Diagnostic data interchange
First Claim
1. A system for automatically monitoring the performance of equipment-related manual tasks involving equipment used in food preparation comprising:
- at least one piece of equipment used in food preparation, said piece of equipment having a microprocessor-based controller;
at least one sensor capable of sensing a parameter related to the manual performance by an individual of at least one equipment-related manual task;
a control computer implementing control logic operative to automatically monitor the performance of the at least one equipment-related manual task; and
a communication network allowing communication between the control computer and one or both of the at least one piece of equipment and the sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a bi-directional communication network which provides monitoring, data collection, and control of food service industry operations. The system includes a computer and control logic implemented by the computer which may be configured to perform various tasks. A communication network may be provided linking the computer with equipment and appliances having a microprocessor based controller capable of communicating with the system. In one embodiment, the system automatically verifies the performance of equipment-related manual tasks in food preparation. In another embodiment, the system schedules the maintenance of a plurality of kitchen appliances. In another embodiment, the system provides a hold timer for tracking the hold time of cooked food products and determines when the hold time elapses. In yet another embodiment, the system manages the inventory of cooked food products in a food preparation establishment.
45 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for automatically monitoring the performance of equipment-related manual tasks involving equipment used in food preparation comprising:
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at least one piece of equipment used in food preparation, said piece of equipment having a microprocessor-based controller; at least one sensor capable of sensing a parameter related to the manual performance by an individual of at least one equipment-related manual task; a control computer implementing control logic operative to automatically monitor the performance of the at least one equipment-related manual task; and a communication network allowing communication between the control computer and one or both of the at least one piece of equipment and the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for automatically verifying the performance of equipment-related manual tasks involving equipment used in food preparation comprising:
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providing at least one piece of equipment used in food preparation, said piece of equipment having a microprocessor-based controller; providing at least one sensor capable of sensing a parameter related to the performance of at least one equipment-related manual task; providing a control computer implementing control logic operative to automatically monitor the manual performance by an individual of the at least one equipment-related manual task; providing a communication network allowing communication between the control computer and one or both of the at least one piece of equipment and the sensor; monitoring the at least one piece of equipment; performing the at least one manual task by an individual involving the at least one piece of equipment; and sensing the performance of the at least one equipment-related manual task. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification