At the Izakaya Expo, Sharp exhibited, for reference, an order entry system using the iPad.

"In izakaya restaurants, customers usually have to open a converntional hardcopy menu to choose their order. But with this system, customers can look at the menu on an iPad, and touch an item to place their order. The numbers of items ordered are also entered by touch."

With this system, the pictures shown on the iPad can be exactly the same as those on the conventional menu. The system makes intuitive use of the iPad's user interface; for example, pictures can also be enlarged by pinching.

"Here, we're using the iPad, but Sharp also plans to release an e-book reader. If people's reaction to the iPad system is good, we'll commercialize it. Meanwhile, we're thinking of selling a system with the same application on the Sharp e-book reader."

When this is commercialized, it'll be used as part of a Sharp ordering system. By using a general-purpose device like the iPad as the ordering tablet, the system's entry barrier will be lowered. This will also make it easier for customers to place additional orders, so restaurants can increase their revenue as well.

Related Links :
- INTER-FOOD JAPAN