Remote Ordering System
First Claim
Patent Images
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 first series of menu choices and one of the sub-series of menu choices;
an alpha-numeric keypad for entering data;
a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating selection of such menu choices;
a microcontroller including embedded software for operating such menu;
a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location;
a communication mechanism providing for communication with at least one other such menu;
an integrated payment device; and
a power supply for powering the electronic display and the transmitter.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
-
Citations
20 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 first series of menu choices and one of the sub-series of menu choices; an alpha-numeric keypad for entering data; a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating selection of such menu choices; a microcontroller including embedded software for operating such menu; a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location; a communication mechanism providing for communication with at least one other such menu; an integrated payment device; and a power supply for powering the electronic display and the transmitter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method for a customer to place an order at a restaurant, the method comprising:
-
picking up a handheld electronic menu; reviewing a first series of menu choices presented on a display of the handheld electronic menu; selecting a menu choice from the first series of menu choices by activating a switch aligned with the menu choice; reviewing a sub-series of menu choices presented on the display of the handheld electronic menu; selecting a menu choice from the sub-series of menu choices by activating a switch aligned with the menu choice; wirelessly transmitting an order to a central location wherein the order includes selected menu choices from such first series and sub-series; alerting a member of the wait staff and/or kitchen if assistance is required; and paying for the order via a payment device integral to such menu. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A system comprising:
-
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 first series of menu choices and one of the sub-series of menu choices; an alpha-numeric keypad for entering data; a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating selection of such menu choices; a microcontroller including embedded software for operating such menu; a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location; a communication mechanism providing for communication with at least one other such menu; an integrated payment device; and a power supply for powering the electronic display and the transmitter; and a central processor constructed and arranged to receive transmissions from such menu and to provide order information regarding customer orders to restaurant staff. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification