Computer integrated communication system for restaurants

• US 6,973,437 B1
• Filed: 06/28/2000
• Issued: 12/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1999
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: Michael Pate, Tadeusz A. Olewicz
• Original Assignee: Michael Pate, Tadeusz A. Olewicz
• Inventors: Pate, Michael, Olewicz, Tadeusz A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fischer, Andrew J.
• Application Number:
  US09/605,077
• Time in Patent Office: 1,987 Days
• Field of Search: 705/15, 705/16, 705/21, 705/17, 705/18
• US Class Current: 705/15
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

A computer integrated communication system for restaurants that includes a central server and a series of table units and staff units. The table and staff units each include a display and wireless communication device that enables customer request information and other communications to be sent from the table unit to the staff units either directly or by first being passed through the central server unit. The central server further can monitor the communications and direct the request to another staff member or management for action in the event of delays or other problems with the customer'"'"'s request.

Claims

1. A restaurant communication system to enhance communications between the restaurant wait staff and customers, comprising:

an interactive table unit at a customer table, an interactive table unit including a data input device, display, and a communication device, an interactive table unit at a customer table for receiving customer requests for service and communicating such customer requests to a central server unit and at least one selected wait staff unit;

said at least one wait staff unit carried by a server and including a request and display device and a communication mechanism for communicating with said central server unit and receiving customer requests for service;

said central server unit including a timing element monitoring the wait time, the wait time is being defined as time elapsed between the time a customer request call comes in, and a time when the customer request call is addressed by the wait staff, and wherein said central server unit notifies a second wait staff unit or a manager unit if the wait time exceeds a predetermined wait time.

2. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and wherein said table unit includes a power supply.

3. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and wherein said data input and display mechanism of said table and waiter units includes a touch screen, key pad, and/or stylus.

4. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and where in said communication mechanism of said table and waiter units comprise a transmitter and receiver.

5. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and wherein said central server unit comprises a central processor unit, memory storage, transmitter and receiver, and a data input and display device.

6. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and further including a kitchen unit having a display monitor for receiving and displaying customer order information at the restaurant kitchen and a communication unit to communicate with a waiter unit.

7. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and wherein said waiter unit comprises a pager.

8. The restaurant communication system of claim 1 and further including a hostess unit having a data input device for entering customer profiles designed to build a profile database, tailor and direct customer advertisements, and for receiving and displaying seating times.