Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment we describe a system and method for ordering food from a restaurant table using a smartphone. We also describe several other embodiments for a variety of domains.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Means and a computerized method for recommending items such as books and audio compact disks. For each item, a user profile includes ratings provided by users of the system. Unlike present recommendation systems, the user profiles do not include pre-computed similarity factors measuring similarity between users. Rather, when an advisee requests a recommendation, similarity measures are computed comparing the advisee to other users, and the similarity measures are associated with the other users. A subset of the users is selected, where the subset includes the users most similar to the advisee. A recommendation is made based on the ratings by the members of the selected subset.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of effectuating an electronic on-line payment includes receiving at a computer server system a text message from a payor containing a payment request representing a payment amount sent by a payor device operating independently of the computer server system, determining a payment amount associated with the text message and debiting a payor account for an amount corresponding to the amount of the payment request, and crediting an account of a payee that is independent of the computer server system.

Abstract: A method of paying a second party is provided. A first party accesses the names of one or more qualified second parties. The second parties (i) have an association with the payment service, and (ii) if they do not have an established association with the payment service have established one prior to payment. The first party has an association with the payment service. A tab is opened by the first party that can be selected by the second party at any geographic location of a first party's mobile device. The second party is only able to charge a first party's financial account when the first party's mobile device is within a defined geographic area. The tab is a relationship between the first party, payment service and second party. The second party can engage in a financial transaction when the first party is within the defined geographic area.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A liquid dispensation framework is described for dispensing liquid. A serving station may include one or more liquid containing devices, one or more taps, a data processor, a payment module, a monitoring module, and a cabinet with a lock. The serving station may be configured to determine an identity of a user and whether the user is authorized to withdraw liquid. If the serving station determines that the user is authorized to withdraw liquid, the amount or volume of liquid dispensed may be controlled, and an account associated with the user (or another) may be charged based on the amount or volume of liquid dispensed.

Abstract: A system and method for online management of restaurant orders may comprise of: storing data related to a plurality of vendors; receiving a request from a client computer for vendor product; transmitting the request to a server computer that interfaces with a vendor point of sale system at a specific location; processing the request using the vendor point of sale system; and transmitting a reply to the request from the client computer. Additionally, the method may comprise polling a middleware module for new orders; sending an order from the middleware module to a POS module; sending the order from the POS module to a POS database server; polling the POS database server to retrieve an indication of success or failure; sending an indication of a success or failure to the middleware module; sending a status request from the middleware module to a first web user interface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An instruction symbol identifier comprising a digital imaging capturing features that utilizes a light field sensor to capture the intensity and direction of incident light is described. The instruction symbol identifier comprises a computing device, whereby a digitally captured image may be digitally focused to identify an instruction symbol. An instruction symbol identifier is described being coupled to a point of sale counter, whereby product bar codes may be identified more quickly and effectively than conventional bar code scanners. A light emitting feature and an image locator feature are described, to further enhance capturing an image.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing the setting of reservations and the pre-authorization of credit to purchase a desired service for which a reservation is made. A customer accesses a reservation system that is integrated with a credit authorization system. The customer may make a reservation and substantially simultaneously become pre-authorized to pay for services to be provided at the reservation by one of any number of credit providers. Pre-authorized credit and reservation information is then supplied to the service provider in advance of services being provided, expediting the overall transaction time and allowing for a secure and cardless transaction procedure. The reservation and preauthorization information are typically stored upon the reservation system and then passed to the point-of-sale systems, but other types of input/output storage devices could be used to perform this function.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for storing usual order preferences associated with a point of sale transaction involving an identification article. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an initial order involving the use of an identification article for purchasing at least one good or service. As part of receiving the initial order, a query asking if the initial order is to be designated as a usual order is issued. The method also includes registering the initial order as the usual order if a received response to the query indicates a usual order designation and storing an indication of the usual order in a storage medium.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for automatic online group ordering of food from a restaurant. According to one method, input for creating a group online food order from a restaurant is received. The input defines a group of individuals to invite to participate in an online group food order from a restaurant is received. In response to the input, invitations are automatically and electronically sent to the individuals inviting the individuals to participate in the group order. Individual orders are received from at least some of the individuals. The individual orders are combined into a group order. The group order is automatically communicated to the restaurant.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a mobile device such as a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant to aid in the ordering of appetizers, drinks, entrées, desserts and other food items at a restaurant is disclosed in claimed. The system and method of the invention utilizes a user's mobile electronic device to capture order information and to bundle the order information into a graphic information code that may be scanned by a server's hand-held electronic device. Upon scanning, the free bundled order is displayed on the visual display of the server's mobile electronic device. The invention may be compatible with a restaurant's legacy ordering system and may be implemented with virtually no impact on a restaurant's pre-existing hardware or software. Alternate embodiments of the invention allow for identification of customers, delivery of customer loyalty and coupon information, delivery of menu selections and specials, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video communication system including a kiosk for recording video messages created by a user and a database for storing and providing access to the video messages. The kiosk includes a user interface for receiving user information such as name, address, email, and other identifying information. The kiosk further includes a message-recording device for recording a user video message. The video message and user message data are uploaded to a database. The database reconnects with the user through the user information to allow the user to access the video message. In an embodiment, the database sends an email web link to the user. The user may view the video message by opening the email web link and viewing the video message on an internet website.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for establishing a personal identification number (PIN). The systems and methods provide techniques to begin a remote session with a customer, prompt the customer to select a PIN to associate with a financial account card during the remote session, and receive the PIN from the customer during the remote session.

Abstract: A restaurant management system and method interface is provided. In accordance with the invention, data from various restaurant operations is collected and stored for processing. The data is processed into useful metrics, such as those indicative of various categories of restaurant staffing, efficiency, performance and quality. The useful metrics can be displayed as a human-readable chart, graph or report. The data can be processed in real time, permitting managers to promptly make adjustments and to alert restaurant workers or crew members of deficiencies so that prompt and effective remedial action can be taken to improve restaurant performance. Reports may be generated that provide the performance of restaurants individually and as a combined group.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A table system includes a touch screen integrated in a table top, a computer system in communication with the touch screen, the touch screen being configured to serve as a primary input to the computer and to display multiple active sections at different orientations corresponding to different seating locations on the table top simultaneously, and a secondary screen, located away from the touch screen, in communication with the computer system, the secondary screen being configured to continuously display media files stored on the computer system at a single orientation and to be viewed from the different seating locations simultaneous with use of the touch screen, the touch screen configured to display representations of media files to be displayed on the secondary screen and to serve as selection input for the media files.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A utility for determining the competitors of a subject restaurant accesses a database that contains information about other, nearby restaurants. The utility assigns a competitor score to each restaurant within the maximum radius based on the distance from the subject restaurant, as well as the cuisine types, menus, and order histories of the subject and competitor restaurants.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method, system and apparatus for managing inventory are provided. The method comprises storing at least one job record in a memory, the at least one job record comprising a first of a plurality of job identifiers and at least a first subcomponent identifier; receiving a transaction record comprising a second subcomponent identifier; and storing the transaction record in the memory in association with one of the plurality of job identifiers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Adservers with the ability to access advertiser cookies and vice versa when both are serving from the advertiser's domain are provided, thereby avoiding the overhead and delay in backend cookie synchronization efforts. Further, advertising cookie data can be gathered regardless of whether a user is browsing a publisher's web site with an advertisement served by an adserver, or browsing the advertiser's web site, because the cookies were previously set when the user visited the advertiser's web site in the context of a first-party cookie. Even if the user has configured his or her browser to limit the setting of third-party cookies, the cookies can still be read by the adserver. By making cookie and advertising data immediately available in real time to both the advertiser and the adserver, the solution also provides for instantaneous and accurate targeting of web advertising to allow an educated ad selection process by either party.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peer-to-peer (P2P) network for providing real time media recommendations. The P2P network includes a central server interconnecting a number of peer devices. In operation, a proxy function of the central server receives media recommendations from one or more peer devices that are active and online as media presentations identified by the media recommendations are played by the peer devices. The one or more peer devices are included in a group of peer devices associated with a first peer device. The proxy function provides the media recommendations to the first peer device. An augmentation function of the central server monitors a recommendation level of the first peer device. If the recommendation level falls below a minimum recommendation level, the augmentation function augments the media recommendations provided to the first peer device to increase the recommendation level to or above the minimum recommendation level.

Abstract: A system includes a master device and a slave device. The slave device is configured to provide a customer waiting to be seated at a restaurant with menu information for the restaurant, receive at least one of a drink order or a food order from the customer while the customer is waiting to be seated at the restaurant, and transmit the at least one of a drink order or a food order. The master device is configured to receive the at least one of a drink order or a food order from the slave device, and cause the at least one of a drink order or a food order to be forwarded to a kitchen of the restaurant based on at least one of a position of the customer on a waiting list or an estimated amount of time until the customer will be seated.

Abstract: A portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization may include a portable housing, a display carried by the housing, an order entry input device carried by the housing, a transaction card input device carried by the housing for reading user sensitive information from a transaction card, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and connected to the display, order entry input device, transaction card input device and wireless transceiver. The processor may be for wirelessly sending input order information, and encrypting and wirelessly sending the user sensitive information from the transaction card without storing and without displaying. The processor may also be for wirelessly receiving and displaying payment authorization information based upon real time authorization from a transaction card issuing entity.

Abstract: 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.