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.

Abstract: A restaurant portal server receives an order for a menu item on a menu of a restaurant from a computing device via a wide area network. The order is associated with a customer account identity. A geographic location of the computing device or a mobile communication device associated with the customer account identity is determined. A message is sent from the restaurant portal server to an order management system of the restaurant to add the order to an active queue of the order management system to be fulfilled by service personnel of the restaurant. Upon detecting that the geographic location of the customer, the computing device, or the mobile communication device is within a threshold proximity to a target geographic location of the restaurant, a message is provided to instruct service personnel to fulfill the order.

Abstract: An information management and synchronous communications system and method facilitates database equilibrium and synchronization with wired, wireless and Web-based systems, user-friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus and reservations with handwritten/voice modifications for restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment with nonstandard graphical formats, display sizes and/or applications for use in remote data entry, information management and communication with host computer, digital input device or remote pager via standard hardwired connection, the interne, a wireless link, printer or the like. Various operations employing automated telephone calls and/or messaging may, for instance, be performed. For example, desired reservation and/or appointment information may be automatically converted and conveyed to one or more entities via automated telephone call and/or messaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ordering systems and, more specifically, to a proximity based ordering system are disclosed herein. A computer-implemented method, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, includes receiving, in a computer system, a selection of an order by a user of a user device, the order including a selection of a restaurant and at least one item to purchase from the restaurant, determining, by the computer system, if the user is within a geofence defined in regard to the restaurant, upon determining that the user is not within the geofence, holding, by the computer system, the order from being prepared at the restaurant, and upon determining that the user is within the geofence, releasing, by the computer system, the order to be prepared at the restaurant.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for verifying tax liability and tax deductions reported by taxable entities. A tax monitoring platform comprising a database management system dynamically generates one or more tax forms specific to each taxable entity based on characteristic information of the taxable entities. The tax monitoring platform acquires tax information filled into the tax forms by the taxable entities via a user interface, extracts tax elements from the tax information, and transforms the tax elements to conform to a predetermined template. The tax monitoring platform determines an association between a first taxable entity and a second taxable entity based on the tax elements of each of the taxable entities, and compares the tax elements of the first taxable entity with the tax elements of the second taxable entity based on the association using the database management system, for determining the accuracy of reporting of tax information.

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.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: selecting a restaurant from a plurality of restaurants; and transmitting a request to reserve a service that is provided by the restaurant. The request to reserve is for a particular time and a particular date and the service comprises at least one of: (i) preparing a consumable good that is consumed at the restaurant's location; (ii) preparing a consumable good that is received at the restaurant's location; or (iii) preparing a consumable good that is delivered to a location external to the restaurant's location. The methods and system also include receiving an indicia that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or denied.

Abstract: A system and method allow a customer to perform self-checkout at a real-world non-virtual store or restaurant or other business establishment that the customer is visiting. The customer pre-defines an electronic payment method. The customer visits the business establishment, and the system generates a unique user-specific code that is a function of the time, the location, and the specific customer. The code is displayed on the mobile device of the customer, which is then shown to an employee of the business establishment, which then enters the unique code into a Point of Sale terminal; thereby generating an association between an ongoing open tab of the customer, and the mobile device of the customer. The customer is able to perform self checkout of the open tab, without requiring action on behalf of the business establishment.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an electronic implementation of the functionality of a manual ticket wheel that is capable of receiving orders from a variety of sources in various formats, including point-of-sale systems, cash registers, smart phones, printers, interne requests (e.g., HTTP requests), email, and SMS messages. Users may interact with the electronic ticket wheel of the disclosed technology in the same way that they would a physical ticket wheel (e.g., rotating the wheel, pulling tickets off the wheel, etc.). For example, the computing device implementing the electronic ticket wheel may be a tablet with a touch screen that allows a user to swipe to rotated the wheel and select tickets to remove them from the electronic ticket wheel when the order is complete.

Abstract: A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The customer exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, and a computer monitor, either adjacent the portal or separated there from, enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without a patron completing a purchase transaction using the self-checkout station. The security system itself is also usable in conventional retail environments when an attendant is present.

Abstract: An order input apparatus which receives input of an order information according to an order and the order information is managed with a management apparatus, comprises a short distance wireless communication section configured to establish a wireless communication with a medium adapted for an electronic settlement at a short distance; a checkout information calling module configured to call a desired checkout information relating to the order information from the management apparatus; a settlement declaration module configured to declare a settlement on the checkout information; a settlement module configured to execute a settlement processing for the checkout information through the electronic settlement with the medium the communication of which is established with the short distance wireless communication section; and an update module configured to inform the management apparatus of the information relating to the settlement with the settlement module to update the checkout information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ordering system that allows a mobile device to connect to the ordering system through an on-site wireless network access device and to place orders. A mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, is connected to a service provider's wireless network access point to confirm the customer is physically on-site. The ordering system provides an ordering interface to the web browser running on the mobile device. A customer enters his order through the ordering interface on the mobile device. The order is sent back to the ordering system for processing. The ordering system processes the received order and sends status notifications to the mobile device to notify the customer that his order is ready.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for a data entry system are provided. A method of operating a data system in accordance with the invention includes a computer processor configured for receiving a viewing direction of a first party, where the first party is looking in the viewing direction to view a menu of information. The method further includes identifying a portion of the menu based on the viewing direction of the first party and displaying, to a second party, one or more menu choices associated with the identified portion of the menu. The method may also include receiving, from the second party, a selection of one of the one or more menu choices where the selection of the one menu choice by the second party is based, at least in part, on supplemental information received by the second party from the first party.

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.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for managing restaurant customer data elements.

Abstract: A method is provided of processing a food order in a table service restaurant. The method comprises receiving a food order including a table identifier, and electronically by a computer terminal, printing a food order label including the table identifier and providing the printed food order label. The method also comprises by a food preparer, preparing a food dish based upon the printed food order label, and by the food preparer, placing the prepared food dish in a position in vicinity of the printed food order label. The method further comprises by the food preparer or a food server, picking up the prepared food dish and attaching the printed food order label to the food dish with the table identifier being visible, and by a food server, delivering the prepared food dish to the table indicated by the visible table identifier on the printed food order label and thereby delivering the prepared food dish to a customer in the table service restaurant.

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.

Abstract: An order receiving apparatus comprises a first storage section configured to store an amount obtained by adding up the prices of the menu items the order on which is received and a second storage section configured to store an amount obtained by adding up the prices of the menu items the order on which is determined. The apparatus adds the price of each menu item to the first storage section every time the order on the menu item is received, adds the amount in the first storage section to the second storage section in response to the determination of the order, and then clears the first storage section. The apparatus outputs the amounts stored in the first and second storage sections.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an order processing system comprises an ordering terminal equipped with an input/output section for inputting/outputting an order including a commodity name, a quantity and a serving order, a commodity database including a commodity name and a unit price for each commodity, an order file for storing the ordering quantity and the serving order for each ordered commodity, and a main control section which sends the next order according to the serving order to an order processing apparatus when the serving completion of the order just prior to the next order is input, and the order processing apparatus equipped with a cooking instruction file for storing the order received from the order entry terminal, and a control section which commands the output of a cooking instruction when the order is received.

Abstract: Methods and devices allow a handheld order unit to be used with a cash handling device. A handheld order unit may be used by a staff person to enter order information, to display an amount due for the meal or other transaction, to facilitate payment, to print receipts, and to communicate information about the transaction to a cash handling device. The cash handling device may identify the handheld order unit and the assigned user for the unit and determine what financial documents need to be inserted by the user for reconciliation purposes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated delivery are described. A user submits an order for an item that is to be picked up. The order is processed, the item is placed in a container, and a notification is sent to the user with delivery details, such as a container identifier, pick up location, and pick up time. The user provides information associated with the order or his or her identity, such as a credit card, to gain access to the item in the container.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles for automating the process of registering a product purchased by a consumer from a merchant in a purchase transaction. Product data including product identification data is obtained from a merchant electronic point of sale system as the consumer checks out. The product data is then automatically transmitted to a product registration system, such as via a consumer's mobile communication device having a product registration app. An auto-registration database is accessed to see if auto-registration is available for the product. If auto-registration is available for the product, then a request is made to the consumer to authorize auto-registration for the product. If the consumer accepts the auto-registration, then consumer data, such as the consumer name and contact information, is sent to the product registration system. The product registration system then creates a product registration record using the product data and the consumer data.

Abstract: A system which includes a network of appliances functions to retrieve from a data repository, such as a centralized server, at least one data set containing food preparation instructions and to control one or more operations of at least one food preparation device, such as cooking temperatures and times associated with a stove, in accordance with the retrieved at least one data set containing food preparation instructions. The retrieved data set may additional be utilized to cause one or more devices to provide voice prompts to assist a user in the performance of the corresponding food preparation task. The data sets provided for this purpose may be standardized to allow recipes to be shared and used across multiple different appliance types.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to an individualized menu system for use by customers in a retail environment. Multiple mobile computing devices are in communication with a database server from which the mobile computing devices retrieve menu related data items. The menu related data items are then used to present a menu to the customer by way of the mobile computing devices. The mobile computing devices are authenticated by the database server and communicate with the database server using a secure communications protocol. Each menu related data item in the database server is individually editable by an administrative user and edits are not propagated to the mobile computing devices until they are committed as such by the administrative user.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an intercom system for a drive-through, quick service restaurant facility is disclosed. Generally, a plurality of headsets is configured for communication with a base station. A speaker is associated with the drive-through facility is configured to be located near a menu board, and is configured for communication with the base station. A microphone is also configured to be located near the menu board and configured for communication with the base station. A plurality of parameters control the configuration of the intercom system, and the base station is connectable to a wide area communication network to enable remote adjustment of the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A method of providing network access includes entering network access information into a merchant device at a merchant location. The information relates to a request from a customer to obtain network access. The method also includes causing the information to be transmitted to a host computer system from the merchant device, receiving a payment from the customer, receiving activation confirmation from the host computer system at the merchant device, and providing a presentation instrument to the customer. The presentation instrument may be used by the customer to obtain network access. The method further includes using the presentation instrument to settle a transaction with the customer for merchandise.

Abstract: A method for implementing a customizable interactive menu system with user interaction data analysis capability by executing computer-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium is a digital replacement for paper restaurant menus with a customizable menu layout. The menu layout mimics traditional paper menus, displaying a plurality of menu pages on a personal computing device, including a menu start page, at least one menu items page, at least one advertisement page, and a menu end page. Users may select items on a menu items page or an advertisement page, and all user interactions are recorded and later analyzed with data mining and pattern recognition algorithms to produce sorted interaction data and layout suggestions, which the restaurant owner or manager may use to customize and optimize the menu layout.

Abstract: A sleeve containing an insert forming a cup holder is described. The inserts are placed in the sleeve. The sleeve is customizable by varying the color, writing and bar coding. The individual business may also display their logo on the sleeve or insert. These cup holders are personal to the user and can be repeatedly used. This enables the individual business to save money. The sleeve and insert as cup holder can be made up of recyclable material. The user may use a device implanted on or in a sleeve to pay and/or order the product using the sleeve.

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.

Abstract: A control method for a road toll system using vehicle-based on-board units, recording vehicles, control vehicles, cellular mobile communication networks, and switching servers, comprising: registering a recording vehicle identifier and a mobile communication network cell identifier in the switching server; selecting a cell identifier in a control vehicle and transmitting the same with a control vehicle identifier to the switching server; associating the control vehicle identifier with the recording vehicle identifier for which a cell identifier that is identical to the selected cell identifier is registered; detecting a traffic or toll violation by means of the recording vehicle and transmitting a violation data record to the switching server, determining the assigned control vehicle identifier; transmitting the violation data record to the control vehicle identified by the determined identifier; and processing the violation data record in the control vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques are presented herein for processing feedback information associated with one or more users of an enterprise. At a server configured to store data associated with an enterprise, a log-in request is received from an employee of the enterprise. The employee of the enterprise is authenticated by verifying log-in credentials. Upon authenticating the employee of the enterprise, a request is received from the employee for access to feedback responses associated with the employee. The feedback responses associated with the employee are sent to the employee of the enterprise.

Abstract: A Guest Check Presenter Device and Method of Use. In one embodiment, advantageous for establishment use, the invention comprises a guest check presenter in the form of a booklet having a bill slot for holding a bill which can be made of transparent magnifying plastic that enlarges the appearance of the bill, which can be coupled with a light, enhancing visibility of the bill. The system also provides for a calculation device that limits its functionality and options: permitting the patrons to split the total of the bill, and calculate the percentage of gratuity desired selecting from choices provided on the face of the device. In a second embodiment advantageous for personal use, the case has a front and back side, with a computation device, a magnifier, and a light all being disposed on the case. By offering only limited functions, the device is made more user-friendly and time-efficient. The invention aids the elderly and eyesight-impaired individuals.

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: Provided is an order terminal for inputting a customer's order that operates in any one of a staff mode of being operated by an employee and a customer mode of being operated by a customer as an input mode. When the employee inputs initial information on the customer in the staff mode, the input mode of the order terminal is switched over from the staff mode to the customer mode to allow the customer to input an order.

Abstract: The described method combines a transaction receipt and packaging. In this way the problem of having the bag and receipt as separate items is solved. The problem of having a separate receipt for a purchase is solved by printing the receipt on the bag, pizza box, tray liner, or other type of packaging.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a system and method of interactive queue management through public communication networks. Interactive queue management allows business or automated systems to easily and efficiently interact with waiting individuals in any queue through the individuals' preferred communication device, e.g., telephone, mobile phone, smart phone, wirelessly enabled PDA or handheld computer. In one embodiment this invention allows people to hold their place in a queue by proxy of their telephone or mobile phone number. An individual will provide their phone number to the interactive queuing system; the system will retain the phone number and other pertinent information about the individual, communicate via voice, wireless messaging, or other means with the individual, and collect the input from the individual. Key components of the system include a queue client system, a queue management and server system, an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, and a wireless messaging infrastructure system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally set forth a two-way touch screen based communication system. One example method may include receiving an order for an item from a first touch screen device via a first network, wherein the order is associated with a first identification for a merchant, a second identification for the customer, and a negotiable parameter reflective of a preference of the customer. The method may also include making available the order for a second touch screen device of the merchant to retrieve via a second network and to display and prior to completing processing of the order, transmitting a first response to the preference of the customer to the first touch screen device via the first network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user's performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user's goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities.

Abstract: A method of managing restaurant information and service by restaurant customers. A point-of-sale (POS) device at a restaurant identifies a customer at the restaurant, links with a network server associated with a restaurant customer service to which the customer belongs, and transmits an amount owed by the customer for food or other items to a financial services provider. A server associated with the restaurant customer service allows the customer to create a personal file accessible only by the customer and others designated by the customer. Each personal file includes certain entries including a rating, review, or other information concerning restaurants patronized by the members of the customer service. The POS device prompts the customer for such entries after the financial services provider approves payment of the amount owed. The entries are then transmitted to the customer service for entry in the customer's personal file.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an online ordering machine that manages the distribution of products over a distributed computer system is herein disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selling restaurant food. One method, for selling food, comprises the steps of: providing a buffet restaurant; selling containers to customers of the buffet restaurant; and permitting purchasers of said containers to place therein food from the buffet for take-away purposes. Another method is for use with a buffet restaurant of the all-you-can-eat type, wherein a patron is, in exchange for payment of a fixed price, allowed to eat as much as he or she wishes from the buffet in a single sitting. This method comprises the step of: allowing said patron, for an additional price, the opportunity to retrieve a predetermined quantity of food from the buffet for take-away purposes. The additional price can be embodied in the sale of a container to the patron, the volume of the container defining the predetermined quantity.

Abstract: A system for enabling the remote ordering of products, primarily for use in a multi-vendor system, is disclosed. Orders are placed remotely, such as through wireless devices connected to a central server. The central server, in turn, is in communication (wireless or otherwise) with a server located at one or more venues within the organization operating the system. The one or more venues provide produces or services available for ordering through the system. Where multiple venues are involved, the system is designed to handle differences in the product or service availability at those different venues, and provides for an ability to make corrections to orders that may be or may become necessary on account of those differences. The system provides for multiple options through which users can pay for and receive orders, and also provides methods for synchronizing the remote ordering system with pre-existing, conventional methods of ordering and product/service order fulfillment.

Abstract: In an embodiment, articles are left in storage areas, such as lockers or other receptacles that may be associated with a household services company. A divided storage receptacle is discussed. The receptacle is divided by an angled plane such that the top portion may be used to hang clothes of various lengths thereby utilizing the space efficiently.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and maintaining a virtual library is provided. A virtual library includes one or more photographic images of the user's physical library, and an inventory of the products revealed in those images. The virtual librarian facilitates uploading the images, generating an inventory from those images, and locating products in the physical library with reference to the images. The virtual librarian optionally provides the user with an appraisal of the value of their physical library, and advice regarding how to organize the library and whether to make certain acquisitions to complement the existing library.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically transmitting one or more residential food management information requests associated with at least in part one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more residential food items; and electronically receiving, subsequent to said electronically transmitting, at least a portion of residential food management response information associated with at least in part one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more residential food items, said residential food management response information including description logged as accessible through one or more physical accessories and including description of said one or more physical accessories as at least temporarily near to one or more food items.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system configured to manage a dining experience for guests at a food service establishment. In some implementations, the system may comprise one or more guest identification devices, one or more sensors, one or more host systems, and one or more processors. The system may be configured such that real-time detailed information about the food service establishment, guests of the food service establishment, food orders placed by guests of the food service establishment, table states of the tables in the food service establishment, and tasks performed by staff members is provided to the staff members of the food service establishment. The information may facilitate a unique guest experience for guests of the food service establishment wherein the guests may place a food order remotely, arrive at the food service establishment and self-select a table, and receive delivery of their food order at their selected table.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically accumulating residential food management information including one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more residential food items; and electronically indicating informational connection between at least a portion of residential food management information including one or more food related residential conditions affecting residential service of one or more food items and between one or more descriptors logged as contained by one or more label carriers, said one or more label containers logged as being at least temporarily within at least a vicinity of said one or more residential food items. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.