Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080215446 | SUBMITTING A REQUEST TO RESERVE A SERVICE - Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: selecting a restaurant from a plurality of restaurants; and transmitting a request to reserve a service that is provided by the restaurant. The request to reserve is for a particular time and a particular date and the service comprises at least one of: (i) preparing a consumable good that is consumed at the restaurant's location; (ii) preparing a consumable good that is received at the restaurant's location; or (iii) preparing a consumable good that is delivered to a location external to the restaurant's location. The methods and system also include receiving an indicia that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or denied. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215447 | BIDDING FOR A REQUEST TO RESERVE A SERVICE - Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available for bidding. The service is provided for a particular time and a particular date. The methods and system also include receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, in which the bid is associated with a first amount; storing the bid with a plurality of other bids in a storage device; and comparing the bid with at least one other bid that is submitted for reserving the service. The at least one other bid is associated with a second amount. The methods and system also include determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount; and outputting an indicia that grants the request to reserve the service provided by the restaurant to a highest bidder, in which the first amount submitted by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount. | 09-04-2008 |
20080235097 | Restaurant System - A restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having opposed first and second sides. A first display is situated on the first side for use by the customer and a second display is situated on the second side for use by a bartender. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the first and second displays. A user may select between inputting ordering options, watching television/video, or allowing advertisements to be displayed on the first display. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. The system may include a remote headset for audibly assisting a bartender with drink orders and may include an electronic mixing tin and lighted pour spout. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235098 | Restaurant System - A restaurant system includes a lighted pour spout for use in dispensing liquid from a bottle. The pour spout includes a coupling portion for attachment to a bottle and an interior portion that extends into the bottle. The interior portion may include a light and a battery for illuminating the pour spout and bottle. The restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having a first display for use by a customer and a second display for use by a bartender or waiter. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the displays. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235099 | Restaurant System - A restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having opposed first and second sides. A first display is situated on the first side for use by the customer and a second display is situated on the second side for use by a bartender. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the first and second displays. A user may select between inputting ordering options, watching television/video, or allowing advertisements to be displayed on the first display. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. The system may include a remote headset for audibly assisting a bartender with drink orders and may include an electronic mixing tin and lighted pour spout. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235100 | Restaurant system - A restaurant system includes an electronic mixing tin having a waterproof double wall construction defining a mixing area. The mixing tin includes a display, a receiver, and a processor that is in data communication with the display and receiver. Data received by the mixing tin receiver may be sent to the mixing tin display. The restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having a first display for use by a customer and a second display for use by a bartender or waiter. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the kiosk displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the displays. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display or transmitted to the mixing tin to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. | 09-25-2008 |
20080243624 | ELECTRONIC MENU SYSTEM WITH AUDIO OUTPUT FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED - An electronic talking menu system for the visually impaired includes a battery powered portable electronic, audio output device having large back-lighted buttons corresponding to menu items. Each button corresponds to contents of the restaurant's menu, such as appetizers, drinks, seafood, desserts, etc. Pressing a particular button activates a pre-recorded description of the menu item, or menu items within the selected category. An electronic menus system thus provides a system for enabling a visually impaired person to review and select desired menu items using audio feedback. Delivery of pre-recorded content is accomplished via either a logically-managed service wherein formatted sound files are uploaded to a memory card from a personal computer via the Internet, and/or a courier-based service wherein formatted memory cards are delivered to restaurants via a third party parcel delivery service with a round-robin mailer to exchange memory cards. | 10-02-2008 |
20080262934 | Freshly prepared food delivery methodology - The present invention is a methodology for the delivery of freshly prepared food to a plurality of vehicle-operating consumers. Freshly prepared foods means foods that have, in some manner, recently been transformed into an edible or consumable format. Thus, when frozen ice cream is scooped into a cone, it is freshly prepared; when a frozen or cool item is microwaved to cook it or to merely heat it up, it is freshly prepared; when coffee is taken from an urn or coffeemaker and put into a cup, it is freshly prepared; when soda is dispensed from a dispenser or cooler, it is, in accordance with the present invention, freshly prepared; when frozen pizza is heated, it is freshly prepared, etc. | 10-23-2008 |
20080270244 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND PROGRAM TO PRESENT FOOD AND BEVEREGE MENU BY DIGITAL PORTABLE TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY DEVICE - Disclosed are a method, system and program to present a food and beverage menu by digital portable touch screen display device with applicable hardware and software. The present invention can be used by patrons of restaurants, hotels, clubs, bars, and other establishments whereby customers are presented with food and beverage menu options. The present invention further discloses a digital handheld touch screen display, which is light and thin, with dimensions around one (1) inch in depth, six (6) to twelve (12) inches in width and six (6) to seventeen (17) inches in length, depending on the demands and application. The device also has a cover. With specific designed software, the device will afford patrons the opportunity to view the selections of the given establishment through text, images and videos and additional information that can be accessed by using specific pen or finger on handheld. | 10-30-2008 |
20080288357 | RESTAURANT PATRON LOCATION TRACKING AND TABLE TURN MONITORING SYSTEM - A restaurant facility patron location tracking system that includes a restaurant networked table management system and portable pucks that have an ID chip reader which associates with a table with a ID chip located at the table, thereby allowing for the real-time monitoring and updating of location of customers within the facility. The system is programmed to associate the customer location to the food order number and allows users to query the system to determine the location of a patron by food order number or to query the system to determine the food order number by location. The networked system is a networked control, communication and display system with one or more monitoring stations and wireless communication with portable pagers and the pucks. | 11-20-2008 |
20080313046 | FOOD ORDERING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of a food ordering system include a menu board station adapted to display information about a plurality of food items. At least one dispenser is associated with at least one of the plurality of food items. The at least one dispenser is adapted to dispense an article including identifying data corresponding to one of the plurality of food items. An article receiving station is adapted to receive the article and identify the identifying data on the article. Other embodiments of a food ordering system include a menu board station displaying information about a plurality of food items. The information includes at least one identifier associated with each food item. An ordering panel is proximate to the menu board station and includes a user interface for placing an order by inputting one or more of the identifiers. A kitchen interface is operably linked to the ordering panel for receiving the order. | 12-18-2008 |
20080319864 | Method of dynamically routing food items through a restaurant kitchen - Dynamic Routing of food items through a restaurant kitchen improves on advanced routing methods by being forward looking and forecasting the time to prepare each of the menu items within an order based on the current capacity and conditions of individual prep stations. Such Dynamic Routing has the ability to monitor for current status on a user defined basis, updating forecasted times based on real-time factors that can impact these forecasted times. The method improves on advanced routing methods by keeping track of the status of each and every individual item within an order as it goes through the preparation process. Therefore, if one item gets behind or one prep station that is responsible for an item on that particular order gets behind, the remaining items do not commence to the prep stations, keeping the balance of the order on track for all items to complete the preparation process at the same time. Overall, the present invention encompasses every facet of the preparation process and every factor that can impact that preparation process, using advanced logic and algorithms to continuously forecast and adjust forecasted times at a very granular menu item level to protect workflow, labor efficiency, and food quality. | 12-25-2008 |
20090037283 | INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND ORDERING SYSTEM - In some embodiments, systems, methods and graphical user interfaces for managing inventory and ordering supplies are provided. A scanner can be provided for scanning inventory bar codes and for receiving inventory quantities associated with the bar codes. The inventory quantities can be loaded onto a computer in association with corresponding bar codes, and a computer can be used to calculate ordering requirements for each inventory item based on a difference between a par value for each inventory item and its corresponding inventory level. The system can also calculate par values for ingredient items and notify a user of required ingredients to match the calculated par value. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043662 | Method of operating an economic enterprise in which cognitive reserve is enhanced - A business entity provides nutrition, physical and mental activities to enhance the cognitive reserves of people. The business entity can assess the cognitive reserve of people to assist in this process. The business entity can present information to people to assist in its work. | 02-12-2009 |
20090055276 | Pay at the Table System - Patrons at a restaurant or bar can pay at their table using credit cards, without involving the restaurant or bar cashier and/or wait staff. Patrons are assisted using this system in dividing the bill by displaying the amount due (including tax) and allowing each patron to enter the amount they wish to pay. When the initial bill is presented, a balance due will be displayed and the indication will be provided that the bill has yet to be paid in full. As each transaction is entered, a running total will be displayed indicating the remaining balance due. When the running total reaches zero, the bill is paid in full, and an indication will be provided, such as by illuminating a green indicator light or by displaying a balance due of $0.00. | 02-26-2009 |
20090076920 | Multimedia restaurant system, booth and associated methods - A restaurant system may include multiple booths in at least part of a restaurant and a central computer in communication with each booth. Each booth may include a table having a table display, seating stations arranged around the table, the table being large enough to accommodate dining at each seating station, a wall having a wall display therein, the wall display positioned to be viewable from all seating stations, the wall display configured to display a common image, the table display configured to control the wall display, a booth computer in communication with the table display, the wall display, and the central computer, and an access point configured to allow access to restaurant workers and entry/exit to the booth. | 03-19-2009 |
20090094121 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING SELECTIVE CUSTOMER PARTICIPATION IN DYNAMICALLY CONFIGURING AND MANAGING AT LEAST A PORTION OF CUSTOMIZABLE INDIVIDUALIZED VICTUALS PROVISION SERVICES PROVIDED THERETO - The system and method of the present invention are directed to providing and managing periodic subscription-based victuals preparation and delivery services to customers thereof, while enabling the customers to selectively alter and/or manage pending victuals deliveries, without having to make permanent changes to their subscription plan, and without necessarily sacrificing or decreasing the health, nutrition, and weight-management benefits thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the inventive system and method transmit notification of pending victuals deliveries to customers with sufficient notice to enable customers to selectively modify and/or cancel all or a portion thereof. The inventive system and method further include an automated credit system for handling full and/or partial meal cancellations. | 04-09-2009 |
20090119180 | Food on demand channel and interactive website commercial - A system and method for providing an online mechanism for ordering goods via computer terminal or television system which further provides a series of menus that may be accessed through a system of menus or even through such convention as an interactive commercial. The system and method further allow the user to choose form genre of goods or a listing of providers which can be goods specific or general to the field of endeavor. | 05-07-2009 |
20090125404 | Interactive electronic menu system supported by dynamic software package - A software supported dynamic interactive electronic menu system for restaurant/bar and coffee shop related businesses which is intended to replace traditional paper menus is hereby invented. This programmable lightweight menu provides customers with graphic view of menu items on the available screen to simplify the process of placing their orders. Complete information about restaurant food items can save time and avoid possible misunderstanding between waiters/waitresses and customers. It can also assist customers with information about other products within and/or out of the business in question depending on the circumstances. | 05-14-2009 |
20090132379 | Remote Ordering System - A remote ordering system is provided using an electronic menu having a series of input devices corresponding to various menu items aligned with the input devices, 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. | 05-21-2009 |
20090157515 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SALES, PURCHASES AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS - A tracking system for monitoring, controlling, and restricting the sale of alcoholic beverages based upon parameters independent of users, and further restricting sales based upon scans of a patron's ID, with data entered into a database, and continuously tallies of the number of alcoholic beverages the patron bought at the venue within a specific period of time. Restrictions stemming from regulatory or administrative bases are entered into the system, and the system then frequently canvasses selected sources and determines if any of the restrictions have been triggered. If triggered, sales across all sales venues are appropriately restricted. In addition, the system issues one. or more warning to the user/server when the patron approaches the maximum limit or restrictions are triggered. The system can also monitor various zones of a venue to determine if the patrons within any of the zones are drinking excessively. If they are, alcohol dispensing is stopped at the zone, or, alternatively, throughout the venue. | 06-18-2009 |
20090192901 | Calorie counting POS system - The Calorie Counting POS System is a software value addition to current POS systems with price look-ups. Food item entry generates a parallel look up into the Calorie Data Register (Calorie Data Table), subroutine ads all calorie entries, ads total calorie count of the order, displays it and prints it with regular information such as total price, taxes, method of payment. This printed information gives a valuable record to the customer of total consumed calories. | 07-30-2009 |
20090216650 | Cyber Pub (CP) - The present invention relates to a Cyber-Pub (CP) that allows an easy social interchange among people. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method that allows the social interchange amongst people who suffer from difficulties related to shyness. | 08-27-2009 |
20090240591 | RESTAURANT MENU - A restaurant menu is provided comprising a plurality of menu selections, a plurality of corresponding prices each associated with one of said plurality of menu selections, and a plurality of selectively revealable messages each corresponding to one of said menu selections. | 09-24-2009 |
20090248530 | POS REGISTER, COOKING INSTRUCTION METHOD, COOKING INSTRUCTION PROGRAM AND PROGRAM RECORDING MEDIUM - A POS register | 10-01-2009 |
20090259553 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first and second restaurant menu category selector within an ordering interface screen, receiving a selection signal representing that one of the first or second restaurant menu category selectors has been selected and displaying the restaurant menu that corresponds to the selection signal. The first restaurant menu category selector is representative of a first restaurant menu and the second restaurant menu category selector is representative of a second restaurant menu. Additionally, the first restaurant menu comprises a first set of restaurant item selectors and the second restaurant menu comprises a second set of restaurant item selectors. | 10-15-2009 |
20090265247 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER KIOSK ORDERING - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a list of restaurant items within an ordering interface screen, receiving a selection signal indicating one or more of the restaurant items has been selected, displaying one or more of the selected restaurant items within an order cart interface screen and receiving a selection signal indicating a selector box corresponding to the ingredient option has been selected. Each of the selected restaurant items includes at least one selector box representing an ingredient option for the selected restaurant item that the customer can interact with to customize the amount of that ingredient on the selected restaurant item. If the customer elects to remove an ingredient from the restaurant item, the selected ingredient option is highlighted to indicate that it is omitted from the restaurant item. | 10-22-2009 |
20090281902 | Method of maintaining an exclusion database of intoxicated individuals by alcohol serving venues - Systems and methods are described that allow alcohol-serving vendors to verify whether a potential patron has been listed as intoxicated, violent or disruptive by another vendor using the system. Vendors obtain personal information from their patrons. If a patron becomes intoxicated, violent or disruptive, the vendor may input this personal information into a local workstation and upload it to a remote server for inclusion in local, regional and national databases of individuals that have been shut off or refused service by another vendor. Vendors may collect personal information of potential patrons as they attempt to purchase alcohol or enter a specific venue. Vendors using the system may input this personal information into a local workstation, and perform specific search queries of the databases to determine if patron has been recently listed as shut off or refused service by another vendor using the system. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281903 | System for Ordering Items by a User in a Limited Venue - The present invention is directed to a system, a gate hold area and methods for a user to order an item in a limited venue for delivery to the limited venue using a kiosk having a computer and ordering software in communication via a network to a transaction server. The orders are prepared in an order preparation area and delivered to the limited venue area. The limited venue may be a gate hold area and a media server for providing real time information relevant to the venue may also be provided herein. | 11-12-2009 |
20090307096 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDER OPTIMIZATION - An order optimization system and method is disclosed. According to the system and method, a device, such as a personal digital assistant or personal computer is in communication with an establishment computer. The system includes software and hardware capable of placing, transmitting, and receiving an order, tracking the location of the device, determining and predicting the availability of limiting resources, optimally assigning resources to the order, determining whether a triggering condition is satisfied, commanding the preparation of the order, commanding notification messages, tracking limiting resource usage, tracking implements used to prepare the order, and displaying order fulfillment status. | 12-10-2009 |
20090319381 | Mobile Kiosk System - A restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having opposed first and second sides. A first display is situated on the first side for use by the customer and a second display is situated on the second side for use by a bartender. One aspect of the restaurant system includes a mobile kiosk system that includes a rail having distal and proximate ends and extends therebetween. The electronic kiosk includes a base that extends adjacent the rail. Inductive or conductive electrical components transmit an electrical current to power a processor, input device, and output device of the kiosk. The base is movable only along the rail between the rail distal and proximate ends. | 12-24-2009 |
20100023410 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENTERING ORDERS OF CUSTOMERS - A method and system for entering an order into an onsite computer-based sales management system of a restaurant. A communication link is established between an offsite employee and an order-placing talk box at the restaurant. The communication link is utilized for two-way voice communication so that a food order can be taken from a customer located at the restaurant by the offsite employee. A data communication link is utilized by the offsite employee to enter the order into the onsite computer-based sales management system which facilitates food preparation, fee collection, and the recording of sales. Preferably, the offsite employee utilizes a personal computer to accomplish the stated functions, the communication links are provided via the Internet, and the customer is located within a vehicle adjacent the restaurant when placing his/her order. | 01-28-2010 |
20100070374 | METHOD FOR SUPPLY AND DEMAND PRICING WITHIN A CONSUMER ESTABLISHMENT - A method for pricing menu items at a consumer establishment includes repeatedly receiving data with a tracking system, where the data relates to at least one of menu item supplies and patron orders for menu items available at the consumer establishment. The received data is repeatedly analyzed, and the analyzed data is used to set current prices for the menu items. The current prices are then displayed to a patron, and an order is received from the patron for one or more of the menu items based upon the current prices. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076853 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING AND SUPPLYING GOODS AND SERVICES VIA A CELLULAR PHONE - A method and a system for ordering and supplying goods and services is provided. The method includes the steps of an end user sending a coded SMS (Short Messaging System) message using a specially created syntax from a cellular device to an intermediary computer, which is configured to identify the supplier of goods being ordered from the coded SMS message and route the received message to the identified supplier of goods. The coded SMS message may also include unique identifiers for identifying goods being ordered, menu or catalog identifier codes, identifiers to identify the method of payment and the method of delivery. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076854 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING ROOM SERVICE - A method of processing room service transactions in an institution such as a hotel, having a plurality of guest rooms includes displaying selected visual representations of food items at predetermined intervals with a user device including an interactive graphical user interface in a guest room, receiving inputs from a guest with the graphical user interface and transmitting the inputs to a food service server for fulfillment. | 03-25-2010 |
20100094715 | SYSTEM FOR CREATING MENU BOARD AND FOOD ORDERING SYSTEM USING ELECTRONIC MENU BOARD MODULE - The present invention relates to a system for creating a menu board and a food ordering system using an electronic menu board module. The system for creating a menu board includes a main server including a template information DB for storing menu board template information related to configuration and arrangement of various menu boards, and a menu board creation tool for creating a menu board using the menu board template information. A restaurant client PC is connected to the main server over a network, and is configured to include a menu board information DB for storing configuration sources of each menu board, created using the menu board creation tool of the main server, and a print output unit for outputting the menu board through a printer. The menu board is printed through the printer and is usable as a typical menu board. | 04-15-2010 |
20100106607 | Interactive Food and Drink Ordering System - An interactive food and/or drink ordering system, in which a computer controlled projector is mounted above a surface such that a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto some or all of the surface. The selection options are selectable by a user operating an interface device connected to the computer, such as a wireless track pad. | 04-29-2010 |
20100121722 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATING CONSUMER FOOD ORDERS - A system and method are provided for automating consumer restaurant and grocery food orders, and more specifically, a system for compiling a food order for a specific food establishment utilizing the consumer's food interests and the establishment's available food menu. The system includes a software application for generating a consumer account comprising food preferences, either entered by the consumer manually or by automatically collecting history data from one or more food establishments. Such data is then used to generate individual food orders for a specific customer at each food establishment. The system can further include a customer identification card which can be used at each food establishment to automatically draw up an order. Alternately, orders may be automatically created at specific times during a day based on data sent to an establishment from an application repository on an automated basis. | 05-13-2010 |
20100161431 | DIAGNOSTIC DATA INTERCHANGE - The present invention provides a bi-directional communication network which provides monitoring, data collection, and control of food service industry operations. The system includes a computer and control logic implemented by the computer which may be configured to perform various tasks. A communication network may be provided linking the computer with equipment and appliances having a microprocessor based controller capable of communicating with the system. In one embodiment, the system automatically verifies the performance of equipment-related manual tasks in food preparation. In another embodiment, the system schedules the maintenance of a plurality of kitchen appliances. In another embodiment, the system provides a hold timer for tracking the hold time of cooked food products and determines when the hold time elapses. In yet another embodiment, the system manages the inventory of cooked food products in a food preparation establishment. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161432 | PATRON EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An electronic method of providing a personalized experience to venue patrons, comprising receiving patron data associated with a plurality of patrons; receiving venue data associated with a plurality of venues; receiving, at at least one server, a request from a first patron to view a menu associated with a first venue of the plurality of venues; and generating, using a processor of the server, a personalized menu for display to the first patron based on patron data associated with the first patron and venue data associated with the first venue, the personalized menu including at least one offering for purchase. | 06-24-2010 |
20100250374 | KITCHEN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A voice message system for use in kitchen management, particularly drive-thru restaurants, including a data processor ( | 09-30-2010 |
20100274676 | Custom Food Product Preparation Apparatus - Custom food product methods and apparatus are provided that allow customers to participate in the preparation of food products as a part of the dining experience. A method of preparing a custom food product under the direction of a customer includes placing a customer-selected substrate on a scale of custom food product preparation table, placing customer-selected ingredients on the substrate in customer-selected amounts and customer-selected areas, and calculating and displaying the cost of the custom food product to the customer as the customer-selected ingredients are placed on the substrate. Each ingredient is assigned a cost per unit of weight and, as the ingredients are utilized, the cost of the food product is calculated and displayed via a display associated with the table. A customer may be provided with a record of the ingredients of the custom food product and may include an image and/or name of the custom food product. | 10-28-2010 |
20100306068 | ORDER RECEIVING SYSTEM AND TERMINAL DEVICE - A terminal device according to the present invention is used, in a facility where a plurality of shops are collected, by a customer who purchases a product at any of the shops. The terminal device includes: a portion that displays a list of the plurality of shops, and has the customer specify a shop to be used from the shops in the list; a portion that displays a list of products carried by the shop to be used, and has the customer specify an ordered product from the products in the list; a portion that transmits information indicating the ordered product; a portion that receives information indicating that the ordered product can be handed over, and a portion that, when the reception is performed, provides to the customer a notification indicating that the ordered product can be received. | 12-02-2010 |
20100325000 | ORDERING METHOD AND ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An order management system includes a pen-shaped scanner a | 12-23-2010 |
20100332333 | DIET CONTROL METHOD - A device and system which have capability of inhibiting food purchases. The system analyzes proposed food purchases for adherence to a pre-established dietary regimen. If a proposed purchase fails to conform to the dietary regimen, the device may inhibit authorization of payment of funds for the proposed purchase. The device and system may comprise an electronic payment device such as a credit or debit card, or a portable image capture device such as a cellular telephone having camera capability for example. The device may be self-contained or alternatively, may work in conjunction with a remote station, such as a data processing station linked to the device by a communications channel. | 12-30-2010 |
20110055027 | COOKING ASSISTANCE TERMINAL, WEARABLE COOKING ASSITANCE TERMINAL AND METHOD - A cooking assistance terminal includes a display unit and an acceptance unit. The display unit displays a list of ordered items included in order information from a customer. The acceptance unit accepts a selection command to select an ordered item with cooking completed, from the ordered items displayed in the list. The display unit also displays the ordered item on which the selection command is given, identifiably from the other ordered items, as an ordered item that is already cooked. | 03-03-2011 |
20110071912 | Methods and Apparatus for Visually Assisted Fast Food Order Preparation - Systems and techniques for providing feedback to improve accuracy of order assembly. Images corresponding to items comprising an order transaction are presented in a display. As items are moved to an order assembly area, each item is detected and an image corresponding to the item is removed from the display. If an incorrect item is detected, an error message identifying the incorrect item is displayed. Once all items comprising the order have been detected, a completion message is displayed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110178882 | REUSABLE SLEEVE COVER - A removable sleeve cover may comprise a frusto-conical body, an insulation liner, and a window pocket frame. The frusto-conical body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The interior surface is configured for receiving a liquid container. The insulated liner may be coupled to the inner surface of the body. The window pocket frame may be attached to the outer surface of the removable sleeve cover. | 07-21-2011 |
20110191194 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING MENU INFORMATION - Methods and Apparatus related to generating representations of information. The information may include menu information for merchants such as restaurants. Referring to menus, methods may include receiving potential information for a first menu, and receiving indications of associations of the information with the first menu and/or any number of additional menus. Information and/or associations may later be updated by a desired set of users. | 08-04-2011 |
20110208598 | ORDER INPUT APPARATUS AND ORDER INPUT METHOD - According to one embodiment, an order input apparatus includes: a first storing unit configured to store therein plural menu items and plural sub-menu items in association with one another, the sub-menu items accompanying the menu items; a first display control unit configured to display a list of the plural menu items in a first area in a display screen of a display unit; a first receiving unit configured to receive selection of any menu item out of the list of the menu items displayed in the first area; a second display control unit configured to display a list of the sub-menu items accompanying the menu item, the selection of which is received by the first receiving unit, in a second area in the display screen; a second receiving unit configured to receive selection of any sub-menu item out of the list of the sub-menu items displayed in the second area; and an order processing unit configured to manage, as order menu item information, the menu item and the sub-menu item, the selection of which is received by the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit. | 08-25-2011 |
20110218867 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR FURTHER COMPUTER INTEGRATION IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY - A system, method, and computer program product are provided for integrating a computer network in a restaurant. In operation, user-defined information is input into the system via a customer computer. Additionally, user-defined information is input into the system via staff computers. Furthermore, information becomes readily available for display on staff computers, while limited information is made available to customer computers. | 09-08-2011 |
20110231266 | Remote Ordering System - 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. | 09-22-2011 |
20110251905 | Touch Sensitive Holographic Displays - We describe a touch sensitive holographic image display device for holographically projecting a touch sensitive image at an acute angle onto a surface on which the device is placed. The device includes holographic image projection optics comprising at least one coherent light source illuminating a spatial light modulator (SLM), output optics to project a hologram onto an acute angle surface, and a remote touch sensing system to remotely detect a touch of a location within or adjacent to the holographically displayed image. A control system is configured to provide data defining an image for display, to receive detected touch data, and to control the device responsive to remote detection of a touch of a the displayed image. | 10-13-2011 |
20110258058 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A RESTAURANT ORDER ON A WIRELESS MOBILE PERSONAL COMPUTER - A wireless mobile personal computer is provided for enabling a customer to generate a restaurant order on the wireless mobile personal computer. The wireless mobile personal computer includes a restaurant order generating application configured to generate restaurant item selecting interface screens for generating the restaurant order comprising at least one restaurant item, to generate a machine-readable representation of the generated restaurant order, a processor for executing the restaurant order generating application, a memory for storing the restaurant order generating application and selectable restaurant items, and a display for displaying the restaurant item selecting interface screens, and the at least one restaurant item. | 10-20-2011 |
20110313868 | Order Management Device, Expansion Board, Order Management System Including These, and a Control Method and Program for an Order Management Device - An order management device that is used connected to an order entry terminal and a display device, includes: a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data from the order entry terminal, the print data being data for printing an order ticket and including an identification code identifying a customer and order information denoting order content; a display data generating unit that extracts the identification code and order information for one or more items from the acquired print data, sorts the order information by identification code, and generates display data for displaying the order information on the display device; and a display data output unit that outputs the generated display data to the display device. | 12-22-2011 |
20120016754 | FOOD SERVICE AND EVENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A food service management system, method and computer-readable storage medium which includes a menu database. The menu database stores a menu organized by plates. A record of each of the plates includes: recipes, ingredients, season, dietary restriction, course, food cost, and menu pricing. A processor has an events module, a document generator, and an application interface. The application interface receives an electronic request to edit the plates on the menu from a user and forwards the request to the events module. The events module retrieves new plates from the menu database and populates the menu. The document generator configured to generate a revised menu and store the revised menu in the menu database. The document generator may then publish the revised menu on a printer or as a Cloud-based service via a computer network, such as the Internet. | 01-19-2012 |
20120030042 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ENABLE A CUSTOMER TO SELECT A WINE BASED UPON AVAILABLE INVENTORY - A system for aiding a restaurant patron to make a wine selection from wines available in the restaurant wine inventory includes a plurality of dedicated patron display devices and a content management system including a processor, a communications interface and a database wherein the dedicated patron display devices are operable to receive and display screens transmitted from the content management system and transmit patron input to the content management system in order to select a wine from the restaurant inventory. | 02-02-2012 |
20120036028 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR GROUP MEAL ORDERING VIA MOBILE DEVICES - A ordering food method using mobile devices includes initiating, by an organizer, a food ordering application on at least one mobile device of a plurality of mobile devices, selecting, by the organizer, a restaurant for ordering the food and creating, by the organizer, a single group meal order by inviting a plurality of individuals to order food from the selected restaurant. The method further includes accepting, by the plurality of individuals, the invitation, reviewing, by the organizer and the plurality of individuals on the plurality of mobile devices, a menu of the selected restaurant and selecting a plurality of food items from the menu. The method further includes combining, by the food ordering application, the plurality of selected food items into the single group meal order and forwarding, by the food ordering application, the single group meal order to the selected restaurant. | 02-09-2012 |
20120047034 | AUTOMATED SALES TAX PAYMENT SYSTEM - A computer-implemented transaction processing system includes a card reader and a plurality of modules each comprising code that executes in the processor. The card reader transfers credit card data from a credit card of a customer to a memory of the computer. A check presentation module is operative to calculate a sales tax associated with a price of a product sold to the customer. An approval module is operative to obtain an approval against the credit card data in the memory for at least the price of the product and the sales tax and thereby define an approved sale transaction. A revenue settlement module and a tax settlement module are operative to settle respective portions of the sales transaction(s) to different accounts, such that a revenue portion goes to a first account free of any sales tax, and a sales tax portion goes to the other account. | 02-23-2012 |
20120078734 | Food Item Cooking, Assembly and Packaging System and Method - A system and method for making a food item are provided. The apparatus includes a food item assembly and packaging station having a first work area for assembling and packaging a food item and a food order assembly station having a second work area for assembling a food order that includes a food item packaged on the first work surface. A conveyor is positioned beneath the first work area and extends from a position proximate to the first area to a position proximate to the second work area. A conveyor access opening is proximate to the first work area to provide worker access to the conveyor to permit manual placement of a food item assembled and packaged at the first work area onto the conveyor for conveying the packaged food item beneath the first work area to the location proximate the food order assembly station. | 03-29-2012 |
20120109760 | GUIDANCE APPARATUS, GUIDANCE METHOD, AND GUIDANCE PROGRAM - An orderer who has placed an order for goods is guided in accordance with a guidance program. Goods preparation-time information is stored that indicates goods for which an orderer has placed an order and a preparation time required for preparing the goods. A preparation complete time required for completing the preparation of the goods is derived by using the stored goods preparation-time information and using ordered goods information indicating the goods when the ordered goods information based on the order placement by the orderer is received. Guide information is generated for guiding the orderer based on the derived preparation complete time. | 05-03-2012 |
20120123878 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSOCIATING MENU INFORMATION - Methods and Apparatus related to generating representations of information. The information may include menu information for merchants such as restaurants. Referring to menus, methods may include receiving potential information for a first menu, and receiving indications of associations of the information with the first menu and/or any number of additional menus. Information and/or associations may later be updated by a desired set of users. | 05-17-2012 |
20120136731 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NUTRITIONAL PROFILING UTILIZING A TRAINABLE DATABASE - The invention establishes a set of nutritional profiles in a data processing system, which are utilized to establish an optimal meal menu for a given time and location and with regard to a set of available ingredients. The invention includes a profiling routine where a set of characteristics of a particular individual is entered. The characteristics are aggregated with data saved for other patrons. When an individual with an established profile enters a networked eatery, they initiate a menu routine by entering their identification. The routine matches the information with the aggregated data to determine a patron match, which in turn is matched with the set of characteristics to determine an optimal menu plan. The optimal menu plan is matched with the set of available ingredients to produce a menu. Selected menu items are recorded to the patron's nutritional profile which can be visually represented in any of several formats. | 05-31-2012 |
20120191551 | MULTI-SYSTEM DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING OF DELIVERY AND/OR REFERRAL INFORMATION FOR ORDERS - Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include syndicating service providers for orders to a plurality of providers, in store delivery options, mobile device ordering, price arbitrage and/or other elements. Various other embodiments are described. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191552 | MERCHANT INTERACTION AND TRIAL PERIODS - Disclosure includes selecting a merchant from a plurality of merchants, enabling a trial mode for the merchant, during the trial mode, receiving an indication of a first order for the merchant, forwarding the indication of the first order to the merchant, allocating a first payment for the first order to the merchant, requesting an acceptance of a membership status from the merchant, and receiving an indication of the payment for the first order. | 07-26-2012 |
20120209729 | Business communication system and method - A system and method for enabling a customer with a mobile telecomputing device such as a smart phone to communicate with a waiter in a restaurant. The smart phone connects to a wireless local area network such as a WiFi network within the restaurant and, in a first embodiment, downloads a restaurant communication application. The communication application associates buttons on the smart phone with requests for different services in the restaurant. When the customer presses a button, a computer controlling the WiFi network routes an indication of the customer's table number and requested service to the waiter via an on-premises paging system or via a text message to the waiter's mobile phone. In a second embodiment, the smart phone is directed to a website providing a restaurant communication service. The service request buttons are displayed on a webpage, and customer selections are routed to the waiter as before. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209730 | MOBILE RESTAURANT ORDERING SYSTEM - A mobile ordering system for a restaurant configured to request processing of an order made by a customer with a mobile device when the customer enters a predetermined geographic region associated with the restaurant as determined by a server configured to process global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data received from the mobile device. A user associated with the restaurant uses the mobile restaurant ordering system to define the predetermined geographic region. The server may be configured to dynamically alter the predefined geographic region associated with the restaurant based on certain factors associated with the restaurant, the order, and/or the customer. | 08-16-2012 |
20120233002 | Personal Menu Generator - Personal menu generator method, system, and autonomous mobile device will assist users in the selection of the most affordable and beneficial subset of food items to order at food serving establishments by composing and presenting to each guest an individualized subset of menu items and recommended portion sizes out of the larger set of available food items usually listed on the menus of food serving establishments; the presented individualized subset of food items is selected based on one or more of a multitude of criteria, such as the remaining daily balances of each user's macronutrient and micronutrient budgets, each available food item price, ingredients and energy and nutrient contents, the names, doses, and timing of medications and dietary supplements taken by each individual, favorite and restricted foods and ingredients, monetary spending limit for food, and healthcare provider recommendations. | 09-13-2012 |
20120259714 | ALLOCATION APPARATUS AND ALLOCATION METHOD - An allocation apparatus registers the data of the commodity selected as allocation object of the key button from the commodities displayed the names in association with the key button which is specified, then, if the existence of the commodity which is associated with the registered commodity is confirmed, takes the associated commodity as allocation object of next key button. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265622 | CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PHYSICAL LOCATIONS - A method for outputting information about a person includes identifying the person utilizing a wireless system upon entry into a physical location, and also includes locating the person within the physical structure. An engagement plan is retrieved based on the identification of the person and output. The engagement plan has information useful for interacting with the person. The engagement plan is created based at least in part on personal information of the person, the preferences of the person, and the past transactions of the person. A system for outputting information about a person, such as a customer, includes an object carried by the person, which is capable of being identified by a wireless system. A wireless interface communicates with the object. A computing device correlates the identification of the object with the person. An output device outputs information relating to the person. | 10-18-2012 |
20120284129 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ENABLE A CUSTOMER TO SELECT A WINE BASED UPON AVAILABLE INVENTORY - A method is disclosed for providing services to a patron of an establishment by providing to the patron a handheld device upon entering the establishment. The patron is identified such that the patron is associated with the handheld device provided thereto and the operation thereof. The patron is presented with available services of the establishment and, in association with the available services, parameterized information from a database is presented to the patron relating to prior actual experiences with at least one of the services as rated by the patron, which rating defines how the patron viewed the services at the time of such providing. The patron selects from the provided information one or more of the available services. As part of the parameterized information, prior selected and not yet rated services are also presented. The patron rates the prior selected and not yet rated services and the database is updated. | 11-08-2012 |
20120290413 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TAKE-OUT ORDER MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods for automating a take-out ordering process. In an embodiment, menu data is imported from a restaurant Point-of-Sale (POS) system over at least one network. The menu data may comprise a plurality of menu items. A menu user interface is generated. The menu user interface may comprise one or more menu screens, which comprise a subset of one or more of the plurality of menu items. A selection of at least one menu item from the subset may be received from a user. Up-sell options can be determined and provided to the user. Once completed, an order is sent to the restaurant POS system over the at least one network. The order can comprise the selected menu item(s) and any of the up-sell options selected by the user. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290414 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TAKE-OUT ORDER SHARING - Systems and methods for take-out order sharing. In an embodiment, a restaurant is identified, and an interactive menu associated with the restaurant is provided to a user through a user interface. An order may be received from the user through the user interface. Information related to the user can be shared with one or more contacts of the user on one or more social networking sites through at least one application interface. | 11-15-2012 |
20120303470 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAIRING FOOD WITH WINE - A system for pairing food from a food menu with wine from a wine menu includes a host machine and computing device(s). A method uses the host machine and computing device (s) to conduct the pairing. The host machine has first and second databases describing, via objectively scored categories, each food item in the food menu and each wine in the wine menu. Each device is in communication with the host machine. The computing device receives a food selection signal corresponding to a food item(s) in the food menu, and calculates, for each wine, solutions to comparison functions which compare different numerically-scored categories for the food and wine. A numeric Pairing Compatibility Score (PCS) value is calculated for each wine as a function of the solutions, and rank-ordering is conducted on the PCS values. Wines with a threshold PCS value(s), e.g., lowest value(s), are displayed as recommended pairings. | 11-29-2012 |
20120323707 | Multi-Language Electronic Menu System and Method - A multi-language electronic menu on a computing device receives from a user a selection of a language to be employed in displaying menu items to the user. Thereafter, the device electronically displays the menu to the user in the selected language, and allows the user to navigate amongst the menu items of the menu on the device. In doing so, the device receives selections of one or more of the items of the menu to be ordered or requested for such user, all in the selected language. The device then receives a selection from the user that the user has finished selecting menu items, and a selection that an order or request comprising a number of selected items for the users is complete, and the device sends the order or request from the device for fulfillment in a format independent of any particular language. | 12-20-2012 |
20130024299 | Mobile Based Voiceless Drive Through Ordering System and Method - A mobile-based voiceless drive-through ordering system and method in a downloadable mobile application, used in conjunction with a wireless network of a restaurant, Bluetooth wireless personal area network at the drive-through of a restaurant, and a back-end data server at the restaurant. The user opens the downloaded mobile-based application and, when in range of the restaurant's WiFi, makes an order from the restaurant menu, which is displayed on the mobile device. As the user approaches the drive-through kiosk of the restaurant, the mobile device detects the signal from the Bluetooth transmitter in the drive-through kiosk and allows the user to submit the order through the mobile-based application. The order is transmitted through the restaurant's wireless network to the restaurant's back-end server and is immediately available for kitchen and cashier processing. Further embodiments allow for ordering from a remote location and producing a QR code representing the order number. | 01-24-2013 |
20130046642 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED DYNAMIC COORDINATED INTERIOR DESIGN - A system and method for deploying dynamic experiences within a restaurant using a local machine having a processor, a memory, and a coordination application stored in the memory and executing in the processor. The local machine is further in communication with one computing devices and presentation devices that are affixed to a structure of the restaurant. The method includes loading a first display scheme that provides a first multimedia experience when depicted on the presentation devices and transmitting a first menu scheme to the computing devices that is correlated to the first display. After a time interval, a new display scheme and/or menu scheme can be substituted. Revenue drivers associated with the various schemes can be monitored throughout the operation of the local machine, and can be compared with one another in order to determine preferred and/or optimal display and/or menu schemes. | 02-21-2013 |
20130054382 | Selection information system and method for ingestible product preparation system and method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving user status information regarding a particular individual living being including living being identification associated with the particular individual living being to at least in part electronically generate, based at least in part upon the user status information, one or more selection menus electronically identifying at least in part one or more candidate ingestible products, the electronically generated one or more selection menus to be electronically outputted to provide, via electronically enabled input in response thereto, selection opportunity of the one or more candidate ingestible products subject to ingestion by the particular individual living being prior to selection of at least one candidate ingestible product as at least one selected ingestible products via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted one or more selection menus. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054383 | Selection information system and method for ingestible product preparation system and method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving user status information regarding a particular individual living being including living being identification associated with the particular individual living being to at least in part electronically generate, based at least in part upon the user status information, one or more selection menus electronically identifying at least in part one or more candidate ingestible products, the electronically generated one or more selection menus to be electronically outputted to provide, via electronically enabled input in response thereto, selection opportunity of the one or more candidate ingestible products subject to ingestion by the particular individual living being prior to selection of at least one candidate ingestible product as at least one selected ingestible products via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted one or more selection menus. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054384 | Refuse intelligence acquisition system and method for ingestible product preparation system and method - Electronically directing control at least in part of acquisition of refuse intelligence including information related to one or more discarded portions of at least one of the one or more selected ingestible products discarded by the particular individual subsequent to ingestion by the particular individual living being of one or more other ingested portions of the at least one of the one or more selected ingestible products within a second vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically generated one or more selection menus. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054385 | Itinerary integration system and method for vending network systems - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the selection of the at least one candidate ingestible product as the at least one selected ingestible products via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted selection menu and prior to dispensing at the one or more associated locations according to the itinerary information of the one or more selected ingestible products for ingestion by the particular individual living being of the selected ingestible products. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054386 | Itinerary integration system and method for vending network systems - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the selection of the at least one candidate ingestible product as the at least one selected ingestible products via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted selection menu and prior to dispensing at the one or more associated locations according to the itinerary information of the one or more selected ingestible products for ingestion by the particular individual living being of the selected ingestible products. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054387 | Stock Supply Based Modifiable Selection System and Method for Ingestible Material Preparation System and Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the selection of the at least one candidate ingestible product as the at least one selected ingestible product via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted one or more selection menus and prior to preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products for ingestion by the particular individual living being of the selected ingestible products, the at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products occurring within a vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically outputted one or more selection menus. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 02-28-2013 |
20130066731 | Realtime, Interactive and Geographically Defined Computerized Personal Identification and Payment Matching Systems and Methods - In general, the invention relates to a system and method of operating a shopping system to facilitate payment using a mobile device. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a personal characteristic database, a database searching algorithm, and to be coupled to a wireless communication system that is capable of communicating with the user's personal data device. The user logs on through the wireless communication system to the secure network using her personal data device, and communicates to and stores in the database personal data defining her characteristics. Either the secure network automatically identifies the first users precise geographic location, or the user himself otherwise indicates and stores in the database of the network an identifying address that indicates his current specific geographic location. Personal data defining the user's characteristics are then sent to a business location at the user's location to facilitate a payment transaction. | 03-14-2013 |
20130080269 | ORDER TAKING SYSTEM & METHOD WITH LOCAL AND/OR REMOTE MONITORING - An order taking system and method for an establishment enabling a customer to place an order for an item from the establishment. Order placing equipment is located near the establishment being capable of receiving the order for the item from the customer. A first voice communication link is established between local order placing equipment and a remote facility. A second voice communication link is established between the order placing equipment and the local order receiving facility. The order taking system is operable in a first mode operatively coupled via the first voice communication link between the order placing equipment and the remote facility and in a second mode operatively coupled via the second communication link between the order placing equipment to the local order taking facility. | 03-28-2013 |
20130117135 | MULTI-USER FOOD AND DRINK ORDERING SYSTEM - An interactive food and/or drink ordering system is provided comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by a second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, wherein the menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected into a zone on the surface that is shared by the first and second users. | 05-09-2013 |
20130132214 | COOKING MANAGEMENT - A cooking management system is described that identifies a customer and orders a product for the customer based at least on current temporal data. The cooking management system identifies customers associated with previous product requests that occurred during a predetermined range of time based at least on a comparison of current temporal data with temporal data associated with the previous product requests. The cooking management system causes presentation of identifiers of the identified customers on a display. Responsive to determining that the identifier for a particular customer has been selected, the cooking management system automatically causes a cooking device to prepare a product for the particular customer based at least on customer data associated with the particular customer. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138515 | ORDER RECEIVING SYSTEM AND ORDER RECEIVING METHOD - The present invention provides an order receiving system includes an order receiving unit that receives an order for an item from a customer terminal; an information obtaining unit that obtains reference information for determining a condition for starting preparation for provision of the item; a start condition setting unit that sets the condition for starting preparation for provision of the item whose order has been received by the order receiving unit, based on a content of the order and the reference information; and a condition determining unit that determines, after receiving the order for the item by the order receiving unit, whether the condition determined by the start condition setting unit is satisfied. When the condition determining unit determines that the condition is satisfied, the transmitting unit of the wireless center module transmits a preparation start instruction signal to the wireless headset. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144730 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TAKE-OUT ORDER ANALYTICS - Systems and methods for take-out order management and analysis. In an embodiment, for each of a plurality of restaurants, an interactive menu associated with the restaurant is provided to a plurality of users, a plurality of orders are received from the plurality of users, and the plurality of orders are sent to the restaurant. Order information related to the plurality of orders and the plurality of users is stored in at least one database, and analyzed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130151355 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORDERING GOODS OR SERVICES - A method of fulfilling an order may include receiving identifying information associated with a user, receiving delivery information, displaying one or more cuisine types available for ordering, receiving a selection of one of the one or more cuisine types, displaying one or more food types associated with the selected cuisine type and receiving a selection of one of the one or more food types. The method may include displaying one or more items associated with the selected food type, receiving a selection of one of the one or more items, receiving a selection of a payment method from a user and receiving payment from the user. The method may include transmitting information associated with an order to an order receiving device, and printing, by the order placement device, a receipt associated with the order. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151356 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF AUTOMATED ECONOMICAL MANAGEMENT OF TABLES AT A RESTAURANT - Systems and methods for deciding how a group of restaurant customers should be charged are provided. The system's components include an electronic device that is physically associated with a table, a radio-frequency (“RF”) receiver associated with one or more of a plurality of dishes, a RF receiver associated with a group of customers, a processor, and memory. The electronic device is configured to evaluate whether a group of customers at a table is economical after a certain period of time elapses. The devices determination is based on a comparison of a pre-assigned table cost to a food cost. The table cost may be based on the size of the table, the openness of the table, the view of the table, and the location of the table. The table cost being triggered if the group has not ordered a sufficient amount of food. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151357 | METHOD FOR ENABLING GROUP FOOD ORDERS - One variation of a method for enabling group food orders includes: receiving a food order from a order coordinator, the food order specifying a payment source and a group of participants; prompting each participant to select an alternative food item from a menu of available food items; for each participant, in response to selection of an alternative food item by the participant prior to an order deadline, adding the alternative food item to an aggregated food item order on behalf of the participant, and, in response to no selection of an alternative food item by the participant prior to the order deadline, adding a default food item to the aggregated food item order; storing the aggregated food item order on a server, the aggregated food item order reviewable by the order coordinator over a computer network; and charging the payment source for the aggregated food item order. | 06-13-2013 |
20130191229 | ORDERING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESTAURANTS - A method of ordering menu items for delivery to a station at a premises, such as a table at a restaurant, includes the steps: Launch App; Scan QR code or NFC tag on table; Identify location. The location is identified using the restaurant and table identifier(s) extracted from the QR code. This location is used to identify the correct restaurant menu from the central platform database; Download menu; Add menu items to order; Confirm order; Pay order; Route order. The restaurant identifier is used to determine the appropriate EPOS adaptor based on the EPOS system in use by the specific restaurant; Transmit to restaurant. The correct communication protocol and authentication details are then used in order to route the order to the restaurant EPOS system or printer. | 07-25-2013 |
20130204718 | METHODS FOR PREDICTIVE CONSUMER ITEM ORDERING AND DEVICES THEREOF - A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus that generates preorder information identifying a plurality of consumer items to be prepared at designated begin times, based at least in part on historical purchase information. At each of the designated begin times a ticket is generated identifying a consumer item, wherein the consumer item has an associated duration such that the consumer item will be ready at a finished time. Each ticket is provided to a client computing device, wherein the tickets further include at least a remaining amount of time until the identified consumer item reaches the finished time. A request is received from the client computing device to claim one of the consumer items identified by one of the provided tickets. Each of the claimed consumer items is associated with a claimed status. The historical purchase information is updated based on the request. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204719 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION TO ENABLE ADVANCE ORDER PICKUP - An embodiment generally relates to systems and methods for processing orders associated with an establishment. In particular, a customer can submit a remote order for goods offered by the establishment, along with an associated license plate number of a vehicle that is to pick up the order. An image capture device can capture images of a vehicle on the premises of the establishment, and provide the images to a processing module which use automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) techniques to determine license plate data of the vehicle. The processing module can further examine an order list to determine if the license plate data is associated with an order on the order list, and, if so, add the order to a priority queue. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211928 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND DOSING IN WINE TASTING - A method for distributing and marketing wine includes bottling the wine in containers ( | 08-15-2013 |
20130218692 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTION OF FOODSTUFFS - A method and system for online selection of ingredients and/or use with the selection of a prepared foodstuff supplied by a food vendor is provided. The present invention utilizes an online grid system which lists the toppings and/or ingredients which can be included in any particular food item. The grid has a plurality of columns which includes icons with particular food items and allows the consumer to visually indicate the inclusion of specific food ingredients in their food choices. Additionally, the columns allow the individual consumer to determine the amounts of each ingredient to be included in the preparation of a food item and may also include information relating to directing the food vendor where to locate the particular ingredient, such as including only one ingredient on only a part of a foodstuff, for example, a pizza. | 08-22-2013 |
20130226716 | System and Method for Determining Time and Sequence in Meal Preparation - Disclosed is a system and method for managing ingredients and recipes while providing an interface for consumers to request a meal based on one or more recipes. Additionally, preparation and production steps are defined based on the ingredients of one or more recipes. The time for preparation and production is also calculated and presented. | 08-29-2013 |
20130238451 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING PREPARED FOOD PRODUCTS - Systems and methods are provided for ordering prepared food products via a network using an electronic device. A menu of available prepared food products may be presented on a display, and one of the prepared food products may be selected using an interface of the device. A menu of bread items available may be presented including visual representations of each available bread item. One of the bread items may be selected, whereupon a visual representation of the selected bread may be presented. One or more ingredients may be selected using the interface, whereupon visual representations of the ingredients are superimposed on the visual representation of the selected bread item. The systems and methods may provide an enhanced visual experience similar to ordering the product in person and watching the product being made. | 09-12-2013 |
20130246197 | Remote Ordering System - 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. | 09-19-2013 |
20130275236 | Fresh Departments Management System - The system comprises a central processing module that is configured to interconnect the fresh departments and operational functions. These tasks can include facilitated order fulfillment, inventory and accounting functions, sanitation, maintenance, traceability and others. This is a system that integrates various sub-systems within the fresh departments, as well as integrating the fresh departments together. The system may also utilize a plurality of slicing machines that communicate with the centralized processing unit. The software modules resident in the processing unit receive inputs that represent customer orders, and dispatch these orders to the plurality of slicing machines. The slicing machines are in communication with the software modules such that the modules are aware of the food product that is currently placed on the slicer. In this way, the software modules are able to direct specific orders to a particular slicing machine, minimizing human interaction and customer wait time. | 10-17-2013 |
20130304590 | GRAPHICAL DINING INTERFACE - Systems, methods, and apparatus for a graphical dining interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a device comprises a component image processor configured to generate a representation of at least one component of an item. The device further comprises an input device configured to receive an input from a user, where the input comprises a selection of a first component. The device further comprises an item image processor configured to generate a representation of the item, where the representation of the item comprises the representation of the first component. | 11-14-2013 |
20130311310 | RESTAURANT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING DIGITAL MENUS - A restaurant communication system including a first and second mobile devices, located in a restaurant, a server and a plurality of receiving devices. Receiving devices are located at the restaurant at locations where particular dishes are prepared. The server is positioned at a location remote to the restaurant and is wirelessly connectable to the first mobile device, the second mobile device and the receiving devices. The server has a database storing a menu with a plurality of dishes, each dish being associated with a dish image, a dish description and a location at the restaurant where this dish is prepared. An application of the first mobile device causes the dishes with images and descriptions to appear at the display, and also causes an order request to be sent to the second mobile device and to the appropriate receiving devices via the server when the user places an order. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311311 | INGREDIENT BASED FOOD ALLERGEN DETECTION SYSTEM FOR USE BY FOOD SERVICE PROVIDERS - An internet based system for analyzing menu items offered by restaurants/food providers to identify menu items which are acceptable to person is disclosed. The system includes an online system having a server in communication with a database of food ingredients for menu items offered by a food provider. The system compares the food ingredients of menu items offered by food providers and compares it with the dietary and/or allergen information of one or more people to identify menu items offered by food provider that are acceptable to the each person. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317920 | ORDERING TERMINAL AND ORDERING METHOD - An ordering terminal comprises an image capturing unit, an attribute confirming unit, a menu confirming unit, a displaying unit, an operating unit and an ordering processing unit. The image capturing unit captures the image of an operator to generate image data. The attribute confirming unit confirms the attribute of the operator based on an operator image included in the image data. The menu confirming unit confirms a recommended menu specified for the attribute confirmed by the attribute confirming unit from a database specifying the recommended menu for each attribute of the operator. The displaying unit displays an ordering screen including a screen component for designating the recommended menu. The operating unit operates the ordering screen. The ordering processing unit carries out ordering processing on the menu designated by the operation of the ordering screen. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317921 | METHODS FOR SUBMITTING A FOOD ORDER REMOTELY - One variation of the method for submitting a food order remotely includes: generating a graphical icon representative of a food item and a customization option for the food item selected by a customer; associating the icon with a payment option; associating the icon with a store location to fulfill the food item; displaying the icon on a display of a mobile computing device; and, in response to receiving a selection of the icon, submitting a food order including the food item, the customization option, and the payment option to the store location. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317922 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ROOM SERVICE - A method of processing room service transactions in an institution such as a hotel, having a plurality of guest rooms includes displaying selected visual representations of food items at predetermined intervals with a user device including an interactive graphical user interface in a guest room, receiving inputs from a guest with the graphical user interface and transmitting the inputs to a food service server for fulfillment. | 11-28-2013 |
20130325640 | Systems and Methods for Delivering Tailored Menu Content Based Upon a Consumer Profile - The present disclosure includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for delivering tailored menu content. The system may compare menu content to a preference included in a consumer profile, determine that the menu content substantially matches the preference, identify tailored menu content based on the comparing, and/or deliver the tailored menu content to a consumer associated with the consumer profile. Where tailored menu content is delivered to a consumer, it may be delivered to a web client associated with the consumer and displayed by the web client as part of a customized menu. The system may receive a request for tailored menu content in response to a proximity of a web client associated with the consumer to a near field communications device associated with a restaurant, and/or the system may perform the comparing in response to a physical proximity of the consumer to a restaurant. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325641 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE ENTITY FOOD VENDOR RECOMMENDATION AND ORDERING SERVICES - A system, including apparatuses and methods, for managing multiple entity food vendor recommendation and ordering services. The system includes a host server operable for data communication via a communication network. The host server is configured to receive from the communication network input data related to a consumer location, input data related to consumer preferences, input data related to at least one restaurant, and input data related to menu information for the at least one restaurant. The host server is configured, based on at least in part upon the input data applied to at least one recommendation rule, to determine a recommendation of at least one of a restaurant and a menu item, and the host server is configured to transmit the recommendation to the communication network. | 12-05-2013 |
20130332292 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RE-ROUTING ITEMS SOLD OR AUCTIONED TO A NEW CUSTOMER - A method and system for auctioning or sales of deliverable items via the Internet permit customers to purchase or bid on items. Delivery of the item is first scheduled to a first bidder or purchaser and then in response to a second bidder or purchaser's bid or purchase, may be rescheduled for delivery to the second bidder or purchaser. A replacement item may be offered to a losing bidder and in the case of a purchase, may be automatically scheduled for delivery to a purchaser whose item has been re-scheduled for delivery to another. | 12-12-2013 |
20130339163 | Food Recommendation Based on Order History - A computer-based system recommends food items to a consumer based on food items previously purchased by the consumer and by other consumers. Consumers may purchase food online, such as by purchasing meals from the online menus of restaurants. The system analyzes words in the names and descriptions of the purchased meals to develop profiles for the consumers, where each consumer's profile represents that consumer's food preferences. In particular, if a word (such as “chicken”) or multi-word term (such as “pasta primavera”) appears more frequently in the purchase history of one consumer than in the average purchase history of all consumers tracked by the system, then the system concludes that the consumer prefers the corresponding food item. The system recommends that the consumer purchase food items whose names and/or descriptions contain the same or similar words as the food items that the consumer's profile indicates are preferred by the consumer. | 12-19-2013 |
20140006182 | MEAL ORDERING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
20140019271 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALLOCATING A PAYMENT BASED ON A FREE TRIAL PERIOD - Disclosure includes selecting a merchant from a plurality of merchants, enabling a trial mode for the merchant, during the trial mode, receiving an indication of a first order for the merchant, forwarding the indication of the first order to the merchant, allocating a first payment for the first order to the merchant, requesting an acceptance of a membership status from the merchant, and receiving an indication of the payment for the first order. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019272 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING MENU INFORMATION - Methods and Apparatus related to generating representations of information. The information may include menu information for merchants such as restaurants. Referring to menus, methods may include receiving potential information for a first menu, and receiving indications of associations of the information with the first menu and/or any number of additional menus. Information and/or associations may later be updated by a desired set of users. | 01-16-2014 |
20140032341 | FASTFOODLANE - The present invention is an interactive food ordering and payment system for allowing interactive communication between a client side and a server side via an Internet enabled vehicle associated with a customer, and via an Internet enabled point of sale terminal associated with a service provider. The system comprising an Internet enabled application for user interface, the application comprising a means for allowing at least one user to search for at least one proximate restaurant, select from menu options, order and pay for the selections online. The system further comprising a means for allowing at least one service provider to retrieve customer orders pending to be filled, a means for monitoring the length of time an order has been pending, a means for tracking order status, sorting and filtering orders, and a means for compiling performance statistics. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032342 | MENU CREATION AND DESIGN SYSTEM - A system and method of creating and customizing menus for a restaurant. The present invention may include a software program. A user may use the software program to input the names of a plurality of food items served at the restaurant. A database may save the inputted food items. When the user is creating a menu, the user may select the saved food items and arrange them on a preview menu. Once finished with the menu, the user may print and use the menu at a restaurant. In other aspects of the present invention, when multiple menus are stored onto the database, a user may edit a first menu which synchronizes with and thereby makes the same edit on a second menu. | 01-30-2014 |
20140052551 | RETAIL VENUE ORDERING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for decentralized ordering of goods and/or services such as food and/or drinks at a venue such as a hotel or restaurant is disclosed. The venue uploads a venue menu to an internet site via the venue's data device or computer. An order application is downloaded by prospective customers from the internet site to the mobile data device of each customer. In addition, the venue allocates a customer identification code to each customer which is stored in the customer's mobile data device. Therefore the customer can use his mobile data device to access the venue's menu and order items from the menu. Preferably the customer notifies his location within the venue and the order is delivered to the customer's location. | 02-20-2014 |
20140067561 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND PROGRAM - An information processing device which allocates items to UI components included in an order receiving terminal, includes a first display unit configured to display a list of the items on a display device and a second display unit configured to display, on the display device, an allocation screen including component images corresponding to each UI component included in the order receiving terminal. The device further comprises an allocation unit configured to allocate a selected item from the list to one of the component images designated as the allocation destination of the item, a generation unit configured to generate allocation information including the selected item and the UI component corresponding to the component image to which the selected item is allocated, and a provision unit configured to provide the allocation information generated by the generation unit to the order receiving terminal. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067562 | Digital Hospitality Menu - A specially designed restaurant menu featuring interactive digital video that showcases pictures of each menu item, along with convenient language selection. Design intent is to provide restaurant patrons with a unique new way in which to choose their meals while also helping them to be better informed about the items ordered. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067563 | Business Communication System and Method - A system and method for enabling a customer to utilize a smart phone to communicate with a waiter in a restaurant. The phone connects to a wireless LAN within the restaurant and, in a first embodiment, downloads a location-based communication application, which reports the phone's location to a Website Application Server (AS), which identifies the restaurant. The customer enters a table number, and the Website AS pushes a screen to the phone displaying buttons for requesting services. When the customer presses a button, the Website AS informs the LAN controller, which identifies an assigned waiter and routes the service request to the waiter. In another embodiment, the phone connects to the LAN and the customer enters a web page address. An Access Point routes the request to the LAN controller, which pushes the display screen to the phone, handles service requests, and notifies the assigned waiter. | 03-06-2014 |
20140081777 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERACTING WITH A DEVICE - The technology disclosed relates to improving sales of beverages by allowing users to create virtual beverage formulations across graphical user-interfaces. These user-customized beverage formulations can be interpreted by beverage dispensing machines that can transform them into real-word beverages. In particular, it relates to creating beverage identity tokens that hold user-customized beverage formulations. These beverage identity tokens can cause beverage dispensing machines to dispense real-world beverage mixes made up of the ingredient beverage flavors specified by the user in the virtual beverage formulations. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081778 | AUTOMATIC TAB PAYMENT FROM A USER DEVICE - A user device receives, from a server associated with a merchant, a menu of items offered for sale by the merchant. The menu permits a user, of the user device, to place an order associated with the merchant. The user device receives, from the server, information, associated with the order, that includes at least one item and a price associated with the item. The user device receives a user instruction to pay for the order and retrieves, from a memory associated with the user device, payment information to pay the price associated with the at least one item. The user device sends, to the server, the payment information to permit the server to process the payment information. The sending is performed in a manner that does not permit an attendant associated with the merchant to access the payment information. The user device receives an indication the payment information was processed. | 03-20-2014 |
20140089111 | Mobile Device Order Entry and Submission Using Proximity Events - A system adapted to allow consumers to order delivered products and services from at least one establishment using proximity events is described. The system includes: a set of sensors, each sensor in the set of sensor adapted to transmit a wireless beacon signal, the beacon signal including a sensor ID associated with the sensor, wherein each sensor in the set of sensors is associated with a particular location; and a server adapted to receive a request that includes the sensor ID from a mobile device associated with a particular consumer, generate an order based at least partly on the request and associated with the particular location, and send the order to at least one establishment. In addition, a client application adapted to be executed by a mobile device to allow a consumer to order products and services from a set of establishments is described. An automated method is also described. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100971 | MULTI-NODE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND ORDERING SYSTEM WITH MOBILE PAYMENT INTEGRATION - A method for delivering advertising content from a central office to customer interfaces positioned at a plurality of remote local stores includes the steps of storing the advertising content on a content control server at the central office and transmitting the advertising content from the central office to customer interface control servers at each of the plurality of remote local stores. The method further includes the step of transferring the advertising content from the customer interface control servers to each of the customer interfaces. The advertising content is displayed at the customer interface in response to a content trigger sent from the customer interface control server. | 04-10-2014 |
20140114775 | TECHNIQUES FOR RESTAURANT TRANSACTION PROCESSING - Techniques for restaurant transaction processing are provided. A handheld device of a waiter is used to automatically associate a check with a table at a restaurant and to recall and modify that check. In an embodiment, two waiters use one or more handheld devices to automatically transfer a customer's check to one another. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114776 | System and Method for Obtaining Services at a Service Point Using a Mobile Device - In this nonprovisional utility patent application, we describe a system and method for enabling micro check-in, which is defined as the process by which a user can selectively reveal her location at a service point in order to obtain specific services from a service provider. The invention is characterized by three unique, novel, traits: (a) the check-in (location revelation) happens at a fine resolution not possible by GPS-based sensors, (b) definition of specific service points, and (c) provision of a service or utility at the service point or elsewhere by the service provider. This represents the novelty of the invention with respect to the prior art, and also allow several new uses described in this application. | 04-24-2014 |
20140122260 | Food Supply Chain Automation Food Service Information System And Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically obtaining food service activity information associated with at least in part one or more food service activity aspects regarding service of one or more menu items; and electronically correlating at least a portion of food service activity information associated with at least in part one or more food service activity aspects regarding service of one or more menu items with one or more identifiers accessible through one or more tracers said one or more tracers logged as being at least momentarily in physical proximity with one or more ingestible materials. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122261 | Food Supply Chain Automation Residential Information System And Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically accumulating residential food management information including one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more residential food items; and electronically indicating informational connection between at least a portion of residential food management information including one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more food items and between one or more descriptors logged as contained by one or more label carriers, said one or more label containers logged as being at least temporarily within at least a vicinity of said one or more residential food items. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122262 | Food Supply Chain Automation Residential Food Management Interface Information System And Method - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically transmitting one or more residential food management information requests associated with at least in part one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more residential food items; and electronically receiving, subsequent to said electronically transmitting, at least a portion of residential food management response information associated with at least in part one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more residential food items, said residential food management response information including description logged as accessible through one or more physical accessories and including description of said one or more physical accessories as at least temporarily near to one or more food items. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122263 | DINING EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT - The present disclosure relates to a system configured to manage a dining experience for guests at a food service establishment. In some implementations, the system may comprise one or more guest identification devices, one or more sensors, one or more host systems, and one or more processors. The system may be configured such that real-time detailed information about the food service establishment, guests of the food service establishment, food orders placed by guests of the food service establishment, table states of the tables in the food service establishment, and tasks performed by staff members is provided to the staff members of the food service establishment. The information may facilitate a unique guest experience for guests of the food service establishment wherein the guests may place a food order remotely, arrive at the food service establishment and self-select a table, and receive delivery of their food order at their selected table. | 05-01-2014 |
20140136348 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING AND MANAGING REMOTELY PLACED ORDERS - A system for enabling the remote ordering of products, primarily for use in a multi-vendor system, is disclosed. Orders are placed remotely, such as through wireless devices connected to a central server. The central server, in turn, is in communication (wireless or otherwise) with a server located at one or more venues within the organization operating the system. The one or more venues provide produces or services available for ordering through the system. Where multiple venues are involved, the system is designed to handle differences in the product or service availability at those different venues, and provides for an ability to make corrections to orders that may be or may become necessary on account of those differences. The system provides for multiple options through which users can pay for and receive orders, and also provides methods for synchronizing the remote ordering system with pre-existing, conventional methods of ordering and product/service order fulfillment. | 05-15-2014 |
20140143072 | RESTAURANT METHOD - A method for selling restaurant food. One method, for selling food, comprises the steps of: providing a buffet restaurant; selling containers to customers of the buffet restaurant; and permitting purchasers of said containers to place therein food from the buffet for take-away purposes. Another method is for use with a buffet restaurant of the all-you-can-eat type, wherein a patron is, in exchange for payment of a fixed price, allowed to eat as much as he or she wishes from the buffet in a single sitting. This method comprises the step of: allowing said patron, for an additional price, the opportunity to retrieve a predetermined quantity of food from the buffet for take-away purposes. The additional price can be embodied in the sale of a container to the patron, the volume of the container defining the predetermined quantity. | 05-22-2014 |
20140149234 | MANAGEMENT OF RESTAURANT INFORMATION AND SERVICE BY CUSTOMERS - A method of managing restaurant information and service by restaurant customers. A point-of-sale (POS) device at a restaurant identifies a customer at the restaurant, links with a network server associated with a restaurant customer service to which the customer belongs, and transmits an amount owed by the customer for food or other items to a financial services provider. A server associated with the restaurant customer service allows the customer to create a personal file accessible only by the customer and others designated by the customer. Each personal file includes certain entries including a rating, review, or other information concerning restaurants patronized by the members of the customer service. The POS device prompts the customer for such entries after the financial services provider approves payment of the amount owed. The entries are then transmitted to the customer service for entry in the customer's personal file. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149235 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING GROUP ACTIVITIES - Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user's performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user's goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities. | 05-29-2014 |
20140156422 | ORDER TERMINAL AND ORDER ENTRY SYSTEM USING SAME, AND METHOD FOR CHANGING INPUT MODE OF ORDER TERMINAL - Provided is an order terminal for inputting a customer's order that operates in any one of a staff mode of being operated by an employee and a customer mode of being operated by a customer as an input mode. When the employee inputs initial information on the customer in the staff mode, the input mode of the order terminal is switched over from the staff mode to the customer mode to allow the customer to input an order. | 06-05-2014 |
20140164151 | Gratuity Calculation Techniques - Techniques are presented herein for processing feedback information associated with one or more users of an enterprise. At a server configured to store data associated with an enterprise, a log-in request is received from an employee of the enterprise. The employee of the enterprise is authenticated by verifying log-in credentials. Upon authenticating the employee of the enterprise, a request is received from the employee for access to feedback responses associated with the employee. The feedback responses associated with the employee are sent to the employee of the enterprise. | 06-12-2014 |
20140164152 | Guest Check Presenter Device and Method of Use - A Guest Check Presenter Device and Method of Use. In one embodiment, advantageous for establishment use, the invention comprises a guest check presenter in the form of a booklet having a bill slot for holding a bill which can be made of transparent magnifying plastic that enlarges the appearance of the bill, which can be coupled with a light, enhancing visibility of the bill. The system also provides for a calculation device that limits its functionality and options: permitting the patrons to split the total of the bill, and calculate the percentage of gratuity desired selecting from choices provided on the face of the device. In a second embodiment advantageous for personal use, the case has a front and back side, with a computation device, a magnifier, and a light all being disposed on the case. By offering only limited functions, the device is made more user-friendly and time-efficient. The invention aids the elderly and eyesight-impaired individuals. | 06-12-2014 |
20140164153 | DIAGNOSTIC DATA INTERCHANGE - The present invention provides a bi-directional communication network which provides monitoring, data collection, and control of food service industry operations. The system includes a computer and control logic implemented by the computer which may be configured to perform various tasks. A communication network may be provided linking the computer with equipment and appliances having a microprocessor based controller capable of communicating with the system. In one embodiment, the system automatically verifies the performance of equipment-related manual tasks in food preparation. In another embodiment, the system schedules the maintenance of a plurality of kitchen appliances. In another embodiment, the system provides a hold timer for tracking the hold time of cooked food products and determines when the hold time elapses. In yet another embodiment, the system manages the inventory of cooked food products in a food preparation establishment. | 06-12-2014 |
20140172594 | WIRELESS NETWORK ACCESS PREPAYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method of providing network access includes entering network access information into a merchant device at a merchant location. The information relates to a request from a customer to obtain network access. The method also includes causing the information to be transmitted to a host computer system from the merchant device, receiving a payment from the customer, receiving activation confirmation from the host computer system at the merchant device, and providing a presentation instrument to the customer. The presentation instrument may be used by the customer to obtain network access. The method further includes using the presentation instrument to settle a transaction with the customer for merchandise. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180847 | Methods and systems for device management with sharing and programming capabilities - A system which includes a network of appliances functions to retrieve from a data repository, such as a centralized server, at least one data set containing food preparation instructions and to control one or more operations of at least one food preparation device, such as cooking temperatures and times associated with a stove, in accordance with the retrieved at least one data set containing food preparation instructions. The retrieved data set may additional be utilized to cause one or more devices to provide voice prompts to assist a user in the performance of the corresponding food preparation task. The data sets provided for this purpose may be standardized to allow recipes to be shared and used across multiple different appliance types. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188637 | AUTOMATED DELIVERY SYSTEM - Methods and systems for automated delivery are described. A user submits an order for an item that is to be picked up. The order is processed, the item is placed in a container, and a notification is sent to the user with delivery details, such as a container identifier, pick up location, and pick up time. The user provides information associated with the order or his or her identity, such as a credit card, to gain access to the item in the container. | 07-03-2014 |
20140201011 | ORDER PROCESSING SYSTEM, ORDER ENTORY TERMINAL AND ORDERING METHOD - In accordance with one embodiment, an order processing system comprises an ordering terminal equipped with an input/output section for inputting/outputting an order including a commodity name, a quantity and a serving order, a commodity database including a commodity name and a unit price for each commodity, an order file for storing the ordering quantity and the serving order for each ordered commodity, and a main control section which sends the next order according to the serving order to an order processing apparatus when the serving completion of the order just prior to the next order is input, and the order processing apparatus equipped with a cooking instruction file for storing the order received from the order entry terminal, and a control section which commands the output of a cooking instruction when the order is received. | 07-17-2014 |
20140207589 | ORDER RECEIVING APPARATUS AND ORDER RECEIVING METHOD - An order receiving apparatus comprises a first storage section configured to store an amount obtained by adding up the prices of the menu items the order on which is received and a second storage section configured to store an amount obtained by adding up the prices of the menu items the order on which is determined. The apparatus adds the price of each menu item to the first storage section every time the order on the menu item is received, adds the amount in the first storage section to the second storage section in response to the determination of the order, and then clears the first storage section. The apparatus outputs the amounts stored in the first and second storage sections. | 07-24-2014 |
20140214561 | COMBINED LABEL FOR FOOD PREPARERS AND FOOD SERVERS IN TABLE SERVICE RESTAURANTS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A method is provided of processing a food order in a table service restaurant. The method comprises receiving a food order including a table identifier, and electronically by a computer terminal, printing a food order label including the table identifier and providing the printed food order label. The method also comprises by a food preparer, preparing a food dish based upon the printed food order label, and by the food preparer, placing the prepared food dish in a position in vicinity of the printed food order label. The method further comprises by the food preparer or a food server, picking up the prepared food dish and attaching the printed food order label to the food dish with the table identifier being visible, and by a food server, delivering the prepared food dish to the table indicated by the visible table identifier on the printed food order label and thereby delivering the prepared food dish to a customer in the table service restaurant. | 07-31-2014 |
20140236743 | ORDER INPUT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXECUTING SETTLEMENT PROCESSING AT TABLE - An order input apparatus which receives input of an order information according to an order and the order information is managed with a management apparatus, comprises a short distance wireless communication section configured to establish a wireless communication with a medium adapted for an electronic settlement at a short distance; a checkout information calling module configured to call a desired checkout information relating to the order information from the management apparatus; a settlement declaration module configured to declare a settlement on the checkout information; a settlement module configured to execute a settlement processing for the checkout information through the electronic settlement with the medium the communication of which is established with the short distance wireless communication section; and an update module configured to inform the management apparatus of the information relating to the settlement with the settlement module to update the checkout information. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244408 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A GESTURE-BASED ELECTRONIC TICKET WHEEL - The disclosed technology provides an electronic implementation of the functionality of a manual ticket wheel that is capable of receiving orders from a variety of sources in various formats, including point-of-sale systems, cash registers, smart phones, printers, interne requests (e.g., HTTP requests), email, and SMS messages. Users may interact with the electronic ticket wheel of the disclosed technology in the same way that they would a physical ticket wheel (e.g., rotating the wheel, pulling tickets off the wheel, etc.). For example, the computing device implementing the electronic ticket wheel may be a tablet with a touch screen that allows a user to swipe to rotated the wheel and select tickets to remove them from the electronic ticket wheel when the order is complete. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244409 | SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND METHOD OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT - A system and method allow a customer to perform self-checkout at a real-world non-virtual store or restaurant or other business establishment that the customer is visiting. The customer pre-defines an electronic payment method. The customer visits the business establishment, and the system generates a unique user-specific code that is a function of the time, the location, and the specific customer. The code is displayed on the mobile device of the customer, which is then shown to an employee of the business establishment, which then enters the unique code into a Point of Sale terminal; thereby generating an association between an ongoing open tab of the customer, and the mobile device of the customer. The customer is able to perform self checkout of the open tab, without requiring action on behalf of the business establishment. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249937 | Information Management And Real Time Synchronous Communications Hospitality Software Application Based System With A Synchronized Ecosystem Of Multiple Types Of Computing Devices With Varying Non PC-Standard Display Sizes Operating In Equilibrium Via The Internet And With A Master Database Stored In A Central Location - An information management and synchronous communications system and method facilitates database equilibrium and synchronization with wired, wireless and Web-based systems, user-friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus and reservations with handwritten/voice modifications for restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment with nonstandard graphical formats, display sizes and/or applications for use in remote data entry, information management and communication with host computer, digital input device or remote pager via standard hardwired connection, the interne, a wireless link, printer or the like. Various operations employing automated telephone calls and/or messaging may, for instance, be performed. For example, desired reservation and/or appointment information may be automatically converted and conveyed to one or more entities via automated telephone call and/or messaging. As another example, information regarding reservation acceptability may be received and automatically converted via automated telephone call and/or messaging. Telephones may, for instance, be the only equipment required by the entities. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249938 | CUSTOMER INTERFACE RESTAURANT SYSTEM - Systems and methods for ordering systems and, more specifically, to a proximity based ordering system are disclosed herein. A computer-implemented method, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, includes receiving, in a computer system, a selection of an order by a user of a user device, the order including a selection of a restaurant and at least one item to purchase from the restaurant, determining, by the computer system, if the user is within a geofence defined in regard to the restaurant, upon determining that the user is not within the geofence, holding, by the computer system, the order from being prepared at the restaurant, and upon determining that the user is within the geofence, releasing, by the computer system, the order to be prepared at the restaurant. | 09-04-2014 |
20140258006 | Remote Ordering System - 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. | 09-11-2014 |
20140279080 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIDEBAND AUDIO COMMUNICATION WITH A QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANT DRIVE-THROUGH INTERCOM - This disclosure relates to a quick service restaurant intercom communication system. The system is configured such that communication between a customer and a staff member is accomplished in wideband audio. Intercom communication systems that utilize narrow band audio for communication between drive-through customers and staff members may be considered “good enough”. However, the low fidelity sound produced by narrow band audio systems often results in misunderstandings between customers and staff members, a high amount of background noise during communication, and/or other negative effects. Wideband audio may facilitate clearer communication between customers and staff members. Wideband audio communication may be costlier and/or more complicated to implement, but may result in increased staff efficiency and/or increased customer satisfaction. In some implementations, the system may include an audio order placement sub-system, a base station, an order entry device, a mounting mechanism, and/or other components. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279081 | MOBILE DEVICES, METHODS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR ENSURING THAT A PICKUP ORDER IS FRESHLY PREPARED WHEN A CONSUMER ARRIVES TO PICK IT UP - A C-A MD uses contextual awareness to sense its surroundings and determine spatial relationships between the C-A MD and each of a plurality of retail food establishments. Based on these determinations, the C-A MD determines which of the establishments the user is most likely to arrive at to pick up an order. Based on this determination, the C-A MD places a pickup order with the particular establishment and/or sends a notification to the particular establishment that the user will likely ultimately arrive at the particular establishment to pick up the order. Based on the order or the notification received by the establishment, a preparer at the establishment can perform tasks associated with the order to ensure that the order is freshly prepared when the consumer arrives to pick up the order. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279082 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING FOOD ORDERS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279083 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING A FOOD ORDER - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279084 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION RELATING TO FOOD ORDERS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279085 | MENU SHARING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TELEDINING - A teledining system is configured to display shared menu information between geographically remote teledining session participants. The teledining system is configured to enable viewing of participant bills by any one or more of the session participants, and payment of bills by a session participant for a geographically remote participant(s). | 09-18-2014 |
20140279086 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION RELATING TO FOOD ORDERS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279087 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATION OF A FOOD ORDER - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279088 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISPLAY OF INFORMATION RELATING TO FOOD ORDERS - Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques may enhance a customer's experience with a restaurant. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279089 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FOOD ITEMS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279090 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO FOOD ORDERS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279091 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING ORDERS OF FOOD ITEMS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279092 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATION OF ORDERS OF FOOD ITEMS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279093 | INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND REAL TIME SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS HOSPITALITY SOFTWARE APPLICATION BASED SYSTEM WITH SPECIALIZED ORDERING FUNCTIONALITY AS PART OF A SYNCHRONIZED ECOSYSTEM OF MULTIPLE TYPES OF COMPUTING DEVICES WITH VARYING NON PC-STANDARD DISPLAY SIZES OPERATING IN EQUILIBRIUM VIA THE INTERNET AND WITH A MASTER DATABASE STORED IN A CENTRAL LOCATION - An information management and synchronous communications system and method facilitates database equilibrium and synchronization with wired, wireless and Web-based systems, user-friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus and reservations with handwritten/voice modifications for restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment with nonstandard graphical formats, display sizes and/or applications for use in remote data entry, information management and communication with host computer, digital input device or remote pager via standard hardwired connection, the internet, a wireless link, printer or the like. Various operations employing automated telephone calls and/or messaging may, for instance, be performed. For example, desired reservation and/or appointment information may be automatically converted and conveyed to one or more entities via automated telephone call and/or messaging. As another example, information regarding reservation acceptability may be received and automatically converted via automated telephone call and/or messaging. Telephones may, for instance, be the only equipment required by the entities. | 09-18-2014 |
20140310112 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A PRODUCT - A product monitoring system for an event venue includes a seat configured to receive a patron, a sensor assembly coupled to the seat and configured to detect the presence of a concession product and to monitor a state of the concession product, and a control module communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to receive a signal from the sensor assembly and to send a response. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316914 | Chefteria System And Method - Chefteria System And Method provides web based computer system/platform for the chefs to create and sell their menu of freshly prepared-to-the-order foods and deliver instantly to the customers. Registered customers who place the successful food order through online system can view the live video streaming of the chefs preparation/cooking of their order. Registered chefs who are approved through selection process, only will be able to sell their foods through Chefteria platform. Chefs in this system can specify location(s)/day(s)/time(s) information that they would like to offer their services. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316915 | VISUALLY ADAPTIVE PROCESS IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM FOR ORDER TAKING - A system for order taking formed with one or more computers, cameras, computer networks and vision based computer algorithms and designed to visually obtain information to facilitate and obtain an order. The system's applications including drive through orders, kiosks, vending machines and other automated ordering or points of sale. The system further tailored for people with hearing or speaking disabilities as well as improving the process of cleanup and preparation for the next customer. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324606 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING CLOSING OF A CHECK - Various methods are described for facilitating closing and payment of a check. One example method may comprise performing an action with a mobile device proximate a physical location associated with the check. The method may further comprise receiving in response a location identifier associated with the physical location. Additionally, the method may comprise determining the check to be closed based at least in part on the location identifier. Another example method may comprise performing an action with a mobile device proximate a folio device. The method may further comprise receiving in response a folio device identifier associated with the folio device. Additionally, the method may comprise providing for transmission of the check information to the folio device based at least in part on the folio device identifier. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324607 | METHOD FOR DELIVERING A CUSTOM SANDWICH TO A PATRON - One variation of a method for personalizing food orders includes: from a patron, receiving a taste feedback for a first food item in a first food order submitted previously by the patron; predicting an absolute food preference of the patron from the first food order; predicting a relative taste preference of the patron based on the taste feedback and a recipe of the first food item; generating a taste profile of the patron based on the absolute food preference and the relative taste preference; from the patron, receiving a selection for a second food item in a new food order, the second food item different than the first food item; applying the taste profile of the patron to a recipe for the second food item to generate a personalized recipe; and submitting the personalized recipe with the new food order to a robotic food assembly apparatus. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330654 | PAYMENT OF RESTAURANT BILLS - A method includes identifying a restaurant where a user of a mobile device is located; receiving, from the restaurant, data indicative of one or more items on a bill associated with the user; providing the data to the mobile device; and enabling the user to pay for one or more of the items on the bill using the mobile device. | 11-06-2014 |
20140337149 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR A ROTATION-BASED ORDER MODULE - In an embodiment, the system can be configured to allow a user to quickly order a repeat item by simply rotating the mobile device or other computing system of the user to a horizontal orientation. By positioning the mobile device or other computing system in a horizontal orientation, the system can be configured to remove the existing contents on the display, display the necessary information for previously placed orders, and reorient the contents for correctly displaying the content in a horizontal orientation, thereby increasing the amount of display area for presenting data to a user, from the perspective of margin width. | 11-13-2014 |
20140351067 | System and Method for Increasing the Efficiency and Profitability of Deliveries from a Point-of-Sale Provider to a Retail Consumer - A system and method for increasing the efficiency and profitability of delivery services between a point-of-sale provider for services or delivered goods, such as comestibles and a retail consumer. | 11-27-2014 |
20140351068 | System and Method for Integrating Business Operations - A dynamic menu system comprises a server comprising a memory and a processor, a menu store, an inventory store, and at least one application stored in the memory. The menu store comprises a plurality of menu items associated with an establishment, and each menu item of the plurality of menu items comprises one or more ingredients. The inventory store comprises a record of an amount of the ingredients available at the establishment. The at least one application provides a first selection of the plurality of menu items to an electronic device, updates the inventory store to indicate that less than the certain amount of the first ingredient is available, and provides a second selection of the plurality of menu items to the electronic device. The second selection of the plurality of menu items does not include the first menu item. | 11-27-2014 |
20140358702 | Institutional Catering Business Method and Associated Website - The present disclosure relates to a catering business that utilizes a website to manage individual food orders that are processed at one or more production kitchens strategically located near the target market. The catering business manages the production of food items, the delivery of food items that can be maintained in portable ovens or warmers and/or active cooling, passive insulated or non-insulated containers that preserve the food items for subsequent consumption. The catering business delivers the food items to various institutional locations for distribution by the particular institution. The delivery of food items can be for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner meals. After the food is consumed, the delivery vehicles can return to the institutions to recover the portable ovens or warmers and/or active cooling, passive insulated or non-insulated containers. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358703 | Item Delivery Optimization - Item delivery optimization may be provided. Items may be identified as available for delivery at a first location to at least one second location. A route from the first location to the second location may be calculated and at least a portion of the route from the first location to the second location may be provided to a delivery mechanism, such as an automated delivery device and/or a user. | 12-04-2014 |
20140372233 | POINT OF SALE INTERFACE FOR AN AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE DISPENSER - A point of sale (POS) interface solution is provided to interface a POS system or POS terminal to an automated bar tending system, allowing a drink order to be entered into the automated bar tending system other than by a user interface on the automated bar tending system. The POS interface provides a drink order signal to a printer for printing a drink order on a ticket for processing a drink order and/or on a bill to present to the customer. The POS interface also provides a drink order signal to the automated bar tending system for displaying the drink order on the user interface. | 12-18-2014 |
20140379499 | RESTAURANT METHOD - A method for selling restaurant food. One method, for selling food, comprises the steps of: providing a buffet restaurant; selling containers to customers of the buffet restaurant; and permitting purchasers of said containers to place therein food from the buffet for take-away purposes. Another method is for use with a buffet restaurant of the all-you-can-eat type, wherein a patron is, in exchange for payment of a fixed price, allowed to eat as much as he or she wishes from the buffet in a single sitting. This method comprises the step of: allowing said patron, for an additional price, the opportunity to retrieve a predetermined quantity of food from the buffet for take-away purposes. The additional price can be embodied in the sale of a container to the patron, the volume of the container defining the predetermined quantity. | 12-25-2014 |
20150019354 | AUTOMATED COOKING SYSTEM THAT ACCEPTS REMOTE ORDERS - An automated cooking system that accepts remote orders includes an automated cooking device, a communications device, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a remote order for a customer via the communications device, wherein the order includes a requested delivery time, schedule a preparation completion time of the order based on the delivery time, and instruct the automated cooking device to prepare the order based on the scheduled completion time of the order. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025983 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING RESTAURANT ORDERS - A method for facilitating restaurant orders includes the step of communicating to a first computing device, data indicative a plurality of restaurants in proximity to the first computing device. The method further includes the step of communicating to the first computing device data indicative of a plurality of items associated with a selected restaurant of the plurality of restaurants. The method further includes the step of receiving data indicative of an order, comprising at least one item of the plurality of items, from the first computing device. The method further includes the step of communicating data indicative of the order to a second computing device associated with the selected restaurant. The method further includes the step of communicating, to the first computing device, data indicative of a change in status of the order. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025984 | Method for making orders without wired or wireless connection and without in person contact - An application for coding and decoding an order of product or service can be installed in a handheld device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet device, to help make an order with no need of talking with a clerk at the store. This application, after receiving the order, is able to convert the received order into a code, wherein the code may be a conventional bar code or a matrix bar code which is capable of storing more information. At a location of a vendor, the user of the application is able to direct scan the generated code with a reading device at the location, such as a scanner. The scanner is able to read the code and then convert it back to the order information which will be further automatically sent to the vendor to make the order. | 01-22-2015 |
20150032555 | Beverage Dispensing and Tracking System - A system for managing beverage sales and inventory, and for enabling customers to pour their own beverages while preventing shrinkage is disclosed. The system enables a user to access a beverage from a beverage dispenser by presenting a beverage-pour tracking device. The beverage dispenser can prevent a user from accessing the beverage without the beverage-pour tracking device. Further, the system can confirm whether the user is permitted to access the beverage dispenser before enabling the user to access the dispenser. | 01-29-2015 |
20150039450 | CUSTOMER-BASED WIRELESS FOOD ORDERING AND PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An interactive system and method allows customers to electronically place and pay for menu orders without wait-staff intervention at food service establishments and which processes orders. The invention has at least one ordering device with data input, a display, and wireless communications, and one or more computer servers for processing menu orders and payments. The ordering devices and computer servers cooperatively utilize means for adding a menu item to an order from a list or entering a code; means for wirelessly transmitting orders to food preparation areas; means on a terminal and a mobile device to use cashless payment mediums; means for identifying the dining party leader; means for consolidating a customer's reward points; means for offering discounts and accepting coupons; means for pre-ordering menu items; means for reserving seating; means for accessing the internet from a terminal; and means for splitting orders for batch processing. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039451 | Biometrics for Rapid and Enhanced Service and Hospitality and Quantification Thereof - The present invention provides a computer-implemented system and method for enhanced service and hospitality by a facility, such as a restaurant, using biometric identifiers, such as facial recognition, fingerprint identification, palm print identification, iris recognition, retina recognition and voice recognition, and a computer-implemented means for quantifying the rapidity of service to enrolled customers in the program compared to customers not enrolled in the program. Customers enroll in the program and provide specific biometric identifiers as well their one or more preferences related to one or more foods, drinks and/or services provided by the facility. | 02-05-2015 |
20150046271 | ONLINE ORDERING FOR IN-SHOP SERVICE - Systems and related methods providing for online ordering of menu items from a merchant are discussed herein. Circuitry may be configured to generate an online menu based on menu information stored in a menu database. The menu information may be also configured to facilitate point-of-sale functionality at the merchant, such as by a point-of-sale device. The online menu may be provided to a consumer device. An online order may be received from the consumer device. The circuitry may be configured to process the online order, such as by facilitating a reservation, order preparation, and payment. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046272 | GRAPHICAL INTERFACE AND INPUT METHOD FOR ALLOCATING AN INVOICE AMONGST A PLURALITY OF ACCOUNTS - A novel graphical interface and input method is provided. In certain implementations, a touch screen interface is provided with a plurality of icons that each represent seats around a table in a restaurant. Each icon is associated with a unique account. Accounts can be easily merged and split by using touch and swipe interfaces with the icons. | 02-12-2015 |
20150051990 | System for sale and automatic delivery of products in movie theaters during a film screening - The invention is the system for sale and automatic delivery of products in movie theaters during a film screening. The invention allows movie theaters' visitors to see information about, choose, order, pay and after that have automatically delivered directly to their seat in movie theater auditorium different products, such as drinks, popcorn and snacks. The key advantage given by the invention is movie theaters' visitors possibility to have these products bought and delivered during the film screening, without a need to interrupt a movie and go to concession stand. Embodiments of the invention are carried out as a complex of means for ordering and payment for products and also means for automatic delivery of ordered products. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051991 | INTERACTIVE FOOD AND DRINK ORDERING SYSTEM - An interactive food and/or drink ordering system, in which a computer controlled projector is mounted above a surface such that a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto some or all of the surface. The selection options are selectable by a user operating an interface device connected to the computer, such as a wireless track pad. | 02-19-2015 |
20150073925 | System and Method for Integrating Business Operations - A method comprises providing an electronic menu to a customer, receiving a request for a new item, adding the new item to a plurality of item selections based on receiving the request for the new item from the customer, and providing the electronic menu to a second customer. The electronic menu initially comprises a plurality of item selections. Each item selection comprises one or more ingredients for the item selection and preparation instructions for preparing the item selection. The new item is not in the plurality of item selections when the request is received. The request for the new item comprises a list of one or more new item ingredients and new item preparation instructions for preparing the new item. The electronic menu comprises the plurality of item selections comprising the new item when the electronic menu is provided to the second customer. | 03-12-2015 |
20150088671 | PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED ENTERTAINMENT BASED ON WAIT TIME - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an entertainment consumption experience based at least in part on a determined wait time for ordered items. Such may generally also take account of profiles of users awaiting the items. The systems and methods may be employed in any network-enabled system that includes consumer electronic (“CE”) devices (or restaurant-provided or -situated dedicated devices) and an appropriate management system to provide estimates of wait time. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088672 | Device, System, and Method of Selecting, Displaying, and Purchasing Favorite Drinks of a User Within a Location-Based Virtual Social Networking Context - A method of selecting, displaying, and purchasing favorite drinks of a user within a location-based virtual social networking context is disclosed. A mobile computing device of a first user is used to perform a digital check-in to a venue that is within a physical proximity of the first user. After the digital check-in, a digital menu that contains a list of drinks available at the venue is accessed. The digital menu is displayed to the first user via a screen of the mobile computing device. In response to selection from the first user, one or more drinks from the digital menu are designated as preferred drinks of the first user. The first user's preference of the one or more drinks is electronically communicated to another electronic device. | 03-26-2015 |
20150095168 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING PURCHASE USING MERCHANDISE HOLDER - A merchandise holder, e.g., a drink coaster or a food placemat, is used to facilitate the purchase of food or beverage placed on the holder. A customer may use a mobile device to scan a QR code on a merchandise holder to purchase a beverage. Further, the merchandise holder may include an RFID scanner to keep track of the food or beverages consumed by the customer. The RFID scanner of the merchandise holder may scan RFID tags attached to the food or beverages consumed by the customer. A payment account of the customer may be associated with the merchandise holder to pay for the food or beverages placed on the holder. Accordingly, a customer may use the merchandise holder to order, keep track of, and pay for the food or beverages consumed by the customer. | 04-02-2015 |
20150095169 | SYSTEMS, ARTICLES AND METHODS RELATED TO RETAIL ORDERING AND FULFILLMENT, EMPLOYING WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS - An order placement and fulfillment system allows orders to be automatically placed, for instance on entry to a retail establishment, permitting customers to avoid long ordering queues. An interrogation system may interrogate wireless communications devices, for instance wireless passive transponders to detect an order placement. The wireless transponder may include one or more user actuatable switches, allowing a customer to avoid unintentionally placing an order, or to select between a number of predefined orders. | 04-02-2015 |
20150100439 | Workflow System - A workflow system for streamlining a sequence of connected steps between a plurality of parties in an organization, such as a restaurant. The parties have different, but interconnected roles. The communication system enables communication between the parties with wireless technology, such as radio frequency identification. Each party has a role in an organization. Each party comprises an attribute for defining the role. The attribute include a function, a position, and a location of each party. Each party has a tag, such as a radio frequency identification tag, for identification and accessing the attribute. The tag enables a transfer of data between the parties and a data storage portion. The data storage portion stores the attribute. The attribute is accessible by the parties. The attribute is viewed by predetermined parties through a communication device. A scanning device scans the tag to enable access and viewing of the attribute. | 04-09-2015 |
20150106213 | ONLINE PAYMENT METHOD FOR FACE-TO-FACE TRANSACTIONS - An online meal payment method according is carried out by a service providing server in an environment including a client side communication terminal, an affiliated store communication terminal, the service providing server and a payment server. The method comprises receiving order location identification information and order information from the affiliated store communication terminal and registering the order location identification information and the order information; transmitting bill information to the client side communication terminal; receiving payment information from the client side communication terminal; carrying out authentication based on the order location identification information and the order information acquired and the payment information received; and requesting payment by transmitting payment basic information to the payment server if the authentication is successful. | 04-16-2015 |
20150149307 | LOCATION-BASED ORDERING - Some embodiments provide a novel process for ordering items available in a menu or specials at a particular location. In some embodiments, the location can be any one of a table in a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, a hotel room with room service, a seat in a sports arena, and any other location which is served by a business. In some embodiments, the process operates by scanning one of a QR code, a bar code, and an NFC tag available on a designated order scan location. In some embodiments, the designed order scan location is one of a seat, a table, and a hotel room placard or sticker. In some embodiments, the process is implemented as a software application that runs on a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the software application is downloaded if not previously available on the mobile computing device and that locations menu is opened by identifying the location from the scanned code and is tailored based on time of day or further customized to users language preference or their dietary requirements. | 05-28-2015 |
20150294292 | GASTRONOMY PAYMENT SYSTEM USING GEOTAGGING AND MOBILE DEVICES - Methods and systems for gastronomy payment using geotagging and mobile devices may enable a user to browse and select restaurants using a mobile device, such as a smartphone. Menu items for a selected restaurant may be viewed and ordered after the user provides payment information to a gastronomy payment system, including authorization to charge the user for ordered menu items. The user may monitor a status of the order at the selected restaurant, which may receive a credit for the order from the gastronomy payment system. The gastronomy payment system may automatically charge the user for the order upon detecting that the user is no longer located at the restaurant. The gastronomy payment system may include a recommendation engine for recommending menu items based on user preferences or a history of ordered menu items. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294392 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION BASED CLIENT SERVICE MANAGEMENT, IN A SERVICE PROVIDER'S FACILITY - System and method for location based client service management. The location based client service management may include detecting presence of a smart device of a user at a specific point of service within an establishment, providing a location based service to the user via the smart device, obtaining an order from the user via the smart device, and linking the order to the specific point of service in which the smart device was detected. | 10-15-2015 |
20150302347 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING VENUE CONCESSIONS - There is provided a system and method for synchronizing delivery at a venue of at least one product with a live event occurring at the venue, the at least one product offered at the venue by at least one fulfillment facility. An order signal comprising order data indicative of the order for the delivery of the at least one product to a location of the venue is received. An event signal comprising event data indicative of a timing of the live event is received. It is then determined from the event data a desired delivery time at which to deliver the order to the location such that delivery of the order matches the timing of the live event. A control signal is then generated and transmitted to the at least one fulfillment facility for causing the at least one fulfillment facility to prepare and deliver the order to the location by the desired delivery time. | 10-22-2015 |
20150302375 | FOOD PRINTING STOCK SUPPLY SUBSTRATE STRUCTURE INGESTIBLE MATERIAL PREPARATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the selection of the at least one candidate ingestible product as the at least one selected ingestible product via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted one or more selection menus and prior to preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products for ingestion by the particular individual living being of the selected ingestible products, the at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products occurring within a vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically outputted one or more selection menus. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 10-22-2015 |
20150324890 | Mobile Food Order in Advance Systems - Aspects of the disclosure provide a computer-implemented method and system for ordering food remotely or from a vehicle for pick-up or delivery by providing the use of an application on a mobile device that provides information that allows the ordering. The computer-implemented method and system may include an order in advance application that allows a user or the system automatically to place an order based on previous orders. The computer-implemented method and system may also allow for the electronic payment for the food. Telematics information regarding the user and/or the vehicle may be utilized to provide information regarding a user's location, velocity, route, and destination. The computer-implemented method and system may utilize this telematics information to provide a prioritized ranked list of restaurants for the user. The computer-implemented method and system may utilize insurance information to provide additional features and enhance the mobile food order method and system. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324936 | MOBILE FOOD ORDER AND INSURANCE SYSTEMS - Aspects of the disclosure provide a computer-implemented method and system for ordering food remotely or from a vehicle for pick-up or delivery by providing the use of an application on a mobile device that provides information that allows the ordering. The computer-implemented method and system may also allow for the electronic payment for the food. Telematics information regarding the user and/or the vehicle may be utilized to provide information regarding a user's location, velocity, route, and destination. The computer-implemented method and system may utilize this telematics information to provide a prioritized ranked list of restaurants for the user. The computer-implemented method and system may utilize insurance information to provide additional features and enhance the mobile food order method and system. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324937 | FOOD AND BEVERAGE PREPARATION AND RETAILING - Improvements are disclosed in the ordering, preparation, billing, and delivery of food and beverages in contexts including retail establishments. The customer order can be developed at the same or another location, via an application on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, on or offline. Various factors that allow predicting the details of a customer's probable order simplify the process. Automatic allow for polling other parties who might have their own interest in similar products, and the aggregation of such interest in a common order. Orders are transferred to systems in the establishment that streamline ordering, billing, preparation, and customer pickup of completed items. | 11-12-2015 |
20150325075 | Beverage Dispensing and Tracking System - A system for managing beverage sales and inventory, and for enabling customers to pour their own beverages while preventing shrinkage is disclosed. The system enables a user to access a beverage from a beverage dispenser by presenting a beverage-pour tracking device. The beverage dispenser can prevent a user from accessing the beverage without the beverage-pour tracking device. Further, the system can confirm whether the user is permitted to access the beverage dispenser before enabling the user to access the dispenser. | 11-12-2015 |
20150356694 | CUSTOMER FACING DISPLAY WITH CUSTOMER INTERACTION FOR ORDER SPECIFICATION - An on-premises computing system of a public accommodation detects presence of a customer by obtaining an identifier wirelessly transmitted by a wireless device carried by that customer. The identifier is received from the wireless device via a wireless local area network access point of the on-premises computing system. A customer profile is established, updated, and/or retrieved at a database system by the on-premises computing system based upon the identifier of the wireless device. A customer-facing display device displays a customer ordering GUI to the customer that includes selectors that enable the customer to select options associated with menu items that have been added to a pending order by an employee. The options include customer-specific options that are based, at least in part, on information contained in the customer's profile. | 12-10-2015 |
20150363870 | System and Method for SMS Ordering Via an Order Management System - Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a system and a method that enables and encourages users to respond to a query with an SMS message containing a variety of potential words, phrases and other messages that affirmatively indicate that the user wishes to place an order based upon the suggestion previously delivered by the system to the user. The user may also place an order for an item other than the suggested item by delivering a different message. The user may also deliver a message indicating that the user declines to place an order. | 12-17-2015 |
20150371317 | Smart Order Management - An approach is provided for smart order management. Smart utensils measure consumption of a meal by a customer. The smart utensils include at least one processor to perform the measuring and a transmitter that transmits data corresponding to the measured consumption. The smart utensils transmit the measurement to a restaurant data collection device. The approach predicts, based on the measuring, a completion time of the meal by the customer and notifies restaurant staff members of the predicted completion time. | 12-24-2015 |
20150379650 | COMMUNICATION OF ORDERS AND PAYMENTS IN A DRIVE THROUGH USING WIRELESS BEACONS - There are provided systems and methods for communication of orders and payments in a drive through using wireless beacons. A merchant location may include a drive through with a wireless beacon established in the drive through. The beacon may provide communication services with a device for the user. The merchant may detect that the user is in a vehicle in the drive through using either the connection between the device of the user and the beacon or a camera, sensor, or other detector located near the beacon in the drive through. Based on check-in information generated on the connection, an order for the user may be accessed. The user may pay for the order using the device and through the connection to the beacon. Further, if other devices for additional users in the vehicle connect to the beacon, the additional users may split the payment for the order. | 12-31-2015 |
20150379651 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATION OF ORDERS OF FOOD ITEMS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 12-31-2015 |
20160005100 | Fueling Station Non-Fuel Item Display, Purchase, and Payment Systems - Customers purchasing fuel from a dispenser may engage in non-fuel transactions using a tablet computing system affixed on or near a fuel dispenser. A tablet computer may be used to display information regarding available items, services, charitable opportunities, or other options to a fuel customer, receive inputs requesting additional information from the fuel customer, and/or receive an input indicating a desire to engage in a transaction from a fuel customer. Purchased items may be available for pick-up by a customer inside a store, available for pick-up at a drive through window, and/or delivered to the customer at a fuel dispenser. A payment mechanism may be provided in conjunction with the tablet computer. The tablet computer provided may be constructed in such a way to be protected from physical damage and weather. | 01-07-2016 |
20160012513 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FOOD AND RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS | 01-14-2016 |
20160012515 | INTERACTIVE SEAT BEACON WITH CUSTOMIZATION | 01-14-2016 |
20160014624 | REMOTELY CONFIGURABLE WIRELESS INTERCOM SYSTEM FOR AN ESTABLISHMENT | 01-14-2016 |
20160019617 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATION OF ORDERS OF FOOD ITEMS - Embodiments of the invention provide techniques which aid in correctly capturing what a restaurant customer intends to order, and may enhance the customer's satisfaction with the ordering and dining process overall. For example, an interface may be provided through which a customer may specify an order, and the interface may clearly convey such information as each ordered item's ingredients and nutritional content. The interface may enable the customer to customize ordered items, and may clearly convey any changes that the customer has made, allowing the customer to make informed choices about the items included in an order. The interface may embody a design which enables the customer to quickly and easily customize items, and/or to re-order previously customized items. | 01-21-2016 |
20160019634 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR A ROTATION-BASED ORDER MODULE - In an embodiment, the system can be configured to allow a user to quickly order a repeat item by simply rotating the mobile device or other computing system of the user to a horizontal orientation. By positioning the mobile device or other computing system in a horizontal orientation, the system can be configured to remove the existing contents on the display, display the necessary information for previously placed orders, and reorient the contents for correctly displaying the content in a horizontal orientation, thereby increasing the amount of display area for presenting data to a user, from the perspective of margin width. | 01-21-2016 |
20160019664 | FACILITY UTILIZATION MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, FACILITY UTILIZATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, AND FACILITY UTILIZATION MEASUREMENT METHOD - According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a facility utilization measurement apparatus. The facility utilization measurement apparatus sets a plurality of determination areas for determining whether a user stays, on an image which is obtained by capturing the inside of the facility. The facility utilization measurement apparatus generates stay information regarding whether the user stays for each determination area based on a change status of the image in the determination area. The facility utilization measurement apparatus generates use information regarding utilization for each determination area based on the stay information, generates display information for displaying the use information, and outputs the generated display information. | 01-21-2016 |
20160027094 | AUTOMATED ORDER HANDLING AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - The present subject matter relates to a dispenser ( | 01-28-2016 |
20160027131 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROJECTING AN INTERACTIVE IMAGE AND PROCESSING USER INTERACTION - A computer-implemented method and system for projecting one or more interactive images and processing user interaction with the one or more interactive images is provided. The computer-implemented method comprises projecting one or more interactive images on a surface of one or more tables. The computer-implemented method further comprises capturing a plurality of projected interactive images. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method comprises detecting user interaction by comparing a captured image with a subsequently captured image. In addition, the computer-implemented method comprises triggering one or more actions associated with the detected user interaction. | 01-28-2016 |
20160027132 | FACILITATING BEVERAGE ORDERING AND GENERATION - A system and method for facilitating the ordering and generation of a beverage. The system and method are configured to receive an electrical signal in response to the activation by a second user of an electronic link corresponding to a recipe for the beverage shared by a first user. The system and method are further configured to generate a user interface having a user-selectable or user-inputtable order field for allowing the second user to order the beverage. The system and method are still further configured to receive an order for the beverage responsive to a user input made via the order field, and The system and method are yet still further configured to command the generation of the beverage responsive to the receipt of the order, and to effect the presentation of the beverage to the second user at a specified pickup location following the generation of the beverage. | 01-28-2016 |
20160052770 | INTERACTIVE ROBOTIC STATION FOR BEVERAGE, IN PARTICULAR COCKTAIL, PREPARATION AND DISPENSING - An interactive robotic station for beverage preparation comprising a user input interface ( | 02-25-2016 |
20160055598 | Restaurant Guest Service System And Method - The present disclosure (here) is a system and method of placing food/beverage orders at a table in a restaurant by guests using electronic mobile devices such as but not limited to smart phones or tablets connected to internet, that has capability to scan QR code (2D barcode) and a web browser. This system and method includes placement of ‘Host/Waiter QR code’ at a table that uniquely identifies a specific table in a restaurant, authenticated host/waiter scans using electronic mobile device to open or close food/beverage orders process for that specific table in a restaurant. It includes placement of ‘Guest QR codes’ at a table that uniquely identifies each guest seat at a specific table in a restaurant, which each authenticated guest at that table scans to initiate food/beverage orders for that specific guest. It includes placement of ‘Item QR code’ next to each item in a restaurant menu that uniquely identifies a specific item on a menu in a specific restaurant which each authenticated guest scans to view specific item's information and/or make selection of that item. It includes a hosted system (Computer Server & Software) connected to the internet, that performs operations required in food/beverage orders process. | 02-25-2016 |
20160055599 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO OBTAIN AND OPTIMIZE MIXTURES FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES - A device to produce personalized mixtures of substances is configured to be controlled by computer program code running on a user terminal. The computer program code enables a user of the user terminal to create and personalize the formulas for optimizing the beverage according to the specific needs of the user and order the beverages from a remote location. | 02-25-2016 |
20160055600 | System and Method for a Relative Consumer Cost - The systems and methods may be used to recommend an item to a consumer. The methods may comprise determining, based on a collaborative filtering algorithm, a consumer relevance value associated with an item, and transmitting, based on the consumer relevance value, information associated with the item to a consumer. A collaborative filtering algorithm may receive as an input a transaction history associated with the consumer, a demographic of the consumer, a consumer profile, a type of transaction account, a transaction account associated with the consumer, a period of time that the consumer has held a transaction account, a size of wallet, and/or a share of wallet. The method may further comprise generating a ranked list of items based upon consumer relevance values, transmitting a ranked list of items to a consumer, and/or re-ranking a ranked list of items based upon a merchant goal. | 02-25-2016 |
20160063473 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING FOOD ORDERS - A method for food order processing includes: determining a user's current location; determining a food preparation premise based on the user's current location; displaying dishes associated with the food preparation premise and allowing the user to make a selection from the dishes; allowing the user to place an order based on the selection; determining whether the order is associated with a table ID; and processing payment associated with the order. If the order is determined to be not associated with a table ID, the method further includes matching a table ID with the order. A system for food order processing is also provided. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063585 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING AND MANAGING REMOTELY PLACED ORDERS - A system for enabling the remote ordering of products, primarily for use in a multi-vendor system, is disclosed. Orders are placed remotely, such as through wireless devices connected to a central server. The central server, in turn, is in communication (wireless or otherwise) with a server located at one or more venues within the organization operating the system. The one or more venues provide products or services available for ordering through the system. Where multiple venues are involved, the system is designed to handle differences in the product or service availability at those different venues, and provides for an ability to make corrections to orders that may be or may become necessary on account of those differences. The system provides for multiple options through which users can pay for and receive orders, and also provides methods for synchronizing the remote ordering system with pre-existing, conventional methods of ordering and product/service order fulfillment. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063606 | CUSTOMER LOCATING AND DELIVERY - Various systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for locating a patron and delivering an order. One example method may comprise detecting a mobile device of a customer at an establishment. The example method may further comprise determining a location of the mobile device of the customer within the establishment. The example method may further comprise linking the determined location to an order placed by the customer. The example method may further comprise enabling delivery of the order to the customer at the determined location. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063652 | Infrared-Based Apparatus for Using Gestures to Place Food Orders and Method of Use - An infrared-based gesture ordering apparatus with an infrared sensing unit comprising at least four infrared (IR) sensors, each with an independent infrared emitter and receiver, the sensing unit having an output, a processing unit that receives the IR sensing unit outputs, and a microprocessor that receives the processing unit output, where the microprocessor has an output that connects by USB or wireless to an order server that has a display device. | 03-03-2016 |
20160071050 | Delivery Channel Management - The invention relates to a delivery system where delivery time is minimized by proactively moving the inventory into the delivery network and redirecting a nearby delivery carrier to the purchaser. The invention allows for a courier or common carrier, delivery person, or some other delivery service start moving the products into a specific geographic region, tracks where the products are, and allows a customer to see how quickly a certain product, or category of product, could arrive to them before they place their order, and then redirects the item to the end user once they place their order. The invention also provides a way to purchase an order from someone else before the first person receives their item such that the second person receives the item sooner and the first person receives some incentive reward for giving up their order or receiving it later. | 03-10-2016 |
20160071224 | Smart Table Service - The instant application discloses, among other things, a Smart Table Service. In one embodiment, it may include ways for any entity, such as a restaurant, for example, to provide services to patrons, who may use their own devices. For instance, a restaurant may provide a linear barcode or quick response (QR) barcode, or other machine-readable symbol associated with a table, bar seat, or other location where a patron may wish to order, pay, call wait staff, or request other services. A patron at a location may scan a provided code using any device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or intelligent eyewear, for example, and a server may receive a message indicating the location. In response to the location, the server may provide a web site or communicate with an app on the patron's device, allowing the patron to perform an action, such as ordering or paying. | 03-10-2016 |
20160092851 | BEVERAGE COMPOSITION SYSTEM - A beverage service system is described herein, and may include a payment facility adapted to receive a payment from a user and load the payment electronically, as a credit for cup units of a beverage, against a user profile created by the user, the user having a near field communication (NFC)-enabled device linked to their user profile, and a beverage dispenser connected to a computer processor. The system may further include a credit receipt circuit in operative communication with the processor and having at least one reader provided in an immediate vicinity of the beverage dispenser, wherein the system is configured to dispense a cup unit of a beverage into each of a plurality of cups respectively having an electronically detectable, unique identification tag on transmission to the at least one credit receipt reader of a request to redeem a cup credit. | 03-31-2016 |
20160092965 | Table-Side Information Device Imaging Capture - A pay-at-the-table device is augmented to include an imaging sub-system having one or more image-capture components. A front-facing image sensor records video, or takes still photos. A wide view image sensor/lens captures a view of an entire table (or some portion thereof). When table images are captured by the imaging system, image post-processing is used to ensure that any details that can identify the individual patrons are masked or otherwise obscured; in this way, only generic demographic data (e.g., number of patrons, gender, approximate age, etc.) is captured, and all such data is maintained anonymously and without reference to any payment or other information that might provide the restaurant with the patron's true identity. The image-capture components may also include image sensors enable events (e.g., drinks needing refills, entrée arrival, etc.) to be monitored. An infrared image sensor captures thermal data, which can identify the temperature of the prepared food. | 03-31-2016 |
20160093003 | OPERATION MANAGEMENT - Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction. | 03-31-2016 |
20160093004 | METHOD, TERMINAL, AND SERVER FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED FOOD INFORMATION FOR FOOD SAFETY - A method, terminal and server for providing personalized food information for food safety are disclosed herein. The server includes a communication unit, and a processing unit. The communication unit receives a request for knowledge information related to the intake of a food of a user from a terminal and to send notification data to the terminal. The request includes the food identifier of the food and the personal information of the user. The processing unit generates the notification data, including the knowledge information, using food information, indicated by the food identifier, and the personal information. | 03-31-2016 |
20160098691 | Wireless Transactions for Enhancing Customer Experience - Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for facilitating a wireless transaction by coupling or associating an identifier to a location. The identifier is read, retrieved, or received by a customer's wireless communication device to connect to a POS terminal. Once connected, the wireless communication device sends a location identifier to the POS terminal, so that the POS terminal can associate the wireless communication device with the location. Once an association is established, the POS terminal then presents options. The POS terminal receives selections, and alerts a staff member of selections and the location. In many instances, the POS terminal also adds the selection to a bill or an invoice. | 04-07-2016 |
20160104253 | Device, System, and Method of Enhancing User Privacy and Security Within a Location-Based Virtual Social Networking Context - Via a graphical user interface on a first mobile computing device of a first user, the first user is prompted to upload a first electronic photograph representing an appearance of the first user who is a participant of a virtual social network. Via the graphical user interface, the first electronic photograph uploaded by the first user is received. From a second user who is also a participant of the virtual social network, an electronic voucher is received. The electronic voucher is redeemable for a merchandise item that is offered by a physical venue, the physical venue corresponds to the virtual social network. A screen is generated that contains both the electronic voucher and the first electronic photograph. An electronic scan of the electronic voucher is detected. An electronic transaction is completed, in which the merchandise item is redeemed in response to the electronic scan of the electronic voucher. | 04-14-2016 |
20160104256 | System and Method for Event Beverage Estimation - A method and computer application which helps a user estimate the amount of beverages, specifically alcoholic beverages needed for a live event. The method of the present invention, executed on a computing device provides a user with the ability to figure out what exactly their guests like or would prefer to drink at the event, whether the beverages of choice would be alcohol related or another type of beverage and an event estimate of how much alcohol and/or other beverages are needed for their event so they can go out and purchase the alcoholic beverages themselves for a much cheaper price than paying for a full open bar. | 04-14-2016 |
20160104257 | U-CHEF SERVICE SYSTEM USING TERMINAL, AND METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed herein is a U-chef service method of a U-chef service system that processes an order in association with a POS terminal which processes an order in at least one shop in which an NFC or a QR code containing a URL address for a service is provided at a predetermined place and a customer terminal inside the shop, including: providing menu information previously prepared by a shop manager when the customer terminal accesses the server via the NFC or the QR code; transmitting order information to the POS terminal when the server receives a table number and a menu inputted by the customer terminal; transmitting the order information to a kitchen terminal; reporting when cooking is completed; and generating price information corresponding to the order information in accordance with operation of the shop manager and performing a payment process. | 04-14-2016 |
20160110774 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOMMENDING AFFILIATED STORE BY USING REVERSE AUCTION - A method and an apparatus for recommending a business by using a reverse auction are provided. The method and the apparatus for recommending a business by using a reverse auction intermediate a satisfying deal between a user and a business through a reverse auction scheme by using a user's check-in information on a location-based social network service. | 04-21-2016 |
20160117762 | MENU SHARING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TELEDINING - A teledining system is configured to display shared menu information between geographically remote teledining session participants. The teledining system is configured to enable viewing of participant bills by any one or more of the session participants, and payment of bills by a session participant for a geographically remote participant(s). | 04-28-2016 |
20160125558 | RESTAURANT COMMUNICATION ASSEMBLY - A restaurant communication assembly includes a plurality of base units each positioned proximate an associated one of a plurality of tables in a restaurant. Each of the base units stores a food menu. A respective base display is coupled to an associated one of the base units. The base display displays the food menu. Thus, the base display allows a user to order a selection from the food menu. A remote unit is positioned in a kitchen of the restaurant. The remote unit is in communication with the base units to receive the user's order. A remote display is coupled to the remote unit. The remote display displays the user's order. Thus, the display communicates the user's order to a cook. Each of plurality of mobile units is carried by an associated one of a plurality of waitresses in the restaurant. is in communication with the base unit to receive the user's order. The mobile unit is in communication with the remote unit such that the mobile units inform the waitresses when a respective user's order is complete. | 05-05-2016 |
20160127449 | Recipe exchange and management system - A recipe exchange and management system is provided for a group of related restaurants. The system may be implemented as a network service that provides a series of interfaces or web pages to implement recipe creation, recipe sharing, and recipe and menu management. Users of the system may login with a username and password to access recipe data and menu data of any of two or more restaurants supported by the network service. A recipe may be created by a first user and reviewed by one or more second users of the service. A user associated with a first restaurant of the group of restaurants may access a recipe associated with a second restaurant of the group of restaurants. | 05-05-2016 |
20160132976 | Bilateral Service App For Wine Tracking And Management - A bilateral service app for wine tracking and management includes, structurally, a service function device, which enables a sales side to track and manage information related to a user side, a linking device, which allows the user side to the wine information storage device to inquire information related to the wine, a data recording module, which records drinking condition of the user side in respect of the wine, and a user feedback module, which allows the user side to provide comments regarding the wine. With the above structure, the user side, before purchasing a bottle of wine, may connect, via the linking device, to the wine information storage device to inquire information related to the wine and may record the drinking condition of the wine in the data recording module and provide comments of the wine in the user feedback module. | 05-12-2016 |
20160143477 | COOKING MANAGEMENT - A cooking management system is described that identifies a customer and orders a product for the customer based at least on current temporal data. The cooking management system identifies customers associated with previous product requests that occurred during a predetermined range of time based at least on a comparison of current temporal data with temporal data associated with the previous product requests. The cooking management system causes presentation of identifiers of the identified customers on a display. Responsive to determining that the identifier for a particular customer has been selected, the cooking management system automatically causes a cooking device to prepare a product for the particular customer based at least on customer data associated with the particular customer. | 05-26-2016 |
20160148287 | LUNCH ORDER COMMUNICATION - Systems and related methods for providing ordering and delivery of goods and services from a merchant are discussed herein. A determination that a user is no longer eligible for an offer of an item may be performed in response to receiving input from the user about the offer. The determination may be based at least in part on information that identifies a first time period when the input was provided by the user and a second time period associated with the offer. In embodiments, information indicating a state for the offer may be updated based on the determination that the user is no longer eligible for the offer. A new offer may be identified for a different item provided by the third party based on the updated information indicating the state for the offer and transmitted to the user. | 05-26-2016 |
20160148306 | LUNCH ORDER MANAGEMENT - Systems and related methods for providing ordering and delivery of goods and services from a merchant are discussed herein. Circuitry may be configured to generate an product offering for a potential customer in a group of customers based on factors related to the merchant as well as factors related to the potential customer. The product offering may be provided to a consumer device to which the consumer is able to respond, creating an order from the consumer device. The circuitry may be configured to process the order, such as by facilitating payment, delivery, and interactions between the customer and the merchant. | 05-26-2016 |
20160180311 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AN ORDERING MENU | 06-23-2016 |
20160189287 | Method for Ordering, Receiving, and Paying for Drink and Food Services Using a Smart Phone to Scan a Mobile Vehicle Tag Providing Identification and Location Information - A method for ordering, receiving, and paying for drink and food services using a smart phone to scan a mobile vehicle tag, such as one found on a golf cart used on a golf course that can provide identification and location information. Using the smart phone, an order is placed for products or services. The order is sent from the smart phone, using the smart phone services which is then received by a mobile service or product provider. A tracking process and method then calculates where the services or product need to be delivered when prepared or ready. This is necessary as the party placing the order may also be moving along a route or from location to location so simply using the location when the order was placed would not allow deliver of the order to be completed. | 06-30-2016 |
20160201347 | Self-Serve Food and Beverage Service | 07-14-2016 |
20160379293 | APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATIC ORDERING OF FOOD ITEMS - Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for automatic ordering of food from a restaurant. In one aspect, the method includes determining at least one suggested restaurant from a plurality of restaurants based on a history of the user, at least one recent activity of the user, and information about the plurality of restaurants. | 12-29-2016 |
20180025445 | System and Process for Managing Preparation and Packaging of Food and/or Beverage Products for a Precise Delivery Time | 01-25-2018 |
20180025446 | RESTAURANT MATCHING AND FILTERING FOR USE IN A HEALTH TRACKING SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |