Teraoka's Deli Touch pen delays human interaction in restaurants

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]

[mushrooshi @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:30AM]

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/

[sam @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:40AM]

in japan there is no tip, so the less interaction the better.

[msc20005 @ Feb 23rd 2008 8:41AM]

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.

[James Yopp @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:29AM]

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.

[Kurian @ Feb 23rd 2008 7:01AM]

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.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:22PM]

And I suppose you think a customer in McDonalds would be dumb enough to know that was a Starbucks menu he was reading?

[Kurian @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:25PM]

No I meant I would use the pen thing to select items on another restuarants menu.

[Darkroom @ Feb 23rd 2008 7:06AM]

is it just me, or do those devices scream VIBRATOR!!!!

[Paris @ Feb 23rd 2008 10:11AM]

it is just you.

[SB @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:25PM]

its not just you though.. lol

[David @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:05AM]

The kitchen might/will/can still screw up your order ;-)

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:20PM]

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.

[NetMage @ Feb 23rd 2008 3:27PM]

it actually looks much more like the second generation Fly Pen.

[RedBullFlash @ Feb 23rd 2008 3:42PM]

It's the Cue-Cat!

[Natedog @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:12PM]

Hahaha... I never once got a Cue-cat to work.

[sam @ Feb 24th 2008 10:55AM]

in japan there is no tip, so the less interaction the better.

[CaliforniaKid @ Feb 24th 2008 11:37PM]

It'll flop. People DO like human interaction. And, why would anyone want to see less of that cute waitress?

[viccer @ Mar 13th 2008 3:21PM]

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.