Abstract: The present invention relates to a way to provide computing and communication infrastructure to support full duplex quality of service for urgent and actionable structured communications securely transacted over a many-to-many managed network of intermittent ad hoc nodes. The invention overcomes technical challenges associated with high-volume, short-latency, semi-custom mobile order fulfillment by ensuring communications between customer and merchant are structured, robust, reliable and delivered via a duplex link. The described embodiments are advantageous in that they provide a bidirectional channel to facilitate discussion, confirmation and post-order communication. Moreover, the present invention is scalable to a many-to-many node ad-hoc network.

Abstract: A remote ordering system particularly suited to mobile customers placing remote orders with any one of a group of affiliated merchants for pick up by the customer at a specific merchant location. The system includes a database or store information directory that contains information characterizing order-processing features for each location. The information is preferably organized according to a schema corresponding to the organizational structure of the group of merchants. The information may include order fulfillment capability, menus, prices, payment features, taxes, security protocols and system administration privileges specific to each merchant location or sub-groups of merchant locations.