7-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Fumihiko Nagamatsu; hereinafter “7-Eleven”) and Sharp Corporation (Headquarters: Sakai-shi, Osaka; Representative Director, President and CEO: Wu Baixun; hereinafter “Sharp”) will read QR codes on product labels and begin testing at physical stores of microwave ovens that can be heated appropriately in November 2021, and set up stores at 1,080 7-Eleven stores in the Tokai area It is expanding (as of the end of March 2024).

Recently, store employees of a wide range of ages and nationalities have been working at 7-Eleven stores. While carrying out quick checkout operations, there were voices that they wanted to set an accurate heating time for each product more easily and quickly when heating products in a microwave. Also, while some stores have installed ranges for customers to operate by themselves, there was also an issue where button operation was complicated.

This range automatically sets the wattage and heating time by scanning the QR code printed on the product label, and starts heating. Not only does it reduce the complexity of operation, but with proper heating, you can enjoy delicious products. Both companies will continue to work to expand the number of introduced stores in order to further improve convenience.

■ Overview

・Equipment name: Sharp commercial microwave oven ＜RE-7700S＞

・Test area: 1,080 7-Eleven stores in the Tokai 3 prefectures (part of Aichi Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture)

・How to use: Scan the QR code with the camera on top of the microwave, automatically set the wattage and heating time registered in the QR code for each product, and start heating when the door is closed

＜Microwave installation location pattern＞ Currently, it is installed in the following 2 patterns.

■ QR Code Readable Microwave Product Labels

■ Features of QR Code Readable Microwave Ovens

1. Use the high-performance camera mounted on the main unit to scan the dedicated QR code printed on the product label. Automatically set wattage and heating time

By holding the QR code over the high-performance camera installed on top of the microwave, the wattage, heating time, etc. are set, so the trouble of input is reduced, and input mistakes in wattage and heating time are prevented. In addition to adopting a camera with high reading accuracy by referring to opinions such as “I want QR codes to be more responsive and can be read more smoothly” obtained from employees and customers, various tests were repeated until this test was installed, such as adjusting the position and size of the QR code printed on the product, and a more comfortable feeling of use was achieved.

2. The food detection sensor detects the presence or absence of food in the cabinet. After scanning the QR code, it is possible to automatically heat without operating a button by simply closing the door

The food detection sensor inside the microwave oven detects the presence or absence of food in the refrigerator, and automatically starts heating after putting in the food and closing the door, thereby reducing the trouble of operation, and preventing mistakes caused by forgetting to press the start button, which is useful for improving store work efficiency.

■ Specifications

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