JP2002517043A - Method and apparatus for selling aged food as a substitute for an order - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for selling an aged food product as a substitute for an ordered product. A POS terminal (12, 14, 16) receives an order for food. Next, the POS terminal selects a supplement based on the food. The selected supplement has an elapsed time in a predetermined elapsed time range, for example, 7 to 10 minutes after the product has been assembled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims a "system and method for conducting lottery transactions utilizing point-of-sale terminals," filed March 21, 1997, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Pending patent application Ser. No. 08 / 822,881.
No. 08 / 920,116, filed Aug. 26, 1997, entitled "Method and System for Handling Supplemental Sales at Point-of-Sale Terminals" Patent Application No. 09 / 083,483, filed May 22, 1988, filed on May 22, 1988, and filed on May 22, 1988. It is.

[0002]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

 The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for selling aged food products.

[0003]

[Prior art]

Many short-service restaurants sell food for a period of time after preparing the food. For example, hamburgers can be sold up to 20 minutes after cooking.
Over-aged food is "degraded" (e.g., is not fresh,
Or get wet). Selling such degraded foods will damage the reputation of the restaurant. In addition, aged foods can pose a significant risk to the health of consumers, and may also result in liability for restaurants. Therefore, foods are usually discarded if they cannot be sold within a certain period of time after preparation. Such waste is considered a cost of doing business.

[0004] Once the food is assembled from the food components, there is a time limit during which the food can be sold. For example, the assembled hamburger may be discarded after 20 minutes.
The assembled food is typically stored in a warming reservoir or similar warming device while waiting for sale, but other foods that are not yet ready for sale need not be assembled.

[0005] Food and food components are often discarded, which is a significant cost to restaurants. It would be advantageous to reduce the costs associated with not being able to sell degraded foods.

[0006]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

It is an object of the present invention to reduce the costs associated with not being able to sell all foods prepared in a restaurant.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

According to the invention, the POS terminal receives an order for food. The POS terminal then selects supplements based on the food. The selected supplement has an elapsed time in a predetermined elapsed time segment, for example, 7 to 10 minutes after the food is assembled.

[0008] The POS terminal outputs an offer to use supplements instead of food. In one embodiment, the substitution is made at no additional charge, so the customer pays the supplement for the price of the food item upon accepting the offer. A response to the customer's offer is received. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, the supplement is sold instead of food.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a restaurant or similar entity can increase profits by identifying and selling aged food that would otherwise be discarded. The food is held in a warming reservoir while waiting for sale. If it is not possible to satisfy an order (whether an actual order or a prospective order) using aged food in the warming reservoir, a device such as a POS terminal may be used to provide another food product ordered by the customer. Instead, provide an offer to use aged food.

[0010] If the offer is accepted, the aged food product is sold and registered as no longer available for sale. Thus, by automatically tracking aged foods, deciding the appropriate prices for these foods, and dynamically adjusting the database of available foods, restaurants can reduce waste on aged foods. Will be further reduced.

Referring to FIG. 1, a restaurant device 10 includes a POS (point-of-sale) terminal 12.
, 14 and 16, each terminal being in communication with a store server 18. POS terminals 12, 14 and 16 may be, for example, NCR7454 manufactured by NCR Corporation, IBM4683 manufactured by International Business Machines, or PAR Microsystems POS III or POS.
It may be IV. The POS terminals 12, 14, and 16 perform steps such as calculating the total price of the purchase (goods or services) and calculating the amount of the change fee to the customer. P
OS terminals 12, 14, and 16 may further adjust the inventory database by tracking the purchases made. Any number of POS terminals may be included in restaurant device 10. Although three POS terminals are shown in FIG. 1, any number of POS terminals may communicate with the store server 18 without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The store server 18 instructs the operation of the POS terminals 12, 14, and 16, and
The data from the S terminal is stored, and the data is transmitted to the POS terminal. Store server 1
8 itself may be a POS terminal, as described herein, or another computing device capable of communicating with one or more POS terminals. POS terminals 12, 14 and 1
Each of the 6 may be located in the same store, an individual store in the chain store, or elsewhere. The store server 18 may perform many of the processing described below, particularly processing performed on one or more POS terminals. Store server 18 may also store data shared by POS terminals 12, 14, and 16, such as an inventory database. Similarly, data described herein, such as stored on store server 18, may be stored on POS terminals 12, 14, and 16 where appropriate.

The store server 18 communicates with the automated kitchen device 20. Automated kitchen equipment 2
0 includes components for preparing food products for sale to customers, as described in more detail below. The store server 18 receives, from the automated kitchen apparatus 20, an instruction on a food item to be sold after a lapse of time. Next, the store server 18 stores the POS terminals 12, 14, and 1
6 may be sold here to sell such aged food products to customers.

FIG. 2 shows a POS terminal 200 representing any or all of the POS terminals 12, 14 and 16 (FIG. 1). The POS terminal 200 includes a processing unit 202 such as, for example, one or more conventional microprocessors. Processing device 202
Is in communication with a data storage device 204, such as a suitable combination of magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory. The processing unit 202 and the storage unit 204 are each (i) completely contained within a single computer or other computing device;
ii) connected to each other by a telecommunications medium such as a serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequency transceiver; or (iii) a combination thereof. For example, the POS terminal 200 may include one or more computers connected to a remote server computer for holding a database.

The input device 206 preferably includes a keypad for transmitting an input signal to the processing device 202, for example, a signal indicating purchase. Input device 206 may also include an optional optical barcode scanner for reading the barcode and transmitting a signal representing the barcode to processing device 202. The printing device 208 is controlled by the processing device 202 by printing indicia on paper and other materials, and prints a waste receipt, a sales receipt, and a coupon. Display device 210 is preferably a video monitor and displays at least alphabetic characters to customers and / or cashiers. Many types of input, printing and display devices are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here. The input device 206, the printing device 208, and the display device 210 are each in communication with the processing device 202.

The storage device 204 stores a POS program 212 for controlling the processing device 202.
Is stored. The processing unit 202 operates according to the present invention, and in particular, the methods detailed herein, by executing the instructions of the POS program 212. The POS program 212 further allows the processing device 202 to execute, for example, the input device 206 and the printing device 208.
And an operating system for interfacing with computer peripherals such as the display device 210 and program elements that may be necessary, such as "device drivers". Suitable device drivers and other necessary program elements are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a POS terminal 300, wherein the controller 302 is in communication via a communication medium 304 with a system 306 for providing offers.
The control device 302 includes a processing device 308 in communication with the input device 310 and the display device 312. The system for providing offers 306 includes a processing device 314 in communication with a storage device 316 and a printing device 318. In this embodiment, the controller 302 may be a cash register and the system 3
06 may be an electronic device for printing a coupon according to the data received from the cash register. Other configurations of the POS terminal 300 will be understood by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 shows the store server 18 (FIG. 1).
It comprises a processing unit 400, such as one or more conventional microprocessors, such as a Pentium microprocessor. As will be clear to the skilled person,
The processing unit 400 is in communication with a data storage device 402, such as a magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory. The processing device 400 and the storage device 402 each have (
i) completely contained within a single computer or other computing device; (ii) connected to each other by a remote communication medium such as a serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequency transceiver; or (iii) a combination thereof. . For example, store server 18 may include one or more computers connected to a remote server computer for holding a database.

Input device 404 preferably includes a keypad for transmitting input signals to processing device 400. The printing device 406 prints reports and other documents controlled by the processing device 400 by registering indicia on paper and other materials. Display device 408 is preferably a video monitor and displays at least alphabetic characters. Many types of input, printing and display devices are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here. Input device 4
04, the printing device 406, and the display device 408 are each in communication with the processing device 400.

The storage device 402 stores a store server program 420 for controlling the processing device 400. The processing device 400 operates according to the present invention, in particular, the methods detailed herein, by executing the instructions of the store server program 420. The store server program 420 may also be necessary, such as an operating system and "device drivers" for the processing device 400 to interface with computer peripherals such as the input device 404, the printing device 406, and the display device 408. Contains program elements. Suitable operating systems, device drivers and other necessary program elements are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here.

The storage device 402 includes (i) an inventory database 422, (ii) an elapsed inventory database 424, (iii) a price adjustment database 426, (iv) a possible substitute database 428, (v) a transaction database 430, and (Vi) The substitute offer database 432 is also stored. These databases 422, 424, 426, 428, 430 and 432 are described in detail below and are shown with illustrative entries in the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the schematic diagram of the database shown herein and the following description are exemplary arrangements for stored representations of information. In addition to the table shown, many other arrangements may be employed. Similarly, the illustrated entries represent exemplary information, and those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries may be different from those illustrated herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, table 500 shows one embodiment of inventory database 422 (FIG. 4). The table 500 has entries 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 51
2 and 514, each entry defining a food item. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that table 500 may include any number of entries. Table 500 also shows that
The columns of entries 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512 and 514 are defined, and (i) a food identifier 520, (ii) that uniquely identifies a food.
A) a food type 522, (iii) a retail price of the food 524, and (iv) a cost 526 of the food to the store selling the food. Since the information stored in the inventory database 422 is available to the POS terminals 12, 14 and 16 (FIG. 1), any POS terminal may calculate a purchase price including, for example, one or more ordered food products. You may. The information stored in inventory database 422, particularly the selection of available food products and their retail prices, is typically established by a restaurant manager or other personnel.

Referring to FIG. 6, a table 600 shows records of one embodiment of the time lapse inventory database 424 (FIG. 4). The time-lapse inventory database 424 typically includes a plurality of records as described above, each record specifying the time at which the food and food item were assembled. Table 600 contains entries 602, 604, 606, 608, 610
And 612, each defining an item of food that has been assembled and overaged. It is desirable to sell food at a reduced price, rather than discarding it, if the time of the food has passed excessively. Table 600 defines a food identifier 620 that uniquely identifies the food and corresponds to food identifier 520 (FIG. 5). Table 600 also specifies food types 622. Table 600 also includes entry 60
2, 604, 606, 608, 610 and 612.
i) the time at which the food item is assembled and ready for sale 624; (ii) the life of the food item if available for sale 625; (iii) the time at which the food item is sold or discarded 626; (Iv) the state 628 of the food item and (v) the price 630 at which the food item, if any, was sold.

[0024] The parent application, US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 083,483, filed May 22, 1998, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Selling Aged Food Products"
The aged food may be sold for an amount equal to the lowest price, as described in the "parent application"), or, in another embodiment, above the corresponding lowest price of the food. You may sell it for money. Since the information stored in the time-lapse inventory database 424 is available to the POS terminals 12, 14, and 16 (FIG. 1), any POS terminal may indicate a food item that is currently available for sale. The information stored in the time lapse inventory database 424 is typically established by the automated kitchen equipment 20 (FIG. 1) as described in the parent application.

Referring to FIG. 7, table 700 shows a record of one embodiment of price adjustment database 426 (FIG. 4). Price adjustment database 426 typically includes a plurality of such records, each record defining a food product and how to sell the food product. Table 700 includes entries 702, 704, 706, and 708, respectively, that define the age of the food and the action to take if the food item is within the age. The table 700 uniquely identifies a food and defines a food identifier 720 corresponding to the food identifier 520 (FIG. 5). Table 7
00 also specifies the type of food 722. Table 700 contains entries 702, 70
4, 706 and 708 are also provided, but entries are (i) elapsed time range 724 (division of elapsed time), and (ii) if the food item is within the elapsed time range. Power processing 726 is defined.

This process may involve selling the item at a retail price specified in inventory database 424 (FIG. 4). This is preferable for items that have not passed much time. Moderately aged items may be used instead of ordered products, as described below. For example, if a cheeseburger is assembled and a reasonable amount of time has passed, it may be desirable to use a cheeseburger instead of an ordered hamburger. It is desirable to sell such products at a modified fee, as described in the parent application and described below, because items that are significantly older are at risk of becoming unsellable. Items that are too old are discarded.

Referring to FIG. 8, a table 800 shows records of another embodiment of the price adjustment database 426 (FIG. 4). Price adjustment database 426 typically includes a record for each food item. Table 800 includes entries 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810, each of which defines a food age category and an action to take if an item of food is within the age category. ing. The table 800 uniquely identifies a food and defines a food identifier 820 corresponding to the food identifier 520 (FIG. 5). Table 800 also specifies the type of food 822. Table 800 also defines respective columns for entries 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810, where the entries are (i) elapsed time range 824 (elapsed time segment), and (ii) food item The processing 826 to be performed when the number is within the range is defined.

In contrast to the example shown in Table 700 (FIG. 7), Table 800 indicates that food may be used to substitute for different orders based on the age of the food. For example, entry 804 indicates that a moderately aged double cheeseburger may be used in place of the ordered cheeseburger, and entry 806 indicates that a more aged double cheeseburger has been ordered. This indicates that hamburgers may be used instead. Thus, over time, the food product may be used in place of a custom food product having reduced value.

Referring to FIG. 9, table 900 shows one of the possible substitute databases 428 (FIG. 4).
Two examples are shown. Table 900 includes entries 902, 904 and 906, each defining a food category. One skilled in the art will appreciate that table 900 may include any number of entries. Table 900 also defines respective columns for entries 902, 904, and 906, where the entries are (i) a category identifier 920 that uniquely defines the category of food, and (ii) a food included in the category of food. An identifier 922 is defined. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, any food item in one section may be used instead of an order in the same section. For example, entry 902 may indicate that if food "100" is ordered, food "120" may be ordered instead.
, “137” or “141” may be used.

Referring to FIG. 10, table 1000 shows a possible substitute database 428 (FIG. 4).
3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Table 1000 contains entries 1002, 1004 and 100
6 each defining a food product ordered and a food product that may be used instead (a “supplementary food product”). One skilled in the art will appreciate that table 1000 may include any number of entries. Table 1000 also defines respective columns for entries 1002, 1004 and 1006, where the entries are (i) an ordered food identifier 1020 that uniquely defines the food, (ii) an ordered food type 102
2, (iii) a supplement food identifier 1024 that uniquely identifies the supplement food of the ordered food, and (iv) a supplement food type 1026. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, any food item indicated by entry column 1024 may be used in place of the order item indicated by entry column 1020. For example, entry 1002 indicates that if "hamburger" was ordered, "cheeseburger", "double cheeseburger" or "big burger" may be used instead.

Referring to FIG. 11, a table 1100 illustrates another embodiment of a possible substitute database 428 (FIG. 4). Table 1100 includes entries 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1108, each of which defines a supplemental food and a foodstuff that may be used instead. One skilled in the art will appreciate that table 1100 may include any number of entries. Table 1100 includes entries 1102, 1104, and 11
06 and 1108, the entries are (i) a supplementary food identifier 1120 that uniquely identifies the supplementary food, (ii) a supplemental food type 11
22, (iii) a custom food identifier 1124 that uniquely identifies the ordered food that may be replaced by a supplement food, and (iv) a custom food type 1126. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the food item indicated by entry column 1120 may be used in place of any order shown by entry column 1124. For example, entry 1102 indicates that a “cheeseburger” may be used instead of the ordered “hamburger”.

Referring to FIG. 12, table 1200 includes transaction database 430 (FIG. 4).
2) shows a record of one embodiment. Transaction database 430 typically includes a plurality of such records, each defining a transaction. Table 1200 includes entries 1202 and 1204, each of which is included in a transaction and specifies the food product to be purchased by the customer. Table 120
0 is the transaction identifier 12 uniquely identifying the transaction
06, the date 1208 at which the transaction occurred, the time 1210, the POS terminal identifier 1212 identifying the POS terminal in the transaction, and the operator identifier 1214 uniquely identifying the POS terminal operator such as a cashier. I have. Table 1200 also defines the respective columns for entries 1202 and 1204, but the entries specify (i) the order 1220 and (ii) the price 1222 paid for the order. The price paid for the food may be the retail price of the food, the retail price of the food replaced by another food, the amount of the change fee, or other amount.

Referring to FIG. 13, a table 1300 includes a substitute offer database 432 (FIG. 4).
Is shown. Table 1300 includes entries 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308, each of which provides for an offer to use a first food instead of a second food (eg, a supplemental food instead of an order). One skilled in the art will appreciate that table 1300 may include any number of entries. Table 13
00 also defines the columns for entries 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308, where the entries are (i) offer identifiers 1320, (ii) that uniquely identify the offer
A) a transaction identifier 1322 that uniquely identifies the transaction at the time the offer is being made to the customer; (iii) an order identifier 1324 that identifies the item ordered by the customer; and (iv) a substitute for the order to the customer. An offer identifier 1326 that identifies the item that was submitted and (v) an indication of whether the offer was accepted 1328 by the customer.

Referring to FIG. 14, a method 1400 for identifying an aged food product that is desired to be used in place of an order is provided, where appropriate, by the automated kitchen equipment 20 (FIG. 1).
And / or by the store server 18 (FIG. 1). The time until expiration of each food is determined first. One way to determine such time is to receive a start signal for each food item (step 1402) and measure the corresponding time elapsed since receiving the start signal (step 1404). When a start signal is received for a food item, an entry for the food item is made in the appropriate record in the time-lapse inventory database 424 (FIG. 4). In this entry, in particular, the corresponding “elapsed time” column is adjusted to reflect the elapsed time (step 1406).
.

The time until expiration may be determined based on the elapsed time. For example,
If the hamburger is expected to expire 20 minutes after being placed in the warming reservoir 160 (FIG. 7), and the elapsed time is 7 minutes, the time to expire is 13 minutes (20-7 = 13). It is. Alternative methods for determining the time to expiration will be readily apparent, particularly with reference to the various possible formats described in the parent application.

If the food is sold on behalf of the order or is added to the transaction and sold to the customer at a changed rate (step 1408), the food is registered as no longer available for sale (step 1414). . For example, the corresponding entry in the appropriate record of the time-lapse inventory database 424 is adjusted to indicate that the item was sold and the time of sale. If the food cannot be sold, it is determined whether the food has expired (step 1410). One way to determine if a food item has expired is to determine if the corresponding elapsed time is zero or less than another predetermined threshold. Otherwise, the time to expiration of the food item continues to be measured by measuring the elapsed time (step 1404). When the food expires, a waste receipt is created (step 1412) and the food is registered as no longer available for sale (step 1414). For example, a corresponding entry in the appropriate record of the time-lapse inventory database 424 is adjusted to indicate that the item was discarded and the time at which it was discarded.

The POS terminals 12, 14 and 16 (FIG. 1) store the time-lapse stock database 424
To access. The time-lapse stock database 424 lists foods that may have passed too much time. The POS terminals 12, 14, and 16
It also accesses the price adjustment database 426. This price adjustment database
It stipulates price adjustments for food at each age (or age category) of the food. Accordingly, the POS terminals 12, 14, and 16 may determine which over-aged foods are available for sale and when to make an offer to use these foods instead of the ordered foods. Good.

FIG. 15 shows the P of the restaurant apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) for selling the food after the passage of time.
13 shows a method 1500 performed by an OS terminal. The POS terminal receives an order for food during the handling time at the POS terminal (step 1502). In many cases, the order includes a plurality of food items, and the method 1500 is applicable to such orders as well. The POS terminal determines whether there is a substitute available for the ordered food (step 1504). For example, the POS terminal uses the time-lapse stock database 424 (FIG. 4).
) May be accessed to determine how old the food product is ready for sale. For each food indicated by the time-lapse stock database 424, the POS terminal determines whether or not the food can be substituted based on the price adjustment database 426. Where one or more food items may be substituted, the food items may be selected, for example, randomly or based on what the customer ordered.

If there is an available substitute (ie, supplement) for the ordered food, the POS terminal outputs an offer to use the supplement instead of the ordered food (step 1506). The offer is displayed as a text message on the display device of the POS terminal, and the offer may be viewed by the customer or read by the operator to the customer. The customer responds to the offer and the response is received by the POS terminal (step 1508). Typically, the operator will have a PO to indicate acceptance or rejection of the offer.
Operate the key of the S terminal input device.

The POS terminal determines whether there is available food to be exchanged for a changed fee (step 1510). For example, the POS terminal uses the time-lapse stock database 424 (FIG. 4).
) Is accessed to determine which time elapsed food is ready for sale. For each food item indicated by the time-lapse stock database 424, the POS terminal determines whether or not the food item can be sold at the changed fee based on the price adjustment database 426. If one or more food items may be sold at a modified fee, the food items may be selected, for example, randomly or based on what the customer ordered.

If there is a food item that may be sold at the changed rate, the POS terminal provides an appropriate offer (step 1512). The offer is displayed as a text message on the display of the POS terminal, and the offer may be viewed by the customer or the operator may read the text to the customer. The customer responds to the offer and the response is received by the POS terminal (step 1514). Typically, the operator operates keys on the POS terminal input device to indicate acceptance or rejection of the offer.

If any, the POS terminal completes the processing of the received order based on the received response (step 1516). For example, if a customer accepts an offer to use a first product instead of a second product, an entry indicating the second product in the record defining the transaction will be replaced with an entry indicating the first product. Similarly, if the customer accepts the offer to purchase a third product for a changed fee, an entry indicating the third product will be added in the record defining the transaction.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method 1 performed by a POS terminal of a restaurant apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) for selling aged food by substituting for ordered food.
600 is shown. During the handling time at the POS terminal, the POS terminal receives an order for food (step 1602). In many cases, the order will include more than one food item, but the method 160
0 is equally applicable to such orders. The POS terminal selects supplementary food based on the ordered food (step 1604). For example, a POS terminal may access data in a possible substitute database 428 (FIG. 4) to find one or more supplements. The POS terminal also determines whether the supplement food has an elapsed time within a predetermined elapsed time segment (step 1606). For example, the POS terminal may access data in the time lapse inventory database 424 (FIG. 4) to determine whether supplemental food is ready for sale. If so, the POS terminal determines from the price adjustment database 426 whether the supplemental food may be used in place of the ordered food.

If the supplementary food has an elapsed time within the predetermined elapsed time segment, the POS terminal outputs an offer to use the supplementary food instead of the ordered food (step 1).
608). The offer is made either (i) immediately after the operator of the POS terminal has entered the food instructions into the POS terminal, or (ii) after all the food items of the order have been entered and the POS terminal has been instructed to calculate the order price. You may. A response to the offer is received from the customer (step 1610). If the customer does not accept the offer (step 16
12) The operator sends a "rejected" signal to the POS terminal (eg, P
This may be indicated via an input device of an OS terminal). The transaction is then processed as usual (step 1614).

When the customer accepts the offer, the operator may indicate this via a device that sends an acceptance signal to the POS terminal (eg, an input device of the POS terminal). The supplement is used in place of the order (step 1616). Typically, such substitutions include removing food from the order and adding supplements to the order. Supplementary products may be added to the order at the price of the food. Thus, the customer pays for the order and receives supplements, which usually have a recognized value with a higher retail price. However,
In another embodiment, the order price of the order is increased by a predetermined surcharge for the replacement of the supplement. Thus, the customer will pay an additional charge for the replacement of the supplement, in addition to the price of the order. The surcharge may be determined for any substitution or may be based on, for example, the age of the supplement or the amount of the change fee.

The time-lapse inventory database 424 is appropriately adjusted to reflect the supplemental food sold (step 1618). For example, a supplement may be sold and registered as no longer available for sale, and the time of sale may be indicated in a suitable entry in a suitable record.

The parent application discloses a method and apparatus that may preferably be used to allow a customer to purchase aged stock at a changed fee. In particular, it is difficult or impossible for a customer to predict which food will be served to them, since the customer generally does not know which food is aging. Thus, if there is significant randomness in the offer, the customer will not be able to take advantage of the offer process.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show a restaurant device (
1 shows a method 1700 performed by the POS terminal of FIG. 1). POS terminal is POS
A terminal operator (for example, a cashier) logs on (step 1702).
This is usually done once when the operator starts or resumes operation of the POS terminal (ie, at the beginning of the operator's shift or after returning from a break). Logon is PO
This involves entering a unique operator identifier into the S terminal. Thus, the next operation performed by or based on the POS terminal may be with respect to the operator. The advantages for such operation tracking are described in the parent application.

The POS terminal receives the order (step 1704) and creates a purchase price (also known as the order price) for the order (step 1706). For example, the purchase price is typically calculated as the sum of the retail prices of the products included in the order, plus any applicable taxes. A rounded price is created (step 1708) and the rounded up amount is calculated as described in the parent application (step 1710).
If there is no food with a predetermined elapsed time (step 1712) (eg, food indicated by the price adjustment database as corresponding to the "sold at changed price" elapsed time segment), the transaction is processed conventionally (step 1712). Step 1714). Otherwise, the POS terminal determines whether there is any food that may be sold at the round-up calculated in step 1710 (step 1716). In that case, the customer is offered an offer to buy the food at the round-up amount (step 17).
18).

When the offer is accepted (step 1720), the time-lapse stock database 42
4 is adjusted (step 1722) and the food is exchanged for the round-up amount (step 1724). The POS terminal may determine that the offer has been accepted by operating a key of the input device of the POS terminal. Alternatively, the bar code scanner of the POS terminal may scan the bar code of the food item, which generates a signal indicating acceptance of the offer. In another embodiment, if no response is entered within a predetermined amount of time after the offer is made, the offer may be automatically considered as accepted (or rejected). Such automatic acceptance / rejection is described below with reference to FIGS.

An order containing a set of products specifies an order price. Some such orders result in lower change fees. For example, if the order has an order price of $ 4.97, and the order price is rounded to the nearest $ 1.00 unit, the change amount is $
It may be 0.03. Thus, the lower change fee limits the number of food items that may be offered to the customer in exchange for the change fee. Therefore, there is an advantage in maintaining a high change fee for an order. As described below with reference to FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, high change rates may be maintained using the methods and apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18A, table 1800 shows transaction database 430
FIG. 4 shows a record of another embodiment (FIG. 4). Table 1800 contains entries 1802 and 1804
And 1806. Each entry defines the previous order and the profitability of that order. In particular, Table 1800 represents a historical edit of a similar transaction. One skilled in the art will understand that table 1800 may include any number of entries. It is desirable to include only entries that represent a significant number of orders, for example, only those orders that make up 5% or more of all orders. Table 1800 contains entries 1802, 1804 and 18
06, but the entries are (i) a set identifier 1808 that uniquely identifies the set of products, (ii) the percentage of all orders represented by the order, 1
810, (iii) the first food 1812 included in the set, (iv) the amount 1814 of the first food, (v) the second food 1816 included in the set, (vi) the amount 1818 of the second food, (Vii) Order price 1820 including tax, (viii) Order profit 1822 which may be calculated by subtracting food taxes and costs in the set, (ix) Profit and calculated as the product of profit and percentage of all orders. Also defines a good weighted benefit 1824. Although only two food columns and quantities are shown in Table 1800, any number may be included.

Referring to FIG. 18B, table 1826 shows another record in transaction database 430 (FIG. 4) that supplements record 1800 (FIG. 18A). This table 182
6 includes entries 1828, 1830 and 1832. Each entry is
It stipulates the last order and the profitability from the accepted offer for the order.
Table 1826 also defines the respective columns for entries 1828, 1830 and 1832, where the entries specify (i) set identifier 1834 corresponding to set identifier 1808 in table 1800 (FIG. 18A); (ii) set Change fee 1836 which may be calculated as the corresponding order price 1820 (FIG. 18A) to the next dollar price; (iii) average margin 1838 of the product awarded in exchange for the change fee; (iv) Profit from acceptance of offer 1840, but change fee 1836
(V) Average Offer Percentage 1842; (vi) Weighted Profit from Acceptance 1844, but Profit from Acceptance 1840 and Acceptance Rate 1842. (Vii) the sum of weighted profits 1846, but may be calculated as the sum of weighted profits 1844 from acceptance and weighted profits 1824 of the order. Also included in the record is a total 1848 of the total 1846 of all weighted returns. As discussed below, a total of 1848 indicates the maximum average profit the business seeks.

FIG. 18C illustrates a method 185 performed by the POS terminal of the restaurant apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) for setting the price of a product and adjusting the amount of the change fee based on a normal order.
Indicates 0. The method 1850 typically includes the tables 1800 (FIG. 18A) and 1826 (FIG.
This is done periodically (eg, monthly) by analyzing multiple sets of products as defined by 8B). The method 1850 is performed to maximize the sum 1848 (FIG. 18B), but may be repeated a predetermined number of times to find the maximum sum. By analyzing ordinary orders, for example, orders that make up more than 10% of all orders, they are analyzed to adjust the corresponding order price.

An instruction for a set of products is received (step 1852). This set of products defines the order price determined by the POS terminal (step 1854). The amount of the order change fee is calculated (step 1856). If the amount of the change fee is less than a predetermined threshold (eg, 10 cents) (step 1858), the retail price of one or more products in the product set is adjusted (step 1860). Accordingly, the amount of the retail price and the resulting change fee is adjusted. Typically, the adjustment is calculated such that the amount of the resulting change fee (after adjustment) is above a second predetermined threshold (eg, 30 cents). If there are more sets of products to adjust (step 18)
62), the set is processed similarly.

Referring to FIG. 19, a table 1900 illustrates a database that may be stored on the store server 18 (FIG. 1) in embodiments of the present invention in which offers may be automatically accepted and / or rejected. . Table 1900 contains entries 1902, 1904 and 19
06. Each entry specifies the type of offer and the action to take if a response to the offer is not received within a predetermined time. Table 1900 also defines the columns for each of entries 1902, 1904 and 1906, but (i
) Offer type 1920, (ii) offer hold time 1922, and (
iii) The processing to be performed after the time 1922 has elapsed is defined. Table 190
In addition to the offers shown at 0, many other types of offers may be used.

FIG. 20 shows the PO of the restaurant device 10 (FIG. 1) for automatic acceptance of an offer.
9 shows a method 2000 performed by an S terminal. If the offer is made (step 2002), the POS terminal determines the time to hold the offer (step 2004).
. For example, Table 1900 indicates such times. Further, such time may be adjusted based on the operating rate of the POS terminal. For example, it may be desirable to reduce the time to hold an offer when there are several other customers waiting in line behind the current customer. Utilization measurements and corresponding adjustments based on such rates are described in detail in P20, filed March 20, 1998, which is fully incorporated as part of this disclosure.
Co-U.S. Patent application Ser.
It is described in.

The offer timer is started (step 2006) and the time since the offer was made is measured. The offer timer may be a simple software subroutine that periodically compares the current time with the time the offer was made. Upon receiving an explicit response to the offer (step 2008), it is determined whether the response indicates acceptance of the offer (step 2010). If so, acceptance of the offer is processed as described above and as described in the parent application (step 2012). Otherwise, the rejection of the offer is processed (step 2014).

If no explicit response is received, the POS terminal measures the time since the offer timer was started (step 2016). If the time to hold the offer has not yet elapsed (step 2108), the POS terminal continues to wait for an explicit response (step 2008). When the time elapses, the POS terminal determines a process to be performed next (step 2020). For example, Table 1900 indicates such a process. If the processing is determined to be automatic acceptance (step 2022), the acceptance of the offer is processed (step 2012) as described above and as described in the parent application. Otherwise, the rejection of the offer is processed (step 2014).

Although the present invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should note that various substitutions could be made for the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is possible to go. For example, while the short service embodiment of the present invention has been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is equally applicable to other environments, such as vending machines. Furthermore, some steps described as being performed by a POS terminal may be performed by a store controller, and vice versa.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a restaurant apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a POS terminal of the restaurant device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the POS terminal of the restaurant apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a store server of the restaurant device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an inventory database of the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a record of a time-elapsed stock database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a record of an embodiment of a price adjustment database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a record of another embodiment of a price adjustment database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a possible substitute database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a possible substitute database in the store server of FIG. 4;

11 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a possible substitute database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a record of an embodiment of a transaction database in the store server of FIG. 4;

13 is a schematic diagram of a substitute offer database of the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for identifying aged food products that are aged as a substitute for an order.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for selling aged food.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for selling by using aged food products instead of ordered food products.

FIG. 17A is a flowchart illustrating a method for selling aged food products.

FIG. 17B is a flowchart illustrating a method for selling aged food.

FIG. 18A is a record of another embodiment of the transaction database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 18B is another record of the transaction database in the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 18C is a flowchart illustrating a method of setting the price of a product and adjusting the amount of the change fee based on a normal order.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a database of the store server of FIG. 4;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for automatically accepting an offer.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP , KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Joshua, De. Rogers New York, United States, New York, West, Fifty Sevens, Street, 322, apartments, 32 buoys

Claims (27)

[Claims] Receiving an order for a food; selecting a supplement having an elapsed time within a predetermined elapsed time segment based on the food; outputting an offer to use the supplement in place of the food; Receiving a response to the offer; selling the aged food comprising selling the supplement in place of the food if the response indicates acceptance of the offer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting a supplement comprises identifying an assembled supplement. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting a supplement comprises accessing a first database to determine a supplement corresponding to the food. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising accessing a second database to determine whether the supplement has an elapsed time within a predetermined elapsed time segment. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the food is available. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of selecting a supplement is performed if the food is not available. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: removing the food item from the order; and adding the supplement to the order. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of adding the supplement to the order comprises: adding the supplement to the order at the price of the food. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising registering the supplement as sold. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising increasing the order price by a predetermined surcharge. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said predetermined surcharge is based on an elapsed time of a supplement. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said predetermined surcharge is based on a change fee amount. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the food item has an elapsed time within a second predetermined elapsed time segment. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising performing the step of selling if the food item does not have an elapsed time in a second predetermined elapsed time segment. 15. Receiving an order for a food having a certain price; determining that the food is unavailable; selecting a supplement having an elapsed time in a predetermined elapsed time section based on the food; Determining that a supplement has been assembled; outputting an offer to use the supplement in place of the food; receiving a response to the offer; removing the food from the order; A method for selling a time-lapsed food, comprising adding the supplement to the order. 16. Measure the elapsed time of the assembled food; if the elapsed time is within a predetermined elapsed time interval, register that the food is available in place of the ordered food. How to sell aged food. 17. The step of measuring the elapsed time of the assembled food comprises: receiving a start signal indicating that the assembled food is available; measuring the time elapsed since receiving the start signal. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising: 18. Receiving an order indication including a set of products defining an order price; calculating a change charge amount for the order; if the change charge amount is below a predetermined threshold, the product; A method of pricing a product, comprising adjusting the order price of a set. 19. The step of calculating the amount of the change fee includes: rounding the order price to create a rounded price; calculating a difference between the rounded price and the order price. 19. The method according to 18. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein adjusting the order price comprises increasing a price of at least one product of the product set.
The method described in. 21. The method of claim 18, further comprising adjusting the order price such that a change fee amount exceeds a second predetermined threshold. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said second predetermined threshold is about 30 cents. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein said predetermined threshold is about 10 cents. 24. A processing unit, comprising: a storage unit connected to the processing unit; the storage unit stores a program for controlling the processing unit; Receiving an order from the food; selecting a supplement having an elapsed time within a predetermined elapsed time segment based on the food; outputting an offer to use the supplement in place of the food; and responding to the offer. Receiving; selling the supplement in place of food if the response indicates acceptance of the offer; 25. A processing unit, comprising: a storage unit connected to the processing unit; the storage unit stores a program for controlling the processing unit; and the processing unit is together with the program: Receiving an order for food having a price; determining that the food is unavailable; selecting a supplement having an elapsed time within a predetermined elapsed time segment based on the food; Outputting an offer to use the supplement in place of the food; receiving a response to the offer; removing the food from the order; supplementing the order with the price of the food. A vending food selling device, characterized by adding products. 26. measuring the elapsed time of the assembled food; if the elapsed time is within a predetermined elapsed time interval, registering the food as available in place of the ordered food. Vending food sales equipment. 27. A processing unit, comprising: a storage unit connected to the processing unit; the storage unit stores a program for controlling the processing unit; the processing unit, together with the program: Receiving an indication of an order that includes a set of products defining a price; calculating a change charge amount for the order; adjusting an order price for the product set if the change charge amount is below a predetermined threshold. Product price setting device.