Abstract: A method provides for using a wireless patron unit within a venue and within a vicinity of the venue. The method includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit by either permitting the at least one patron to temporarily use a provided wireless patron unit that includes at least one venue specific application program, or by providing at least one venue specific application program to the at least one patron for downloading into a patron-owned wireless communication device that can be used during the at least one patron's visit to the venue. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server enabling communication between the wireless patron unit and the server, entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue into the wireless patron unit, and determining a current location of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A method provides for using a wireless patron unit within a venue and within a vicinity of the venue. The method includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit by either permitting the at least one patron to temporarily use a provided wireless patron unit that includes at least one venue specific application program, or by providing at least one venue specific application program to the at least one patron for downloading into a patron-owned wireless communication device that can be used during the at least one patron's visit to the venue. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server enabling communication between the wireless patron unit and the server, entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue into the wireless patron unit, and determining a current location of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A method provides for using a wireless patron unit within a venue and within a vicinity of the venue. The method includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit by either permitting the at least one patron to temporarily use a provided wireless patron unit that includes at least one venue specific application program, or by providing at least one venue specific application program to the at least one patron for downloading into a patron-owned wireless communication device that can be used during the at least one patron's visit to the venue. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server enabling communication between the wireless patron unit and the server, entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue into the wireless patron unit, and determining a current location of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A method provides for using a wireless patron unit within a venue and within a vicinity of the venue. The method includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit by either permitting the at least one patron to temporarily use a provided wireless patron unit that includes at least one venue specific application program, or by providing at least one venue specific application program to the at least one patron for downloading into a patron-owned wireless communication device that can be used during the at least one patron's visit to the venue. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server enabling communication between the wireless patron unit and the server, entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue into the wireless patron unit, and determining a current location of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A method provides for using a portable patron unit in a venue or in a vicinity of the venue. The method includes wirelessly connecting the patron unit to be in communication with the venue, and providing at least one display on the patron unit enabling a patron to place a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue. The method also includes displaying the patron order and a location of the patron unit on the patron unit and at least one portable staff unit, and updating a status of the patron order, and a location of the patron unit when the patron moves to a different location, on both the patron unit and the at least one staff unit. The method further includes indicating that the at least one item or service ordered has been completed on both the patron unit and the at least one staff unit when the at least one item or service ordered has been provided to the patron.

Abstract: A method provides for using a wireless patron unit within a venue and within a vicinity of the venue. The method includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit by either permitting the at least one patron to temporarily use a provided wireless patron unit that includes at least one venue specific application program, or by providing at least one venue specific application program to the at least one patron for downloading into a patron-owned wireless communication device that can be used during the at least one patron's visit to the venue. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server enabling communication between the wireless patron unit and the server, entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue into the wireless patron unit, and determining a current location of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A method of using a wireless patron unit within a venue, and within a vicinity of the venue, includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit having a touch-screen display, which has stored therein at least one venue specific application program. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server, entering patron-related into the wireless patron unit, and displaying patron-related information on the patron unit. The method further includes entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue, displaying the patron order and a location of the wireless patron unit, and providing a current status of the patron order on the touch-screen display of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A method provides for using a portable patron unit in a venue or in a vicinity of the venue. The method includes wirelessly connecting the patron unit to be in communication with the venue, and providing at least one display on the patron unit enabling a patron to place a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue. The method also includes displaying the patron order and a location of the patron unit on the patron unit and at least one portable staff unit, and updating a status of the patron order, and a location of the patron unit when the patron moves to a different location, on both the patron unit and the at least one staff unit. The method further includes indicating that the at least one item or service ordered has been completed on both the patron unit and the at least one staff unit when the at least one item or service ordered has been provided to the patron.

Abstract: A patron service system and method is described herein with reference to several exemplary implementations. For example, in one described implementation, portable patron units are provided to patrons for use in a resort or other establishment. The portable patron units are mobile wireless devices that include interactive display screens. The portable patron units enables patrons to interact order items, request services, and/or browse information associated with the resort wirelessly. Portable staff units are provided to staff members for use in the resort or other establishment. The portable staff units are also mobile wireless devices that include interactive display screens. The portable staff units, enable staff members to view information about orders and/or requests entered by patrons made by the patrons wirelessly. The portable staff units can also display locations of the portable patron units to enable staff members to locate portable patron units when delivering items, servicing requests, etc.