An information processing apparatus includes a communication interface for receiving order information from a user terminal and a memory unit for storing the received order information in association with a terminal identifier of the user terminal and an order status indicator. The order status indicator identifies one of a plurality of stages in a transaction from order reception to handover of an item to the user. A processor is configured to update the order status associated with the order information in response to an instruction to change an order status that is received from a store terminal. The processor causes a notification to be transmitted the user terminal when the order status associated with the order information is changed to indicate the item is ready for handover.

An information processing apparatus includes a communication interface for receiving order information from a user terminal and a memory unit for storing the received order information in association with a terminal identifier of the user terminal and an order status indicator. The order status indicator identifies one of a plurality of stages in a transaction from order reception to handover of an item to the user. A processor is configured to update the order status associated with the order information in response to an instruction to change an order status that is received from a store terminal. The processor causes a notification to be transmitted the user terminal when the order status associated with the order information is changed to indicate the item is ready for handover.

A system and method for en-route business selection and ordering with optimized packaging for food delivery and takeout. The system is a cloud-based network containing an optimization server, portals for restaurants, customers, and drivers to enter their information, a rules library, a label manager, and a food packaging optimization module which determines optimal packaging groupings and configurations based on a multitude of variables associated with the restaurant, customer preferences, and the available menu. The system may be accessed through web browsers or purpose-built computer and mobile phone applications.

A contactless locker system includes a set of laterally adjacent lockers that includes a first locker configured to store a first food item prepared by a restaurant. The first locker includes a first door that automatically opens and closes without a user physically touching the first door and a second door that automatically opens and closes without a user physically touching the second door.

A contactless locker system includes a set of laterally adjacent lockers that includes a first locker configured to store a first food item prepared by a restaurant. The first locker includes a first door that automatically opens and closes without a user physically touching the first door and a second door that automatically opens and closes without a user physically touching the second door.

The present application discloses an automated restaurant comprising: a kitchen; a customer-tracking area comprising a dining area; and a plurality of vehicles. The kitchen comprises a storage apparatus to store ingredient containers, a transfer apparatus to move ingredient containers, and one or more cooking stations. Each vehicle is configured to move one or more food containers from cooking stations to dining tables. A tracking system comprises cameras, lidars, etc., which are fixedly mounted. The tracking system can dynamically map out the fixtures, humans and vehicles in the restaurant. Information from the tracking system is used to control the motion of the vehicles. The tracking system can dynamically track the positions of customers in the customer-tracking area, so that foods ordered by specific customers may be automatically sent by vehicles to the customers' locations.

The present application discloses an automated restaurant comprising: a kitchen; a customer-tracking area comprising a dining area; and a plurality of vehicles. The kitchen comprises a storage apparatus to store ingredient containers, a transfer apparatus to move ingredient containers, and one or more cooking stations. Each vehicle is configured to move one or more food containers from cooking stations to dining tables. A tracking system comprises cameras, lidars, etc., which are fixedly mounted. The tracking system can dynamically map out the fixtures, humans and vehicles in the restaurant. Information from the tracking system is used to control the motion of the vehicles. The tracking system can dynamically track the positions of customers in the customer-tracking area, so that foods ordered by specific customers may be automatically sent by vehicles to the customers' locations.

A self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the self-calibrating RF network includes multiple hospitality properties, wherein RF network includes a property server located in communication with a terminal device providing data services through distribution elements to end point devices, such as set-top boxes. Each of the property servers collects RF performance data relative to the terminal device, the distribution elements, and the end point devices. The RF performance data is analyzed by a remote central server that provides RF adjustment data, which is indicative of power and equalization adjustments to the terminal device, power and equalization adjustments to the plurality of distribution elements, and power and ranging adjustments to the plurality of end point devices.

Devices, systems and methods for monitoring restaurant operations are described. A proposed method for photorecording orders at catering facilities comprises an order is received, the order is entered in a data base, the dishes included in the order are prepared; when ready, the dishes in the order are placed in a photorecording means and an image is obtained; the image obtained is entered in the data base for the order; the dishes are removed from the photorecording means and given to the customer; a register receipt is printed which includes images of the dishes in the order using a means for printing a register receipt on the basis of the order data entered in the data base.

Devices, systems and methods for monitoring restaurant operations are described. A proposed method for photorecording orders at catering facilities comprises an order is received, the order is entered in a data base, the dishes included in the order are prepared; when ready, the dishes in the order are placed in a photorecording means and an image is obtained; the image obtained is entered in the data base for the order; the dishes are removed from the photorecording means and given to the customer; a register receipt is printed which includes images of the dishes in the order using a means for printing a register receipt on the basis of the order data entered in the data base.