U.S. patent application number 16/212047 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-13 for personalized food service material printing systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is GPCP IP Holdings LLC. Invention is credited to Michelle Lynn Auda, Brian Scott Borke, Brandon Seth Cross, Daniel James Geddes, Daniel Huffaker, Jason Aaron Morgan, Lenox Gregory Wilson.
Application Number | 20190180392 16/212047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66697112 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190180392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Auda; Michelle Lynn ; et
al. |
June 13, 2019 |
PERSONALIZED FOOD SERVICE MATERIAL PRINTING SYSTEMS
Abstract
Systems for providing on-demand food service material printing
for food service are provided herein. Once a customer places a
request for food service, the system can determine the order
information about the customer's order and personalization
information about the customer or store. Such information may be
printed on a food service material item by a printer/dispenser in
the store. The printed food service material item can then be used
in preparation of the food order and provided to the
customer--providing a more personalized customer experience. Such a
system may be used to provide on-demand printing for any food
service material item including, for example, food wrap, food
containers, cups, carry-out bags, tray liners, pouches, napkins,
among many others. Such systems may provide many advantages,
including for example personalization of food service material
and/or real-time promotion availability for stores. Example food
service material dispensers are also provided herein.
Inventors: |
Auda; Michelle Lynn;
(Atlanta, SU) ; Huffaker; Daniel; (Kennesaw,
GA) ; Cross; Brandon Seth; (Atlanta, GA) ;
Geddes; Daniel James; (Appleton, WI) ; Wilson; Lenox
Gregory; (Alpharetta, GA) ; Borke; Brian Scott;
(Appleton, WI) ; Morgan; Jason Aaron; (Appleton,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GPCP IP Holdings LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66697112 |
Appl. No.: |
16/212047 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62712465 |
Jul 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
62597516 |
Dec 12, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 13/10 20130101;
A47F 1/085 20130101; B41J 15/042 20130101; H04N 1/00676 20130101;
H04N 1/00145 20130101; B41J 3/54 20130101; H04N 1/00188 20130101;
G07F 17/0064 20130101; H04N 1/00206 20130101; B41J 11/70 20130101;
B41J 3/407 20130101; B41M 3/00 20130101; H04N 1/00673 20130101;
B41J 15/04 20130101; B41J 15/16 20130101; B41J 11/485 20130101;
G06Q 20/209 20130101; G07F 17/42 20130101; B41J 3/4073 20130101;
B41J 11/66 20130101; G06Q 50/12 20130101; G06Q 50/01 20130101; G07G
5/00 20130101; B41J 11/663 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/12 20060101
G06Q050/12; G06Q 20/20 20060101 G06Q020/20 |
Claims
1. A system for providing on-demand food service material printing
for food service, the system comprising: a food request module
configured to receive a request for food service for a customer;
and a printer configured to: print order print information and
personalization print information on at least one food service
material item, wherein the at least one food service material item
is configured to be provided to the customer along with the food
service, wherein the order print information is based on order
information from the request for food service, wherein the order
information comprises at least a food order specific to the request
for food service, and wherein the personalization print information
is based on personalization information related to the customer of
the request for food service.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to
print the order print information and the personalization print
information in response to the food request module receiving the
request for food service.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a food service material
printing module configured to: determine, based on the request for
food service, the order print information to print on the at least
one food service material item; and determine, based on the request
for food service, the personalization print information to print on
the at least one food service material item.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer includes a housing
configured to hold at least one roll of food service material,
wherein the printer is configured to: print the order print
information and the personalization print information on the roll
of food service material; and dispense at least a portion of the
roll of food service material for use, wherein the portion of the
roll of food service material includes the order print information
and the personalization print information.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the printer includes a cutting
device configured to cut the food service material to form a
printed food service material sheet of a desired size, wherein the
printed food service material sheet includes the order print
information and the personalization print information, and wherein
the printer is configured to dispense the printed food service
material sheet for use.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the cutting device is configured
to cut the roll of food service material at one of a plurality of
lengths or widths to form the printed food service material sheet
such that the printed food service material sheet has dimensions
that are specific to the food order.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to
enable printing on at least a first type of food service material
item and a second type of food service material item, wherein the
first type of food service material item is different than the
second type of food service material item, and wherein the printer
is configured to, based on the request for food service, print the
order print information and the personalization print information
on one of the first type of food service material item or the
second type of food service material item.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the printer is configured to
apply one or more first printing characteristics for printing on
the first type of food service material item, wherein the printer
is configured to apply one or more second printing characteristics
for printing on the second type of food service material item, and
wherein the one or more first printing characteristics are
different than the one or more second printing characteristics.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first type of food service
material item is a first food wrap type and the second type of food
service material item is a second food wrap type, wherein the first
food wrap type is formed of a material that has different material
characteristics than the second food wrap type.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer is a first printer
that is configured to print on a first type of food service
material item, wherein the system comprises a second printer that
is configured to print on a second type of food service material
item that is different than the first type of food service material
item, and wherein, based on the request for food service, either:
the first printer is configured to print the order print
information and the personalization print information on the first
type of food service material item, or the second printer is
configured to print the order print information and the
personalization print information on the second type of food
service material item.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first type of food service
material item is a first food wrap type and the second type of food
service material item is a second food wrap type, wherein the first
food wrap type is formed of a material that has different material
characteristics than the second food wrap type.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first type of food service
material item is food wrap and the second type of food service
material item is material used for forming a container.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the food request module is
configured to receive the request from at least one of a computer
server, a self-order kiosk, an application stored on a remote
device, or a point-of-sale operator terminal.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the printer and at least one of
the point-of-sale operator terminal or the self-order kiosk are
configured to be positioned within 30 feet of each other within a
store.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the request for food service
includes at least one or more custom order characteristics that are
specific to the request, wherein the printer is configured to print
the order print information to include the one or more custom order
characteristics on the food service material item such that it is
readable to a food order serviceperson during preparation of the
food order.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the order print information
that includes the one or more custom order characteristics is
printed in a backwards direction on a same surface of the food
service material item as the personalization print information, and
wherein the food service material item is at least partially
translucent to enable the food order serviceperson to read the
order print information that includes the one or more custom order
characteristics.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the order print information
that includes the one or more custom order characteristics is
printed on a first surface of the food service material item,
wherein the personalization print information is printed on a
second surface of the food service material item, and wherein the
first surface is opposite the second surface.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the personalization information
for the customer is based on at least one of an order history of
the customer, a customer profile for the customer, one or more
stored preferences of the customer, social media data regarding the
customer, or external purchase or trend data regarding the
customer.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the personalization information
is gathered based on at least one of data provided with the request
for food service, a customer card used for purchase of the food
service, a loyalty card used in conjunction with the request for
food service, data obtained from a user device that was used in
conjunction with the request for food service, or a local
promotion.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the personalization print
information includes an advertisement that is generated based on
the personalization information of the customer.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to
print at least a portion of the order print information or at least
a portion of the personalization print information in a language
that is associated with the customer, wherein the language is one
of a plurality of available languages for printing.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to
print a picture associated with the customer as at least a portion
of the personalization print information, wherein the picture
comprises a picture taken from a social media website or a picture
taken from a camera roll on a device of the customer.
23. The system of claim 1 further comprising a controller module
that is configured to determine, based on at least one of the order
information or the personalization information, one or more
instructions to transmit to one or more dispensers or components
associated with the food service.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller module is
configured to: provide an instruction to a napkin dispenser to
cause the napkin dispenser to dispense one or more napkins for use
with the food order.
25. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller module is
configured to: provide an instruction to a cutlery dispenser to
cause the cutlery dispenser to dispense one or more cutlery items
for use with the food order.
26. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one food service
material item is at least one of a food wrap for wrapping the food
order, a pouch for at least partially covering or containing the
food order, a container for at least partially covering or
containing the food order, a cup for holding or at least partially
containing the food order, a tray liner for use with the food
order, a bag for at least partially containing the food order, or a
napkin for use with the food order.
27. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer is configured to
manipulate the food service material item to form brail, wherein
the determination to form brail on the food service material item
is based on personalization information associated with the
customer.
28. The system of claim 1, wherein the personalization print
information is configured to be recognized through at least one of
image recognition or computer readable detection from a customer's
device to cause presentation of one or more messages or images on
the customer's device.
29. A system for providing on-demand food service material printing
for food service, the system comprising: a food request module
configured to receive a request for food service for a customer;
and a printer configured to: print order print information on at
least one food service material item, wherein the at least one food
service material item is configured to be provided to the customer
along with the food service, wherein the at least one food service
material item is a food package, and wherein the food package is
configured to at least partially cover or contain a food order for
use with the food service, wherein the order print information is
based on order information from the request for food service,
wherein the order information comprises at least the food order
specific to the request for food service.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the request for food service
includes at least one or more custom order characteristics that are
specific to the request, wherein the printer is configured to print
the order print information to include the one or more custom order
characteristics on the food service material item such that it is
readable to a food order serviceperson during preparation of the
food order.
31. A system for providing on-demand food service material printing
for food service, the system comprising: a food request module
configured to receive a request for food service for a customer;
and a printer configured to: print personalization print
information on the at least one food service material item, wherein
the at least one food service material item is configured to be
provided to the customer along with the food service, wherein the
at least one food service material item is a food package, and
wherein the food package is configured to at least partially cover
a food order for use with the food service, wherein the
personalization print information is based on personalization
information related to the customer of the request for food
service.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the personalization information
for the customer is based on at least one of an order history of
the customer, a customer profile for the customer, one or more
stored preferences of the customer, social media data regarding the
customer, or external purchase or trend data regarding the
customer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/712,465, filed Jul. 31, 2018, entitled
"Personalized Food Service Material Printing Systems", and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/597,516, filed Dec. 12, 2017,
entitled "Personalized Food Service Material Printing Systems";
each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Example embodiments of the present invention generally
relate to printing systems for food service and, more particularly
to on-demand food service material printing systems for food
service.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Customer experience for food service can often feel
impersonal. A customer may provide a food order and a food service
person may then package up the food order for the customer. The
packaging is pre-printed and supplied to the food service store
often months in advance, such that the customer is presented with
generic food packaging for their food order. Further, any
promotions or messages that a food service business may want to
present to the customer on a food service material item (e.g., food
wrap, food container, cup, carry-out bag, tray liner, napkin, etc.)
requires a significant lag time from formation of the
promotion/message to presentation to the customer.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention provide on-demand
food service material printing for food service. Such systems may
provide many advantages, including for example personalization of
food service material and/or real-time promotion availability for
stores. Once a customer places a request for food service, the
system can determine order information about the customer's order
and/or personalization information about the customer or store.
Such information may be gathered based on any information available
including, for example, user profiles, past order history, store
promotions, social media, a user's device, among many other things.
Using that information, the system may determine information to
print on one or more food service material items that may be
provided to the customer with their food order. Such print
information may include order information (e.g., confirming their
food order) and personalization information (e.g., the customer
name, a promotion geared to the customer, an image that is
personalized for the customer such as a favorite sports team,
etc.). That print information is then printed on one or more food
service material items using a dispenser (e.g., printer) in the
store. In some embodiments, the food service material item may have
some pre-printed information as well (e.g., logos, images, etc.).
The printed food service material item may then be retrieved and
used by the food service person to prepare the food order for the
customer.
[0005] With personalized information printed on the food service
material item, the customer's experience may improve by providing
personalization and targeted promotions that are more likely to be
pertinent to the customer. With order information printed on the
food service material item, a food service person handling the food
service material item is more likely to prepare an accurate food
order for the customer. Further, providing on-demand printed food
service material provides for real-time needs of the food service
business and reduces significant shipping/manufacturing costs and
overall waste from unused or old promotions.
[0006] Such a system may be used to provide on-demand printing for
any type of food service material item including, for example, food
wrap, food containers, cups, carry-out bags, tray liners, napkins,
pouches, among many others. As an example, two dispensers may be
available to print on rolls of food wrap (one for printing on
premium food wrap and one for printing on value food wrap).
Depending on the order information, the appropriate dispenser could
be chosen. Further, by using rolls of food wrap, a proper dimension
(e.g., length) of the food wrap could be cut using and then
dispensed to the food service person for use in preparation of the
food order. This provides increased variability in providing a
printed food wrap sheet appropriately sized for the food order,
which may reduce unnecessary waste due to oversized food wrap.
Various embodiments, such as described herein, however, contemplate
many different types of dispensers for printing on and dispensing
different types of food service material (e.g., a food service
material dispenser, a cup dispenser, a food bag dispenser, a food
pouch dispenser, etc.).
[0007] In some embodiments, the available promotions or messages
may be updated on-the-fly and dynamically chosen based on the
customer or store. The choice of promotion or message could be
based on data gathered by the system, taking into account many
factors including, for example, customer trends, desired time
windows or products to "push"/promote, among many other things.
[0008] In some embodiments, an example system may provide
instructions to other systems (e.g., front or back-of-house
dispensers/components) to help with the order or overall store
management. For example, a napkin dispenser may be instructed to
dispense an appropriate number of napkins to complete the food
order. The system could also monitor ink usage and/or food service
material usage and handle ordering/maintenance needs
automatically.
[0009] In an example embodiment, a system for providing on-demand
food service material printing for food service is provided. The
system comprises a food request module configured to receive a
request for food service for a customer and a printer. The printer
is configured to print order print information and personalization
print information on at least one food service material item. The
at least one food service material item is configured to be
provided to the customer along with the food service. The order
print information is based on order information from the request
for food service. The order information comprises at least a food
order specific to the request for food service. The personalization
print information is based on personalization information related
to the customer of the request for food service.
[0010] In some embodiments, the printer is configured to print the
order print information and the personalization print information
in response to the food request module receiving the request for
food service.
[0011] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a food
service material printing module configured to determine, based on
the request for food service, the order print information to print
on the at least one food service material item. The food service
material printing module is further configured to determine, based
on the request for food service, the personalization print
information to print on the at least one food service material
item.
[0012] In some embodiments, the printer includes a housing
configured to hold at least one roll of food service material. The
printer is configured to print the order print information and the
personalization print information on the roll of food service
material. The printer is further configured to dispense at least a
portion of the roll of food service material for use. The portion
of the roll of food service material includes the order print
information and the personalization print information. In some
embodiments, the printer includes a cutting device configured to
cut the food service material to form a printed food service
material sheet of a desired size. The printed food service material
sheet includes the order print information and the personalization
print information. The printer is configured to dispense the
printed food service material sheet for use. In some embodiments,
the cutting device is configured to cut the roll of food service
material at one of a plurality of lengths or widths to form the
printed food service material sheet such that the printed food
service material sheet has dimensions that are specific to the food
order.
[0013] In some embodiments, the printer is configured to enable
printing on at least a first type of food service material item and
a second type of food service material item. The first type of food
service material item is different than the second type of food
service material item. The printer is configured to, based on the
request for food service, print the order print information and the
personalization print information on one of the first type of food
service material item or the second type of food service material
item. In some embodiments, the printer is configured to apply one
or more first printing characteristics for printing on the first
type of food service material item. The printer is configured to
apply one or more second printing characteristics for printing on
the second type of food service material item. The one or more
first printing characteristics are different than the one or more
second printing characteristics. In some embodiments, the first
type of food service material item is a first food wrap type and
the second type of food service material item is a second food wrap
type. The first food wrap type is formed of a material that has
different material characteristics than the second food wrap
type.
[0014] In some embodiments, the printer is a first printer that is
configured to print on a first type of food service material item.
The system further comprises a second printer that is configured to
print on a second type of food service material item that is
different than the first type of food service material item, and
wherein, based on the request for food service, either: the first
printer is configured to print the order print information and the
personalization print information on the first type of food service
material item; or the second printer is configured to print the
order print information and the personalization print information
on the second type of food service material item. In some
embodiments, the first type of food service material item is a
first food wrap type and the second type of food service material
item is a second food wrap type, wherein the first food wrap type
is formed of a material that has different material characteristics
than the second food wrap type. In some embodiments, the first type
of food service material item is food wrap and the second type of
food service material item is material used for forming a
container.
[0015] In some embodiments, the food request module is configured
to receive the request from at least one of a computer server, a
self-order kiosk, an application stored on a remote device, or a
point-of-sale operator terminal. In some embodiments, the printer
and at least one of the point-of-sale operator terminal or the
self-order kiosk are configured to be positioned within 30 feet of
each other within a store.
[0016] In some embodiments, the request for food service includes
at least one or more custom order characteristics that are specific
to the request, wherein the printer is configured to print the
order print information to include the one or more custom order
characteristics on the food service material item such that it is
readable to a food order serviceperson during preparation of the
food order. In some embodiments, the order print information that
includes the one or more custom order characteristics is printed in
a backwards direction on a same surface of the food service
material item as the personalization print information. The food
service material item is at least partially translucent to enable
the food order serviceperson to read the order print information
that includes the one or more custom order characteristics. In some
embodiments, the order print information that includes the one or
more custom order characteristics is printed on a first surface of
the food service material item. The personalization print
information is printed on a second surface of the food service
material item, and wherein the first surface is opposite the second
surface.
[0017] In some embodiments, the personalization information for the
customer is based on at least one of an order history of the
customer, a customer profile for the customer, one or more stored
preferences of the customer, social media data regarding the
customer, or external purchase or trend data regarding the
customer. In some embodiments, the personalization information is
gathered based on at least one of data provided with the request
for food service, a customer card used for purchase of the food
service, a loyalty card used in conjunction with the request for
food service, data obtained from a user device that was used in
conjunction with the request for food service, or a local
promotion. In some embodiments, the personalization print
information includes an advertisement that is generated based on
the personalization information of the customer.
[0018] In some embodiments, the printer is configured to print at
least a portion of the order print information or at least a
portion of the personalization print information in a language that
is associated with the customer, wherein the language is one of a
plurality of available languages for printing.
[0019] In some embodiments, the printer is configured to print a
picture associated with the customer as at least a portion of the
personalization print information, wherein the picture comprises a
picture taken from a social media website or a picture taken from a
camera roll on a device of the customer.
[0020] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a
controller module that is configured to determine, based on at
least one of the order information or the personalization
information, one or more instructions to transmit to one or more
dispensers or components associated with the food service. In some
embodiments, the controller module is configured to provide an
instruction to a napkin dispenser to cause the napkin dispenser to
dispense one or more napkins for use with the food order. In some
embodiments, the controller module is configured to provide an
instruction to a cutlery dispenser to cause the cutlery dispenser
to dispense one or more cutlery items for use with the food
order.
[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one food service material
item is at least one of a food wrap for wrapping the food order, a
pouch for at least partially covering or containing the food order,
a container for at least partially covering or containing the food
order, a cup for holding or at least partially containing the food
order, a tray liner for use with the food order, a bag for at least
partially containing the food order, or a napkin for use with the
food order.
[0022] In some embodiments, the printer is configured to manipulate
the food service material item to form brail, wherein the
determination to form brail on the food service material item is
based on personalization information associated with the
customer.
[0023] In some embodiments, the personalization print information
is configured to be recognized through at least one of image
recognition or computer readable detection from a customer's device
to cause presentation of one or more messages or images on the
customer's device.
[0024] In another example embodiment, a system for providing
on-demand food service material printing for food service is
provided. The system comprises a food request module configured to
receive a request for food service for a customer. The system
further includes a printer configured to print order print
information on at least one food service material item. The at
least one food service material item is configured to be provided
to the customer along with the food service. The at least one food
service material item is a food package. The food package is
configured to at least partially cover or contain a food order for
use with the food service. The order print information is based on
order information from the request for food service. The order
information comprises at least the food order specific to the
request for food service.
[0025] In some embodiments, the request for food service includes
at least one or more custom order characteristics that are specific
to the request. The printer is configured to print the order print
information to include the one or more custom order characteristics
on the food service material item such that it is readable to a
food order serviceperson during preparation of the food order.
[0026] In yet another example embodiment, a system for providing
on-demand food service material printing for food service is
provided. The system comprises a food request module configured to
receive a request for food service for a customer and a printer.
The printer is configured to print personalization print
information on the at least one food service material item. The at
least one food service material item is configured to be provided
to the customer along with the food service. The at least one food
service material item is a food package. The food package is
configured to at least partially cover a food order for use with
the food service. The personalization print information is based on
personalization information related to the customer of the request
for food service.
[0027] In some embodiments, the personalization information for the
customer is based on at least one of an order history of the
customer, a customer profile for the customer, one or more stored
preferences of the customer, social media data regarding the
customer, or external purchase or trend data regarding the
customer.
[0028] Some additional embodiments include apparatuses, systems,
and methods including various example embodiments, such as
described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0029] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example on-demand food
service material printing system, in accordance with some
embodiments discussed herein;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example food request
system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0032] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example ways to submit a request for
food service for an example on-demand food service material
printing system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed
herein;
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates example order print information and
personalization print information for a food service material item,
in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0034] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate example order print information
and/or personalization print information for a food service
material item, in accordance with some embodiments discussed
herein;
[0035] FIG. 5A illustrates a common logistics flow from creation of
a promotion to supplying a store with promotional material;
[0036] FIG. 5B illustrates an example logistics flow from creation
of a promotion to packaging a food order using an example on-demand
food service material printing system, in accordance with example
embodiments described herein;
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates example on-demand printing on a food
service material item and packaging of a food order, in accordance
with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0038] FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, and 7C show block diagrams of example food
service material dispensers that include print devices, in
accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0039] FIG. 8A shows two example food service material printers for
use with an example on-demand food service material printing
system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0040] FIG. 8B illustrates dispensing of a printed food service
material item, in accordance with some example embodiments
discussed herein;
[0041] FIG. 9 shows example food orders, where some of the food
orders are packaged in a food service material item with printed
information thereon, in accordance with example embodiments
described herein;
[0042] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate example dispensers for use with
example on-demand food service material printing systems, in
accordance with some example embodiments discussed herein;
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an example food service material
dispenser, in accordance with some example embodiments discussed
herein;
[0044] FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of the dispenser
shown in FIG. 11, where the front panel and side panel have been
removed, in accordance with some example embodiments discussed
herein;
[0045] FIG. 11B illustrates some inner components of the example
dispenser shown in FIG. 11, where the dispensing path of the food
service material is illustrated, in accordance with some example
embodiments discussed herein;
[0046] FIGS. 11C-D illustrate a roll holder and cutting arrangement
assembly for the dispenser shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with
some example embodiments discussed herein;
[0047] FIGS. 11E-F illustrate close-up views of an example
tensioner used in conjunction with the example food service
material dispenser shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with some
example embodiments;
[0048] FIG. 11G illustrates a printer and chute assembly for the
dispenser shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with some example
embodiments discussed herein;
[0049] FIG. 12A illustrates a close-up view of an example guide bar
used in conjunction with example food service material dispensers
described herein, in accordance with some example embodiments;
[0050] FIG. 12B illustrates a close-up view of an example clutch
mechanism used in conjunction with a guide bar, where portions of
the dispenser are removed for explanation purposes;
[0051] FIG. 12C illustrates another close-up view of the example
guide bar and clutch mechanism, with a portion of the dispenser
housing removed for explanation purposes;
[0052] FIG. 12D shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
dispenser and the clutch mechanism, in accordance with some example
embodiments;
[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates an example cup dispenser, in accordance
with some example embodiments discussed herein;
[0054] FIGS. 13A-B illustrate an example path for movement/rotation
of a cup from a cup source through the cup dispenser shown in FIG.
13, in accordance with some example embodiments discussed
herein;
[0055] FIG. 13C illustrates an example food service environment
with a food service provider and the example cup dispenser shown in
FIG. 13, in accordance with some example embodiments discussed
herein;
[0056] FIG. 13D illustrates an example printed cup, in accordance
with some example embodiments discussed herein;
[0057] FIG. 13E illustrates a scenario where the a food service
provider prepares the food service order in the printed cup, in
accordance with some example embodiments discussed herein;
[0058] FIG. 13F illustrates a scenario where a customer is able to
easily locate her food service order using the printed cup, in
accordance with some example embodiments discussed herein;
[0059] FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an example control system
for controlling one or more additional
dispensers/components/systems, such as various example front or
back-of-house dispensers, in accordance with example embodiments
described herein; and
[0060] FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for
providing on-demand food service material printing for food
service, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the
examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as
being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of
the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
Example On-Demand Food Service Material Printing System
[0062] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example on-demand food
service material printing system 10 for food service. The depicted
system 10 includes a number of modules, architectures, systems,
and/or devices that are configured to work together to perform
various functions, including providing on-demand food service
material printing. In the depicted embodiment, the system 10
includes a control architecture 15, food request system(s) 80
(e.g., point-of-sale (POS) system(s)), dispenser(s)/printer(s) 70,
an external network 12, and other system(s) 90 (e.g., front of
house (FOH) or back-of-house (BOH) system(s)).
[0063] In some embodiments, various controllers, including for
example from the control architecture 15, the food request 80, the
dispenser(s)/printer(s) 70, the other system(s) 90, or a remote
computer server, may be configured to communicate with and/or
control operation of various components of the system 10 such as
according to various functions/modules described herein. In such a
regard, while the depicted embodiment shows various particular
modules, architectures, systems, and/or devices, some embodiments
of the present invention contemplate many variations, including
additional modules, architectures, systems, and/or devices and/or
combinations in whole or part thereof. Additionally, while much of
the described examples are detailed for printing on food wrap, some
embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for extension
into other food service material printing, including, for example,
food wrap, food containers, cups, carry-out bags, tray liners,
napkins, pouches, among many other things.
[0064] The control architecture 15 may include one or more modules
that are configured to perform various functions of the system 10.
In the depicted embodiment, the control architecture 15 includes a
food request module 20, an order personalization module 30, a food
service material printing module 40, a predictive data analytics
module 50, and a controller module 60. Though shown as distinct
modules, some modules may be configured to share functionality.
Likewise, various combinations of functionality is contemplated
across the various modules.
[0065] As described in more detail herein, the control architecture
15 provides logic and control functionality used during utilization
of the various modules and/or systems of the on-demand food service
material printing system 10. The control architecture 15 and/or its
various modules may comprise (or be connected to) hardware and
software to enable performance of various functions described
herein. Along these lines, the modules may share functionality
across distinct hardware (e.g., among various servers, controllers,
various systems described herein (e.g., food request system(s),
printer(s), other system(s)), etc.) including in different
locations and/or different apparatuses.
[0066] The control architecture 15 may comprise one or more
suitable electronic device(s)/server(s) capable of executing
described functionality via hardware and/or software control. In
some embodiments, the control architecture 15 may include one or
more user interfaces (not shown), such as for displaying
information and/or accepting instructions. The control architecture
15 can be, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, microcomputer,
a minicomputer, an optical computer, a board computer, a complex
instruction set computer, an ASIC (application specific integrated
circuit), a reduced instruction set computer, an analog computer, a
digital computer, a molecular computer, a quantum computer, a
cellular computer, a solid-state computer, a single-board computer,
a buffered computer, a computer network, a desktop computer, a
laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a hybrid of
any of the foregoing.
[0067] The control architecture 15 may be configured to communicate
with various components of the system 10, such as directly or
through an external network 12. In some embodiments, the control
architecture 15 may be operably coupled with one or more components
of the system 10, including for example, the food request system(s)
80, dispenser(s)/printer(s) 70, other system(s) 90, controllers,
processors, communication interfaces, and other components (such as
described herein) to provide functionality for the system 10. For
example, depending on the components, the control architecture 15
may be operably coupled such as through use of solid-core wiring,
twisted pair wiring, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, mechanical,
wireless, radio, infrared, or any other suitable connection. In
this regard, depending on the components, the operable coupling may
be through one or more intermediate controllers or mechanical
coupling, such as used for controlling some components (e.g.,
controlling operation of the printer(s) 70). In some embodiments,
the control architecture 15 may be configured to provide one or
more operating signals to these components and to receive data from
these components.
[0068] The control architecture 15 may include one or more
processors coupled to a memory device. Control architecture 15 may
optionally be connected to one or more input/output (I/O)
controllers or data interface devices (not shown). The memory may
be any suitable form of memory such as an EPROM (Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory) chip, a flash memory chip, a disk
drive, or the like. As such, the memory may store various data,
protocols, instructions, computer program code, operational
parameters, etc. In this regard, controller may include operation
control methods embodied in application code. These methods are
embodied in computer instructions written to be executed by one or
more processors, typically in the form of software. The software
can be encoded in any suitable language, including, but not limited
to, machine language, assembly language, VHDL (Verilog Hardware
Description Language), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed IC Hardware
Description Language), Fortran (formula translation), C, C++,
Visual C++, Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC (beginners
all-purpose symbolic instruction code), visual BASIC, ActiveX, HTML
(HyperText Markup Language), and any combination or derivative of
at least one of the foregoing. Additionally, an operator can use an
existing software application such as a spreadsheet or database and
correlate various cells with the variables enumerated in the
algorithms. Furthermore, the software can be independent of other
software or dependent upon other software, such as in the form of
integrated software. In this regard, in some embodiments, the
control architecture 15 may be configured to execute computer
program code instructions to perform aspects of various embodiments
of the present invention described herein.
[0069] In some embodiments described herein, various components
(e.g., modules, systems, architectures) of the system 10 may be
configured to determine various things. As used herein, "determine"
is not meant to be limiting and may include, for example,
determining a selection, determining something from one or more
instructions, generating something.
Example Food Request/Module and/or Systems
[0070] The control architecture 15, such as through the food
request module 20, is configured to receive a request for food
service by a customer, such as from one or more food request
systems 80. The request for food service may include order
information corresponding to a food order by the customer. Such a
food order may include any consumable (e.g., a drink) and is not
meant to be limiting.
[0071] In some embodiments, the request may include a purchase
(e.g., a sale, a utilization of loyalty points, etc.) for the
request, such as using a point-of-sale system. Additionally or
alternatively, some or all of the request may not include a
purchase. For example, the food request may be requested in
conjunction with a non-purchase program (e.g., all-inclusive
resort, charity, etc.) and, thus, no purchase or sale may be
required.
[0072] In some embodiments, a customer may provide one or more
custom order characteristics along with the request for food
service. Example custom order characteristics may include order
preferences, dietary preferences, exceptions to a standard food
order (e.g., extra cheese or no tomatoes), among others.
[0073] The food request module 20 may be further configured to
determine order information based on the request for food service.
For example, the food request module 20 may determine one or more
food orders (e.g., food or drink items) that the customer has
requested. Additionally, the food request module 20 may determine
one or more custom characteristics that are specific to the
request, such as being related to one or more of the food orders
for the request.
[0074] Depending on the configuration of the food service and/or
store for food service, example on-demand food service material
printing systems 10 may include one or more food request systems
for interaction with a customer. Some example food request systems
80 include a self-order kiosk, a point-of-sale (POS) operator
terminal, an application stored on a remote device (such as a
customer's personal device), and a computer server.
[0075] With reference to FIG. 2, an example food request system 80
may comprise hardware and/or software capable of performing one or
more functions described herein. In this regard, the food request
system 80 may include a controller 82, a memory 84, a communication
interface 86, and a user interface 88.
[0076] The controller 82 may be any means configured to execute
various programmed operations or instructions stored in a memory
device such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with
software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of
hardware and software, thereby configuring the device or circuitry
to perform the corresponding functions of the controller 82 as
described herein. In this regard, the controller 82 may be
configured to receive one or more requests for a food order from a
customer, such as through the user interface 88. Additionally, in
some embodiments, the controller 82 may receive and/or determine
additional information regarding the customer (e.g.,
personalization information). The controller 82 may also be
configured to send gathered information and/or instructions to
other devices, systems, or modules to perform various functions
described herein. In some embodiments, the controller 82 may be
configured to operate according to one or more modules described
herein.
[0077] The memory 84 may be configured to store instructions,
computer program code, order data (e.g., order information),
personalization information, and other data/information associated
with the food request system 80 in a non-transitory computer
readable medium for use, such as by the controller 82.
[0078] The communication interface 86 may be configured to enable
connection to external systems (e.g., an external network 12, one
or more dispenser(s)/printer(s) 70, a customer's mobile device, a
computer server, the control architecture 15, and/or one or more
other system(s)/device(s)). In some embodiments, the communication
interface 86 may comprise one or more transmitters configured to
transmit, for example, one or more signals according to example
embodiments described herein. Likewise, the communication interface
86 may include at least one receiver configured to, for example,
receive data according to example embodiments described herein. In
some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver may be combined as a
transceiver. In this regard, the food request system may be
configured for wired and/or wireless communication. In some
embodiments, the communication interface 86 may comprise wireless
capabilities for WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols. In
some embodiments, the food request system 80 may be connected, such
as through Bluetooth, to one or more printer(s) 70 such as to
enable performance of various functions herein.
[0079] The user interface 88 may be configured to receive input
from a user and/or provide output to a user. The user interface 88
may include, for example, a display, a keyboard, keypad, function
keys, mouse, scrolling device, input/output ports, touch screen, or
any other mechanism by which a user may interface with the system.
Although the user interface 88 is shown as being directly connected
to the controller 82 and within the food request system 80, the
user interface 88 could alternatively be remote from the controller
82 and/or food request system 80. Likewise, in some embodiments,
other components of the food request/POS system 80 could be
remotely located.
[0080] FIG. 2A illustrates an example food service environment 100
where a customer 125 has placed a request for a food service with a
food service employee 185 that is using a POS operator terminal
181. In the depicted illustration, the customer 125 has ordered a
hamburger (e.g., a food order) with no tomatoes and no pickles
(e.g., custom order characteristics). In response, the food service
employee 185 has entered the request into the POS operator terminal
181. In such an example, the food request module 20 receives the
request for food service from the POS operator terminal 181.
[0081] FIG. 2B illustrates a similar request for food service by a
customer 125 at a self-order kiosk 182. In the illustration, the
customer 125 selects the food order 121 (e.g., a hamburger) and
provides one or more custom characteristics (e.g., no tomatoes). In
such an example, the food request module 20 receives the request
for food service from the self-order kiosk 182.
[0082] FIG. 2C illustrates two example ordering options, namely a
self-order kiosk 182' and a customer's personal device 183. In this
regard, in some embodiments, the customer 125 may submit a request
for food service through a remote device, such as a mobile phone
device 183. That request may then be provided to the food request
module 20 such as through an application on the user's mobile
device or through a computer server (e.g., through an online
ordering system).
[0083] As noted herein, although the above descriptions detail
examples of a self-order kiosk, a POS operator terminal, and an
application on a user's mobile device, other food request systems
are contemplated by various example embodiments. For example, a
user may place a food request through an online ordering system. In
such an example, or through other contemplated food request systems
(e.g., self-order kiosk, application, POS operator terminal, etc.),
the food service request may be received through a computer server
(e.g., an external network) that may be connected to the system
10.
Example Personalization Information
[0084] The control architecture 15, such as through the order
personalization module 30, is configured to determine
personalization information related to the customer or store. Some
example personalization information includes the customer's name,
preferences, allergies, order/customer profile, other identifiers,
preferred language(s), order history, social media data, other
external data (including purchase and trend data), among other
things.
[0085] In some embodiments, the personalization information may be
gathered in various different ways. For example, in some
embodiments, the customer may provide personalization information
during the request. In some embodiments, personal information may
be gathered based on the request. For example, the customer may be
signed in to a profile during submittal of the request. In some
embodiments, the personalization information may be gathered from
purchase information provided during purchase of the food service
(e.g., from the credit card, an account for the customer, a loyalty
card, etc.). In some embodiments, personalization information may
be gathered from publicly available data related to the customer,
such as through social media, other databases, etc. In some
embodiments, personalization information may be gathered, such as
with the permission of the customer, from one or more personal
devices of the customer--such as data stored on the device (e.g.,
pictures, profile data, history, online data, etc.). In some
embodiments, the personalization information may be related to the
location (e.g., region, the specific store, city, etc.) associated
with the customer and/or the request for food service.
Example Print Module and Print Determination
[0086] The control architecture 15, such as through the food
service material printing module 40, is configured to determine
print information to print on one or more food service material
items. In this regard, in some embodiments, the food service
material printing module 40 is configured to communicate with one
or more printers 70 to cause the print information to be printed on
the food service material item(s) using the one or more printers
70.
[0087] In some embodiments, the food service material printing
module 40 is configured to determine, based on the order
information from the food request module 20, order print
information to print on at least one food service material item. In
some embodiments, the order print information includes at least the
food order and one or more custom characteristics that are specific
to the request for food service. For example, FIG. 3 shows an
example dispenser/printer 271 that is configured to print on a food
service material item (e.g., a food wrap 275). In the depicted
embodiment, the food service material printing module 40 has
determined the order print information 242 to include an order
number ("Order #126"), an indication of the food order ("#4 Meal"),
and a custom order characteristic ("No Tomatos").
[0088] In some embodiments, the order print information may include
other order related information, such as ingredients and/or
nutritional information. For example, the calorie count may be
determined based on chosen ingredients and printed onto the food
service material. In some such embodiments, the "basic", "common",
or "advertised" make-up (e.g., ingredients) of the ordered food
service item may form a base level calorie count. From there, the
customization of the ingredients may be factored into the calorie
count to produce a customized calorie count. In some embodiments,
the base level calorie count and/or custom calorie count may be
printed on the food service material for the consumer.
[0089] In some embodiments, the order print information may be
designed to be presented to the customer with the food order. For
example, the order print information (or a portion thereof) may be
visible to the customer upon the customer receiving the food order.
In such an example embodiment with the order print information
printed on the food service material item, the customer may feel
confident in the accuracy of their food order.
[0090] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or
more food service people may use the order print information during
assembly of food order, thereby increasing accuracy of the food
order. In this regard, in some embodiments, the order print
information may be printed on the food service material item in a
position or orientation such that it can be utilized during
assembly of the food order by the food service person. For example,
in some embodiments, the order print information may be printed in
a backwards direction (e.g., the letters are backwards) such that a
food service person can read the order print information when the
food service material item is flipped over. For example, FIGS.
4A-4D illustrate example food service material items 375 (e.g.,
food wrap sheets for a hamburger) that have order print information
342 printed on an outer surface (e.g., a surface designed to face
the customer after assembly). As such, the food service person may
flip the food service material item 375 over to start assembling
the food order thereon (e.g., on the inner surface). In some
embodiments, the order print information 342 ("ROAST TURKEY RANCH
& BACON NO TOMATO, NO ONION, EXTRA BACON") is visible with the
letters in the proper reading direction with the food service
material item flipped over. For example, the food service material
item may be at least partially translucent. Further, with being
positioned near an edge of the food service material item, the
order print information 342 may remain visible while the food order
is being assembled in the center. FIG. 4E provides another example,
wherein the order print information 342' is printed on the inside
surface such that the food service person 318 can read the order
print information during assembly of the food order. Such example
embodiments may help ensure order accuracy, as a food service
person may not need to constantly look back and forth between a
monitor and the food order.
[0091] In some embodiments, the food service material printing
module 40 may determine other example instructions for a food
service person. For example, arrows or other order preparation
instructions may be printed on the food service material to help a
food service person complete an order. In some embodiments, a
desired direction/orientation of the printed food service material
item during order preparation may be taken into account such that
the arrows/instructions show a food service person where to begin
wrapping and/or unfolding (if the food service material item is
pre-folded).
[0092] In some embodiments, the food service material printing
module 40 may determine any form of communication to utilize for
the order print information. For example, while example text is
shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, other forms of communication are
contemplated, such as icons with "X"s through them (e.g., an "X"
through an image of a tomato), images, etc.
[0093] Similarly, in some embodiments, only positive ingredients
may be printed on the food service material (e.g., only ingredients
that the food service operator will need to add to complete the
order). Such an example may help ensure the proper ingredients are
utilized, not needing to rely on the memory of the food service
operator.
[0094] In some embodiments, the food service material printing
module 40 is configured to determine, based on the personalization
information from the order personalization module 30,
personalization print information to print on at least one food
service material item. In some embodiments, the personalization
print information includes personalization information and/or
advertisement information. For example, FIG. 3 shows an example
dispenser 271 that is configured to print on a food service
material item (e.g., a food wrap 275). In the depicted embodiment,
the food service material printing module 40 has determined the
personalization print information 244a to include a greeting with
the customer's name ("Hey David!"), a personalize message ("Good
luck on exams this week!"), and an advertisement/promotion ("How
about 15% off of a cup of coffee for your next study break").
Additionally, the food service material printing module 40 has
determined the personalization print information 244b to include an
image, such as may be any image including, for example, a logo from
a favorite or local sports team, college, etc., a picture from the
camera roll of the customer, or other image. Although shown as
"David" in the above example, in some embodiments, the customer's
name may be any identifier for the customer, e.g., their name,
their nickname, their first name, an avatar, a screen name, a user
id, etc.
[0095] In this regard, in some embodiments, the personalization
print information may be any suitable image, text, icon, etc. It
may be related to the customer, the store, the location, or any
other personalization feature. FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate example food
service material items 375 (e.g., food wrap sheets for a hamburger)
that have personalization print information printed on an outer
surface (e.g., a surface designed to face the customer after
assembly). For example, FIG. 4A shows personalization print
information 344 that includes the customer name in relation to
order information. FIG. 4B shows personalization print information
344' that includes the customer name in relation to a limited time
offer (LTO) 381. FIG. 4C shows personalization print information
344'' that includes the customer name in relation to an
advertisement/service announcement/request for charity assistance
382. FIG. 4D shows personalization print information 344''' that
includes the customer name in relation to a promotion offer
383.
[0096] In some embodiments, the food service material item for
printing may include pre-printed information. In such example
embodiments, the order print information and/or personalization
print information may be printed on the food service material item
with the pre-printed information. In some such embodiments, the
order print information and/or personalization print information
may need to account for such pre-printed information such as in
content and/or positioning on the food service material item.
[0097] In some embodiments, the personalization print information
may be determined based on any number of factors. For example, the
personalization print information may be determined to include one
or more targeted messages and/or advertisements based on past
habits (e.g., order history, time of orders, etc.) or projected
habits of the customer. Additionally or alternatively, the food
service business may wish to "push" or promote certain products or
time windows for customers, which may be considered in
determination of the personalization print information. Other
possible factors include, for example, related/sister businesses
(e.g., cross marketing), limited time offers, promotional offers,
products or time windows for that store and/or corresponding
location (e.g., region), preferences of the customer, etc. For
example, the food service business may want to promote
cheeseburgers in the region, because barbeque sandwiches are
currently popular at that location.
[0098] In some embodiments, the personalization print information
and/or order print information may be determined to be printed in a
preferred language of the customer. In some embodiments, the
preferred language may be determined from the personalization
information. In some embodiments, the preferred language may be
determined based on the location of the store in which the food
order was requested. Similarly, in some embodiments, the
personalization print information and/or order print information
may be determined to be printed in brail, such as to accommodate
the customer. For example, divots, imprints, or other features may
be employed by the printer to manipulate the food service material
item to product brail. In some embodiments, the determination to
use brail may be based on the personalization information regarding
the customer.
[0099] In some embodiments, the personalization print information
may be determined in real-time, such as while the food service
request is being processed. In this regard, updated information can
be utilized at the time the food service request is being placed.
This allows current information to be utilized in determining what
to print on the food service material item. For example, the food
service business may have just come up with a new promotion. Once
the system is updated with the available new promotion, it can be
used by the on-demand food service material printing system 10.
This avoids the previous long logistics time frame it took from a
decision to implement a new promotion to available food service
material with the new promotion. Instead, the update may be
instantaneous. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a common prior
logistics flow 600 from creation of a promotion 602 to supplying a
store with promotional material 606. That logistics flow would
often take at least 90 days. FIG. 5B, however, illustrates an
example logistics flow 600' according to various example on-demand
food service material printing systems. That logistics flow 600' is
almost instant from creation of a promotion 602 to availability of
personalization print information for printing on the food service
material item at 614 and for providing to the customer at 616.
[0100] In some embodiments, the control architecture 15 may include
an advertisement module configured to determine one or more
advertisements (e.g., a promotion, limited time offer, etc.) to
print on the food service material item. In some embodiments, the
advertisement module may work in conjunction with or replace
portions of the food service material printing module 40.
[0101] In some embodiments, the control architecture 15, such as
through the predictive data analytics module 50 and/or food service
material printing module 40, may be configured to determine one or
more messages and/or advertisements to provide to the customer
based on the personalization information. In some embodiments, the
predictive analytics module 50 and/or food service material
printing module 40 may take into account gathered order information
and/or personalization information from a plurality of food order
requests. Such considered order and/or personalization information
may be bounded/limited according to a time threshold (e.g., between
11 am-3 pm, within the last 30 days, etc.) and/or location
threshold (e.g., just this store, stores within 25 miles,
etc.).
[0102] In some embodiments, the predictive data analytics module 50
and/or food service material printing module 40 may be configured
to determine a message to provide based on a determined product,
time window, promotion, limited-time-offer, etc. For example, the
food service business may determine that they wish to "push"
customer traffic in the store after 5 pm. The predictive data
analytics module 50 and/or food service material printing module 40
may determine, such as based on the customer history, that the
customer that just placed an order usually orders chicken strips
between 11 am-3 pm. Additionally, the predictive data analytics
module 50 and/or food service material printing module 40 may
determine that the food service business wants to drive in
customers after 5 pm. In such a situation, the predictive data
analytics module 50 and/or food service material printing module 40
may determine a message that provides a promotional offer for
chicken strips, but only after 5 pm--thereby personalizing the
offer to the customer (as the customer normally orders chicken
strips), but incentivizing the customer to come to the store for
dinner (e.g., after 5 pm per the food service business' wishes). In
response, the predictive data analytics module 50 and/or food
service material printing module 40 may provide the determined
message to the control architecture 15, other modules, and/or other
systems/devices (e.g., one or more dispenser(s)/printer(s) 70) to
have the determined message printed on the food service material
item for presentation to the customer with their food order.
[0103] In some embodiments, the predictive data analytics module 50
and/or food service material printing module 40 may be configured
to determine a message to provide from among a plurality of
messages. Such a determination may be based on a prediction of what
type of message may drive a desired output from the customer. For
example, certain products, time windows, promotions, or
limited-time-offers may be associated with a set of available
messages for driving customer action. Each of the messages in the
set may approach that goal differently. For example, a first
message (message 1) may provide a percentage off the product as an
incentive; a second message (message 2) may offer a percentage off
a related product that is often purchased with the product; or a
third message (message 3) may offer extra loyalty reward points for
purchasing the product. In some embodiments, the predictive data
analytics module 50 and/or food service material printing module 40
may be configured to determine which of the messages to use for the
specific customer that just placed an order based on
personalization information and/or order information. For example,
if the customer is close to reaching a threshold for their loyalty
reward points, the predictive data analytics module 50 and/or food
service material printing module 40 may determine that message 3
should be used to attempt to drive the customer to purchase the
product (and reach a desirable loyalty reward point threshold). In
response, the predictive data analytics module 50 and/or food
service material printing module 40 may provide the determined
message to the control architecture 15, other modules, and/or other
systems/devices (e.g., one or more dispenser(s)/printer(s) 70) to
have the determined message printed on the food service material
item for presentation to the customer with their food order.
[0104] In some embodiments, the predictive data analytics module 50
may be configured to determine one or more messages to provide to a
third-party based on a plurality of requests for food service. For
example, the predictive data analytics module 50 may consider a
plurality of requests for food service during a specific time
period and/or for a specific location/region and determine that a
delivery service may likely require certain packaging needs (e.g.,
a certain number of heaters, bags, etc.). The predictive data
analytics module 50 may be configured to send that information to
the third party.
[0105] In some embodiments, the predictive data analytics module 50
and/or food service material printing module 40 may be configured
to determine print information (e.g., personalization print
information) that includes game features, such as game pieces. For
example, the game pieces could be determined and printed on-demand,
thereby removing such game pieces from inventory storage and
limiting lost pieces/winning potential. This may also enable
tracking of "winning" pieces, such as being able to link the
winning game piece with a customer--since the customer that
purchased the winning piece may be determined from the request for
food service.
[0106] In some embodiments, the predictive data analytics module 50
and/or food service material printing module 40 may be configured
to determine print information (e.g., personalization print
information) that can be recognized by a user's device (e.g.,
through image recognition and/or computer readable marker detection
such as quick response codes). In such example embodiments, an
image and/or message may be printed on the food service material
item and a customer may utilize their mobile device to interact
with the printed information, such as by using a camera to perform
image recognition of the printed image and/or message. In response,
an application and/or message may be downloaded to and/or presented
on their mobile device based on recognition of the printed image
and/or message. The printed image and/or message may be determined
based on personalization information such that it is targeted
toward the customer.
[0107] In some embodiments, the predictive data analytics module 50
and/or food service material printing module 40 may be configured
to determine print information (e.g., personalization print
information) based on the location of the customer and/or store.
For example, one or more messages could be determined to target a
nearby promotion, event, store, etc. In such a regard, the location
of the customer at the time of the request and/or the location of
the store for picking up the food order may be utilized in
determination of the print information.
[0108] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to enable
printing of information related to storage or other functions that
may be useful for the store. For example, the system may be
configured to enable printing on food service material items that
may be used by the store, such as for storage. In such a regard,
the printer may be configured to print relevant storage data, such
as a package date, what food item is being stored, a use by date,
etc.
[0109] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to enable
reprinting of the food service material item, such as if an error
occurred or the food service material item was accidently dropped
on the floor. In some such embodiments, an operator may request the
"last" print job, a certain order number, or other identifier to
cause the relevant food service material item to be reprinted. In
some such embodiments, the printer may be configured to receive
voice commands, such as to enable reprinting. For example, a food
service person may say "Printer, reprint the last order" or
"Reprint Order 271". In response, the printer may reprint the
appropriate printed information on a new food service material
item.
Example Printing and Printers
[0110] FIG. 6 illustrates example on-demand printing on a food
service material item and packaging of a food order. In the
depicted embodiment, a dispenser/printer 471 has printed and
dispensed a food service material item 475a (e.g., a food wrap for
a hamburger). The food service material item 475a includes
personalization print information 444 and order print information
(not shown), such as described herein. The food service person 418
is able to retrieve the printed food service material item 475a and
(as shown with respect to a second printed food service material
item 475b) wrap the food order (e.g., the hamburger 421) for the
food service request. The result is a packaged food order 479 with
personalization print information and/or order information printed
and presented to the customer with their food order.
[0111] Though the above described example details an example
printed food service material item of food wrap, many different
food service material items are contemplated for such on-demand
printing with example systems described herein. In such a regard,
depending on the available or desired food service material item,
the one or more printer(s) 70 may be configured to enable printing
thereon (e.g., utilize the proper ink for the material, store the
desired material for the food service material item, etc.).
[0112] Some example contemplated food service material items
include a food wrap (e.g., paper, foil, partially translucent
paper, etc.) for wrapping the food order, a pouch for at least
partially containing or covering the food order, a container for at
least partially containing or covering the food order, a cup for
holding or at least partially containing the food order, a tray
liner for use with the food order, a bag (e.g., in store bag, carry
out bag, etc.) for at least partially containing the food order, or
a napkin for use with the food order. In some embodiments, the food
service material item may be one or more food packages that are
configured to at least partially cover or contain the food order.
Example food packages may include, at least, food wrap for wrapping
the food order, container(s) for at least partially containing or
covering the food order, a cup for holding or at least partially
containing the food order, a pouch for at least partially
containing or covering the food order, a bag for at least partially
containing the food order, among others.
[0113] With reference to FIG. 7, an example dispenser (e.g.,
printer) 70 may comprise hardware and/or software capable of
performing functions described herein. In this regard, the
dispenser 70 may include a controller 72, a motor 72a, a memory 74,
a communication interface 76, a user interface 78, one or more food
service material item supplies 79a, 79b, one or more print devices
75, one or more dispensing mechanisms 71, and one or more sensor(s)
77.
[0114] The controller 72 may be any means configured to execute
various programmed operations or instructions stored in a memory
device such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with
software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of
hardware and software, thereby configuring the device or circuitry
to perform the corresponding functions of the controller 72 as
described herein. In this regard, the controller 72 may be
configured to receive one or more instructions for printing, such
as through the communication interface 76. In some embodiments, the
controller 72 may configured to determine, process, and/or choose
the determined food service material item from among a plurality of
available food service material items (e.g., either a first food
service material item from supply 79a or a second food service
material items from supply 79b). In some embodiments, the
controller 72 may configured to cause printing on one or more food
service material items (such as through the print device(s) 75). In
some embodiments, the controller 72 is configured to cause
dispensing of the printed food service material item, such as using
the dispensing mechanism 71. In some embodiments, the controller 72
may cause monitoring, such as through sensor(s) 77, of supply
materials of the printer (such as ink for the print devices 75
and/or food service material item from the supplies 79a, 79b). The
controller 72 may also be configured to send gathered information
and/or instructions to other devices, systems, or modules to
perform various functions described herein. In some embodiments,
the controller 72 may be configured to operate according to one or
more modules described herein. For example, in some embodiments,
the controller 72 may be configured to operate according to the
control architecture 15, such as the food service material printing
module 40.
[0115] One or more motors 72a may be used to operate various
features/components of the dispenser 70. In some embodiments, the
controller 72 may be configured to operate the motor 72a
accordingly. For example, one or more motors 72a may be used to
drive one or more rollers (or roll holders) to cause food service
material to move through the dispenser 70, such as to interact with
the print devices 75, dispensing mechanism 71, etc. In some
embodiments, the controller 72 may be configured to control the
motor 72a to cause dispensing of a food service material item, such
as a sheet of food service material of a specific size.
[0116] The one or more food service material item supplies 79a, 79b
may be configured to hold and/or store one or more food service
material item supplies. For example, the dispenser 70, depending on
the configuration, may be configured to hold various supplies, such
as rolls of food service material, sheets of food service material,
stacks of food service material items, etc. In the depicted
embodiment, the dispenser 70 includes two supplies 79a, 79b. In
some embodiments, the supplies 79a, 79b may hold the same type of
food service material item (e.g., both may hold a same food wrap).
In such a situation, the dispenser 70 may be enabled to switch to
dispensing and printing from a primary supply to a secondary supply
when the primary supply is depleted. In some embodiments, the
supplies 79a, 79b may hold different types of food service material
items (e.g., two different types of the same material, two
different materials, such as two different types of food wrap, or
two different types of material items, such as a food wrap and a
container, among other possibilities). In some embodiments with two
different types of the same material, the material for each may
have different material characteristics, such as composition,
weight, dimensions, etc. In some such embodiments, the dispenser 70
may be configured to choose which supply to use for printing and
dispensing. In some embodiments, the food service material printing
module 40 may be configured to determine which type of food service
material item to print on, and instruct the dispenser 70
accordingly.
[0117] The one or more print devices 75 may be configured to print
on one or more food service material items, such as from one of the
supplies 79a, 79b. In some embodiments, the print device 75
includes ink that enables the printing, such as provided from one
or more ink cartridges, tanks, reservoirs, etc. In some
embodiments, the print devices 75 and/or dispenser 70 may be
configured such that only proprietary ink cartridges may be
utilized with the dispenser 70 (e.g., non-proprietary ink
cartridges may be locked out). The ink may be specially configured
based on the food service material item, desired print quality, or
other factors (e.g., safety, durability, etc.). In some
embodiments, the print device(s) 75 may be configured to utilize
different print characteristics for different types of food
material items (e.g., different types of the same material,
different materials, such as different types of food wrap, or
different types of material items, such as a food wrap and a
container, among other possibilities). For example, depending on
which food service material item is selected for printing (such as
from among two options), the print device(s) 75 may be configured
to employ different print characteristics, such as different ink,
different settings, different components (e.g., rollers and/or
presses), etc.
[0118] In some embodiments, the print devices 75 are configured to
print the order print information and the personalization print
information on the food service material item(s). In some
embodiments, the print devices 75 may include rollers, presses, or
other hardware necessary for performing the printing. In some
embodiments, the print devices 75 may be configured to print on
multiple surfaces of the food service material item. For example,
the print device 75 may be configured to print order print
information on a first surface and personalization print
information on a second, opposite surface.
[0119] The one or more dispensing mechanisms 71 may be configured
to cause dispensing of printed food service material items. In some
embodiments, the dispenser 70 may include rollers, transfer
systems, or other hardware for effecting transfer of the food
service material item through the components of the dispenser and
out of the dispenser for the food service provider/person (e.g.,
along a path through the dispenser). In some embodiments, the
dispenser 70 may include one or more chutes for guiding the food
service material, such as toward a dispensing slot.
[0120] In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 71 may include
one or more cutting arrangements (e.g., knives, tear bars, etc.)
that are configured to cause or enable cutting of the printed food
service material item, such as for dispensing. For example, the
dispenser may include a cutting device configured to cut the food
service material, and the dispenser may be configured to at least
one of cut or enable removal of a portion of the roll of food
service material to form a printed food service material sheet. The
printed food service material sheet may include the order print
information and/or the personalization print information. Further,
the dispenser may be configured to dispense the printed food
service material sheet for use. In some embodiments, there may be
different cutting arrangement options depending on which food
service material item is chosen for printing and dispensing.
[0121] In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 71 may be
configured to cut a roll of food service material at a determined
dimension (e.g., length and/or width) to cause a printed food
service material sheet of a desired size (which may vary depending
on the corresponding food order) to be available for dispensing.
For example, the dispenser may include at least one knife
configured to cut the roll of food service material, and the
dispenser may be configured to cut the roll of food service
material at one of a plurality of lengths or widths to form the
printed food service material sheet such that the printed food
service material sheet has dimensions that are specific to the food
order.
[0122] In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 71 may
comprise one or more tear bars that are positioned within the
dispenser (such as proximate a dispensing chute) to enable an
operator to utilize the tear bar to enable removal of the printed
food service material sheet.
[0123] In some embodiments, the roll of food service material may
include one or more sets of perforations (e.g., pre-cut
perforations periodically positioned on the roll) to enable removal
of the portion of the roll of food service material. In some such
embodiments, the dispenser may be configured to print the desired
print information on portions of the roll of food service material
between sets of perforations, such as to enable removal of a
printed sheet that includes the order print information and/or the
personalization print information.
[0124] In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 71 may
comprise one or more separator devices that are configured to
separate the portion of the roll of food service material that
includes the printed information. For example, the one or more
separator devices may be configured to separate pre-cut/perforated
portions of the roll of food service material.
[0125] The one or more sensor(s) 77 may be configured to monitor
various components or supplies from the dispenser 70. For example,
in some embodiments, the one or more sensors 77 may be configured
to monitor the available ink for the print device(s) 75. In such
embodiments, the controller 72, such as through one or more modules
of the system 10 (e.g., the food service printing module 40), may
determine when replacement ink is needed and, in some cases,
perform automatic ordering thereof. Similarly, in some embodiments,
the one or more sensors 77 may be configured to monitor the
available food service material item supply, such as from supplies
79a, 79b. In such embodiments, the controller 72 may determine when
replacement food service material items are needed and, in some
cases, perform automatic ordering thereof. In some embodiments, the
controller 72 may provide one or more messages/indications to be
sent to the food service business indicating a need to supply more
ink or food service material items for the dispenser 70.
[0126] The memory 74 may be configured to store instructions,
computer program code, order data (e.g., order information), order
print information, personalization information, personalization
print information, and other data/information associated with the
dispenser 70 in a non-transitory computer readable medium for use,
such as by the controller 72.
[0127] The communication interface 76 may be configured to enable
connection to external systems (e.g., an external network 12, one
or more food request systems 80, one or more dispenser(s) 70, a
customer's mobile device, a computer server, the control
architecture 15, and/or one or more other system(s)/device(s)). In
some embodiments, the communication interface 76 may comprise one
or more transmitters configured to transmit, for example, one or
more signals according to example embodiments described herein.
Likewise, the communication interface 76 may include at least one
receiver configured to, for example, receive data according to
example embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the
transmitter and receiver may be combined as a transceiver. In this
regard, the dispenser 70 may be configured for wired and/or
wireless communication. In some embodiments, the communication
interface 76 may comprise wireless capabilities for WiFi,
Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 70 may be connected, such as through Bluetooth, to one or
more food request/POS system(s) 80 such as to enable performance of
various functions herein.
[0128] The user interface 78 may be configured to receive input
from a user and/or provide output to a user. The user interface 78
may include, for example, a display, a keyboard, keypad, function
keys, mouse, scrolling device, input/output ports, touch screen, or
any other mechanism by which a user may interface with the system.
Although the user interface 78 is shown as being directly connected
to the controller 72 and within the dispenser 70, the user
interface 78 could alternatively be remote from the controller 72
and/or dispenser 70. Likewise, in some embodiments, other
components of the dispenser 70 could be remotely located.
[0129] As noted herein, various example embodiments may be utilized
with different types of food service material items, such as food
wrap, food containers, cups, carry-out bags, tray liners, napkins,
pouches, among many others. In this regard, some example dispensers
are designed to dispense and print on pre-folded food service
material, such as pre-folded food wrap, pre-formed food bags,
pre-formed food pouches, pre-formed food containers, etc. In some
embodiments, the pre-folded wrap may form a "C" fold. A pre-folded
food wrap may be useful for formation of the food service order
(e.g., wrapping a burger). Another potential advantage of being
configured to utilize pre-folded food wrap is a decrease in overall
width needed for the dispenser and/or print devices. In this
regard, the dispenser and/or print device may be kept to a
desirable size (e.g., maintain a small footprint), such that it can
be easily utilized/positioned in a food service line.
[0130] In some embodiments, the pre-folded food wrap may be used to
form the food service material item after dispensing from the
dispenser 70. For example, a food service person may glue and/or
fold the pre-folded, printed wrap to form a food bag, container,
pouch, etc. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pre-folded food
wrap may be unfolded, such as by the food service person or the
dispenser to enable use thereafter.
[0131] In some embodiments, the adhesive application, folding,
and/or unfolding may occur within the dispenser 70, such as using
an adhesive application device/folding and/or unfolding device 95.
Such example dispensers 70 are shown in FIG. 7A (with the adhesive
application/folding/unfolding device 95 downstream of the print
device 75) and in FIG. 7B (with the adhesive
application/folding/unfolding device 95 upstream of the print
device 75). In some example embodiments, the adhesive application
device may apply adhesive to specific sections of the sheet of food
service material, such as using a roller, stamp, or other
application device. In some example embodiments, the folding device
may utilize one or more folding structures, such as rollers,
stamps, or other suitable devices, to cause folding and pressure to
be applied at appropriate sections of the sheet of food service
material (e.g., in conjunction with the adhesive) to cause
formation of a food service material item, such as a food bag, food
pouch, food container, etc. In some embodiments, the unfolding
device may utilize one or more unfolding structures, such as bars,
presses, rails, counteracting crease structures, etc., to cause at
least a portion of the folded food service material to become
unfolded (or less folded).
[0132] In some embodiments, various combinations of the above noted
adhesive application devices, folding devices, and unfolding
devices may be present in the dispenser. In some embodiments,
different paths could be provided that enable variation in how the
food service material is processed through the dispenser 70. For
example, certain food service material items may be glued at the
adhesive application device (e.g., and/or folded or unfolded prior
thereto), while other certain food service material may be
processed only through a folding device or unfolding device prior
to dispensing.
[0133] FIG. 7C illustrates another example dispenser designed
specifically for on-demand printing and dispensing of cups for use
in a food service order. While the depicted dispenser 70 includes a
Cup Source Stack 1 79a' and Cup Source Stack 2 79b', other cup
source options are contemplated, such as lines of cups, a single
cup, etc. The depicted dispenser 70 also includes cup-moving
elements 72b. In this regard, the dispenser 70 may include one or
more structures/features that are configured to enable movement of
the cup from the cup source through the dispenser 70 and its
various components. Some example structures include a cup source
removal structure for separating a single cup from the cup source,
a cup movement structure for causing the cup to move from the cup
source to a printing position for being printed on by the print
device 75, a cup rotation structure for causing the cup to rotate
for presentation of the printed cup to a food service provider.
[0134] FIG. 8A illustrates two example food service material
dispensers for use with an example on-demand food service material
printing system. In such a system, the system includes a first
dispenser 471a that is configured to print on and dispense a first
type of food service material item (e.g., a standard food wrap).
The system also includes a second dispenser 471b that is configured
to print on and dispense a second type of food service material
item (e.g., a premium food wrap). In the depicted embodiment, the
system has determined that the premium food wrap is need for the
current food order and, thus, printed on and dispensed a printed
premium food wrap sheet 475c using the second dispenser 471b. FIG.
8B shows a close-up view of the second dispenser 471b. The
dispenser 471b includes a user interface 473 and a chute 472 for
dispensing the printed food wrap sheet 475c. The chute 472 is
designed to present the printed food wrap 475c for easy retrieval
by a food service person 418. Though shown as separate dispensers
(471a, 471b) for different food wraps in FIGS. 8A-8B, in some
embodiments, a single dispenser may be configured to print on both
types of food wraps.
[0135] FIG. 9 shows example food orders, where some of the food
orders are packaged in a food service material with printed
information thereon. For example, a hamburger 521 has been wrapped
with a food wrap that has personalization print information 544a
printed and oriented to face the customer upon presentation of
their food order. In the depicted embodiment, the fries 522 are
provided in a pouch that also has order print information (OPI)
and/or personalization print information (PPI) 546 printed thereon.
In some embodiments, the cup 523 may include printed information
(such as personalization print information).
[0136] FIGS. 10A-10C show example dispensers that can be used with
various example on-demand food service material printing systems
described herein.
[0137] FIG. 10A shows an example dispenser 770 with a housing 774
that may be sized to maintain a small and/or desired footprint. In
this regard, there may be limited space in the store and it may be
desirable to position the on-demand printer near or within the food
service preparation line (e.g., to allow the food service person to
easily and quickly retrieve the printed food service material item
for use in preparing the food order). In some embodiments, the
system may be designed such that one or more dispenser 70 are
positioned within a certain proximity of one or more food request
systems 80. For example, the printer may be within 30 feet of at
least one of a self-order kiosk or a point-of-sale operator
terminal. Indeed, one benefit of the present system is to provide
on-demand printing capability for food service material items for
use during preparation of the food order and, thus, designing the
printer to be positioned proximate the food order preparation area
may be desirable to maintain efficient food order preparation. In
some embodiments, due to the close proximity of the food request
system and printer, Bluetooth communication between the two
devices/systems could be utilized.
[0138] Returning to FIG. 10A, the dispenser 770 includes a housing
774 that is configured to hold at least one supply of food service
material 778 (e.g., the shown roll of food service material) among
other components (e.g., print devices 75). The dispenser 770 may
also include a chute 772 for dispensing of printed food service
material item. Additionally, the dispenser 770 may be designed to
enable access (such as near 777) to the internal housing for
maintenance, replacement of ink or food service material item
supply, etc.
[0139] FIG. 10B shows another example dispenser 770' that includes
a housing 774' that is configured to hold at least one supply of
food service material (e.g., the housing may be configured to hold
a stack of food service material sheets, such as near 779 within
the housing) among other components (e.g., print devices 75). The
dispenser 770' may also include a chute 772' for dispensing of
printed food service material item. Additionally, the dispenser
770' may be designed to enable access (such as near 777') to the
internal housing for maintenance, replacement of ink or food
service material item supply, etc.
[0140] FIG. 10C shows another example dispenser 770'' that includes
a housing 774'' that is configured to hold two rolls of food
service material 778a, 778b among other components (e.g., print
devices 75). The dispenser 770'' may also include a chute 772'' for
dispensing of printed food service material item. Additionally, the
dispenser 770'' may be designed to enable access (such as near
777'') to the internal housing for maintenance, replacement of ink
or food service material item supply, etc.
[0141] FIG. 11 shows another example dispenser 1070 for printing on
and dispensing a sheet of food service material (e.g., food wrap).
The dispenser 1070 includes a housing 1074 that is sized to fit in
a food service line. The housing 1074 includes a front cover 1074a
that can be opened to enable access to the roll of food service
material 1078 (shown in FIG. 11A), such as to enable replacement of
a depleted (or near depleted) roll of food service material 1078.
The housing 1074 also includes a side panel 1074b that can be
removed and/or opened to enable access to various components of the
dispenser 1070, such as for maintenance or replacement of parts or
features. For example, the dispenser 1070 may be designed to enable
replacement of ink for the print devices (e.g., print device 1075
shown in FIG. 11B).
[0142] The dispenser 1070 includes a user interface 1079 that can
be used to display information to the food service provider and/or
enable functionality, such as through button(s) and/or
touchscreen(s). For example, the user interface 1079 may display
the current food service material item that is being prepared by
the dispenser. Additionally, the user interface 1079 may provide
maintenance information to a nearby food service provider, such as
if the ink needs replacement, if the roll of food service material
is nearly depleted, error messages, etc. In some embodiments, such
information may (additionally or alternatively) be provided through
wireless or wired communications with a remote computing
device.
[0143] The dispenser 1070 also includes a dispensing slot that
enables a food service provider to collect a printed food service
material item (e.g., a printed and appropriately-sized sheet of
food wrap).
[0144] As illustrated with respect to FIG. 11A, a food service
provider may open the front cover (not shown in FIG. 11A) to enable
access to the roll of food service material 1078. In this regard, a
depleted roll of food service material may be removed and replaced,
such as by dropping a new roll of food service material into slots
1063 of the roll holder 1042 (see also FIG. 11B). The food service
provider may then feed the leading edge of the roll of food service
material into the dispenser 70 such as over an auto-tensioner
roller 1095 and along arrow 1064 (shown in FIG. 11C). In some
embodiments, an auto-feed feature may be provided that causes the
motor to operate to assist in feeding the leading edge into the
dispenser 70 so as to "prime" or prepare the dispenser 70 for
future dispensing. In some embodiments, a food service provider may
press button 1061 to initiate the auto-feed feature.
[0145] FIGS. 11B-11E illustrate a path 1011 for the food service
material 1078 through the dispenser 70. In this regard, the food
service material moves along the path 1011, such as due to rotation
of one or more rollers 1031 and/or the roll holder 1042--which can
be driven by operation of a motor (e.g., a motor 1043 may drive
rotation of the roll holder 1042). For example, the food service
material moves through a roll holder/cutting arrangement assembly
1040 positioned within the dispenser 1070. In particular, the food
service material moves from the roll of food service material 1078
on a roll holder 1042 over an auto-tensioner roller 1095 and into
the cutting arrangement 1045.
[0146] With reference to FIGS. 11C-E, the auto-tensioner 1095
comprises a rack and pinion assembly that enables adjustment of the
tension in the food service material along the path 1011. In this
regard, the controller (not shown) may monitor the tension in the
food service material along the path 1011 and adjust it using the
auto-tensioner 1095. In the depicted embodiment, the auto-tensioner
roller 1095 is configured to translate within a slot 1098 along a
rack 1099. Additionally, the auto-tensioner roller 1095 is
connected to an arm 1096 that is pivotally connected to a spring
1097 at an opposite end. Such a configuration enables automatic
tensioning adjustment to optimize the tension in the food service
material along the path 1011 of the dispenser 1070. Notably, such
optimized tension may be beneficial in maintaining optimal print
and dispensing performance, as well as avoiding jamming or other
potential errors.
[0147] In some embodiments, the controller (not shown) may monitor
the tension in the food service material along the path 1011. For
example, with reference to FIG. 11F, an auto-tensioner displacement
sensor 1080 (e.g., a linear voltage displacement transducer) may
measure the positions of the auto-tensioner roller 1095. In the
depicted embodiment, the displacement sensor 1080 is connected to a
translation linkage 1082 that translates with the auto-tensioner
roller 1095. In response, the controller can measure the
translation of the auto-tensioner roller 1095 to enable adjustments
in the tension applied to the food service material along the path
1011 (such as through adjusting downstream rollers and/or various
roller/motors along the path 1011). Although a linear voltage
displacement transducer and translation linkage is shown in FIG.
11F, other sensors are contemplated.
[0148] In some embodiments, other dispensing arrangements for the
food service material dispenser are contemplated. For example,
instead of utilizing an auto-tensioner roller 1095, in some
embodiments, a clutch mechanism and a reverse-curl bar may be
utilized with a dispensing motor to cause food service material to
be fed from a roll of food service material along the path 1011.
FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate an example dispensing arrangement for
various example food service material dispenser. In the depicted
embodiment, a motor (not shown) drives the roll of food service
material 1078 to cause dispensing of the food service material
along the path 1011. A clutch mechanism 1250 is used to provide a
drag force to help control the dispense and create desired tension.
In some embodiments, the clutch mechanism 1250 may, along with a
stationary guide bar 1295 (e.g., a stationary reverse curl bar),
form a negative curl that helps de-curl the food service material
that was rolled-up on a roll 1278.
[0149] With reference to FIG. 12B (which shows the dispensing
arrangement with portions of the dispenser removed), the roll of
food services material 1278 is held on a roll holder that rotates
along an axis 1279. A first gear 1277 is positioned at the end of
the roll holder and also rotates around axis 1279. The first gear
1277 is engaged with a second gear 1257 (shown in FIGS. 12C-D),
that rotates about a second axis 1251.
[0150] The clutch mechanism 1250 includes a friction disk 1255 that
rotates with the second gear 1257 about the second axis 1251 (such
that the friction disk 1255 rotates with the roll of food service
material 1278). The friction disk 1255 is sandwiched between two
plates 1253a and 1253b, such as by utilizing fasteners 1252
(although other engagement and sandwiching means are contemplated).
Notably, however, the plates 1253a and 1253b do not rotate with the
friction disk and, instead, may be connected to the dispenser
housing. Friction pads 1254a and 1254b may be attached to the
plates 1253a and 1253b, respectively, and are positioned between
the friction disk 1255 and each respective plate 1253a and 1253b.
As the roll of food service material 1278 rotates, the friction
disk 1255 also rotates and creates a drag force by its interaction
with the friction pads 1254a and 1254b. In some embodiments, a
spring 1256 may (such as in conjunction with the fasteners 1252)
bias the plates 1253a, 1253b toward each other to sandwich the
friction disk 1255 and help create a drag force (using the friction
pads) as the friction disk 1255 rotates.
[0151] Further, in some embodiments, a stationary guide bar 1295
may be positioned along the path 1011 and utilized in conjunction
with the drag force created to cause a de-curling effect on the
food service material prior to dispensing. As shown in FIGS. 12A-C,
the stationary guide bar 1295 may be connected to the dispenser
housing, such as using a connection plate 1296. The food service
material may be driven from the roll 1278 and over the stationary
guide bar 1295 (e.g., at 1264) to cause the de-curl effect.
[0152] In some embodiments, the positioning of the stationary guide
bar 1295 with respect to the position of the roll of food service
material 1278 and the direction of travel along the path 1011 for
dispensing is important for forming the de-curl effect. For
example, in the depicted embodiment (from the illustrated
perspective), while the food service material item ultimately moves
to the left (e.g., toward the cutting arrangement 1045), the
stationary guide bar 1295 is positioned to the right of roll of
food service material item 1278. Since the food service material
comes off the top of the roll 1278, the food service material has a
pre-formed curl (e.g. by virtue of being rolled up) to the right.
However, by forcing the food service material to take a sharp left
turn over the stationary guide bar 1295 and move back to the left,
the pre-formed right curl is counter-acted with a left curl (e.g.,
similar to rubbing a curled piece of paper on the edge of a
desk).
[0153] Returning to the remainder of the dispensing path, next the
food service material passes along the path 1011 through a cutting
arrangement 1045. With reference to FIG. 11D, the depicted cutting
arrangement 1045 includes two cutting rollers aligned on opposite
sides of the path 1011. A controller, such as through a motor, may
be configured to control rotation and/or engagement of one or both
of the cutting rollers with the food service material to cause
cutting thereof. The depicted cutting arrangement 1045 includes a
first cutting roller 1021 that includes a cutter (e.g., knife) 1022
that extends outwardly from a circumferential surface of the first
cutting roller 1021. The cutting arrangement 1045 also includes a
second cutting roller 1023 that includes a slot 1024 that is sized
to receive the cutter 1022 of the first cutting roller 1021 when
the first cutting roller 1021 is rotated to cause the cutter 1022
to extend into the path 1011 and cut the food service
material--thereby forming the sheet of food service material
1078a.
[0154] Next, the food service material moves past the print device
1075 (e.g., along arrow P.sub.P shown in FIG. 11G) where
information is printed thereon. Depending on the configuration of
the dispenser 1070, the printing may occur before or after cutting
of the food service material. In either case, in some embodiments,
the dispenser 1070 includes one or more printer rollers that are
configured to maintain appropriate tension in the food service
material for printing.
[0155] FIGS. 11B and 11G depict a chute 1071 that enables
dispensing of the printed sheet of food service material to a food
service provider. In this regard, the sheet of food service
material is printed with the print device 1075 and cut with the
cutting arrangement 1045. Thereafter, the printed sheet of food
service material passes (e.g., under the influence of gravity) down
the chute 1071 along the arrow P.sub.C and into the dispensing slot
1072 along arrow P.sub.D.
[0156] Though not shown, the dispenser 1070 may include a wireless
or wired communication element (e.g., the communication interface
76 shown and described with respect to FIG. 7), such as for use
with various embodiments of the present invention described herein
(e.g., with/in an on-demand food service printing system).
[0157] FIG. 13 illustrates an example cup dispenser 1170 in
accordance with various example embodiments described herein (such
as the dispenser 70 shown in FIG. 7C). The depicted cup dispenser
1170 includes a housing 1174 that is sized with a small footprint
such as to fit on a counter and/or within a food service
preparation area. The depicted cup dispenser 1170 includes a cup
source 1142 that holds a stack of cups 1178. Additionally, the cup
dispenser 1170 includes a user interface in the form of a screen
1179a and buttons 1179b. The screen 1179a can be used to display
information to the food service provider. For example, the user
interface 1179a may display the cup order that is being prepared by
the dispenser. Additionally, the user interface 1179a may provide
maintenance information to a nearby food service provider, such as
if the ink needs replacement, if the stack of cups is nearly
depleted, error messages, etc. In some embodiments, such
information may (additionally or alternatively) be provided through
wireless or wired communications with a remote computing device.
The dispenser 1170 also includes a dispensing slot 1172 that
enables a food service provider to collect a printed cup 1105
therefrom.
[0158] With reference to FIG. 13A, upon receiving a food service
order, such as from a remote food service request module (e.g., the
point of sale computing device 1103 shown in FIG. 13C) through a
wireless connection W, the cup dispenser 1170 may provide an alert
A to indicate that it has received the order and is beginning
preparation of the printed cup. One or more cup-moving elements
(not shown) may cause a single cup to drop down along a path into
the dispenser (e.g., along arrow P). In the depicted embodiment, a
cup is separated from the stack of cups 1178 and drops down from
the cup source 1142 into the dispensing slot 1172. In some
embodiments, the force of gravity may assist with movement of the
cup.
[0159] With reference to FIG. 13B, a print device (not shown) may
print order information and/or personalization information on the
cup 1105. After printing, a cup-rotation element may cause the
printed cup to rotate, such as for presentation to a food service
provider. In some embodiments, a door may be used to cover the cup,
such as during printing. Such an example door may be unlocked
and/or automatically opened after printing is complete to enable
retrieval of the printed cup by the food service provider.
[0160] FIG. 13C illustrates dispensing of a printed cup 1105 using
the cup dispenser 1170. In the illustrated example, a food service
provider 1108 may be alerted (e.g., the "Ding") to completion of
the printed cup (although other types of alerts are contemplated,
such as visual, text message, voice, etc.).
[0161] FIG. 13D illustrates an example printed cup 1105 that
includes personalization information 1106 (e.g., the customer's
name "Michelle") and order information 1109 (e.g., "Mint Mocha" and
corresponding special instructions, such as "No Chocolate"). Once
the food service provider 1108 has retrieved the printed cup, they
can use the order information printed directly on the cup to help
in preparation of the appropriate food service order (e.g.,
illustrated in FIG. 13E). Thereafter, the completed food order and
corresponding printed cup 1105 can be placed out for gathering by
the customer 1119. In this regard, the printed order information
and/or personalization information enable easy identification of
the appropriate food service order by the customer.
Example Control System for Other System(s)
[0162] The control architecture 15, such as through the controller
module 60, may be configured to communicate with one or more other
systems 90 (e.g., front of house (FOH) or back-of-house (BOH)
system(s)). In some embodiments, the controller module 60 may be
configured to determine, based on at least one of the order
information or the personalization information, one or more
instructions to transmit to one or more other components/systems.
For example, FIG. 14 shows an example control system 810 that
includes the controller module 860, a napkin dispenser 891, a
cutlery dispenser 892, other system(s) 893, and an external network
812.
[0163] The controller module 860 may be configured to determine one
or more instructions/messages to provide to various other systems
(e.g., a napkin dispenser, cutlery dispenser, paper towel
dispenser, soap dispenser, etc.). In some embodiments, some such
dispensers (e.g., napkin dispenser(s), cutlery dispenser(s), paper
towel dispenser(s), soap dispenser(s), etc.) may be referred to as
back-of-house (BOH) systems. Such communication may occur directly
to the other system(s) and/or through an external network 812.
[0164] In some embodiments, the determined instructions or messages
may be based on any information gathered herein. For example, the
controller module 60 may determine that the napkin dispenser 891
should dispense a certain number of napkins to fulfill a food order
request and instruct the napkin dispenser 891 accordingly. Such
determination of the number of napkins may be made at the napkin
dispenser and/or by the controller module 60. In this regard, the
determined number of napkins could be based on a personal
preference, other personalization information for the customer,
and/or the order information.
[0165] Similarly, the controller module 60 may determine that the
cutlery dispenser 892 should dispense a certain number and/or type
of cutlery items to fulfill a food order request and instruct the
cutlery dispenser 892 accordingly. Such determinations may be made
at the cutlery dispenser and/or by the controller module 60. In
this regard, the determined number and/or type of cutlery could be
based on a personal preference, other personalization information
for the customer, and/or the order information.
[0166] In some embodiments, the on-demand printing system may
utilize napkins or cutlery for printing information thereon--e.g.,
as the food service material item. In such embodiments, the printer
may be configured to print on such items and may be built into the
corresponding dispenser.
[0167] In some embodiments, the controller module 60 may be
configured to gather information and provide the gathered
information to a remote server and/or the control architecture 15
for use with data aggregation/analysis, reports, and/or other data
analytics. Such information may include data gathered from various
other systems as well as any other connected system.
Example Flowchart(s)
[0168] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods,
apparatuses and computer program products for providing on-demand
food service material printing for a food order according to
various embodiments described herein. Various examples of the
operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention will now be provided with reference to FIG. 15.
[0169] FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart according to an example
method for providing on-demand food service material printing for a
food order according to an example embodiment. The operations
illustrated in and described with respect to FIG. 15 may, for
example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the
control of one or more of the components, architectures, modules,
networks, and/or systems/devices of system 10, such as described
herein.
[0170] The method 900 may include receiving a request for food
service at operation 902. At operation 904, the method may include
determining order information based on the request. At operation
906, the method may include determining personalization information
based on the request. Then, the method may include determining
order print information, such as based on the order information, at
operation 908 and personalization print information, such as based
on the personalization information, at operation 910. At operation
912, the method may include determining the food service material
item to print on for fulfilling the food order. Then, at operation
914, the method may include printing on the food service material
item and presenting it to the food service person for use with
preparation of the food order.
[0171] FIG. 15 illustrates an example flowchart of a system,
method, and computer program product according to various example
embodiments described herein. It will be understood that each block
of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts,
may be implemented by various means, such as hardware and/or a
computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable
mediums having computer readable program instructions stored
thereon. For example, one or more of the procedures described
herein may be embodied by computer program instructions of a
computer program product. In this regard, the computer program
product(s) which embody the procedures described herein may be
stored by, for example, the memory and executed by, for example,
the control architecture 15. As will be appreciated, any such
computer program product may be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer
program product including the instructions which execute on the
computer or other programmable apparatus creates means for
implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).
Further, the computer program product may comprise one or more
non-transitory computer-readable mediums on which the computer
program instructions may be stored such that the one or more
computer-readable memories can direct a computer or other
programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed
on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a
computer-implemented process such that the instructions which
execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus implement
the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).
CONCLUSION
[0172] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein may come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover,
although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings
describe example embodiments in the context of certain example
combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated
that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be
provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the
scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different
combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly
described above are also contemplated within the scope of the
invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes
of limitation.
* * * * *