GB2214686A

GB2214686A - Displays

Info

Publication number: GB2214686A
Application number: GB8824832A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gabriel Ordonez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-01-21
Filing date: 1988-10-24
Publication date: 1989-09-06
Also published as: GB8824832D0

Abstract

In a programmable menu card, one or more parts e.g. relating to courses and prices, are electronically alterable for constant updating and for continued use of the same card. The card may comprise of a rigid backing member an LC panel of the type requiring no power for the maintenance of the display. The menu card may be inserted into a computer terminal 20 when desired for reprogramming. The menu card also includes an index 30 comprising a plurality of switches 321-331 for selecting various displays relating to different selections stored at 24. Further sensitive areas 340-349 enable the actual selection made to be recorded in the card's memory. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ELECTRONICALLY PROGRAMMABLE MENUS.

The present invention relates to electronically programmable menus and more- particularly to menus in which one or more parts of the menu are alterable.

Known menus comprise typewritten sheets alterable each day or printed especially for a restaurant.

The disadvantage with such menus is that the information contained therein cannot be readily changed except by crossing out or other unsightly amendments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a menu or bili of fare that can be readily altered.

According to the present invention there is provided an electronically programmable menu in which one or more parts of the menu are electronically alterable.

Preferably the present invention therefore provides an electronically programmable menu in which one or more parts of the menu are electronically alterable including index means for selecting various displays relating to different selections.

The menu also preferably includes means for registering in respect of each display a choice from a-particular selection.

Preferably the menu comprises a liquid crystal type of display of the type using the technology disclosed in British Patent No. 2146787 in which information displayed can be electronically altered and, following alteration requires no electrical power to maintain the display.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows an electronically programmable menu according to the present invention to which reference is now made.

The menu 10 comprises several features some of which may be permanently printed such as the restaurant's title 12 and design 14. The descriptions of the courses and the prices are preferably electronically programmable. The menu is preferably relatively thin and made of plastics material and utilising a display of the type disclosed in British Patent No. 2146787.

At the beginning of each day each menu is inserted into a computer terminal 2Q which has contacts 22 matching contacts 24 on each menu. The programmable portion of each menu are then altered in accordance with a master menu set up in the computer. Thus all menus read the same and special dishes etc.

can be inserted on the menu rather than having extra pieces of paper. The menu once programmed retains the information and can be handled safely by the customer.

If during the day a dish becomes available or if there is no more of a certain dish the menus can be quickly re-inserted into terminal 20 and the computer can update the menu in a matter of seconds. Thus the waiter will not have to explain to customers the availability of dishes thereby avoiding much disappointment.

Each menu can be altered to give either lunch or dinner or wine list and therefore can be of a standard size enabling cost savings on purchase.

The present invention includes an index 30 which comprises a series of switches 32 (numbered 321-331). These switches maybe for example of the conductive ink type which operate when pressure is applied. By actuation of a switch 324 for example the available fish dishes for the day previously encoded into a memory 24 (shown dotted because it will normally be buried within the menu card) will be displayed. Thus with only one card a whole series of selections can be displayed and can be readily changed to suit the dishes available on the day and to change prices subject to the cost of the food etc.

By incorporation of sensitive areas 340-349 which may be similar to switches 32 the menu can record in its memory the dishes selected by a customer and the menu card can then be taken to the kitchen to provide the order for the chef and also to record the selection made thereby simplifying record keeping and facilitating automatic billing.

The menu card will preferably comprise a thin flexible plastic liquid crystal display mounted onto a more rigid backing member and can be made to any desired shape or colour.

Claims

1. An electronically programmable menu in which one or more parts are electronically alterable.

2. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim t including index means for selecting various displays relating to different selections.

3. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including means for registering in respect of each display a choice from a particular selection.

4. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 3 in which the means for registering comprises an electronic memory.

5. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the display is of the liquid crystal type which display requires no power to maintain once altered.

6. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 5 in which the liquid crystal display comprises a flexible plastic sheet which is mounted on to a rigid backing member.

7. An electronically programmable menu substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawing.