Abstract: A system, method and control unit for determining an order of a plurality of stacked electronic devices randomly ordered in a stack, for taking inventory of the devices, and for programming the devices according to the determined order. Each of the electronic devices is assigned a unique serial number, and the electronic devices are configured to report their serial numbers to the control unit in sequence, either upward or downward, in the stack. The control unit is configured to determine an order of the plurality of electronic devices in the stack based on the sequence in which the identifiers are received, to compare the sequence numbers to a known list to determine if any devices are missing, and to program the devices according to the determined order.

Abstract: A system and method for providing discount coupons to a customer in a business establishment such as a restaurant. A control server associated with the business establishment is configured to communicate over a wireless communication link with a mobile telecomputing device, such as a smart phone, of the customer. The control server enables the customer to request services utilizing the customer's smart phone. The control server sends the discount coupons to the customer's mobile telecomputing device proactively or in response to customer or waiter requests.

Abstract: A method and server for controlling valet parking services without utilizing valet tickets. When a guest arrives, a valet employee sends the server a guest arrival message containing a guest identifier and an associated mobile phone identifier of the guest. The server sends a welcome message to the guest with instructions for requesting retrieval of the guest's vehicle. Communication may be by two-way text messaging or by Internet messaging. For example, the server may generate a temporary webpage for the guest and send instructions for the guest to select a link displayed on the mobile phone of the guest to request retrieval of the guest's vehicle. When the server receives the request message, the server matches the mobile phone identifier of the guest with the associated guest identifier, and sends a retrieval message to the valet employee instructing the employee to retrieve the guest vehicle with the associated guest identifier.

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.