Electronic waiter system

• US 20020026364A1
• Filed: 04/05/2001
• Published: 02/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert John Grasch, Tom Matthew Mayer
• Original Assignee: Robert John Grasch, Tom Matthew Mayer
• Inventors: Grasch, Robert John, Mayer, Tom Matthew
• Application Number:
  US09/827,034
• Publication Number:
  US 20020026364A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/15
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

The present invention is a method and system for interconnecting and streamlining the customer service and management functions of a restaurant. The system comprises a collection of handheld devices, software for operating the system, and a networking means such as a server intended to contain the information necessary for the operation of a restaurant'"'"'s functions, including creation and maintenance of available menu items, inventory, customer seating, ordering, and billing.

Claims

1. A system for restaurant and customer service functions comprising:

at least one hand held device for inputting, outputting, and displaying restaurant and customer service information;

a networking means for containing and processing said information connected to said at least one hand held device;

software for running said networking means and said at least one hand held device contained in said software and said at least one hand held device; and

a connection means for connecting said at least one hand held device to said networking means.

2. A method for facilitating interconnection of restaurant customer service and restaurant management comprising the steps of:

Storing restaurant and customer service information;

Updating said restaurant and customer service information; and

Informing restaurant staff and management of said restaurant and customer service information.

3. A system for restaurant and customer service functions comprising:

at least one Maitre d'"'"' station;

at least one kitchen station;

at least one bar station;

at least one networking means; and

at least one wait staff input/output (I/O) device, wherein each said at least one Maitre '"'"'d station, said at least one kitchen station, said at least one bar station and said at least one wait staff input/output (I/O) device is networked by said networking means so that at least one restaurant and customer service information is shared in real-time and personnel can access said information and conduct their duties within the restaurant.

4. The system of claim 3 further comprising:

at least one manager station;

at least one bus station; and

at least one printer.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein said networking means is a server.

6. The system of claim 3 wherein said networking means is wireless.

7. The system of claim 3 wherein said networking means employs partially cabled portions connected with wireless portions.