Teraoka's Deli Touch pen delays human interaction in restaurants
By Darren Murph 
posted Feb 23rd 2008 6:04AM
posted Feb 23rd 2008 6:04AM
When talking menus just aren't futuristic enough, we reckon Teraoka's Deli Touch pen -- which strongly reeks of LeapFrog's Tag -- is the next best thing. The system works with barcode-laden menus and enables customers to simply swipe their choices and have them beamed directly to the kitchen. Besides hastening the order process and keeping the interaction between customer and waiter / waitress at a minimum, the device may also give you a solid reason to skimp on the tip -- not that we'd recommend such a thing, of course. Unfortunately, we've no idea if this setup is built to play nice with picky eaters and their laundry list of special requests, so we'd probably recommend steering clear unless you're totally cool with the standard fare.[Via PopGadget]
I was JUST about to say the thing about it being similar to the leapfrog thing.
On a japanese podcast, I remember seeing some electronic touch screens.
http://japanese.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=267679
............
Also, I hope this isn't spam, but ive been working up all night on a new flash homepage, id really like some input on it.
http://lettuceandcarrots.com/
in japan there is no tip, so the less interaction the better.
Also, in Japan, you can't request substitutions or changes from what's published on the menu or displayed as a plastic model. I've been to a few kaiten sushi places where you order from a touchscreen and the food is delivered by conveyor belt. A light flashes at your table as your order approaches. You can also select things at random off the conveyor. You put the dirty plates into a slot in the table that counts the plates and figures your check.
This is a leap forward. In many "family-style" restaurants in Japan, you get a number keypad. You look up the numbers of your selection(s) on the menu, and then code them in, press confirm, and wait for the food to arrive. This will certainly be more convenient than typing numeric codes, and maybe a little less error-prone.
in japan there is no tip, so the less interaction the better.
Once this is adopted in multiple restaurants, I'm going to bring in menu cards from other restaurants and swipe them in a different restaurant.
And I suppose you think a customer in McDonalds would be dumb enough to know that was a Starbucks menu he was reading?
No I meant I would use the pen thing to select items on another restuarants menu.
is it just me, or do those devices scream VIBRATOR!!!!
it is just you.
its not just you though.. lol
The kitchen might/will/can still screw up your order ;-)
it actually looks much more like the second generation Fly Pen.
It's the Cue-Cat!
Hahaha... I never once got a Cue-cat to work.
I do not care much for this device and like being able to go to a restaurant and ask a waiter details of what it is I am about to order.
It'll flop. People DO like human interaction. And, why would anyone want to see less of that cute waitress?
Oh man, this has reached engadget?!?! congrats to delitouch team! (Disclosure) I developed the Pocket PC version of this one. This product has many orders to china and japan.