Method for providing gastronomic information and instruction with an internet server using mobile communications or computing devices and intelligent appliances

• US 6,865,261 B1
• Filed: 10/06/2000
• Issued: 03/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IP Holdings Incorporated (IP Holdings LLC)
• Original Assignee: Rajni Rao, Raman K. Rao, Rekha Rao, Sanjay K. Rao, Sunil K. Rao
• Inventors: Rao, Sanjay K., Rao, Sunil K., Rao, Raman K., Rao, Rekha, Rao, Rajni
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramakrishnaiah, Melur
• Application Number:
  US09/680,611
• Time in Patent Office: 1,614 Days
• Field of Search: 379/110.01, 379/90.01, 379/93.12, 379/93.05, 379/93.17, 379/93.25, 379/114.24, 379/207.12, 348 1401- 1405, 705/27, 705/15, 455/562.1
• US Class Current: 379/93.12
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/953 Querying, e.g. by the use of web search engines
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/40 Processing or translation of natural language natural language analysis G06F40/20; semantic analysis G06F40/30
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0625 Directed, with specific intent or strategy
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/20 in augmented reality scenes
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/30 Writer recognition; Reading and verifying signatures
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 13/00 Voting apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0092 Nutrition
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/0057 using diplexing or multiplexing filters for selecting the desired band
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/11 Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/04 using two or more spaced independent antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0404 the mobile station comprising multiple antennas, e.g. to provide uplink diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0413 : MIMO systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/15 : Active relay systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1827 : Network arrangements for conference optimisation or adaptation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1831 : Tracking arrangements for later retrieval, e.g. recording contents, participants activities or behavior, network status
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2867 : Physical combinations
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/08 : each combination of signals in different channels being represented by a fixed frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 : using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0861 : using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using biological data H04L9/3231
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/12 : Applying verification of the received information cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for data integrity or data verification H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/06 : specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1097 : for distributed storage of data in networks, e.g. transport arrangements for network file system [NFS], storage area networks [SAN] or network attached storage [NAS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 : Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 : Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/026 : Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 : User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 : with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 : by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 : using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 : for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 : to restrict the functionality of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72466 : with selection means, e.g. keys, having functions defined by the mode or the status of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/58 : including a multilanguage function
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/74 : with voice recognition means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2007/145 : Handheld terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2353 : specifically adapted to content descriptors, e.g. coding, compressing or processing of metadata
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41407 : embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop constructional details of equipment or arrangements specially adapted for portable computer application G06F1/1626; arrangements specially adapted for mobile receivers in broadcast systems H04H20/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43637 : involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11] arrangements for wireless networking or broadcasting of information in indoor or near-field type systems H04B10/114
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6131 : involving transmission via a mobile phone network wireless downlink channel access H04W74/006
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/14 : Systems for two-way working H04N7/12, H04N7/173 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0005 : Switch and router aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0062 : Network aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/069 : using certificates or pre-shared keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/65 : Environment-dependent, e.g. using captured environmental data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/68 : Gesture-dependent or behaviour-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/26 : Cell enhancers or enhancement, e.g. for tunnels, building shadow
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/00 : Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/04 : Network layer protocols, e.g. mobile IP [Internet Protocol]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/04 : Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/10 : adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements

Abstract

A method for making a personal gastronomic decision or receiving instruction involving price, availability, safety and convenience information for food, such as for dining. The method involves sending an inquiry from a display device to a central server and transmitting the inquiry from the server to an information source. On receiving an action from the source to the server, the method involves personalizing the action for a particular user, interfacing the action with the display device from the server, and displaying the action. The display device may be a mobile device such as a Palm Pilot or a cell phone. The display device may have a tactile, audible, or visual interface. Any language may be translated, and any of the steps may be performed at a desired time.

Claims

1. A gastronomic information and instruction system comprising

a mobile device;

a central server;

means for communication with one or more websites and servers, including communication with websites and servers maintained by the vendor for the desired information;

means for wired or wireless communication;

means for a vendor establishment and or the customer to enable a customer profile including a photo and other pertinent information for use in conjunction with a stationary or mobile device;

means for the vendor establishment to recognize the said mobile device/customer to access the customer profile including the photo of the customer for one or more applications including friendly greeting;

means for assigning preferred seating including by automatic means;

means for the selection and ordering of of desired food items by the customer including by automatic means;

including

means for preparation of food items by the vendor according to the recipe or specific instructions of the customer including by automatic means;

further including

means for ensuring that the customer'"'"'s health sensitivity is maintained and allergic and harmful ingredients are indicated/excluded by working in tandem with the information contained in the customer profile, the mobile device, the local server and or the network server, including by automatic means;

means for accessing and providing a variety of information using one or more channels of a mobile device including by automatic means;

means for utilizing the mobile device in conjunction with the network servers, including local servers located at the vendor establishment;

means for wired or wireless communication and control;

means for the customer and the vendor to communicate and conduct desired transactions in a desired manner and at the desired time.

2. A gastronomic information and instruction system of claim 1 including means for the customers to select, initiate and monitor the progress of their specific order/food preparation and the activities of a chef/staff or the kitchen utilizing the mobile device including,

means for said selection, initiation and monitoring on a selected channel while conducting other activities on one or more other channels of a single or multi channel mobile device,

means for the vendor establishment to relay a variety information to one or more customers on their mobile devices or to a stationary device located at the dining table and or at other locations,

means for the information to be transmitted/received by the vendor and the customer utilizing one or more channels of of wired or wireless communication in conjunction with the equipment located at the vendor establishment including a local and or network server.

3. A gastronomic information and instruction system of claim 1 including

means for the setting up of one or more personal and or business related billing and credit card profiles in the mobile device;

means for the setting up of the attendee list or lists inclusive of the ability to add/delete individuals to/from the attendee list;

means for appending memos or other notes in one or more formats to a transaction;

means for differentiating between food items and non food items inclusive of alcohol and their costs;

means for authentication and payment by one or more methods including via the mobile device;

means for communicating the appropriate information with one or more business or personal data bases for expense reports and other purposes seamlessly;

means for accessing and updating various personal or business data bases seamlessly;

means for the communication of audio, video and data using one or more channels of a mobile device;

including

means for the vendor establishment to access and authenticate the customer data, utilizing one or more databases resident in the mobile device, the local server and or the network server.

4. A gastronomic information and instruction system of claim 3 including means for accessing and utilizing the various data bases of the vendor establishment through a mobile device,

means for accessing and utilizing the recipes and other information related to the vendor establishment from said data bases, inclusive of

means for accessing and utilizing the information related to the specific ingredients of any particular recipe from said data bases;

further including

means for accessing and utilizing the caloric and nutritional content and related information of a particular recipes from said data bases;

inclusive of

means for accessing and utilizing the preparation techniques of particular recipes from said data bases;

means for determining the appropriateness for the customer of a particular food item, from the list of available recipes by accessing the customer profile, inclusive of the

means for determining the appropriateness of a particular food item, or a combination of food items by the customer, the nutritionist, medical professional or the vendor acting singly and or in combination by accessing and utilizing the customers profile;

means for maintaining the customer profiles within the mobile device a local server, a network server or a combination thereof;

means for tracking, monitoring, managing and obtaining a comprehensive running history of nutritional, health and other factors pertaining to the individual customer/user in a secure manner, with permission levels being set by the individual for access and or use by authorized health professionals and third parties;

means for maintaining the appropriate databases within the mobile device including in conjunction with a local and or network server;

further including means for the health professionals, hospitals or loved ones to be contacted automatically by having the mobile device set up by the user to respond, on one or more channels, to certain pre set hazard levels and events;

means for the appropriate complement of data to be readily available for use by the health professional for emergency response tailored to the individual;

means for the mobile device to be used in a stand alone manner or in conjunction with a local or network server;

including the

means for the mobile device and the servers to be equipped with a single channel or a multi channel communication capability;

means for utilizing the mobile device for gastronomic information, instruction and control tasks inclusive of facilitating emergency response.

5. A gastronomic information and instruction system as in claim 4 including

means for the geographical location of the customer and the vendor to be determined and provided to one or more of the parties, in a dynamic setting where the user may be stationary, in motion and or headed in a particular direction;

means for the best proximate location and directions to be provided to the user;

means for the estimated arrival time to be determined and means for said information to be used for providing just in time seating and initiation of food preparation;

means for accessing the appropriate preferences set up by the user within the mobile device, a local server, a network server inclusive of a combination thereof and their individual and collective data bases,

means for an optimal determination of a vendor, means for the selection of a vendor establishment including the means for the selection of specific menu items best suited for the health, quality of the dining experience and cost effectiveness to the user,

means for communication between the customer and the vendor for the desired gastronomic information and instruction actions.

6. A gastronomic information and instruction system as in claim 5 including

means for the user may to search the Internet, other web sites or other servers and their data bases for appropriate recipes using a mobile or stationary device using one or more channels of communication of the mobile device;

including

means for contemporaneously conducting one or more related or non related communications such as voice, video and data on one or more same or different channels;

means for screening the recipes for appropriateness to the individual against pre set rules;

means for determining the types and optimal quantity of ingredients needed for the food preparation of one or more recipes by accessing the user'"'"'s personal databases or the data bases of the grocer or the data bases located on a local or network server using one or more channels of communication;

including

means for determining the availability of the ingredients at various grocers and the best location of the grocers relative to the user, including taking into account various factors such as the price of each ingredient, the availability or lack of availability of the partial or full set of ingredients, such that the grocer that meets certain pre set user defined rules is selected;

means for the stationary or mobile device user to communicate with the selected grocer to initiate the fulfillment of the order for the selected ingredients in the quantities desired, at the time desired, inclusive of the indicated the pick up or delivery means;

means for the grocer to charge the customer'"'"'s account via a credit card or other means and the customer to approve such charges;

means for providing a real time or periodic summary and analysis of the usage of certain recipes, ingredients, nutritional, caloric values and other pertinent factors to the user or his or her designees, such as health professionals, for total health management of the user,

means for the appropriate information to be maintained in data bases that may be resident on the mobile device, the local and or network server; and

further including

means for the data to be uploaded or down loaded on command or at pre set intervals on one or more channels of communication;

including

means for contemporaneously providing the user with a full range of other communication capabilities on one or more channels of the mobile device;

means for the mobile device to perform the desired functions in a stand alone manner or in conjunction with the local or network server.

7. A gastronomic information and instruction system as in claim 6 including

means for recipes to be archived, searched and selected from the data base resident within a stationary or mobile device, a local and or network server;

means for recipes, food preparation techniques and or instructions to be provided to a stationary and or mobile device, by wired or wireless means, for use by the device itself or for use in conjunction with an intelligent appliance performing the functions of food preparation, food storage and other related functions;

including

means for recipes and food preparation techniques and or instructions to be provided by wired or wireless means, to an intelligent food preparation, food storage and other related intelligent appliances for immediate usage or for archival within such an intelligent appliance for future use;

means for the intelligent appliance to communicate with a mobile device, a local and or network server and other intelligent appliances within a local network and or across other networks using one or more communication channels;

further including

means for intelligent appliance to operate with one or more wired or wireless communication protocols to access or be accessible by a range of stationary devices, mobile devices, other intelligent appliances, local and or network servers;

means for the intelligent appliance or appliances to operate in an IP based mode, a USB mode, a Blue Tooth mode, a 802 xx mode or other modes to appropriately select the communication mode and communicate with other mobile devices, other intelligent appliances, local servers and or network servers by wired or wireless means in a sequential or simultaneous manner;

including means for initiating and executing food preparation and related tasks is on pre set commands at the designated time and in a designated manner or by a command received from a stationary or mobile communication device via one or more channels of the mobile device directly or in association with a local and or network server;

means for monitoring the progress of the food preparation activity and other information;

means for communication and signaling with other intelligent appliances within the local network or across a network including the Internet, for efficient preparation of the full range of a meal working in tandem with other intelligent appliances;

means for the progress of the food preparation activity and related tasks to be communicated and signaled to one or more other intelligent appliances, mobile devices, one or more local servers and or network servers for monitoring and control purposes.

8. A gastronomic information and instruction system as in claim 7 including

means for communication by one or more communication methods and or communication protocols between a mobile device, an intelligent appliance, a local and or network server to access, upload, download and manage gastronomical information and instruction tasks;

including

means for accessing and translating the textual menu or recipe descriptions available in one or more languages to textual menu or recipe descriptions into one or more different languages using the language translation capability resident within the mobile device, the local server an or the network server;

including

means for accessing and translating the textual menu or recipe descriptions available in one or more languages to audio menu or recipe descriptions in one or more different languages using the text to voice and language translation capability resident within the mobile device, the local server an or the network server;

including

means for displaying images, audio and video that describes related to various ingredients, food items and preparation methods on a mobile or stationary device for error free selection,

means for selection, ordering, and executing transactions by different input/output methods that include voice, touch and other means utilizing a mobile or stationary device.