Remote ordering system

• US 20030014330A1
• Filed: 08/23/2002
• Published: 01/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mobilserv Technologies Inc.
• Original Assignee: Robert S. Showghi, Scott Juds
• Inventors: Juds, Scott, Showghi, Robert S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,873,970 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06312 Adjustment or analysis of established resource schedule, e.g. resource or task levelling, or dynamic rescheduling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/322 Aspects of commerce using mobile devices [M-devices]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0635 Processing of requisition or of purchase orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 7/0012 by comparing receiver clock with transmitter clock

Abstract

A system and method for enabling patrons at large-scale events at confined venues utilizes conventional or special hand-held, wireless communication devices to self-order food, drink and souvenir items from remote order fulfillment locations within the venue for delivery to the patrons'"'"' seats. Hierarchical menus are provided for display of items for purchase on the devices. Patrons transmit a seat identification code with the order, which is acknowledged, and send a confirmation code upon receipt of order delivery, which causes automatic electronic payment for the order by prearranged means.

Claims

1. A system for the remote ordering of menu items from one or more order fulfillment centers located in a large venue having identifiable seats occupied by event patrons, said system enabling each patron to self-order selected menu items using a wireless, hand-held communication device having a display, for delivery to the seat of said patron, comprising

a seat location identifier code provided to each patron for use in said hand-held communication device to identify the patron seat for transmission with an order,

an order-processing computer for displaying orders for selected items, including seat location, to order fulfillment personnel, and

at least one transmitter/receiver node for receiving orders from a plurality of said devices and communicating them to said computer for display to order fulfillment personnel and subsequent order delivery to said identified seat location.

2. The system of claim 1, including means for providing patron payment account information to said computer and payment charging means for automatically charging the cost of an order to said payment account.

3. The system of claim 2, including means for confirming order receipt by the computer to the device from which the order was received.

4. The system of claim 3, including means for confirming patron receipt/delivery of the order to the computer to enable said payment charging means.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each patron has an entry ticket and the seat identifier code includes a series of alpha-numeric characters printed on the ticket.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said identifier code includes check digits to ensure authenticity and integrity of said code.

7. A method of remote ordering of menu items by a patron at a large venue having identifiable seat locations, where said patron has a wireless, hand-held communication device having a display, comprising the steps of

providing a seat identifier code to the patron for use in the device to identify order delivery location,

providing menu item information for reception, display and selection by the device,

using said device by the patron to transmit an order and seat identifier code to an order fulfillment center computer for display to order fulfillment personnel,

processing said order for fulfillment, and

delivering said order to said identified seat location.

8. The method of claim 7, including the step of

providing a signal from the fulfillment center acknowledging receipt of said order to said device,

9. The method of claim 8, including the steps of

providing patron payment account information to said computer for charging the cost of an order to said payment account, and

automatically charging the cost of an order to said account.

10. The method of claim 9, including the step of

providing an order receipt confirmation code for transmittal to said computer to confirm delivery/receipt of said order and to enable charging the cost of said order to said account.

11. The method of claim 10, including the step of

providing patrons with entry tickets which include the seat identifier code and the confirmation code.