Notification method and device for service providers
First Claim
1. A method for alerting a customer to a current availability of a restaurant service by a service provider using a wireless terminal of the customer having an identifier, said method comprising the steps of:
- registering the identifier of the wireless terminal with the service provider using a registration device, the wireless terminal comprising a device for communicating voice and data with others via a wireless telecommunications network to which the customer subscribes;
determining when the restaurant service for the customer is currently available, the restaurant service comprising the availability of a restaurant table at which to seat the customer;
using the wireless telecommunications network in determining whether the wireless terminal is active and available to receive messages and, if active and available to receive messages and it is determined that the restaurant service is currently available for the customer, alerting the customer of the current availability of the restaurant service using a message transmitted to the wireless terminal over the wireless telecommunications network;
receiving from the wireless terminal the customer'"'"'s confirmation of a reservation for the table; and
providing the wireless terminal with access to a menu so that the customer can preorder food and drink items via the wireless telecommunications network.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A customer is alerted to the availability or completion of service by a service provider through communication with a wireless terminal of the customer. The terminal has an assigned identification number and a control channel, and as a first step, the identification number (e.g., telephone number) of the wireless terminal is registered with the service provider. When service for the customer is available or completed, a determination is made of whether the wireless terminal is active. If active, the customer is alerted to the availability or completion of the service, preferably using a preformatted message transmitted to the wireless terminal over the control channel. In one example, the service provider is a restaurant and the customer is alerted to the availability of a table.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for alerting a customer to a current availability of a restaurant service by a service provider using a wireless terminal of the customer having an identifier, said method comprising the steps of:
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registering the identifier of the wireless terminal with the service provider using a registration device, the wireless terminal comprising a device for communicating voice and data with others via a wireless telecommunications network to which the customer subscribes; determining when the restaurant service for the customer is currently available, the restaurant service comprising the availability of a restaurant table at which to seat the customer; using the wireless telecommunications network in determining whether the wireless terminal is active and available to receive messages and, if active and available to receive messages and it is determined that the restaurant service is currently available for the customer, alerting the customer of the current availability of the restaurant service using a message transmitted to the wireless terminal over the wireless telecommunications network; receiving from the wireless terminal the customer'"'"'s confirmation of a reservation for the table; and providing the wireless terminal with access to a menu so that the customer can preorder food and drink items via the wireless telecommunications network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. The device for alerting a customer to a current availability of a restaurant service by a service provider using a customer wireless terminal having an identifier, said device comprising:
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registering means for registering the identifier of the wireless terminal with the service provider; customer alerting means for determining when the restaurant service is currently available, the restaurant service comprising the availability of a restaurant table at which to seat the customer, for determining whether the wireless terminal is active and available to receive messages and for, if it is determined that the wireless terminal is active and available to receive the messages and that the restaurant service is currently available for the customer, alerting the customer of the current availability of the restaurant service by providing for transmission of a message to the wireless terminal; confirming means for receiving confirmation from the customer of a reservation for the table via the wireless device; and ordering means for receiving from the wireless terminal via the wireless telecommunications network an order for food and drink items. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification