the routing message 6906. Here it is “Let cool for 10 minutes.” The routing message 6906 will be dismissed after a user configurable time has expired. The routing message 6906 will also be dismissed if another fry ingredient icon is put in the active portion of the same virtual fry lane. The described routing and separate holding features described above can be applied to any computing device configured as a cook station.ORDER STATUS APP AND DEVICE

[0152] Fig. 71 shows a computing device with order status app 7000. The computing device with order status app 7000 is configured to communicate with the kitchen workstation computing devices 700 in a Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System 300 described elsewhere herein. The computing device with order status app 7000 may be set up as a display inDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -49-the carryout / pickup section of a restaurant or it may be a personal computing device of a customer with the order status app installed. The computing device with order status app 7000 is configured to receive information regarding the content and status of digital orders from the Kitchen Order Processing and Workstation Management System 300, then display this information in order status blocks 7004 on an order status user interface 7002. Each order status block 7004 has information from a single digital order, including a name for the order, a digital order number, an order status bar 7006, a comment, and a delivery pickup name.

[0153] The order status bar 7006 is divided into multiple sections, presented in sequence. The sections of the order status block 7004 as shown in Fig. 71 are each small trapezoidal bars but alternatively could be some other geometric shape or pictogram. When activated, a section is displayed differently than when deactivated. In Fig. 71, the deactivated sections have only an outline of a shape, but the activated sections are filled in with a color different than the background color. The first three sections in the order status block 7004 are associated with a cooking phase, a building phase and a packing phase. When an order is first entered, the order status block 7004 is displayed with the order status bar 7006 deactivated. The first section is activated when at least one digital order item from the order associated with the order status block 7004 is reported as having started the cooking process by a cook station module 714. The second section is activated when at least one digital order item from the order associated with the order status block 7004 is reported as having started the build process by a build station module 712. The third section is activated when at least one digital order item from the order associated with the order status block 7004 is reported as having started the packing process by a pack station module 716. The fourth section is activated when the order associated with the order status block 7004 is reported as having completed the packing process by a pack station module 716 and is ready for pickup or to beDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -50-delivered.

[0154] The comments displayed in the order status block 7004 are user configurable. The comment that is displayed depends on the most advanced section of the order status bar 7006 that has been activated. In Fig. 71, in order status blocks 7004 in which none of the sections of the order status bar 7006 are activated, the comment displayed is “Order Received.” In order status blocks 7004 in which only the first section of the order status bar 7006 is activated, the comment displayed is “Cooking!” In order status blocks 7004 in which only the first two of the sections of the order status bar 7006 are activated, the comment displayed is “Building!” In order status blocks 7004 in which only the first three of the sections of the order status bar 7006 are activated, the comment displayed is “Packing!” In order status blocks 7004 in which all four of the sections of the order status bar 7006 are activated, the comment displayed is “Ready!” While the computing device with order status app 7000 is checking the order for updates, the comment displayed is “Checking your order.”BUILD (DRINK) STATION COMPUTING DEVICE

[0155] Fig. 72 shows a drink station computing device 7200 displaying a drink station user interface 7202. The drink station computing device 7200 is a kitchen workstation computing device 700 with a build station module 712. The drink station computing device 7200 has the same features and performs the same as the build station computing device 800 with the modifications described hereafter.

[0156] Within the drink station user interface 7202, the drink station computing device 7200 presents graphical representations of digital orders, each digital order graphic in a separate build order lane, each build order lane divided into one or more category lanes. In the drink stationDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -51-computing device 7200, the categories are user configurable. Each digital order graphic includes one or more graphical representations of digital order items. The drink station computing device 7200 presents these digital order item graphics in the appropriate category lanes. The drink station computing device 7200 presents only graphics of digital order items that are categorized as drinks Digital order items not categorized as drinks in the digital order are not presented.

[0157] In Fig. 72, the drink station user interface 7202 includes a first build order lane 7220, a second build order lane 7222, a third build order lane 7224, and a fourth build order lane 7226. The order lanes are separated by graphical dividers 7228. The drink station user interface 7202 includes a first category lane 7230 (Cooler - Shakes), a second category lane 7232 (Coffee - Tea), a third category lane 7234 (Specialty), and a fourth category lane 7236 (Fountain). The drink station computing device 7200 presents the build order lanes vertically and the category lanes horizontally, but in other embodiments this could be reversed. In each build order lane, a status bar is presented, along with an order number, and an elapsed time for the order, including a first status bar 7206 presented in the first build order lane 7220 along with a first order number 7208, and an elapsed time 7210 for the order.

[0158] The drink station computing device 7200 presents, as part of presenting the graphical representation of each digital order item, a set of ingredient images. Typically, this set only includes an image of a container for the drink, which shows enough information for a user to be able to retrieve or make the drink. Otherwise, one or more additional images of additional ingredients are shown, adjacent or overlapping the image of the container. Modifier icons may be shown adjacent or overlapping the image of the container. Additional text may be presented adjacent the container, providing additional identifying information or preparation instructions. In Fig. 72, a graphicalDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -52-representation of a first order 7204 is presented in the first build order lane 7220, with graphical representations of multiple digital order items, including a first digital order item graphic 7238 (milk), a second digital order item graphic 7240 (Chocolate shake), a third digital order item graphic 7242 (decaf), a fourth digital order item graphic 7244 (coffee), and a fifth digital order item graphic 7246 (Coca-a-Cola).

[0159] The first digital order item graphic 7238 has an image of a milk container and is presented in the first category lane 7230 (Cooler - Shakes) with text “Milk” presented adjacent (below) the image of the milk container. That is enough for a user of the drink station computing device 7200 to know to go to the cooler and retrieve the appropriate milk container. The second digital order item graphic 7240 includes an image of a cold drink cup with an image of a chocolate ice cream scoop overlapping the image of the cold drink cup. Text “32oz Shake Chocolate” is presented adjacent (below) the image of the hot drink cup. The third digital order item graphic 7242 includes an image of a hot drink cup. Text “Decaf’ is presented adjacent (below) the image of the hot drink cup. Text “15 oz” is presented adjacent (above) the image of the hot drink cup. An image of a cream container is presented adjacent (to the right) of the image of the hot drink cup. This indicates that a cream container is to be given to the customer unopened. The fourth digital order item graphic 7244 includes an image of a hot drink cup. Text “Coffee” is presented adjacent (below) the image of the hot drink cup. Text “12 oz” is presented adjacent (above) the image of the hot drink cup. A first ingredient icon (sugar) is presented adjacent (to the right) of the image of the hot drink cup along with text “2”, indicating that 2 units of sugar are to be added to the coffee before being given to the customer. A second ingredient icon (sweet cream) is presented adjacent (to the right) of the image of the hot drink cup along with text “1”, indicating that 1 unit of sweet cream is to be added to the coffee before being given to the customer. The fifth digital order item graphicDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -53-7246 includes an image of a cold drink cup with an identifying icon (Coca-Cola) overlapping the image of the cold drink cup. Text “44 oz” is presented adjacent (above) the image of the cold drink cup. Text “Coke Easy Ice” is presented adjacent (below) the image of the cold drink cup. A modifier icon (easy ice) is presented overlapping the cold drink cup.

[0160] The drink station computing device 7200 is configured to mark a digital order item graphic as complete by presenting a completion icon (a check mark) on the digital order item graphic upon user interaction (touch, double tap, mouse click, etc.) with the digital order item graphic. The drink station computing device 7200 is configured to dismiss a build order lane (i.e. remove the build order lane and the graphical representation of the associated digital order) from the drink station user interface 7202 upon a user interaction (swipe, touch, double tap, etc.) on the build order lane by a user. When an order has been built, the user can dismiss the order by swiping downward within that order’s build lane. In embodiments with horizontal lanes, the swipe can be to the left or the right. The drink station computing device 7200 may be configured to dismiss a build order lane only if all digital order item graphics within the build order lane have been marked as complete. The drink station computing device 7200 may be configured to dismiss a build order lane upon user interaction with a bump button 7248. The drink station computing device 7200 may be configured to dismiss the oldest build order lane upon user interaction with a bump button 7248.

[0161] Fig. 73 shows a drink station computing device 7300 displaying a drink station user interface 7302 with a hold button 7306. The drink station computing device 7200 can handle dessert order items without any further modifications (the user may want to change some categories). In Fig. 73, the drink station computing device 7300 presents a first build order lane7320, a second build order lane 7322, and a third build order lane 7324, each with a graphicalDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -54-representations of a digital order and associated digital order item graphics. However, the addition of the hold button 7306 and hold function allows a dine-in customer to order a meal with dessert but put the dessert on hold for later pick up. When the dine-in customer is ready for dessert, they can inform the drink station user of this.

[0162] Fig. 74 shows a drink station computing device 7300 displaying a hold menu 7308 within the drink station user interface 7302. The user interacts (e.g. touch, double tap, click, etc.) with the hold button 7306 and in response, the drink station computing device 7300 displays a hold menu 7308. The hold menu 7308 shows order numbers that are currently on hold along with associated customer names. The drink station computing device 7300 selects one of the order numbers upon user interaction (e.g. touch, double tap, click, etc.) with oner of the order numbers (in this example, order number 309921). The drink station computing device 7300 then opens a fourth build order lane 7326.Fig. 75 shows a drink station computing device 7300 displaying in which a fourth build order lane 7326 is introduced into the drink station user interface 7302 and labeled with the order number 309921 . A first digital order item graphic 7338 (double scoop ice cream cone) is presented in the fourth build order lane 7326. The first build order lane 7320, the second build order lane 7322, and the third build order lane 7324 are moved to make room. The drink station computing device 7300 displays the build order lanes in order of age, the build order lane with the oldest order number in the left most position. Alternatively, the drink station computing device 7300 can be configured for the build order lane with the oldest order number in the right most position. The user of the drink station computing device 7300 can then proceed to make the double scoop ice cream cone per the first digital order item graphic 7338.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -55-

Claims

1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is1. A method for a cook station computing device in a commercial kitchen comprising the steps of: presenting, on a display of the cook station computing device, a cook station user interface; presenting a first virtual cook lane within the cook station user interface, the first virtual cook lane one of a plurality of virtual cook lanes, each of the plurality of virtual cook lanes divided into a queue virtual cook lane and an active virtual cook lane, the first virtual cook lane divided between a first queue virtual cook lane and a first active virtual cook lane; setting a first cook icon quantity to a number of instances of a first ingredient name in a first digital order; determining a current status of each of the plurality of virtual cook lanes; selecting the first virtual cook lane cook based on the current status of the plurality of virtual cook lanes; presenting, in the first queued virtual cook lane, a first cook ingredient icon associated with the first ingredient name; presenting, with the first cook ingredient icon, the first cook icon quantity; receiving a first user input selecting the first cook ingredient icon; moving the first cook ingredient icon to the first active virtual cook lane; timing down a first cook ingredient timer from a first ingredient cook timer start value; and presenting a real-time value of the first cook ingredient timer with the first cook ingredient icon.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: removing the first cook ingredient icon from the first active virtual cook lane after user interaction; and presenting a routing message in the first active virtual cook lane, the routing message reciting one or more destinations and quantities of ingredients to be sent.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -56-presenting, on the cook station user interface, adjacent to one of the virtual cook lanes, a quick add icon; and presenting a second cook ingredient icon in adjacent one of the virtual cook lanes, upon user interaction with the quick add icon.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a special instruction box upon user interaction with the first cook ingredient icon; and presenting, within the special instruction box, a plurality of option icons; and presenting the first cook ingredient icon differently after a user interaction with a first of the option icons.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a cook station production list; presenting, within the cook station production list, one or more build order lanes, including a first build order lane; presenting, within the first build order lane, a graphical representation of a first digital order; and presenting, as part of the graphical representation of the first digital order, a graphical representation of a first digital order item, the first digital order item associated with a first ingredient name.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: removing the first build order lane and the graphical representation of the first digital order from the cook station production list after a user interaction with the cook station user interface.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a bump button; and wherein the user interaction with the cook station user interface is a user interaction with the bump button.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising:Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -57-presenting, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order item, a first set of ingredient images in a vertical column, each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images depicting an ingredient associated with one of one or more ingredient names in the first digital order item, each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images positioned within the graphical representation of the first digital order item as per an arrangement of the ingredient names in a first master build list.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a large order queue lane; setting a second cook icon quantity to a number of instances of a second ingredient name in the first digital order; determine that the second cook icon quantity is above a large order threshold; presenting, within the large order queue lane, a second cook ingredient icon; presenting, with the second cook ingredient icon, the second cook icon quantity; presenting, on the cook station user interface, a second virtual cook lane with a second queued virtual cook lane and a second active virtual cook lane; presenting, in the second queued virtual cook lane, part of, a third cook ingredient icon; setting a third cook icon quantity based on a cook icon quantity of any cook ingredient icon in the second active virtual cook lane and a capacity of the second active virtual cook lane; presenting, with the third cook ingredient icon, the third cook icon quantity; deducting the third cook icon quantity from the second cook icon quantity; and presenting, with the second cook ingredient icon, the second cook icon quantity after deduction.

10. A cook station computing device comprising: a display; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising: presenting, on a display of the cook station computing device, a cook station user interface;Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -58-presenting a first virtual cook lane within the cook station user interface, the first virtual cook lane one of a plurality of virtual cook lanes, each of the plurality of virtual cook lanes divided into a queue virtual cook lane and an active virtual cook lane, the first virtual cook lane divided between a first queue virtual cook lane and a first active virtual cook lane; setting a first cook icon quantity to a number of instances of a first ingredient name in a first digital order; determining a current status of each of the plurality of virtual cook lanes; selecting the first virtual cook lane cook based on the current status of the plurality of virtual cook lanes; presenting, in the first queued virtual cook lane, a first cook ingredient icon associated with the first ingredient name; presenting, with the first cook ingredient icon, the first cook icon quantity; receiving a first user input selecting the first cook ingredient icon; moving the first cook ingredient icon to the first active virtual cook lane; timing down a first cook ingredient timer from a first ingredient cook timer start value; and presenting a real-time value of the first cook ingredient timer with the first cook ingredient icon.

11. The cook station computing device of claim 10, with further instructions comprising the steps of: removing the first cook ingredient icon from the first active virtual cook lane after user interaction; and presenting a routing message in the first active virtual cook lane, the routing message reciting one or more destinations and quantities of ingredients to be sent.

12. The cook station computing device of claim 10, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, on the cook station user interface, adjacent to one of the virtual cook lanes, a quick add icon; andDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -59-presenting a second cook ingredient icon in adjacent one of the virtual cook lanes, upon user interaction with the quick add icon.

13. The cook station computing device of claim 10, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a special instruction box upon user interaction with the first cook ingredient icon; and presenting, within the special instruction box, a plurality of option icons; and presenting the first cook ingredient icon differently after a user interaction with a first of the option icons.

14. The cook station computing device of claim 10, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a cook station production list; presenting, within the cook station production list, one or more build order lanes, including a first build order lane; presenting, within the first build order lane, a graphical representation of a first digital order; and presenting, as part of the graphical representation of the first digital order, a graphical representation of a first digital order item, the first digital order item associated with a first ingredient name.

15. The cook station computing device of claim 14, with further instructions comprising the steps of: removing the first build order lane and the graphical representation of the first digital order from the cook station production list after a user interaction with the cook station user interface.

16. The cook station computing device of claim 15, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a bump button; andDocket No. PURI.044-PCT -60-wherein the user interaction with the cook station user interface is a user interaction with the bump button.

17. The cook station computing device of claim 14, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, as part of presenting the graphical representation of the first digital order item, a first set of ingredient images in a vertical column, each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images depicting an ingredient associated with one of one or more ingredient names in the first digital order item, each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images positioned within the graphical representation of the first digital order item as per an arrangement of the ingredient names in a first master build list.

18. The cook station computing device of claim 10, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, on the cook station user interface, a large order queue lane; setting a second cook icon quantity to a number of instances of a second ingredient name in the first digital order; determine that the second cook icon quantity is above a large order threshold; presenting, within the large order queue lane, a second cook ingredient icon; presenting, with the second cook ingredient icon, the second cook icon quantity; presenting, on the cook station user interface, a second virtual cook lane with a second queued virtual cook lane and a second active virtual cook lane; presenting, in the second queued virtual cook lane, part of, a third cook ingredient icon; setting a third cook icon quantity based on a cook icon quantity of any cook ingredient icon in the second active virtual cook lane and a capacity of the second active virtual cook lane; presenting, with the third cook ingredient icon, the third cook icon quantity; deducting the third cook icon quantity from the second cook icon quantity; and presenting, with the second cook ingredient icon, the second cook icon quantity after deduction.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -61-19. A method for a build station computing device in a commercial kitchen comprising the steps of: presenting, on a display of the build station computing device, a build station user interface; presenting, within the build station user interface, one or more build order lanes, including a first build order lane; presenting, within the first build order lane, graphical representations of one or more digital orders, including a first digital order graphic; presenting, as part of the first digital order graphic, graphical representations of one or more digital order items, including a graphical representation of a first digital order item; and presenting, as part of presenting the first digital order item graphic, a first set of ingredient images in one or more vertical columns, each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images depicting an ingredient associated with one of one or more ingredient names in the first digital order item.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images is positioned within the first digital order item graphic as per an arrangement of ingredient names in a first master build list.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising presenting, within the build station user interface, a plurality of category lanes, including a first category lane, wherein the category lanes run perpendicular to the build order lanes; and presenting each digital order item graphic in one of the category lanes, the category lane present in based on how a menu item in a master build list that is associated with the digital order item graphic is categorized.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising presenting, within the build station user interface, a hold button; presenting, within the build station user interface, a hold menu, the hold menu including identifying information for one or more digital orders;Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -62-presenting, within the build station user interface, a second build order lane, after user interaction with the identifying information for one of the digital orders; and presenting, within the second build order lane, a second digital order graphic.

23. A build station computing device comprising: a display; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising: presenting, on a display of the build station computing device, a build station user interface; presenting, within the build station user interface, one or more build order lanes, including a first build order lane; presenting, within the first build order lane, graphical representations of one or more digital orders, including a first digital order graphic; presenting, as part of the first digital order graphic, graphical representations of one or more digital order items, including a graphical representation of a first digital order item; and presenting, as part of presenting the first digital order item graphic, a first set of ingredient images in one or more vertical columns, each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images depicting an ingredient associated with one of one or more ingredient names in the first digital order item.

24. The build station computing device of claim 23, with further instructions comprising the steps of: wherein each ingredient image in the first set of ingredient images is positioned within the first digital order item graphic as per an arrangement of ingredient names in a first master build list.

25. The build station computing device of claim 23, with further instructions comprising the steps of:Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -63-presenting, within the build station user interface, a plurality of category lanes, including a first category lane, wherein the category lanes run perpendicular to the build order lanes; and presenting each digital order item graphic in one of the category lanes, the category lane present in based on how a menu item in a master build list that is associated with the digital order item graphic is categorized.

26. The build station computing device of claim 23, with further instructions comprising the steps of: presenting, within the build station user interface, a hold button; presenting, within the build station user interface, a hold menu, the hold menu including identifying information for one or more digital orders; presenting, within the build station user interface, a second build order lane, after user interaction with the identifying information for one of the digital orders; and presenting, within the second build order lane, a second digital order graphic.

27. A method for an order status app comprising the steps of receiving information regarding content and status of one or more digital orders including a first digital order; displaying, on an order status user interface, one or more order status blocks, including a first order status block; presenting within the first order status block, a pickup name for the first digital order, an order number for the first digital order, a comment; and an order status bar, the order status bar is divided into multiple sections, presented in sequence, wherein each order status bar is presented differently when activated than when deactivated; presenting a first status bar section as activated when receiving status that at least one digital order item from the first digital order is reported as having started a cooking process; presenting a second status bar section as activated when receiving status that at least one digital order item from the first digital order is reported as having started a build process;Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -64-presenting a third status bar section as activated when receiving status that at least one digital order item from the first digital order is reported as having started a packing process; and presenting a fourth status bar section as activated when receiving status that the first digital order is reported as having finished the packing process.

28. A computing device with an order status app comprising: a display; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising: receiving information regarding content and status of one or more digital orders including a first digital order; displaying, on an order status user interface, one or more order status blocks, including a first order status block; presenting within the first order status block, a pickup name for the first digital order, an order number for the first digital order, a comment; and an order status bar, the order status bar is divided into multiple sections, presented in sequence, wherein each order status bar is presented differently when activated than when deactivated; presenting a first status bar section as activated when receiving status that at least one digital order item from the first digital order is reported as having started a cooking process; presenting a second status bar section as activated when receiving status that at least one digital order item from the first digital order is reported as having started a build process; presenting a third status bar section as activated when receiving status that at least one digital order item from the first digital order is reported as having started a packing process; and presenting a fourth status bar section as activated when receiving status that the first digital order is reported as having finished the packing process.Docket No. PURI.044-PCT -65-

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