Restaurant Or Bar Patents (Class 705/15)
  • Patent number: 8131856
    Abstract: A first communication apparatus 1 stores a first customer information registered by a user in order to receive a first service. A second communication apparatus 2 stores a first customer information registered by the user in order to receive a second service. A transmission mean 3a of a third communication apparatus 3 transmits request information requesting to receive the first service to the first communication apparatus 1 together with identification information of the user. A reception mean 3b receives customer information necessary for user registration for the first service from the first communication apparatus 1 according to the transmission of the request information. When the customer information necessary for the user registration for the first service is already included in second customer information, a display mean 3c displays the customer information in the second customer information on an input screen for user registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Murase, Jun Moriya, Hiroyuki Kikkoji, Nozomu Okuzawa
  • Patent number: 8126776
    Abstract: A method and systems for a personal restaurant assistant. In one embodiment, the method, that may be implemented on a system, comprises identifying from an invoice for a group of diner's having ordered meals, charge items from the invoice to be allocated to one or more of the diners; transmitting over a network connection to a service provider, the identification of the charge items having been allocated to the one or more diners, to have calculated an allocated amount of the invoice for the one or more diners; and receiving over the network connection from the service provider, a calculated allocated amount of the invoice for the one or more diners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rearden Commerce, Inc.
    Inventors: Suzette Messa, Mark Orttung
  • Publication number: 20120047034
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Stac Communication Solutions
    Inventors: Pino Luongo, Jack Kane
  • Patent number: 8121892
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for assessing information security interviews users regarding technical and non-technical issues. In an embodiment, users are interviewed based on areas of expertise. In an embodiment, information security assessments are performed on domains within an enterprise, the results of which are rolled-up to perform an information security assessment across the enterprise. The invention optionally includes application specific questions and vulnerabilities and/or industry specific questions and vulnerabilities. The invention optionally permits users to query a repository of expert knowledge. The invention optionally provides users with working aids. The invention optionally permits users to execute third party testing/diagnostic applications. The invention, optionally combines results of executed third party testing/diagnostic applications with user responses to interview questions, to assess information security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Safeoperations, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie C. Baggett, Jr., John J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8121917
    Abstract: A system for implementing a loyalty program includes a personal terminal, an interaction terminal, and a loyalty module. The personal terminal may be associated with a user. The interaction terminal may be associated with a product or service. The interaction terminal and the personal terminal may be operable to establish a communication when in proximity of each other. The loyalty module may be operable to provide a benefit to the user in response to the communication. The benefit may be provided without regard to whether the user obtained or purchased the product or service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gerard E. Insolia, Leonard Frank Antao, Anthony James Phillips, Haven Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8116288
    Abstract: A method for distributing data in a heterogeneous network. The method operates on a private mobile network, which includes a mobility server, mobile components and fixed components, on which the mobility server includes data storage units that store data on behalf of network members, at least some of such data being stored in multiple data formats. The distribution method includes transmitting upon request selected said data to addressees, each such transmission being formatted for acceptance by each respective addressee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Soonr Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Frid-Nielsen, Steven Ray Boye, Lars Gunnersen, Song Zun Huang
  • Patent number: 8117096
    Abstract: A private equity accounting and reporting system and method are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Q-Biz Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Jayne Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120036028
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher James Webb
  • Publication number: 20120030042
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: JENNIFER MARTUCCI, PATRICK MARTUCCI
  • Publication number: 20120016781
    Abstract: In the case of supporting the purchase and the inventory management of actual foods by a user with respect to necessary foods, a function to support the purchase and the inventory management by which input operations are reduced, and a burden on the user is reduced, is realized. By providing a management method suitable for a food for cooking, the problem regarding the difference which occurs between the inventory information managed by the cooking support system and the purchased food can be solved. Further, a function to support the purchase and the inventory management of necessary foods in a management period type purchase style and in an everyday type purchase style is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Hisashi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20120016745
    Abstract: A system and method including an Internet preordering system accessible online or onsite at a free-standing kiosk located in or near client properties in which customers may create profiles for the requested services and provide such information to the service provider in advance of the customer's arrival for the requested services. When the customer arrives, the customer identifies himself/herself and the preorder is accessed, verified and/or modified. The preorder is then forwarded to the service provider and the delivery of the service is optimally timed to the readiness of the customer. The customer's profile and preorder information are maintained in a database and used for in-house precision marketing campaigns and cross-promotional opportunities. For example, in a restaurant embodiment, a registered customer is given access to menus and may create menu preferences for a participating restaurant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley Marshall Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20120016754
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Camille Marie Jackson
  • Patent number: 8090650
    Abstract: A secure payment method, system or computer readable medium for a merchant's interactive voice response system are disclosed. The merchant's interactive voice response system receives customer calls and requests a payment from the customer. The customer responds to the request by providing over a data network authentication information and payment amounts for a payment service. The payment service provides the customer with a token which is communicated to the merchant's interactive voice response system, and the merchant's interactive voice response system transmits the token back to the payment service. Upon validating the token, the payment service issues an electronic payment or payment information to the merchant. The merchant's interactive voice response system announces a successful payment to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Jackson, Mehrad Yasrebi
  • Publication number: 20110313868
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kensuke Machii
  • Patent number: 8068600
    Abstract: A queue management system and method which uses a computer to manage queue priorities and contact customers. The queue management system includes communication circuitry, and a processor for storing contact information of a customer in a list, for establishing a position of the customer in a queue, and for automatically causing the communication circuitry to wirelessly contact a personal communication device carried by the customer using the contact information if the position is first for service in the queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Donald A. Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8060408
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Technology Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard G Koether, Mario G Ceste
  • Publication number: 20110270662
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mobile order application in retail environments allow consumers to initiate orders for items (such as food or beverage) or other services on a venue's premises directly with a merchant via a smart phone. A venue's staff may immediately view and fulfill the order, which is made available for pickup or delivery based on a consumer's preference. A merchant may capitalize on demand during peak hours, optimize their workforce, and have access to consumer buying behavior and data to refine their product and service offerings. Consumers and vendors are also able to utilize on-premise social networking capabilities that allow people who are at the same venue to communicate with each other while at the venue. In addition, the mobile ordering application may leverage information from third party social networking sites. Merchants and advertisers may send real time suggestive advertising messages and digital gifts to potential customers to drive traffic to their venue(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Leonardo Rocco
  • Patent number: 8045967
    Abstract: A multi-function customer satisfaction survey device, system, and method. A restaurant management system includes a plurality of electronic tip trays and a base unit. Each of the tip trays electronically obtains and stores customer contact information, customer payment information, and responses to a customer satisfaction survey. A data transceiver wirelessly transmits the information to the base unit. The base unit collects the information and sends the contact information to a correspondence server such as an e-mail server. The payment information is sent to an external authorization network and/or the restaurant's POS system. The survey responses are sent to an analysis unit. Particularly adverse or positive responses may be matched through the POS system to a food server and a food order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Long Range Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Lovegreen, Russell P. Blink
  • Publication number: 20110258058
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Carroll, Aaron Randall Ferber, Kathy Fox, Mark Alexander Jones, Stina Maria Jonsson, Hyun Jin Ko, Eleanor Elizabeth Luna, Jeff Pollard, Carley Rachel Price, Paul Price, Melody Roberts, Jon Vernon Wettersten
  • Publication number: 20110258011
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: James W. Burns, Cathy E. Berenschot, Gerald Calabrese, Charles D. Kasper, III, Rosemarie Lovell
  • Publication number: 20110258134
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for providing adaptive processing and delivery of food catering orders. The system includes a computer server configured to store schedule information, a website operatively associated with the computer server to receive food catering orders, and a commissary to produce food elements arranged within one or more boxes. The schedule information includes a delivery zone, at least one delivery shift associated with the delivery zone, and a plurality of time slots associated with the at least one delivery shift, which can be adjusted according to certain inputs. A method includes receiving a food catering order, determining whether a selected time slot within a delivery schedule is available for the order, and either storing information about the order in a server or making an offer for an alternative actions. Embodiments of the invention also include shifting delivery resources between adjacent delivery zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: KLASSIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Mendez
  • Patent number: 8041605
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: John Eric Harrity
  • Publication number: 20110251905
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Lawrence, Paul R. Routley, Adrian James Cable
  • Patent number: 8033452
    Abstract: When a customer places a special order that changes the content of a product, a receipt printing processing system also produces a special order seal when the sales receipt is printed. The receipt printing processing system has a receipt printer and a label printer that is in communication with the receipt printer. When the receipt printer receives transaction processing data generated by a POS register used to take orders, the receipt printer prints a receipt, determines if special order information is contained in the transaction processing data, and generates seal printing data for printing a special order seal, if the special order information is contained in the transaction processing data. The receipt printer also sends the seal printing data to the label printer for printing a special order seal. Because the receipt printer generates the seal printing data, special order seals can be printed without modifying the application program run by the POS register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Naohiko Koakutsu
  • Publication number: 20110231266
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: E-MEAL, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Baril
  • Publication number: 20110225032
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are presented for controlling the flow of customers using self-service terminals. It is possible for self-service terminals to receive and process customer orders faster than the orders can be prepared for delivery to the customer thus causes long wait times for the customer if the condition is allowed to exist for an extended period of time. Controlling the flow of customers through the order entry process prevents the situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Erick C. Kobres
  • Publication number: 20110218867
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph A. Cerrato
  • Patent number: 8015088
    Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Anthony James Phillips, Leonard Frank Antao, Gerard E. Insolia, Haven Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8014761
    Abstract: A service that provides playback of media content, that may include advertising content, to a user. The system comprises device, that may be a portable wireless device, where the wireless device has a media drive and an application that reads content from a medium inserted in the media drive. The system further comprises a service that communicates with the wireless device via a wireless network. The service provides control commands to the application program for controlling playback of content from the medium when inserted in the media drive. The service may also provide advertising content to the user based on a user profile. A fee may be paid for the delivery of the content and/or the advertising to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Declan P. Kelly, Jozef P. Van Gassel
  • Publication number: 20110208598
    Abstract: 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
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hisashi Sato, Takashi Makiyama, Yumiko Okuma, Masanori Sambe
  • Publication number: 20110191194
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Colin Sims, Jesse Jordan, Christopher Blosser, Siddhant Mohalanobish
  • Publication number: 20110178882
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: JAMES Albert GRAUEL, David Glyn Williams
  • Publication number: 20110173060
    Abstract: A guest check presenter for a food establishment is provided. The guest check presenter includes a holder for holding a guest check information and a wireless communication device attached to the holder and adapted to communicate with a wireless mobile device of the guest. The wireless communication device contains a guest check identifier that identifies the guest check. The guest check identifier is adapted to be retrieved by the wireless mobile device of the guest for use in providing various useful mobile services that are associated with the food establishment or the food consumed by the guest. Thus, the check presenter is used as a platform for providing such mobile services as mobile payment of the guest check and loyalty coupons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin N. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 7979353
    Abstract: In an electronic transaction on the Internet, an electronic coupon having pecuniary value information usable in the electronic transaction and owner identification information based on information characteristic of an information terminal is issued to the information terminal, the pecuniary value information and the owner identification information of the electronic coupon are recorded and managed as coupon management information in a transfer management memory, and the owner identification information in the transfer management memory is changed according to a transferee apparatus of the electronic coupon, whereby a settlement in the electronic transaction can be made simply and safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Katsuaki Akama
  • Patent number: 7971782
    Abstract: Computer implemented systems and methods for conducting transactions are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving transaction information corresponding to a transaction initiated with one of a plurality of handheld computing devices. The handheld computing device is associated with one of a plurality of payment terminals. The transaction is completed and the association between the handheld computing device and the payment terminal is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Khawaja Shams
  • Patent number: 7974881
    Abstract: A method and system for presenting nutritional information about food products. The method involves gathering nutritional data about food products, analyzing that data to determine a nutritional value, scoring the product, and applying a designation reflecting the nutritional score. The nutritional value score designation is then displayed at the point of sale for observation by customers. The system includes a data gathering function, a data analyzing function, a data storing function, a scoring function, a reporting function and a display function to perform the steps of the method described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Guiding Stars Licensing Company
    Inventors: Stephen F. Culver, Leslie M. Fischer, James L. McBride, Lisa A. Sutherland, John A. Vitagliano
  • Patent number: 7953632
    Abstract: A product management system for quick serve restaurants that displays to the staff what to cook on a main control unit 1 is programmed with a sales forecast through the office computer 14. The main control unit communicates to the product hold timers 3, 4, 5 to calculate when product is used and when products are cooked. The main control unit 1 monitors each instruction request, and if it is not followed, the main control unit 1 stores an error and sends the error to the manager unit 6 and grade display unit 8. A slave unit 10 displays cook information at an alternate cook station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Salerno
  • Patent number: 7953873
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a menu item identification service may provide a system user with information on acceptable restaurant menu items based on ingredients the system user prefers or is trying to avoid. The menu item identification service may receive information on ingredients the system user prefers or wants to avoid and information on a restaurant of interest to the system user. The menu item identification service may use a database to identify menu items of the restaurant and their associated ingredients. The menu item identification service may present the system user with menu items the restaurant offers that have preferred ingredients and/or do not have ingredients to avoid or that have limited quantities of the ingredient. Menu items with the ingredients to avoid may be shown along with avoidance indicators. The system user may then use this information to select a menu item and/or restaurant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventor: David O. Madurzak
  • Patent number: 7945477
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Julie M. Werbitt
  • Publication number: 20110093302
    Abstract: A system for and method of ordering from a concession during an event is presented. The system and method may include receiving customer data associated with a customer during an event ticket purchase transaction, associating the customer data with customer seating data that indicates a location of the customer's seating during an event, providing menu data to a customer system that is associated with the customer, and receiving, from the customer system, order data that indicates a concession order from the customer via a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel HERNANDEZ
  • Patent number: 7930212
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Susan Perry, Richard Herbst
  • Publication number: 20110081866
    Abstract: The present invention is a system that can be utilized in order for patrons of a restaurant, bar, coffee shop or other establishment to gain the attention of their server so they may make a request. This unique product can assist waiters and waitresses in being more attentive to their tables. This innovative item is also ideal in helping customers feel more satisfied with the service they are receiving. The present invention may be embodied in an arrangement of components that work together to give wait staffs a way to be more attentive to patrons. One component is to be used by customers. A paging device is used by the server. It may also have a touch-screen with a list of requests from first to last. It may list the table number, the request and the time it was placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: BRIAN FICK
  • Patent number: 7921377
    Abstract: A method for generating an interactive electronic menu on a display, the menu comprising menu items, wherein a menu item may be in a deselected, selected or activated state, and the menu being coded into a menu data segment, comprises that at least a first and a second menu item are connected by a parent-child relationship, wherein the second menu item being a child of the first menu item can only be selected when the first menu item is selected, and further comprises that the first and the second menu item are coded into the same data segment. The method is preferably usable for menus relating to content of digital storage media, such as optical discs, in particular read-only Blu-ray discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dirk Gandolph, Jobst Hoerentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Carsten Herpel
  • Publication number: 20110071912
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Robertson McNamara, Thomas Grant Kidd
  • Patent number: 7908182
    Abstract: Methods, systems and business models are provided for an effective personal advisor service. According to one embodiment, a personal advisor service performs a method of identifying and notifying a subscriber of the personal advice service of information regarding potential transactions, potential transaction providers, or transactable information determined to address or alleviate a need of the subscriber. First, a computer system of a personal advice service receives information indicative of one or more needs of the subscriber of the advice service. The personal advice service then generates information regarding one or more offers for the subscriber by identifying and selecting among potential transactions, potential transaction providers, or transactable information that are determined to address or alleviate a need of the one or more needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Rajiv Gupta
  • Patent number: 7904334
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing excess capacity for restaurants and other industries during off-peak hours is provided. Customers or potential customers may bid on gift certificates redeemable at restaurants during a predetermined time. Users may register with the system and provide identification and demographic information which may be used by restaurants for targeted marketing strategies, promotions, and special offers. The system may include a registration module, an auction module, a restaurant guide module, a restaurant manager module, rewards and referral center module, restaurant reservation module, and advertisement displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mount Hamilton Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Dazhi Chen, Elayna Berean
  • Publication number: 20110054955
    Abstract: A system and method for placing orders at restaurants utilizing a customer's personal communication device. The system and method provide for efficient ordering and subsequent payment by the customer. The system and method allows customers to register upon entering a restaurant thus allowing the customers to subsequently place one or more orders for food and drinks via a cellular phone, laptop, or other personal communications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Ghassan Victor Nasrallah
  • Publication number: 20110055027
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Suzuki, Hitoshi Iizaka, Nobuyuki Marumo, Shin Yoshimune, Morito Natsume, Yasuhiko Mochida, Nobuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7899891
    Abstract: A network mobility server, which includes a target device inventory module, a data collection module, a data management module and a distribution module. The data management module, includes at least one data storage module, in which at least a portion of the data stored therein are identical data items stored in different selected formats suitable for use on mobile computing and telecommunication devices. The network also includes network agents, resident on numbers of the network members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Soonr Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Frid-Nielsen, Steven Ray Boye, Lars Gunnersen, Song Zun Huang
  • Patent number: RE42759
    Abstract: A computer integrated communication system for restaurants that includes a central server and a series of table units and staff units. The table and staff units each include a display and wireless communication device that enables customer request information and other communications to be sent from the table unit to the staff units either directly or by first being passed through the central server unit. The central server further can monitor the communications and direct the request to another staff member or management for action in the event of delays or other problems with the customer's request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: Tadeusz Olewicz, Michael Pate