JP7557293B2 - Serving utensils, tableware, wireless tag for tableware, and method and program for controlling serving utensils - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to serving utensils, tableware, wireless tags for tableware, and a method and program for controlling serving utensils.

If a person with a food allergy (hereinafter referred to as "allergy sufferer" where appropriate) ingests food or drink that contains an allergen, the immune system may overreact, causing a variety of physical symptoms. For allergy sufferers, whether or not a food or drink contains a specific allergen is not merely a matter of personal preference as to whether it tastes good or not, but can also be a serious issue that could cause serious health damage. For this reason, it is important for food and drink providers to avoid providing food and drink that contains allergens to allergy sufferers.

There are proposals that can be used in situations like this. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a computer is used to process the task of matching allergen information for dishes in multiple menus with allergen information for multiple customers.

JP 2019-46232 A

Reducing the risk of providing food or beverages containing specific allergens to allergy sufferers could be beneficial for both food and beverage providers and food and beverage consumers.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide serving utensils, tableware, wireless tags for tableware, a method for controlling serving utensils, and a program that can reduce the risk of food and drink containing specific allergens being served to an allergy sufferer.

The serving utensil according to one embodiment is:
A storage unit capable of storing information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage provision service;
A notification unit that outputs a notification;
At least one processor;
Equipped with.
The at least one processor outputs a notification from the notification unit corresponding to the allergy-related information.

The serving utensil according to one embodiment is:
A storage unit capable of storing information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage provision service;
A notification unit that outputs a notification;
a communication unit that acquires allergen information from tableware or a wireless tag for tableware, the communication unit having a storage unit capable of storing allergen information of food and drink provided in the service;
At least one processor;
Equipped with.
The at least one processor outputs a predetermined notification from the notification unit depending on whether the allergen information acquired from the communication unit matches information regarding the allergy of the user.

The tableware according to one embodiment is
A storage unit capable of storing allergen information of food and beverages provided in a food and beverage provision service;
A communication unit for communicating with other electronic devices;
At least one processor.
When the at least one processor detects a request for the allergen information, it transmits the allergen information from the communication unit to the other electronic device.

The wireless tag for tableware according to one embodiment includes:
A storage unit capable of storing allergen information of food and beverages provided in a food and beverage provision service;
A communication unit for communicating with other electronic devices;
At least one processor.
When the at least one processor detects a request for the allergen information, it transmits the allergen information from the communication unit to the other electronic device.

A method for controlling serving utensils according to one embodiment includes the steps of:
storing information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service in a storage unit;
outputting a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from a notification unit provided in the serving utensil;
Includes.

A program according to an embodiment includes:
On the computer,
storing information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service in a storage unit;
outputting a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from a notification unit provided in the serving utensil;
Execute the command.

According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide serving utensils, tableware, wireless tags for tableware, a method for controlling serving utensils, and a program that can reduce the risk of providing food or drink containing a specific allergen to an allergy sufferer.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a food serving utensil according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of another electronic device according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification output by a food serving utensil according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of tableware according to one embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a wireless tag for tableware according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the food serving utensils according to one embodiment.

In this disclosure, "serving utensils" may refer to various tools used for serving food and beverages. For example, "serving utensils" may refer to trays, plates, saucers, etc. used when serving food and beverages. Also, "serving utensils" may refer to carts, wagons, trolleys (pushcarts), dollies, etc. used when transporting food and beverages. Also, in this disclosure, "serving utensils" may include, for example, "tableware." For example, "serving utensils" may refer to various plate-like or container-like members used when serving food and beverages, such as plates, large plates, small plates, small bowls, bowls, teacups, bowls, cups, mugs, glasses, pots, bats, pans, or jars.

In addition, in this disclosure, the term "serving utensils" may include various circuits, devices, or equipment for outputting a specified notification, as described below. More specifically, in this disclosure, the term "serving utensils" may include a functional unit that outputs a notification as visual information, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). In addition, in this disclosure, the term "serving utensils" may include a functional unit that outputs a notification as auditory information, such as a buzzer or speaker. For example, the term "serving utensils" may be a dedicated device, instrument, or tool designed to output a specified notification, as described below. In addition, the term "serving utensils" may be a circuit, device, or equipment that has the function of outputting a specified notification, for example, by being incorporated into a specified serving utensil.

In this disclosure, the "serving tool" may include a circuit, device, or equipment that is powered by electricity. In addition, the "serving tool" in this disclosure may be configured to be able to receive information from other electronic devices or various terminals, etc., as necessary. In addition, the "serving tool" in this disclosure may be configured to be able to transmit information to other electronic devices or various terminals, etc., as necessary. Here, the "other electronic device" and the "terminal" may be any device, such as a server, a dedicated terminal, a computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. In addition, the "other electronic device" and the "terminal" in this disclosure may also be a device or apparatus that is powered by electricity.

In this disclosure, "serving tools" may be used by staff engaged in the business of serving food and beverages, such as in a restaurant. Hereinafter, a business that includes staff engaged in the business of serving food and beverages will also be referred to simply as "business." Staff engaged in the business of serving food and beverages may be hall staff such as waiters/waitresses, or staff such as sommeliers or garcons. Furthermore, staff engaged in the business of serving food and beverages may be staff such as chefs, cooks, or bartenders. Hereinafter, staff engaged in the business of serving food and beverages as described above will also be referred to simply as "restaurant staff."

In addition, the "serving tools" in this disclosure are not limited to those used by restaurant staff. For example, the "serving tools" in this disclosure may be those used by a person who receives food and beverages from restaurant staff (e.g., a user of a business). Here, the person who receives food and beverages may be, for example, a customer who visits a restaurant. Hereinafter, a person who receives food and beverages from staff engaged in the business of providing food and beverages (restaurant staff) will be referred to as a "user of a food and beverage service" or simply as a "user". In addition, the above-mentioned "other electronic devices" and/or "terminals" may also be those used by restaurant staff, such as in a restaurant. In addition, the above-mentioned "other electronic devices" and/or "terminals" may also be those used by a person who receives food and beverages from restaurant staff (e.g., a user or customer).

In addition, in this disclosure, "food and beverages" may include at least one of food (food) and beverage (drinks). In addition, in this disclosure, "food and beverage provision service" may be, for example, a service provided by a business that provides food and beverages. Specifically, the "food and beverage provision service" may be, for example, a cafe, restaurant, or fast food restaurant, or a hotel. In addition, the "food and beverage provision service" may include, for example, a food stall, a food court, or a bar. Furthermore, the "food and beverage provision service" may include, for example, services surrounding a business that directly provides food and beverages. Specifically, the "food and beverage provision service" may include, for example, a service provided by a food and beverage manufacturer or a food and beverage delivery company. In addition, in this disclosure, the "user" may be, for example, a user of the above-mentioned food and beverage provision service, i.e., a person who receives food and beverages in the above-mentioned food and beverage provision service.

The "serving utensils," "tableware," and/or "wireless tableware tags" according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, in a service that provides food and drink that is suitable for the allergies of allergy sufferers. Here, an "allergy sufferer," as described above, may be a person with a food allergy. Furthermore, a person with a food allergy may be a human being, but may also include animals such as pets or livestock. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "food allergy" may be written as "allergy" as appropriate.

The system according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(System configuration example)
1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG 1, the system 1 according to an embodiment may include a food serving tool 10 and another electronic device 100.

The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes serving tools 10A, 10B, and 10C. In this disclosure, when no particular distinction is made between serving tools such as 10A, 10B, and 10C, they may simply be referred to as "serving tools 10." The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes three serving tools 10. However, the system 1 according to one embodiment may be configured to include at least one serving tool 10 or any number of serving tools 10. That is, the system 1 according to one embodiment may include only one serving tool 10, or may include more than three serving tools 10.

The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 also includes one other electronic device 100. The system 1 according to an embodiment may also include multiple other electronic devices 100. The system 1 according to an embodiment may not include the other electronic devices 100 if the food serving tools 10 are independently controllable. As shown in FIG. 1, the food serving tools 10 and the other electronic devices 100 may be connected via a network N in a wired or wireless manner. In FIG. 1, the manner in which each element can be connected in a wired or wireless manner is indicated by dashed lines.

The food serving tool 10 is configured to be connectable to other electronic devices 100 in a wired and/or wireless manner, for example, via a network N. The food serving tool 10 may also be configured to be connectable to food serving tools 10 other than the food serving tool 10 itself in a wired and/or wireless manner, for example, via a network N. FIG. 1 shows, as an example of a system 1, a configuration in which one other electronic device 100 is connected to three food serving tools 10. However, as another example of the system 1, one food serving tool 10 may be connected to each of the multiple other electronic devices 100.

The network N shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination of wired and wireless networks. The network N may be any network, such as the Internet or an intranet, that allows communication between serving tools 10, or between serving tools 10 and other devices, such as other electronic devices 100.

The serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may be used, for example, in a restaurant. In a typical restaurant, chairs and tables are often provided for customers to sit and eat. In such cases, restaurant staff can use the serving tool 10 to deliver food and drink to the tables used by the customers. Below, as an example, we will explain the serving tool 10 according to one embodiment assuming that it is installed in a typical restaurant.

Next, the configuration of the food serving tool 10 and other electronic devices 100 shown in Figure 1 will be described in more detail.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the food serving utensil 10 according to one embodiment.

The serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may be installed in, for example, a restaurant. As described above, the serving tool 10 outputs a predetermined notification by, for example, being connected to another electronic device 100 by wire and/or wirelessly. The serving tool 10 may be, for example, a device designed specifically for the purpose, or may be integrated with other devices or tools. The serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may be a device provided for the use of a user, or a device provided for the use of a business. For example, a kitchen staff member of a restaurant may use the serving tool 10 when cooking or plating (preparing) food and drink. Also, a hall staff member of a restaurant may use the serving tool 10 when carrying food and drink to a customer. In this case, the serving tool 10 may output a predetermined notification to, for example, a hall (floor) staff member and/or a kitchen staff member of the restaurant as a device provided for the use of a business. Also, a user (customer) of a food and drink service may use the serving tool 10 when eating and drinking food at a table. In this case, the serving utensil 10 may be provided for the user's use, and may output a specific notification to the user (customer) to whom food or drink has been delivered by, for example, restaurant staff.

As shown in FIG. 2, the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment includes a processor 12, a notification unit 14, a memory unit 16, a communication unit 18, and an operation unit 20. The food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may not include some of the functional units shown in FIG. 2, or may include functional units other than those shown in FIG. 2.

The processor 12 executes various functions for controlling and/or managing the serving tool 10. The processor 12 may include at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), to provide control and processing power for executing various functions. The processor 12 may be realized as a single processor, as a number of processors, or as individual processors. Here, the "processor" may be realized as a single integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is also called an integrated circuit (IC). The "processor" may also be realized as multiple integrated circuits and discrete circuits connected in a communicable manner. The "processor" may also be realized based on various other known technologies. In one embodiment, the processor 12 may be configured as, for example, a CPU and a program executed by the CPU. The program executed by the processor 12 and the results of the processing executed by the processor 12 may be stored, for example, in the memory unit 16. The results of the processing executed by the processor 12 may also be output from the notification unit 14. The processor 12 according to one embodiment outputs a predetermined notification from the notification unit 14. The operation of the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment will be described further below.

In one embodiment, the processor 12 may have a function for measuring time, such as a timer function. The processor 12 may have a function for starting to measure time based on a predetermined trigger. The processor 12 may also have a function for measuring a predetermined time. Furthermore, the processor 12 may have a function for notifying, for example, other functional units, of the passage of a predetermined time.

The notification unit 14 outputs a predetermined notification, for example, as visual information and/or audio information. The notification output from the notification unit 14 according to one embodiment will be described further below.

When outputting visual information, the notification unit 14 may be any display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence panel, or an inorganic electro-luminescence panel. In this case, the notification unit 14 may display various information such as characters, figures, or symbols. In one embodiment, the notification output from the notification unit 14 may be, for example, a notification displaying information about allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service, as described below. The notification unit 14 may also display, for example, a menu of food and beverages provided by a business such as a restaurant. The notification unit 14 may also display various information such as information about food and beverages provided by a business such as a restaurant, or information associated with the food and beverages. Here, the qualification information displayed on the notification unit 14 may be directed to the business staff or may be directed to the user. The notification unit 14 may also display various objects constituting a GUI, including a pointer, and icon images, in order to prompt the user to perform an operation. Various data necessary for display in the notification unit 14 may be supplied, for example, from the processor 12 or the storage unit 16. Furthermore, the notification unit 14 may be configured to include a backlight, etc., as appropriate.

In addition, the notification unit 14 is not necessarily limited to a display device such as an LCD, so long as it is configured to output a predetermined visual notification. The notification unit 14 may include various components including a light source such as an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an OLED (Organic LED), an inorganic EL (Inorganic Electro-Luminescence), an optical fiber, or a lamp.

When outputting auditory information, the notification unit 14 may be configured to include a device (acoustic device) that converts an electric signal into sound, such as a speaker or loudspeaker. In this case, the notification unit 14 may output various types of auditory information, such as sound, music, and/or voice. In one embodiment, the notification output from the notification unit 14 may be a notification in which, for example, information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service is read out aloud, as described below. The notification unit 14 may also read out a menu of food and beverages provided by a business such as a restaurant aloud. The notification unit 14 may also read out various information, such as information regarding food and beverages provided by a business such as a restaurant, or information associated with the food and beverages. Here, the auditory information read out from the notification unit 14 may be directed to the business staff or may be directed to the user. Various data necessary for outputting sound in the notification unit 14 may be supplied, for example, from the processor 12 or the memory unit 16.

The storage unit 16 stores various information acquired from the processor 12 and the communication unit 18. In one embodiment, the storage unit 16 may store information input by a user or the like. The storage unit 16 also stores programs (e.g., application software) executed by the processor 12. The storage unit 16 also stores various data, such as the results of calculations by the processor 12. The storage unit 16 may also include a work memory when the processor 12 operates. The storage unit 16 may be configured, for example, from a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, but is not limited to these and may be any storage device. For example, the storage unit 16 may be a storage medium such as a memory card inserted into the serving utensil 10 according to one embodiment. The storage unit 16 may also be an internal memory of the CPU used as the processor 12.

In one embodiment, the memory unit 16 is configured to be able to store information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage service. In other words, at the time when the serving tool 10 is manufactured or sold, the memory unit 16 does not need to store information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage service. For example, at the time when the serving tool 10 is used, the memory unit 16 may store information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage service.

The communication unit 18 can realize various functions including wireless communication. The communication unit 18 may realize communication by various communication methods such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, or 5G. The communication unit 18 may include a modem whose communication method is standardized by ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector). The communication unit 18 may also realize wireless communication by various methods such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 18 may wirelessly communicate with a communication unit of an external device such as an external server or a cloud server via a network, for example, via an antenna. In one embodiment, the communication unit 18 may receive various information from an external database such as an external server or a cloud server. The information received by the communication unit 18 may be supplied to the processor 12 and/or the storage unit 16, for example. The information transmitted from the communication unit 18 may be supplied from the processor 12 and/or the storage unit 16, for example. The information transmitted from the communication unit 18 may be transmitted to, for example, another electronic device 100 or another terminal.

The various types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit 18 may be stored, for example, in the memory unit 16. The communication unit 18 may be configured to include, for example, an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves and an appropriate RF unit. The communication unit 18 may be configured using known technology for wireless communication. The communication unit 18 may also be an interface for the food serving utensil 10 to communicate with other devices via a wired connection.

In one embodiment, the communication unit 18 of the food serving tool 10 shown in FIG. 2 may communicate with the communication unit 108 (FIG. 3) of another electronic device 100 in a wired or wireless manner. The communication unit 18 may also communicate with the communication unit 18 of another food serving tool 10 in a wired or wireless manner, for example. In this way, in one embodiment, the communication unit 18 may communicate with another device, such as another electronic device 100. The communication unit 18 may also communicate wirelessly with the communication unit of another device, such as an information processing device that functions as an external server, for example.

The operation unit 20 detects as input an operation by a user, such as a staff member of a company or a user. The operation unit 20 may be configured with an input device, such as a keyboard. The operation unit 20 may be any input device used by a user to perform an operation, such as keys (physical keys) like a keyboard, buttons (physical buttons), and/or switches (mechanical switches). In one embodiment, the operation unit 20 may be any known input device. The operation signal (input signal) detected by the operation unit 20 may be supplied to, for example, the processor 12 and/or the memory unit 16.

The operation unit 20 may also be an input device such as a touch panel or a touch sensor. In this case, the operation unit 20 may employ various types of touch panels, such as a resistive type, a capacitive type, or an optical type.

In one embodiment, the notification unit 14 may be configured together with the operation unit 20 as, for example, a touch screen display. In this case, the touch screen display may include, as the notification unit 14, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. In addition, in this case, the touch screen display may include, as the operation unit 20, a touch sensor or a touch panel that detects the presence or absence of contact by the user and the position of the contact. In such a configuration, for example, keys such as a numeric keypad or icons can be displayed as objects on the notification unit 14, and the operation of the operator (user) touching the object can be detected by the operation unit 20. In this disclosure, the touch screen display is also simply referred to as a touch screen.

In FIG. 1, the food serving tool 10 is connected to other electronic devices 100 via a network N. However, the food serving tool 10 may be connected to other electronic devices 100 without going through the network N. Also, the food serving tool 10 may be connected, for example, to at least one of the other food serving tools 10 via a wired or wireless connection, regardless of whether it is through the network N or not.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram that shows a schematic configuration of another electronic device 100 according to one embodiment.

The other electronic device 100 according to one embodiment may be, for example, a device used by a business. The other electronic device 100 may be, for example, a server operated by a business that provides food and beverages, as a device used by a business. The other electronic device 100 may also be, for example, a server operated by a business that is commissioned by a business that provides food and beverages, as a device used by a business. Hereinafter, the server operated by a business that provides food and beverages and the server operated by a business that is commissioned by a business that provides food and beverages may be collectively referred to as "servers used by restaurants". The other electronic device 100 may also be, for example, a terminal carried by a hall staff of a restaurant, as a device used by a business. The other electronic device 100 may also be, for example, a terminal that a hall staff of a restaurant can use to input orders from users, as a device used by a business. Furthermore, the other electronic device 100 may be, for example, a terminal designed specifically for the device, or a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet carried by a hall staff of a restaurant. Furthermore, the other electronic device 100 may be a device provided for the use of a business, for example, a terminal that can be visually recognized by kitchen staff of a restaurant. The other electronic device 100 according to one embodiment can be various devices that can be used by business staff when providing food and drink to users. Also, the other electronic device 100 may be a device provided for the use of a user, for example, a terminal designed specifically for the purpose, or a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet carried by a customer who visits a restaurant.

As shown in FIG. 3, another electronic device 100 according to an embodiment includes a processor 102, a display unit 104, a memory unit 106, a communication unit 108, an operation unit 110, and a reading unit 112. Another electronic device 100 according to an embodiment may not include some of the functional units shown in FIG. 3, or may include functional units other than those shown in FIG. 3.

Of the functional units shown in FIG. 3, the processor 102, memory unit 106, communication unit 108, and operation unit 110 may be configured based on the same concept as the processor 12, memory unit 16, communication unit 18, and operation unit 20 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. Furthermore, of the functional units shown in FIG. 3, the processor 102, memory unit 106, communication unit 108, and operation unit 110 may be configured based on other concepts as appropriate, as necessary. A detailed description of these functional units will be omitted.

The display unit 104 may be any display device, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence panel, or an inorganic electro-luminescence panel. The display unit 104 may display various information such as characters, figures, or symbols. Here, the information displayed on the display unit 104 may be directed to the staff of the company, or may be directed to the user. The display unit 104 may also display various objects constituting a GUI, such as a pointer, and icon images, in order to prompt the user or the staff of the company to perform an operation. Various data required for display on the display unit 104 may be supplied, for example, from the processor 102 or the memory unit 106. The display unit 104 may also be configured to include a backlight, etc., as appropriate.

In addition, the other electronic device 100 according to one embodiment may be provided with a speaker or the like in place of the display unit 104 or in addition to the display unit 104, for audibly conveying various information to staff and/or users operating the other electronic device 100.

In one embodiment, the display unit 104 may display, for example, the results of processing executed by the processor 102. The display unit 104 may also display, for example, characters or images stored in the memory unit 106. The display unit 104 may also display, for example, characters or images based on data received via the communication unit 108. The display unit 104 may also display, for example, information input from the operation unit 110.

The reading unit 112 may be configured to include, for example, a barcode reader and/or a camera for reading the displayed or printed predetermined identification information. In this case, the camera may be configured to include various imaging devices, for example, a CCD image sensor. In one embodiment, the reading unit 112 may be configured to be capable of reading, for example, a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display unit of a terminal carried by a user. The reading unit 112 may also be configured to be capable of reading, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) printed on a coupon or receipt.

In one embodiment, the identification image read by the reading unit 112 is not limited to a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and may be any identification image. Also, in one embodiment, the identification information read by the reading unit 112 is not limited to image information, and may be any information, such as a passcode composed of characters or character strings. Furthermore, the reading unit 112 is not limited to functional units such as a barcode reader and/or a camera, and may be, for example, an RFID reader that reads identification information from an RF tag. The information read by the reading unit 112 may be supplied to, for example, the processor 102 and/or the memory unit 106.

The other electronic device 100 according to an embodiment may have a hardware configuration similar to that of a server in a general client-server model, for example. The other electronic device 100 according to an embodiment may also be, for example, a cloud server that provides cloud services. In this disclosure, a "server" may be a computer that provides a service. In other words, a "server" may be a computer and/or software that performs the function of providing information and/or processing results in response to a request from a client, such as a server in a client-server model.

Next, we will explain the operation of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment.

(Basic operation of serving utensils)
FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the basic operation of the serving tool 10 according to an embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 4 may be performed, for example, in a restaurant where the system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed. The serving tool 10 according to an embodiment may be used, for example, in a restaurant when preparing and carrying food and drink ordered by a user (customer). That is, the serving tool 10 according to an embodiment may be used, for example, in a restaurant by staff of the restaurant, particularly, hall (floor) staff and/or kitchen staff of the restaurant. In this case, the other electronic device 100 may be, for example, an information processing device that controls and manages a plurality of serving tools 10 in the restaurant.

In one embodiment, the food serving tool 10 outputs a notification corresponding to the allergy of a user who visits a restaurant, for example, if the user has an allergy.

When the operation shown in FIG. 4 starts, the processor 12 of the serving tool 10 judges whether or not information on the user's allergy has been acquired (step S1). In step S1, the information on the user's allergy may be acquired from, for example, another electronic device 100. Here, the other electronic device 100 may be, for example, a server used by a restaurant or an electronic device such as a smartphone carried by the user. In addition, in step S1, the information on the user's allergy may be acquired from information stored in the memory unit 16 of the serving tool 10, or information input via the operation unit 110 of the other electronic device 100. The information on the allergy will be described further below. If the information on the allergy has been acquired in step S1, the processor 12 outputs a notification corresponding to the information on the allergy from the notification unit 14 based on the acquired information on the allergy (step S2). The specific notification output in step S2 will be described further below.

On the other hand, if information regarding allergies is not acquired in step S1, the processor 12 may skip step S2 and end the operation shown in FIG. 4. After ending the operation shown in FIG. 4, the processor 12 may start the operation shown in FIG. 4 again. In this case, the processor 12 may repeat the operation shown in FIG. 4 periodically or irregularly. The processor 12 may also repeat the operation shown in FIG. 4 until information regarding allergies is acquired in step S1.

The "information on allergies" that is determined to have been acquired in step S1 may be, for example, information on allergies of a specific user who uses a certain food and beverage service (hereinafter, also referred to as "information on allergies of a specific user"). The information on allergies of a specific user may be, for example, information on a specific allergen (antigen that causes allergies). Specifically, the information on allergies of a specific user may be, for example, information indicating a selection from among the seven specific ingredients (eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, and crab) that are required to be labeled under the Food Labeling Standards of the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan. For example, if the information on allergies includes "buckwheat" and "shrimp," it is understood that the specific user has (some kind of) allergy to "buckwheat" and "shrimp." In addition, the information on allergies of a specific user may be, for example, information indicating a selection from among items equivalent to specific ingredients under the Food Labeling Standards of the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan (for example, 21 items recommended for labeling).

Information about allergies for a particular user tends not to change significantly in the short term. Therefore, for example, if a particular user inputs information about allergies when making an online reservation at a restaurant, the information about the allergies may be stored in the other electronic device 100. For example, if a particular user visits a restaurant without making a reservation, the information about allergies may be input directly by the user into the other electronic device 100 or a terminal. Also, for example, if a particular user visits a restaurant without making a reservation, the information about allergies input by the user may be stored in the other electronic device 100.

For example, as a simple example, information regarding a specific user's allergies may be information that indicates only the presence or absence of any allergies. For example, if the information regarding a specific user's allergies indicates that the user has allergies, the specific user may be determined to have (or be aware of) an allergy. Also, for example, if the information regarding a specific user's allergies does not indicate that the user has allergies, the specific user may be determined to not have (or be aware of) an allergy. Also, for example, if the information regarding a specific user's allergies indicates that the user does not have allergies, the specific user may be determined to not have (or be aware of) an allergy.

In addition, the information regarding a specific user's allergies may include the type of allergy of the user. The type of allergy of the user may be, for example, the type of allergen. For example, as in the above example, if the information regarding a specific user's allergies includes "buckwheat" and "shrimp" as types of allergies, the specific user may be determined to have an allergy to "buckwheat" and "shrimp."

In addition, the information regarding a specific user's allergies may include the degree of the user's allergies. The degree of the user's allergies may be, for example, an allergy class (score) such as an antibody titer of an IgE antibody. In addition, for example, as in the above example, if the information regarding a specific user's allergies includes "buckwheat" and "shrimp" as types of allergies, it may include information indicating the degree of allergy (class score) for each type.

Various timings are assumed for the start of the operation shown in FIG. 4. For example, the start of the operation shown in FIG. 4 may be the time when a specific user comes to a restaurant and sits down at a table in the restaurant. The start of the operation shown in FIG. 4 may also be the time when a specific user places an order for food and drink after sitting down at a table in the restaurant. The start of the operation shown in FIG. 4 may also be any time between when a specific user places an order for food and drink and when the ordered food and drink are served.

For example, when a user orders food or drink at a restaurant, the serving tool 10 may obtain information about the allergy of the specific user and output a notification corresponding to the information about the allergy from the notification unit 14. Also, for example, when the serving tool 10 obtains information about the allergy of a specific user before the ordered food or drink is served, the serving tool 10 may output a notification corresponding to the information about the allergy from the notification unit 14. For example, if a user inputs that they have an allergy, the serving tool 10 may output that they have an allergy from the notification unit 14. Also, for example, if a user inputs that they have an allergy type, such as "buckwheat" and "shrimp," the serving tool 10 may output that they have an allergy to "buckwheat" and "shrimp" from the notification unit 14. Furthermore, for example, if a user inputs the level of their allergy, the serving tool 10 may also output the level of their allergy from the notification unit 14.

The information on the allergies of the users described above is not limited to information on one user, but may be information on multiple users. For example, assume that one serving tool 10 is delivered to one table and used by three users. The serving tool 10 delivered to the table acquires allergy-related information from two users, for example, indicating that the user has allergies, and acquires allergy-related information from one user, indicating that the user has allergies. In this case, the serving tool 10 may output a notification from the notification unit 14 indicating that the three users include an allergy sufferer. In addition, in this case, the serving tool 10 may output a notification from the notification unit 14 indicating that "two users have allergies" and/or "one user does not have allergies". As in the above example, the serving tool 10 may also output a notification of the type of allergy and/or the level of allergy from the notification unit 14 for each user. Additionally, the serving tool 10 may provide the above-mentioned notification along with information indicating the user's position at the table.

Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of notifications output by the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment.

The serving tool 10A shown in FIG. 5A may be, for example, a tray, a plate, or a tray. The serving tool 10A shown in FIG. 5A may be equipped with a notification unit 14A that notifies visual information, such as a liquid crystal display. As shown in FIG. 5A, the serving tool 10A may output a notification corresponding to information about the user's allergy as an image such as object OB1 from the notification unit 14A. The notification unit 14A shown in FIG. 5A indicates, as a notification corresponding to information about the user's allergy, that the allergens that pose a risk to the user are "crab, shrimp, and wheat" as an image such as object OB1. By looking at the object OB1 displayed on the notification unit 14A, the restaurant staff can recognize that the user is an allergy sufferer and/or that "crab, shrimp, and wheat" are allergens for the user.

The serving tool 10D shown in FIG. 5B may be, for example, a plate, saucer, or small bowl. The serving tool 10D shown in FIG. 5B may be equipped with a notification unit 14D that notifies audible information, such as a speaker. As shown in FIG. 5B, the serving tool 10D may output a notification corresponding to information about the user's allergy, for example as a sound, from the notification unit 14D. The notification unit 14D shown in FIG. 5B outputs a sound that indicates that the allergens that pose a risk to the user are "crab, shrimp, and wheat" as a notification corresponding to the information about the user's allergy. By hearing the sound output from the notification unit 14D, the restaurant staff can recognize that the user is an allergy sufferer and/or that "crab, shrimp, and wheat" are allergens for the user.

Thus, the serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may include a memory unit 16 capable of storing information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage service, a notification unit 14 that outputs notifications, and at least one processor 12. Here, the at least one processor 12 may output notifications corresponding to information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage service from the notification unit 14.

According to one embodiment, for example, kitchen staff who prepares ordered food and drink (e.g., cooks or plates) can easily check whether a user has an allergy by looking at the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10. Also, according to one embodiment, for example, kitchen staff who prepares ordered food and drink can easily check whether the food and drink they are preparing is safe for the user by looking at the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, for example, hall (floor) staff who delivers ordered food and drink to a user can easily check whether a user has an allergy by looking at the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10. Also, according to one embodiment, for example, hall (floor) staff who delivers ordered food and drink to a user can easily check whether the food and drink they are delivering to the user is safe for the user by looking at the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10. Therefore, the serving tool 10 can reduce the risk of providing food and drink containing a specific allergen to an allergy sufferer.

(Notification corresponding to an order)
For example, when a customer at a restaurant orders food and drink, the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may output a notification corresponding to the order. Such an embodiment will be described below.

Figure 6 is a flow chart explaining the operation of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment to give a notification corresponding to an order. The situation in which the operation shown in Figure 6 is performed may be, for example, the situation in which the operation shown in Figure 4 is performed. In the explanation of Figure 6, the explanation that is the same as that of Figure 4 will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

When the operation shown in FIG. 6 starts, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10 determines whether information about the user's allergies has been acquired (step S1). Step S1 may be performed in the same manner as step S1 described in FIG. 4.

If no information regarding allergies is acquired in step S1, the processor 12 may end the operation shown in FIG. 6. After the operation shown in FIG. 6 is ended, the processor 12 may start the operation shown in FIG. 6 again. In this case, the processor 12 may repeat the operation shown in FIG. 6 periodically or irregularly. The processor 12 may also repeat the operation shown in FIG. 6 until information regarding allergies is acquired in step S1.

On the other hand, if information regarding allergies is acquired in step S1, the processor 12 determines whether or not a signal indicating a food or drink order by the user has been detected (step S11). In step S11, the signal indicating a food or drink order by the user may be, for example, a signal received from another electronic device 100 or a terminal. Here, the terminal may be a terminal carried by a staff member of the restaurant (e.g., a hall staff member) and capable of accepting food and drink orders from users. The signal indicating the order accepted by such a terminal may be transmitted to, for example, the other electronic device 100. In this case, the other electronic device 100 may transmit a signal indicating the order to the communication unit 18 of the serving tool 10.

If a signal indicating a food or drink order by the user is not detected in step S11, the processor 12 outputs a notification corresponding to the information about the allergy from the notification unit 14 based on the information about the allergy (step S2). Step S2 may be performed in the same manner as step S2 described in FIG. 4.

On the other hand, if a signal indicating a food or beverage order by a user is detected in step S11, the processor 12 may output a notification corresponding to the order from the notification unit 14 (step S12). The notification corresponding to the order output in step S12 may be, for example, at least one of the user's food or beverage order number, the user's table number, and the type of food or beverage ordered. In step S12, the processor 12 may output, in addition to the notification corresponding to the order described above, a notification corresponding to information regarding allergies from the notification unit 14, as in step S2.

For example, in step S12, the processor 12 may display the order number and table number of the user as an image such as object OB1 from the notification unit 14A shown in FIG. 5A as a notification corresponding to the user's food and drink order. Also, for example, in step S12, the processor 12 may output the order number and table number of the user as audio from the notification unit 14D shown in FIG. 5B as a notification corresponding to the user's food and drink order.

In this way, in one embodiment, when at least one processor 12 detects a signal indicating an order for food or beverage to be provided to a user, it may output a notification corresponding to the order from the notification unit 14. Furthermore, in one embodiment, when at least one processor 12 detects that a signal indicating an order for food or beverage to be provided to a user has been received from another electronic device 100, it may output a notification corresponding to the order from the notification unit 14.

In this way, for example, hall (floor) staff who deliver ordered food and drink to a customer can easily recognize the order number and the table number of the customer who placed the order by looking at the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10. This can reduce the risk of the ordered food and drink being delivered to the wrong customer (guest), for example. Therefore, the serving tool 10 can reduce the risk of an allergy sufferer being provided with food and drink containing a specific allergen.

(Operations in notifications)
In a restaurant, if the system could determine whether a designated staff member has checked the notification output from the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10, the convenience of the system 1 could be improved. Therefore, the system 1 may be configured to clearly indicate that a designated staff member has checked the notification output from the notification unit 14 of the serving tool 10. Such an embodiment will be described below.

As described above, the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 may be configured, for example, as a touch screen together with the operation unit 20. In this case, when a specific notification is displayed on the notification unit 14, a specific operation for at least a part of the displayed notification can be detected by the operation unit 20. In this way, in the food serving tool 10, the notification unit 14 may include an operation unit 20 such as a touch screen.

Figure 7 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment to detect an operation in a notification. The situation in which the operation shown in Figure 7 is performed may be, for example, a situation after the operation shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6 has been performed. In other words, the operation shown in Figure 7 may be performed after a specified notification is output from the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10. In the explanation of Figure 7, explanations that are the same as those already described will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

7 starts, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10 determines whether a specific operation on the operation unit 20 has been detected (step S21). In step S21, the processor 12 may detect an operation on the operation unit 20, for example, after displaying visual information on the notification unit 14.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a serving tool 10 that detects an operation in a notification. As shown in Figure 8, the processor 12 of the serving tool 10A may display a "confirm" object OB2 in the notification unit 14A to detect a specific operation on the operation unit 20A. The serving tool 10A shown in Figure 8 may detect a specific operation on the object OB2 displayed in the notification unit 14 by the operation unit 20. For example, when a staff member of a restaurant confirms a notification displayed as object OB1, he or she can clearly indicate that he or she has confirmed the notification by performing a specific operation on object OB2. This allows the system 1 to recognize that the staff member of the restaurant has confirmed the notification.

The predetermined operation on the object OB2 displayed on the notification unit 14 may be any input operation, such as touch, tap, slide, swipe, or flick. The operation unit 20 may detect the predetermined operation on the object OB2 displayed on the notification unit 14. The operation unit 20 may also detect the predetermined operation on any location on the operation unit 20, even if it is not on the object OB2.

If a predetermined operation on the operation unit 20 is not detected in step S21, the processor 12 may end the operation shown in FIG. 7. After ending the operation shown in FIG. 7, the processor 12 may start the operation shown in FIG. 7 again. In this case, the processor 12 may repeat the operation shown in FIG. 7 periodically or irregularly. The processor 12 may also repeat the operation shown in FIG. 7 until a predetermined operation on the operation unit 20 is detected in step S1.

On the other hand, if a specific operation on the operation unit 20 is detected in step S21, the processor 12 changes the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 in accordance with the detected operation (step S22).

For example, in step S22, the processor 12 may change the display mode of the displayed "Confirm" object OB2. For example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the displayed "Confirm" object OB2 is erased. Also, for example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the color of the displayed "Confirm" object OB2 is changed. Also, for example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the position of the displayed "Confirm" object OB2 is changed. Also, for example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the shape of the displayed "Confirm" object OB2 is changed.

Also, for example, in step S22, the processor 12 may change the display mode of the object OB1 instead of or together with the displayed "Confirm" object OB2. For example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the displayed object OB1 is erased. For example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the color of the displayed object OB1 is changed. For example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the position of the displayed object OB1 is changed. For example, the processor 12 may change the mode of notification by the notification unit 14 so that the shape of the displayed object OB1 is changed.

Also, for example, in step S22, the processor 12 may display a new object on the notification unit 14 in place of or together with the object OB1/OB2. For example, the processor 12 may change the manner of notification by the notification unit 14 so that an object indicating "confirmed" is displayed.

As described above, the operation unit 20 may detect various input operations as the predetermined operation for the notification unit 14. Therefore, for example, in step S21, the processor 12 may display an object indicating the predetermined operation on the notification unit 14.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a serving tool 10 that detects an operation in a notification. As shown in Figure 9, the processor 12 of the serving tool 10A may display an object OB3 such as "please slide" in the notification section 14A to detect sliding as a predetermined operation on the operation section 20A. In this case, the serving tool 10A shown in Figure 9 may detect a predetermined operation on the object OB1 or OB3 displayed on the notification section 14 by the operation section 20. For example, when a staff member of a restaurant confirms a notification displayed as object OB1, he or she can slide on object OB1 or OB3 to clearly indicate that he or she has confirmed the notification. This allows the system 1 to recognize that the staff member of the restaurant has confirmed the notification.

For example, in a state as shown in FIG. 9, the processor 12 may detect a predetermined operation (e.g., sliding) on the object OB3 by the operation unit 20. When the predetermined operation on the object OB3 is detected, the processor 12 may change the display mode in the notification unit 14, for example, by erasing the object OB3 or by changing the color, shape, or position of the object OB3. Also, for example, in a state as shown in FIG. 9, the processor 12 may detect a predetermined operation (e.g., sliding) on the object OB1 by the operation unit 20. When the predetermined operation on the object OB1 is detected, the processor 12 may change the display mode in the notification unit 14, for example, by erasing the object OB1 or by changing the color, shape, or position of the object OB1.

Thus, the serving utensil 10 according to one embodiment may include an operation unit 20 such as a touch screen. In this case, the at least one processor 12 may change the display mode on the touch screen of the notification unit 14 when the operation unit 20 detects a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen of the notification unit 14. Also, in one embodiment, the at least one processor 12 may change the display mode on the touch screen of the notification unit 14 when the operation unit 20 detects a predetermined gesture (e.g., sliding) on the touch screen.

According to one embodiment of the serving tool 10, the system 1 can recognize that a restaurant staff member has confirmed the notification output from the serving tool 10.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a serving tool 10 that detects an operation in a notification. FIG. 10 may be a diagram illustrating a state after, for example, a slide on object OB1 is detected in the state shown in FIG. 9. In the serving tool 10A shown in FIG. 9, when a staff member of a restaurant checks the notification displayed as object OB1, he or she may slide on object OB1. When a slide operation is detected, the processor 12 may slide the position of object OB1 to the left as shown in FIG. 10, and display an object like object OB4 on the notification unit 14. The object OB4 shown in FIG. 10 may be, for example, the position of object OB1 moved to the left and the color of object OB1 changed. In this way, according to the serving tool 10 according to one embodiment, it is possible to clearly indicate on the notification unit 14 that a staff member of a restaurant has checked the notification output from the serving tool 10.

For example, kitchen staff at a restaurant can check object OB1 in notification unit 14A shown in FIG. 9 when preparing ordered food and drink, such as cooking and plating the food, to see if the food and drink will be acceptable to the customer. Once the restaurant kitchen staff has completed preparations such as cooking and plating the ordered food and drink, they may hand over the task of carrying the food and drink served on the serving utensils 10 to another staff member, such as a hall staff member. In such a situation, once the kitchen staff has completed preparation of the ordered food and drink, and has confirmed through a notification such as object OB1 that the food and drink will be acceptable to the customer, they can perform a slide display for object OB1.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the operation unit 20 detects a slide on the touch screen, the food service tool 10A may output to the notification unit 14 the name of the staff member who should use the food service tool 10A to deliver food and drink to the user's table. As shown in FIG. 10, the food service tool 10A may display, on the notification unit 14, an object OB5 indicating, for example, the name of staff member A as the staff member who should use the food service tool 10A to deliver food and drink to the user's table. When performing such an operation, the processor 12 of the food service tool 10A may inquire, for example, of the other electronic device 100, about the staff member who is currently available. Then, the processor 12 may display, for example, an identifier such as the name or staff member number of the staff member presented as the currently available staff member as an object OB5 on the notification unit 14. Also, for example, the other electronic device 100 may specify the staff member who received the order for the food and drink as the staff member who should deliver the food and drink to the user's table.

Thus, in one embodiment, at least one processor 12 may display on the touch screen an indication of the staff member who will be serving food and beverages to the user when it detects a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen.

When a restaurant waiter uses the serving utensil 10 to deliver prepared food or drink to a customer, he or she can recognize the object OB5, as shown in FIG. 10, and determine whether or not the food or drink should be delivered by him or her.

Also, for example, in the situation shown in FIG. 10, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10A may transmit a notification that the food and drink to be served to the user is ready to be prepared to a terminal carried by, for example, a hall staff member. In particular, the processor 12 may transmit a notification that the food and drink to be served to the user is ready to be prepared only to a terminal carried by, for example, the staff member who will deliver the food and drink. When performing such an operation, the food serving tool 10A may transmit a signal to the other electronic device 100 indicating that the food and drink to be served to the user is ready to be prepared. As a result, the other electronic device 100 may select a staff member who will deliver the food and drink, and return information about the selected staff member to the food serving tool 10A.

Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment to detect a notification operation. Figure 11 shows the operation of the food serving tool 10 as described above, which is to send a signal to another electronic device 100 indicating that the food and drink to be served to the user has been prepared. The situation in which the operation shown in Figure 11 is performed may be, for example, a situation after the operation shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6 has been performed, similar to the operation shown in Figure 7. In other words, the operation shown in Figure 11 may be performed after a specified notification has been output from the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10. In the explanation of Figure 11, explanations that are the same as those already given will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

When the operation shown in FIG. 11 starts, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10 determines whether a specific operation on the operation unit 20 has been detected (step S21). Step S21 may be performed in the same manner as step S2 described in FIG. 7. For example, in step S21, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10A shown in FIG. 9 may detect, by the operation unit 20A, a slide indicating that a staff member of the restaurant has confirmed a notification such as object OB1.

If a predetermined operation on the operation unit 20 is detected in step S21, the processor 12 transmits a predetermined signal to the other electronic devices 100, etc. in response to the detected operation (step S32). In step S32, the predetermined signal transmitted to the other electronic devices 100, etc. may be, for example, a signal indicating that preparation of food and drink to be served to the user is complete. In step S32, the processor 12 may transmit the information indicating that preparation of food and drink to be served to the user is complete to, for example, a terminal carried by a waiter, instead of or together with the other electronic devices 100.

Thus, in one embodiment, when at least one processor 12 detects a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen, it may transmit a signal to another electronic device 100 indicating that food or beverage is ready to be served to the user.

According to one embodiment, for example, kitchen staff at a restaurant can inform other staff that food and drink preparation is complete by performing a specific operation on the serving tool 10. Also, according to one embodiment, for example, kitchen staff at a restaurant can smoothly hand over their work to other staff by receiving a specific notification on the serving tool 10. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when hall staff at a restaurant use the serving tool 10 to deliver prepared food and drink to a customer, they can recognize object OB5 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, and know whether or not the food and drink should be delivered by them.

(Advertisement output)
In the above example, the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 outputs a notification corresponding to information related to the user's allergies. In addition to outputting such notifications, if the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 can be effectively utilized, the food serving tool 10 can be used even more effectively. Therefore, in the system 1, the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 may be configured to output a specified advertisement. Such an embodiment will be described below.

For example, the serving tool 10 may output a notification corresponding to the above-mentioned information regarding the user's allergies from the notification unit 14 from the time when a food or drink is ordered by a user until the food or drink is delivered to the user. Then, when the ordered food or drink is delivered to the user, the serving tool 10 may output a predetermined advertisement from the notification unit 14 instead of or together with the notification corresponding to the above-mentioned information regarding the user's allergies.

Figure 12 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment to output an advertisement. The situation in which the operation shown in Figure 12 is performed may be, for example, the situation after the operations shown in Figures 4, 6, 7, and 11 have been performed. That is, the operation of the food serving tool 10 shown in Figure 12 may be performed after the notification unit 14 outputs a notification corresponding to information regarding the user's allergies and/or a notification corresponding to an order. In the explanation of Figure 12, explanations that are the same as those already given will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

When the operation shown in FIG. 12 starts, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10 determines whether or not it has detected a signal indicating that the food or drink ordered by the user has been provided to the user (step S41). Hereinafter, the signal indicating that the food or drink ordered by the user has been provided to the user will also be referred to simply as a "signal indicating completion of provision." In step S41, the processor 12 may determine whether or not the communication unit 18 has received a signal indicating completion of provision, transmitted from, for example, another electronic device 100 or a terminal.

When a signal indicating completion of provision is detected in step S41, the processor 12 may output a predetermined advertisement from the notification unit 14 (step S42). Here, the information constituting the predetermined advertisement may be stored in advance in the storage unit 16, or may be obtained, for example, from another electronic device 100 before outputting the advertisement.

Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the food serving tool 10 to output an advertisement. As shown in Figure 13, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10A may output a specific advertisement AD1 from the notification unit 14A, for example, instead of or together with the object OB1. The content of the specific advertisement AD1 may be arbitrary. For example, the specific advertisement AD1 may be related to the restaurant currently visited by the user, related to the food and drink brought to the user, or unrelated to these.

In addition, in the food serving tool 10, when a specific advertisement AD1 is output from the notification unit 14, the specific advertisement AD1 may be displayed so as to be more prominent than the object OB1 indicating a notification corresponding to information regarding the user's allergies. In this case, the processor 12 may display the specific advertisement AD1 in the notification unit 14 so as to be larger than the object OB1. For example, the processor 12 may display the specific advertisement AD1 in the notification unit 14 so that the area occupied by the specific advertisement AD1 is larger than the area occupied by the object OB1. In addition, the processor 12 may display the specific advertisement AD1 in the notification unit 14 in a color, shape, or display mode that is more prominent than the object OB1.

In this manner, in one embodiment, the at least one processor 12 may output a predetermined advertisement from the notification unit 14 when it detects a signal indicating that the provision of food and drink to the user has been completed. Also, in one embodiment, the at least one processor 12 may output an advertisement from the notification unit 14 when it detects that a signal indicating that the provision of food and drink to the user has been completed has been received from another electronic device 100. Also, the at least one processor 12 may output an advertisement from the notification unit 14 such that the advertisement is emphasized more than a notification corresponding to information regarding allergies.

According to one embodiment of the food serving tool 10, in addition to outputting a notification corresponding to information related to the user's allergies, the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 can be effectively utilized. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the food serving tool 10 can be effectively utilized.

In the operation shown in FIG. 12, when the specified advertisement is output from the notification unit 14 in step S42, the processor 12 has already acquired information regarding the user's allergies. Therefore, in step S42 shown in FIG. 12, the processor 12 may output, as the specified advertisement, an advertisement corresponding to the information regarding the user's allergies from the notification unit 14.

Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the food serving tool 10 to output an advertisement. As shown in Figure 14, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10A may output an advertisement based on information about the user's allergies, such as a specific advertisement AD2, from the notification unit 14A. The content of the specific advertisement AD2 may be various. For example, the specific advertisement AD2 may be an advertisement introducing a menu that does not contain a specific allergen contained in the information about the user's allergies. In Figure 14, the specific advertisement AD2 is shown generally as introducing a menu that does not contain a specific allergen contained in the information about the user's allergies, stating, "Here is the menu that is best suited for you."

In this manner, at least one processor 12 may output an advertisement corresponding to information regarding the user's allergies from the notification unit 14.

According to one embodiment of the food serving tool 10, in addition to outputting a notification corresponding to information related to the user's allergies, the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 can be effectively utilized according to the user. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the food serving tool 10 can be effectively utilized.

In Figures 12 to 14, an example has been described in which the food serving tool 10 outputs a specific advertisement from the notification unit 14. In addition to outputting such advertisements, if the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 can be effectively utilized, the food serving tool 10 can be used even more effectively. Therefore, in the system 1, a specific questionnaire may be output from the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10. Such an embodiment will be described below.

For example, in step S42 shown in FIG. 12, the processor 12 may output, instead of or together with the predetermined advertisement, a predetermined questionnaire for the user, for example, a questionnaire to which the user is asked to respond, from the notification unit 14. Here, the information constituting the predetermined questionnaire may be stored in the storage unit 16 in advance, or may be obtained, for example, from another electronic device 100 before outputting the questionnaire. In addition, the predetermined questionnaire may be a questionnaire that takes into account information regarding the user's allergies, or may be a questionnaire that is unrelated to information regarding the user's allergies.

15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the serving tool 10 to output a questionnaire. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the processor 12 may output a predetermined questionnaire QN1 to the notification unit 14A together with an object OB1. In FIG. 15A, the predetermined questionnaire QN1 is shown as a schematic diagram of a questionnaire that asks the user to answer, such as "Please cooperate with the following questionnaire," displayed on the notification unit 14A. Also, as shown in FIG. 15B, the processor 12 may initially display, for example, a predetermined advertisement AD1 on the notification unit 14A. In this case, the processor 12 may display an object QN2 for starting the questionnaire on the notification unit 14A. Also, when a predetermined operation on the object QN2 is detected by the operation unit 20, the processor 12 may change the display of the predetermined advertisement AD1 to the predetermined questionnaire QN1, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A.

In this manner, at least one processor 12 may output a questionnaire for the user from the notification unit 14. In this case, when at least one processor 12 detects a signal indicating that the provision of food and drink to the user has been completed, it may output a questionnaire for the user from the notification unit 14. Also, when at least one processor 12 detects that a signal indicating that the provision of food and drink to the user has been completed has been received from another electronic device 100, it may output a questionnaire for the user from the notification unit 14.

According to one embodiment of the food serving tool 10, in addition to outputting a notification corresponding to information related to the user's allergies, the notification unit 14 of the food serving tool 10 can be used more effectively. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the food serving tool 10 can be used effectively.

For example, the food serving tool 10A shown in FIG. 15A may detect the operation of a user answering a questionnaire QN1 using the operation unit 20. Furthermore, when the user answers the questionnaire, the food serving tool 10A may transmit the answer to, for example, another electronic device 100.

Figure 16 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the food serving tool 10 according to one embodiment to send the results of a questionnaire. The situation in which the operation shown in Figure 12 is performed may be, for example, a situation in which a questionnaire for the user is displayed on the notification unit 14, as shown in Figure 15A.

When the operation shown in FIG. 16 starts, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10 determines whether or not an input to the questionnaire by the user has been detected by the operation unit 20 (step S51). If an input to the questionnaire is detected in step S51, the processor 12 may transmit information indicating the results of the questionnaire, for example to another electronic device 100 (step S52). In step S52, the processor 12 may transmit information indicating the results of the questionnaire, for example, from the communication unit 18. In step S52, the processor 12 may transmit information indicating the results of the questionnaire, for example, in association with information regarding the user's allergies.

In this manner, at least one processor 12 may transmit survey result information for the user to another electronic device 100 together with information regarding the user's allergies.

Other Embodiments
Next, another embodiment will be described.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, a system 2 according to one embodiment may be configured to include a serving utensil 10A, tableware 30, and a tableware wireless tag 40 attached to the tableware, etc. A system 2 according to one embodiment may be configured to include any number of both tableware 30 and tableware wireless tags 40 attached to the tableware, etc. In one embodiment, the system 2 may be configured to include both tableware 30 and tableware wireless tags 40, or may be configured to include only one of the tableware 30 or the tableware wireless tag 40. As shown in Figure 17, the serving utensil 10A according to the system 2 may have a similar configuration to the serving utensil 10 described above, and therefore a more detailed description will be omitted.

The tableware 30 and the tableware wireless tag 40 may be of various shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. The tableware 30 and the tableware to which the tableware wireless tag 40 is attached may be used to hold or contain food or drink.

Next, the configuration of the tableware 30 and the wireless tableware tag 40 shown in Figure 17 will be further explained.

Figure 18 is a functional block diagram that shows the schematic configuration of tableware 30 according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the tableware 30 according to one embodiment may include a processor 32, a memory unit 36, and a communication unit 38. The tableware 30 according to one embodiment may not include some of the functional units shown in FIG. 18, or may include functional units other than those shown in FIG. 18.

The functional units shown in FIG. 18, i.e., the processor 32, the memory unit 36, and the communication unit 38, may be configured based on the same concept as the processor 12, the memory unit 16, and the communication unit 18 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. Furthermore, the functional units shown in FIG. 18, i.e., the processor 32, the memory unit 36, and the communication unit 38, may be configured based on other concepts as appropriate, as necessary. A more detailed description of these functional units will be omitted. The tableware 30 shown in FIG. 18 may be so-called IoT (Internet of Things) tableware.

In the tableware 30 according to one embodiment, the memory unit 36 may be configured to store allergen information for food and drink provided in a food and drink provision service. In particular, in the tableware 30, the memory unit 16 may be configured to store allergen information for food and drink placed on the tableware 30. Furthermore, in the tableware 30 according to one embodiment, the communication unit 38 may be configured to be able to communicate with, for example, another electronic device 100.

Figure 19 is a functional block diagram that shows the schematic configuration of a wireless tag 40 for tableware according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the wireless tag for tableware 40 according to one embodiment may include a processor 42, a memory unit 46, and a communication unit 48. The wireless tag for tableware 40 according to one embodiment may not include some of the functional units shown in FIG. 19, or may include functional units other than those shown in FIG. 19.

The functional units shown in FIG. 19, i.e., the processor 42, the memory unit 46, and the communication unit 48, may be configured based on the same concept as the processor 32, the memory unit 36, and the communication unit 38 shown in FIG. 18, respectively. Furthermore, the functional units shown in FIG. 19, i.e., the processor 42, the memory unit 46, and the communication unit 48, may be configured based on other concepts as appropriate, as necessary. Detailed explanations of these functional units will be omitted. The wireless tag 40 for tableware shown in FIG. 19 may be a so-called IoT (Internet of Things) tag. The wireless tag 40 for tableware according to one embodiment is attached to tableware or the like. For this reason, the wireless tag for tableware 40 may be configured to be relatively small overall. The wireless tag for tableware 40 according to one embodiment may be, for example, a wireless tag that can be attached or stuck to tableware.

In the wireless tableware tag 40 according to one embodiment, the memory unit 46 may be configured to store allergen information of food and beverages provided in a food and beverage provision service, similar to the memory unit 36. In particular, in the wireless tableware tag 40, the memory unit 46 may be configured to store allergen information of food and beverages placed on tableware to which the wireless tableware tag 40 is attached. Furthermore, in the wireless tableware tag 40 according to one embodiment, the communication unit 48 may be configured to be able to communicate with, for example, other electronic devices 100.

In the system 2 shown in FIG. 17, the serving utensil 10A acquires allergen information for the food or drink placed on the tableware 30 and/or the wireless tableware tag 40. This allows the serving utensil 10A to output a notification from the notification unit 14 indicating whether the food or drink is safe for the user of the food and drink service based on the allergy information of the user.

Figure 20 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the food serving tool 10A in system 2.

20 starts, the processor 12 of the food serving tool 10A determines whether or not information about allergies of a user of the food and beverage service has been acquired, for example, from another electronic device 100 (step S1). Step S1 may be performed in the same manner as step S1 described in FIG. 4.

When information regarding allergies is acquired in step S1, the processor 12 determines whether or not allergen information of the food or drink has been acquired from the tableware 30 and/or the wireless tableware tag 40 (step S61). In step S61, the processor 12 may determine whether or not allergen information transmitted from the communication unit 38 of the tableware 30 and/or the communication unit 48 of the wireless tableware tag 40 has been received by the communication unit 18.

Once the allergen information is acquired in step S61, the processor 12 determines whether the information regarding the user's allergy matches the allergen information. The processor 12 may output a predetermined notification from the notification unit 14 depending on whether the two pieces of information match (step S62).

For example, suppose that in step S1, the serving utensil 10A receives information regarding the user's allergy that the user is allergic to "buckwheat". Also, suppose that in step S61, the serving utensil 10A receives information indicating "buckwheat" as allergen information from a piece of tableware 30 or tableware with a wireless tableware tag 40 attached that is near the serving utensil 10A or placed on the serving utensil 10A. In this case, the allergy information and the allergen information match. Therefore, in step S62, the processor 12 may output a notification such as "Contains allergens (there is a risk)" from the notification unit 14.

On the other hand, for example, suppose that in step S1, the serving utensil 10A receives information regarding the user's allergy that the user is allergic to "shrimp." Also, suppose that in step S61, the serving utensil 10A receives information indicating "buckwheat" as allergen information from a piece of tableware 30 or tableware with a wireless tableware tag 40 attached that is near the serving utensil 10A or placed on the serving utensil 10A. In this case, the allergy information and the allergen information do not match. Therefore, in step S62, the processor 12 may output a notification from the notification unit 14, such as "Does not contain allergens (no risk)."

In this way, in one embodiment, the communication unit 18 of the serving tool 10 may obtain allergen information from tableware 30 equipped with a memory unit 36 capable of storing allergen information of food and beverages provided in the food and beverage service. The communication unit 18 of the serving tool 10 may also obtain allergen information from a wireless tableware tag 40 equipped with a memory unit 46 capable of storing allergen information of food and beverages provided in the food and beverage service.

Then, when the allergen information acquired from the communication unit 18 matches the information on the user's allergy, the at least one processor 12 may output a predetermined notification from the notification unit 14, for example, that there is a risk. On the other hand, when the allergen information acquired from the communication unit 18 does not match the information on the user's allergy, the at least one processor 12 may output a predetermined notification from the notification unit 14, for example, that there is no risk. In other words, the at least one processor 12 may output a predetermined notification from the notification unit 14 depending on whether the allergen information acquired from the communication unit 18 matches the information on the user's allergy.

Figure 21 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the tableware 30 and the tableware wireless tag 40 in the system 2.

21 starts, the processor 32 of the tableware 30 or the processor 42 of the wireless tableware tag 40 determines whether or not a request for allergen information has been detected from the serving utensil 10 (step S71). In step S71, the processor 32 of the tableware 30 or the processor 42 of the wireless tableware tag 40 may receive the request for allergen information transmitted from the communication unit 18 of the serving utensil 10 via the communication unit 38 or the communication unit 48.

When a request for allergen information is detected in step S71, the processor 32 of the tableware 30 or the processor 42 of the tableware wireless tag 40 transmits the allergen information stored in the memory unit 36 or the memory unit 46, respectively (step S72). In step S72, the processor 32 of the tableware 30 or the processor 42 of the tableware wireless tag 40 may transmit the allergen information from the communication unit 38 or the communication unit 48, respectively, to the communication unit 18 of the serving utensil 10 or the communication unit 108 of another electronic device 100, etc.

In this way, in the tableware 30 of the system 2, when at least one processor 32 detects a request for allergen information, it may transmit the allergen information from the communication unit 38 to another electronic device, etc. Also, in the tableware wireless tag 40 of the system 2, when at least one processor 42 detects a request for allergen information, it may transmit the allergen information from the communication unit 48 to another electronic device, etc.

The above-described embodiments are not limited to implementation as the serving tool 10 included in systems 1 and 2. For example, the above-described embodiments may be implemented as other electronic devices 100 included in systems 1 and/or 2. The above-described embodiments may also be implemented as a system such as systems 1 and/or 2. The above-described embodiments are not limited to implementation as various devices included in systems 1 and/or 2. For example, the above-described embodiments may be implemented as a control method for electronic devices such as the serving tool 10 included in systems 1 and/or 2. Furthermore, for example, the above-described embodiments may be implemented as a program executed by electronic devices such as the serving tool 10 included in systems 1 and/or 2.

Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional unit can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent. Multiple functional units, etc. may be combined into one or divided. Each embodiment of the present disclosure described above is not limited to being implemented faithfully to each of the embodiments described, and may be implemented by combining each feature as appropriate or omitting some of them. In other words, the contents of the present disclosure can be modified and corrected in various ways by a person skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Therefore, these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in each embodiment, each functional unit, each means, each step, etc. can be added to other embodiments so as not to be logically inconsistent, or replaced with each functional unit, each means, each step, etc. of other embodiments. In addition, in each embodiment, multiple functional units, each means, each step, etc. can be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to being implemented faithfully according to each of the described embodiments, but may be implemented by combining each feature or omitting some features as appropriate.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description was given assuming that the serving tool 10 is mainly for use by people with food allergies. However, the serving tool 10 according to one embodiment is not limited to being used by people with food allergies. The serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may be for use by people who cannot eat certain foods or drinks for religious reasons. The serving tool 10 according to one embodiment may also be for use by people who are subject to dietary restrictions, such as pregnant women or people prone to high blood pressure. The serving tool 10 according to one embodiment is not limited to allergies, and may correspond to the user's food preferences, such as likes and dislikes. In such cases, the content of the information related to allergies may be entered or registered from a perspective other than allergies.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 2 System 10 Food serving utensils 12 Processor 14 Notification unit 16 Memory unit 18 Communication unit 20 Operation unit 30 Tableware 32 Processor 36 Memory unit 38 Communication unit 40 Wireless tag for tableware 42 Processor 46 Memory unit 48 Communication unit 100 Other electronic device 102 Processor 104 Display unit 106 Memory unit 108 Communication unit 110 Operation unit 112 Reading unit N Network

Claims (15)

A storage unit capable of storing information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage provision service;
A notification unit that outputs a notification;
At least one processor;
Equipped with
The at least one processor is a serving tool that outputs a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from the notification unit,
the notification unit includes a touch screen;
When the at least one processor detects a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen, it changes the display manner on the touch screen and sends a signal to another electronic device indicating that the food or beverage to be served to the user is ready. A storage unit capable of storing information regarding allergies of users of the food and beverage provision service;
A notification unit that outputs a notification;
At least one processor;
Equipped with
The at least one processor is a serving tool that outputs a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from the notification unit,
the notification unit includes a touch screen;
When the at least one processor detects a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen, it changes the display manner on the touch screen and displays on the touch screen an indication of the staff who will be serving food and beverages to the user. The food serving utensil of claim 1 or 2, wherein when the at least one processor detects that a signal indicating an order for food or beverage to be provided to the user has been received from another electronic device, the at least one processor outputs a notification corresponding to the order from the notification unit. The food serving tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor outputs an advertisement from the notification unit when it detects that a signal indicating that food and beverage has been provided to the user has been received from another electronic device. The food service utensil of claim 4 , wherein the at least one processor outputs the advertisement from the notification portion such that the advertisement is emphasized over a notice corresponding to information regarding the allergy. The food serving utensil according to claim 4 , wherein the at least one processor outputs, from the notification unit, an advertisement corresponding to information regarding the user's allergies. The food serving tool according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one processor outputs a questionnaire to the user from the notification unit. The food serving tool of claim 7, wherein when the at least one processor detects that a signal indicating that food and beverage has been provided to the user has been received from another electronic device, the processor outputs a questionnaire for the user from the notification unit . The food serving utensil according to claim 7 , wherein the at least one processor transmits result information of the questionnaire for the user together with information regarding the user's allergies to another electronic device. a communication unit that acquires allergen information from tableware having a storage unit capable of storing allergen information or a wireless tag for tableware;
The food serving utensil according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one processor outputs a predetermined notification from the notification unit when the allergen information acquired from the communication unit matches information regarding the user's allergies. a communication unit that acquires allergen information from tableware or a wireless tag for tableware, the communication unit having a storage unit capable of storing allergen information of food and drink provided in the service;
The food serving utensil according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one processor outputs a predetermined notification from the notification unit when the allergen information obtained from the communication unit does not match the information regarding the user's allergies. A method for controlling serving utensils, comprising the steps of:
storing information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service in a storage unit;
outputting a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from a notification unit provided in the serving utensil;
Including,
the notification unit includes a touch screen;
The method includes a step of, when a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen is detected, changing the manner of display on the touch screen and transmitting a signal to another electronic device indicating that food or beverage is ready to be served to the user. A method for controlling serving utensils, comprising the steps of:
storing information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service in a storage unit;
outputting a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from a notification unit provided in the serving utensil;
Including,
the notification unit includes a touch screen;
The method includes a step of, when a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen is detected, changing the manner of display on the touch screen and displaying on the touch screen an indication of staff serving food and beverages to the user. On the computer,
storing information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service in a storage unit;
outputting a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from a notification unit provided in the serving utensil;
A program for executing
the notification unit includes a touch screen;
A program that, when a specified operation on an object displayed on the touch screen is detected, executes a step of changing the display mode on the touch screen and transmitting a signal to another electronic device indicating that food or beverage to be served to the user is ready. On the computer,
storing information regarding allergies of a user of the food and beverage provision service in a storage unit;
outputting a notification corresponding to the information regarding the allergy from a notification unit provided in the serving utensil;
A program for executing
the notification unit includes a touch screen;
When a predetermined operation on an object displayed on the touch screen is detected, the program executes a step of changing the display mode on the touch screen and displaying on the touch screen an indication of staff who will be serving food and beverages to the user.

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