Remote Ordering System

• US 20130246197A1
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Published: 09/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: E-Meal, LLC
• Original Assignee: E-Meal, LLC
• Inventors: Baril, Daniel J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,756,106 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/15
• 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. An electronic menu comprising:

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

a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating when a menu choice has been made by a user;

a speaker;

a microphone;

a transmitter for communicating with a central station and with a second electronic menu;

a receiver for communicating with the central station and the second electronic menu; and

a microcontroller for operating the electronic menu.

2. The menu of claim 1, wherein the electronic display is touch sensitive.

3. The menu of claim 1, further comprising a payment device to read credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and Smart cards.

4. The menu of claim 1, further comprising a printer in communication with the electronic menu.

5. The menu of claim 1, further comprising an electronic signature pad.

6. The menu of claim 1 wherein the software can be updated to include new menu choices.

7. 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.

8. A method for a customer to place an order at a restaurant, the method comprising:

reviewing a series of menu choices on a first electronic menu having a display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a selection tool for selecting menu choices;

selecting a menu choice;

submitting an order to a central station using the first electronic menu;

submitting a second order to a central station using a second menu; and

paying via the first menu for the order placed via the second menu.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of communicating with a second customer electronically via the first electronic menu and the second electronic menu.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of receiving communication from the central station via the electronic menu.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic menu comprises a mobile computer.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of hearing feedback from the electronic menu.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of paying for the order occurs using a payment selected from the group consisting of:

credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and Smart cards.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of updating the electronic menu remotely from the central station.