Structural food preparation systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remote ordering of time-sensitive goods, such as food from quick service restaurants, fail to account for dynamic menus, item availability changes, and multi-venue operations, often requiring costly hardware installations and lacking flexibility in handling varying menu items across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mobile personal computer-based system that generates restaurant orders, featuring a two-phase process for order management, including a menu management server for dynamic menu generation and venue-specific pricing, and an order management system that verifies item availability upon order submission and check-in, using a mobile device to select venues and process orders optically or via RFID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remote ordering systems are implemented for quick service restaurants, then ordering efficiency is improved, but hardware costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows a single mobile device to function as both the ordering interface and the verification device. The mobile device displays a unique identifier that can be scanned by any venue terminal, eliminating the need for venue-specific hardware installations. This universal approach enables the system to work across multiple venues without requiring each venue to have specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying through barcode or QR code display on the mobile device screen. The venue terminal scans this visual copy of the order information to retrieve and verify the order details. This replaces complex hardware communication protocols with simple optical recognition technology that is already widely available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic menu management is implemented across multiple venues, then menu flexibility is improved, but system complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads complete menu information and pricing data into the mobile device before the customer arrives at the venue. This allows the customer to browse and select items from the full menu without real-time network connectivity. The order is then verified against the actual venue's available items and pricing when the customer checks in, resolving any discrepancies before finalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the mobile device sends the selected order to the venue terminal for verification. The venue terminal compares the ordered items against its current menu and availability, then provides feedback to the mobile device. If items are unavailable or pricing has changed, the system notifies the customer and allows modifications before finalizing the order.
3Reliability
If order verification upon arrival is implemented, then order accuracy is improved, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The customer completes the entire ordering process, including item selection and payment method selection, before arriving at the venue. The mobile device generates a unique order identifier and stores all order details locally. Upon arrival, the verification process only requires scanning this identifier and comparing it against the venue's current menu, which is a much faster process than completing the full ordering sequence at the venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual order taking and verification procedures with automated optical recognition and digital data comparison. The mobile device displays a machine-readable code that the venue terminal scans automatically, eliminating the need for staff to manually enter and verify order details. This substitution of mechanical processes with automated digital processes significantly reduces verification time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and flexible remote ordering across multiple venues with dynamic menus, ensuring item availability and pricing accuracy, reducing costs by eliminating the need for specialized hardware and allowing real-time menu updates and user edits.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a location verification marker using the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
processes orders optically or via RFID
Data Source
AI summary
An ordering app running on a mobile device, one or more central servers, one or more venue servers, one or more ordering apps, plug-ins, kiosks, point of sale systems, beacons, pucks, tents, and automated appliances cooperate to prepare orders for a customer. Methods embodied as software programs running on the venue servers and the central servers advance the customer's order through various modules hosted on the venue server. A final module causes the customer's order to be prepared.