Remote Ordering System

• US 20090192898A1
• Filed: 03/18/2009
• Published: 07/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: E-Meal, LLC
• Original Assignee: E-Meal, LLC
• Inventors: Baril, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US12/406,743
• Publication Number:
  US 20090192898A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/204 comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

A remote ordering system is provided using an electronic menu having a series of input devices associated with various menu items, and a wireless transmitter to send selected menu items to a receiving device for processing. A display to show selected menu items, an alpha-numeric keyboard, a non-cash payment device, and a printer for receipts are also contemplated for increased functionality. The menu may be remotely updated to reflect the customer'"'"'s preferences or a change to the menu choices.

Claims

1. A handheld electronic menu comprising:

an electronic display for displaying both a first series of menu choices and a sub-series of menu choices;

a plurality of switches, each switch positioned to be aligned with one of the menu choices and one of the sub-menu choices;

a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating selection of a menu choice;

a microcontroller including embedded software for operating the menu;

a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location;

an integrated payment device; and

a power supply for powering the display and the transmitter.

2. The menu of claim 1 wherein the switches are not part of the display.

3. The menu of claim 2 wherein the switches are membrane switches.

4. The menu of claim 1 further comprising a locator for providing a table and/or seat location of the device.

5. The menu of claim 1 comprising a scanner for scanning personal identification.

6. The menu of claim 1 further comprising software stored on a computer readable medium wherein the software includes encryption code.

7. The menu of claim 6 wherein the encryption code is compatible with industry standard credit card encryption standards.

8. The menu of claim 1 wherein the payment device is constructed and arranged to read credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and Smart cards

9. The menu of claim 1 further comprising a microphone and speaker for audibly communicating with restaurant staff.

10. The menu of claim 1 comprising an electronic signature pad.

11. The menu of claim 1 wherein the menu choices and the sub-menu choices can be displayed at the same position on the display.

12. The menu of claim 1 further comprising a switch for paging wait staff.

13. The menu of claim 1 further comprising software for presenting a customer with non-menu related features wherein the features are selected from the group consisting of advertising, games and internet access.

14. The menu of claim 1 further comprising an integral printer.

15. A system including the menu of claim 1 and a printer in communication with the menu.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the printer is integral with a charging station for charging the power supply of the menu.

17. The menu of claim 1 further comprising software for providing nutritional information for menu choices.

18. The menu of claim 1 wherein menu and sub-menu choices are available in more than one language.

19. The menu of claim 1 configured and arranged to send and receive information to and from the central location.

20. The menu of claim 1 comprising a microcontroller operated exclusively using embedded code.

21. The menu of claim 1 further comprising software for collecting information about a customer who uses the menu.

22. The menu of claim 1 further comprising software for recognizing a previous customer and customizing the menu in response to previous information obtained from the customer.

23. A method for a customer to place an order at a restaurant without the use of wait staff, the method comprising:

picking up a handheld electronic menu;

reviewing a series of menu choices presented on a display;

selecting a menu choice from the series of choices by activating a switch aligned with the menu choice;

reviewing a series of sub-menu choices presented on the display;

selecting a sub-menu choice by activating a switch aligned with the sub-menu choice;

wirelessly transmitting an order to a central location wherein the order includes selected menu choices and sub-menu choices; and

paying for the order via a payment device integral to the menu.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising communicating with a second customer electronically via the handheld electronic menu and a second electronic menu associated with the second customer.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein paying includes using a credit card, debit card, smart card or gift card.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein the menu is electronically associated with a specific table or seating position;

and

wirelessly transmitting includes providing information regarding the customer'"'"'s physical location within the restaurant to the central location.

27. The method of claim 23 further comprising using a single menu to pay for orders placed using a plurality of menus.

28. The method of claim 23 comprising using the menu to pay for an order placed at a different location.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein the order is transmitted to the central location prior to associating the menu with a specific seating or table location.

30. The method of claim 29 including transmitting the specific seating or table location after the customer has been seated.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein seat and/or table location is determined using triangulation or signal strength techniques.

32. The method of claim 26 wherein the menu is associated with a specific table or seating location by detecting and reading a tag associated with the table or seating position.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the tag is energized by the menu.

34. The method of claim 32 wherein the tag comprises an RFID tag.

35. The method of claim 26 comprising using a proximity sensor to provide the menu location.

36. The method of claim 23 wherein the customer is a hotel guest and the customer'"'"'s room number is transmitted to the central location.

37. The method of claim 32 wherein the table or seating location is transmitted to the central location by activating a switch on the menu.

38. The method of claim 23 comprising transmitting a second packet of information from the central location to the menu.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the second packet of information includes a query from kitchen staff regarding the customer'"'"'s order.

40. The method of claim 39 further comprising speaking with a restaurant staff member via a microphone integral to the menu.

41. The method of claim 39 wherein the query comprises a text query.

42. The method of claim 23 further comprising updating the menu display from a location different than the menu.

43. The method of claim 23 comprising responding to a menu query regarding customer allergies.

44. The method of claim 23 comprising responding to a menu query regarding the customer'"'"'s time limitations.

45. A system comprising:

an electronic menu comprising;

an electronic display for displaying both a series of menu choices and a sub-series of menu choices;

a plurality of switches, each switch positioned to be aligned with one of the menu choices and one of the sub-menu choices;

a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location;

an integrated payment device;

a microcontroller including embedded software for operating the menu;

a power supply for powering the display and the transmitter; and

a central processor constructed and arranged to receive transmissions from the menu and to provide order information regarding customer orders to restaurant staff.

46. The system of claim 45 further comprising a printer associated with the menu and constructed and arranged to print a customer receipt.

47. The system of claim 45 further comprising a menu docking station for charging the power supply of the menu.

48. The system of claim 45 further comprising software embedded on the microcontroller, the software capable of encrypting transmissions from the menu to the central processor.

49. The system of claim 45 wherein the central processor comprises a personal computer.