Electronic Serving System with Dynamic Display and Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing serving devices lack technology-infused solutions, leading to consumers forgetting product information quickly, which hinders informed repurchases and decision-making for food establishments.

Innovation Solution

An electronic serving system with a connected computer network that stores and displays food item information on an electronic serving device, allowing consumers to interact with product details and provide feedback, facilitating informed purchasing and marketing decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If printed indicia or chalkboard sections are used to provide product information, then the device structure remains simple, but consumers forget product information quickly and no feedback is collected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct information retentionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical information display methods (printed indicia, chalkboard sections) with an electronic display system. The serving device incorporates a screen or display panel that can dynamically show product information, images, and videos, thereby preventing consumers from forgetting product details while moving beyond simple static displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where consumer interactions with the serving device (such as scanning codes, making selections, or providing ratings) are transmitted to a remote system. This allows the establishment to receive real-time feedback on consumer preferences and purchasing decisions, enabling informed marketing and inventory decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional serving devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but consumers cannot make informed repurchases and establishments receive no feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer decision-making capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The serving device is designed to perform multiple functions beyond simply holding food items. It includes an electronic display for providing product information, a scanning mechanism for code recognition, a communication interface for transmitting data, and potentially a rating system. This multi-functionality enables consumers to make informed decisions while collecting valuable feedback for the establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic system that bridges the gap between the consumer and the product information. The electronic display and scanning mechanisms act as intermediaries that provide detailed product information to consumers, while also serving as a communication channel to transmit consumer feedback to the establishment's database.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If electronic displays are integrated into the serving device, then consumer information access is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct information accessibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic serving system is divided into separate functional modules: the serving device with electronic display, the scanning mechanism, the communication interface, and the remote database system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and upgrades while providing comprehensive product information access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10657545B2Electronic serving system
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 FLITEBRITE LLC
  • US10657545B2 patent drawing
  • US10657545B2 patent drawing
  • US10657545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic serving system having an electronic serving device that receives and displays food information based upon food item selections made by a consumer.