U.S. patent application number 11/003790 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-30 for transaction device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Peter Nicholas Maxymych. Invention is credited to Kroon, Paul J. JR., Maxymych, Peter Nicholas.
Application Number | 20050139660 11/003790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34701680 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050139660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maxymych, Peter Nicholas ;
et al. |
June 30, 2005 |
Transaction device
Abstract
A transaction device preferably includes communication device
(preferably a wireless two-way communication device) for receiving
information relevant to one or more items/services available for
purchase and a display displaying the information. The transaction
device may include an input device allowing a user to generate an
order. The order is then preferably transmitted from the
transaction device for processing. The transaction device
preferably includes point of sale capabilities such that the user
can complete the transaction remotely and enter the necessary
financial information on the transaction device.
Inventors: |
Maxymych, Peter Nicholas;
(Westmount, CA) ; Kroon, Paul J. JR.; (North
Andover, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOURQUE & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
835 HANOVER STREET
SUITE 303
MANCHESTER
NH
03104
US
|
Assignee: |
Peter Nicholas Maxymych
|
Family ID: |
34701680 |
Appl. No.: |
11/003790 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11003790 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
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09548615 |
Apr 13, 2000 |
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6850767 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1637 20130101;
G07F 7/0886 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101; G07F 19/205 20130101;
G06F 1/169 20130101; G06Q 20/108 20130101; G07F 7/1008 20130101;
G06Q 20/341 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06F 3/0488
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/383 |
International
Class: |
G06K 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2000 |
CA |
2 303 610 |
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A transaction device comprising: a communication device, said
communication device at least receiving data from a remote
database, said data containing at least information relevant to one
or more items or services to be purchased by a consumer; a display,
said display displaying at least said data relevant to one or more
items or services to be purchased by said consumer.
2. The transaction device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said data
contained at said remote database includes data relevant to items
to be ordered from a restaurant.
3. The transaction device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said
communication device receives information relevant to an order
placed by a customer, said information containing at least an
expected wait time for said order placed by said customer.
4. The transaction device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
expected wait time is determined on a real-time basis.
5. The transaction device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
display is dispose on a lid hingedly connected to a base.
6. The transaction device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
transaction device further includes at least one input device, said
input device adapted to allow a user to interact with said
transaction device.
7. The transaction device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said input
device includes on or more devices selected from the group
consisting of a touch pad, mouse, pointer, track ball, touch
sensitive screen, key, button, video camera, speaker, microphone,
and voice recognition software.
8. The transaction device as claimed in claim 6 wherein at one of
said at least one input device is illuminated.
9. The transaction device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said
communication device further includes at least a two-way
communication device.
10. The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein
communication device includes a wireless communication device.
11. The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said input
device receives a user selection of at least one item or service
from said customer and wherein said two-way communication device
transmits said user selection of said at least one item or service
to said remote database.
12. The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said input
device includes an advice input device, wherein upon activation of
said advice input device by said customer, additional information
relevant to a user selection of one or more items or services is
displayed to said customer on said display.
13. The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said input
device includes a help input device, wherein upon activation of
said get help input device by said customer, one or more personal
associated with a business selling said at least one item or
service to be purchased by said consumer is notified.
14. The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said data
relevant to at least one item includes monetary data associated
with said user's commercial transaction.
15. The transaction device as claimed in claim 13 further including
a credit card reader, wherein said at least two way communication
device transmits and receives data associated with a point of sale
transaction.
16. The transaction device as claimed in claim 15 further including
a printer.
17. A method of ordering at least one item or service from a
restaurant, said method comprising the acts of: transmitting from a
database located at a first location electronic data containing one
or more available items or services for purchase by a consumer;
receiving said electronic data on a transaction device, said
transaction device disposed within said restaurant; displaying said
electronic data on a display on said transaction device for said
consumer to view; generating on said transaction device a
user-defined order including at least one item or service which
said consumer which said customer selects using at least one input
device disposed on said transaction device; transmitting said user
defined order from said transaction device within said restaurant
to at least a second location within said restaurant; and
processing said user defined order.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said method further
includes the act of displaying additional information relevant to
one or more of said available items or services selected by said
customer upon activation of an advice input device by said
customer.
19. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said method further
includes the act of providing assistance to said customer upon
activation of a help input device by said customer.
20. A transaction system comprising: means for transmitting data
from at least a remote database, said data containing one or more
available items or services for purchase by a consumer means for
receiving said data on a transaction device from at least said
remote database; means for displaying said data on said transaction
device; means for generating an order at said transaction device,
said order including customer-defined selection of one or more of
said available items or services; means for transmitting said order
from said transaction device to at least said remote database;
means for entering customer financial information at said
transaction device to complete a point of sale transaction; means
for transmitting said customer financial information from said
transaction device to at least said remote location; means for
completing said point of sale transaction at said transaction
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which is
incorporated fully herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an illuminated transaction
tray, and more particularly, to a transaction tray that includes
the ability to facilitate a point of sale transaction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Tip trays are quite common in restaurants and bars. The
waiter or waitress usually delivers the check to the customer
directly at the table for the customer's review. The customer then
leaves cash or a credit card in the tip tray. The server then
collects the tip tray, brings it to the cashier to complete the
transaction or to process the credit card, and then returns the tip
tray to the customer. The customer reviews the transaction sheet,
leaves a tip, or signs the credit card transaction slip. The
customer has had access to the tray at least twice. Mostly the
restaurant or bar is poorly lit, and it sometimes requires
supplemental lighting, such as a flashlight carried by the server,
to properly read the transaction sheet on the tray.
[0004] A further problem with the traditional method is that the
customer must wait for the waitress/waiter to pick up the tray and
process the transaction with the cashier (for example, generate the
correct amount of change or generate the credit card receipt). This
is problematic when the customer is in a particular rush or when
the waiter/waitress is particularly busy, and is a generally
inefficient process.
[0005] There is also technology available to allow for electronic
point of sale transactions, that is, where a credit or bank card
can be processed directly from a tray.
[0006] A further problem exists with the traditional method of
ordering products/services from a catalogue or menu. Traditionally,
customers are given a printed menu or catalog from which to order
and the waitress/waiter generally leaves. The customers then review
the printed catalogue/menu to determine what they would like to
purchase. After some given amount of time, the waitress/waiter
comes back to the customers, inquires if they are ready to please
their order, and manually writes down the customer's order or, in
some cases, memorizes the order. While generally effective, this
process also suffers from several problems and can be improved.
[0007] One such problem with traditional ordering process is that
the waitress/waiter to come back to take their order. This is
particularly problematic if the establishment is very busy, the
waitress/waiter is very busy, or if the waiter/waitress is
inattentive. Moreover, this is also problematic for
waitress/waiter's because they must guess at when the customers are
ready to order. If they are too early, then they often annoy the
customers. If they are too late, then the customers often because
annoyed because they must wait.
[0008] Yet another problem is that the waiter/waitress must either
write down the order or memorize it. When a waiter/waitress writes
down the order, it is often difficult for the cooks to determine
what is written. Also, the waiter/waitress must remember all the
questions to ask (e.g., how the meat is to be cooked, what side
dishes, etc.). If the waiter/waitress memorizes the order, then the
waiter/waitress must remember it correctly, including who ordered
what, and must also communicate the order to the cooks, who must
also either write it down or memorize it. This process is fraught
with problems.
[0009] A further problem with the current ordering method stems
from the use of paper menus/catalogues. Anytime an item is changed
(e.g., an item is added/removed, description or price is changes,
format changes, etc.), then each and every paper menu/catalogue
must be reprinted/altered. Not only does this waste considerable
amount of paper, it is also quite expensive and time consuming.
[0010] This problem has forced many establishments to not utilize
menus/catalogues, particularly when the items to be ordered change
on a daily basis, and have instead relied on the waitress/waiter to
memorize the menu/catalogue and recite it to the customers.
Unfortunately, many people are less likely to order a particular
item if they cannot read the description of it prior to ordering
it. Additionally, many customer find it bothersome to have listen
to the waitress/waiter recite the entire menu, and find it
difficult to remember/consider everything in order to make their
choice.
[0011] Accordingly, what is needed is a method and apparatus that
preferably decreases the time it takes to complete a transaction.
The method and apparatus also should preferably make it easier for
customers/establishments to place/take customers' orders. Lastly,
the method and apparatus should preferably facilitate making
changes to the menu/catalogue.
[0012] It is important to note that the present invention is not
intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one
or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is
also important to note that the present invention is not limited to
the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described
herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in
the art are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention, which is not to be limited except by the following
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to one embodiment, the present invention includes
a transaction device comprising a communication device and a
display. The communication device receives data from a remote
database. The data containing at least information relevant to one
or more items or services to be purchased by a consumer, preferably
items/services to be ordered from a restaurant or the like.
Optionally, the data information relevant to an order placed by a
customer (for example an expected wait time for the order placed by
the customer) and may also include monetary data associated with
the user's commercial transaction. The communication device is
preferably a two-way communication device and is preferably
wireless.
[0014] The display displays at least the data relevant to one or
more items or services to be purchased by the consumer. In the
preferred embodiment, the display is dispose on a lid hingedly
connected to a base.
[0015] The transaction device may optionally include at least one
input device. The input device is adapted to allow a user to
interact with the transaction device. In the preferred embodiment,
the input device includes on or more devices selected from the
group consisting of a touch pad, mouse, pointer, track ball, touch
sensitive screen, key, button, video camera, speaker, microphone,
and voice recognition software. The one input device is preferably
illuminated.
[0016] The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
input device receives a user selection of at least one item or
service from the customer and wherein the two-way communication
device transmits the user selection of the at least one item or
service to the remote database.
[0017] The input device optionally includes an advice input device.
Upon activation of the advice input device by the customer,
additional information relevant to a user selection of one or more
items or services is displayed to the customer on the display. The
input device may also include a help input device. Upon activation
of the get help input device by the customer, one or more personal
associated with a business selling the at least one item or service
to be purchased by the consumer is notified.
[0018] The transaction device may further include a credit card
reader and a printer. The communication device transmits and
receives data associated with a point of sale transaction.
[0019] According to another embodiment, the present invention
features a method of ordering at least one item or service from a
restaurant. The method comprising the acts of transmitting from a
database located at a first location electronic data containing one
or more available items or services for purchase by a consumer. The
electronic data is received on a transaction device disposed within
the restaurant and is displayed on the transaction device for the
consumer to view. Optionally, additional information relevant to
one or more of the available items or services selected by the
customer is displayed upon activation of an advice input device by
the customer.
[0020] The user then generates a user-defined order including at
least one item or service which the consumer which the customer
selects using at least one input device disposed on the transaction
device. The user-defined order is transmitted from the transaction
device within the restaurant to at least a second location within
the restaurant wherein the order is processed. In the preferred
embodiment, the customer can request assistance upon activation of
a help input device.
[0021] In yet a further embodiment, the present invention features
a transaction system. The system comprises means for transmitting
data from at least a remote database. The data contains one or more
available items or services for purchase by a consumer. The system
also includes means for receiving the data on a transaction device
from at least the remote database and means for displaying the data
on the transaction device. The system further includes means for
generating an order at the transaction device, the order including
customer-defined selection of one or more of the available items or
services. The system also includes means for transmitting the order
from the transaction device to at least the remote database, means
for entering customer financial information at the transaction
device to complete a point of sale transaction, means for
transmitting the customer financial information from the
transaction device to at least the remote location, and means for
completing the point of sale transaction at the transaction
device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by
way of illustration, a preferred embodiment thereof, and in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
transaction device in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] According to one embodiment, the present invention features
a transaction tray 10, FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably including one or
more displays 12, one or more input devices 14, and a two-way
communication device 16 for communicating with a second, remote
communication device as will be explained in greater detail
hereinbelow. The transaction tray 10 may be substantially the same
as described in copending, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which is incorporated fully herein
by reference, except with the differences noted herein.
[0025] At a minimum, the transaction tray 10, according to the
present invention, displays one or more items to be purchased by a
consumer (for example, but not limited to, a menu, catalogue, or
the like) on one or more of the displays 12. In the preferred
embodiment, the transaction tray 10 includes one or more hinged
lids 50, preferably containing the one or more displays 14 as
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/548,615.
[0026] The transaction tray 10 optionally includes one or more
input devices 14 that allow a customer to remotely choice one or
more items to be purchased from the list shown on the display 12.
The present invention also features a method of remotely ordering
one or more items from a catalogue, menu, or the like as will be
explained in greater detail.
[0027] For illustrative purposes only (and to satisfy the best mode
requirement), the present invention will be described with respect
to a restaurant or the like. Those skilled in the art will readily
understand that this is not a limitation of the present invention,
and that the present invention is useful in many other
applications.
[0028] As discussed above, the transaction tray 10 preferably
includes at least one display 12 and at least one communication
device 16. The communication device 16 preferably at least receives
data 20 from a remote database 18 (for example, but not limited to,
a personal computer, server, personal digital assistant (PDA), or
the like). The communication device 16 preferably includes any
wireless communication device known to those skilled in the art.
Alternatively, the communication device 16 may be hard-wired to
(either directly or indirectly) to the remote database 18 in any
manner known to those skilled in the art such as, but not limited
to, local and wide area intranets, telephone, cable, etc.
[0029] The remote database 18 preferably contains data 20
pertaining to the items to be ordered. This data 20 is preferably
received by the transaction tray 10 and displayed on one or more of
the displays 12. In the restaurant example, the data 20 may contain
the types of food and beverages which can be ordered, descriptions
of food and beverages, specials, prices, as well as expected wait
times and the like. The later information (i.e., the expected wait
times) may be general (i.e., not specifically based on the
individual's order) or specific to the customer's order.
[0030] Because the data 20 is stored on the remote database 18, any
changes to the data 20 need only be made at the remote database 20.
Once the data 20 is altered at the remote database 18, these new
data 20 is immediately available for download at each transaction
tray 10. As such, changes to the data 20 can be made easily,
cheaply, and without the need to reprint the menus.
[0031] This feature is particularly useful in situations where the
data 20 (e.g., the menu) changes very often (for example,
day-to-day, meal-by-meal, etc.). It is also useful in situations
where an item is of limited quantity (for example, a special on a
limited quantity of a particular type of food, wine, etc.).
[0032] The present invention allows the data 20 to be displayed on
the display 12 in any manner, format, or arrangement. As such, the
restaurant can arrange the food into "Groups" or folders 22 (for
example, "fish", "beef", "vegetables", etc.), thus simplifying the
ordering processes. Alternatively, the entire menu can be displayed
on the display 12.
[0033] Using one or more input devices 14, the customer can select
a particular item being displayed on the display 12. The input
device 14 may include any means known to those skilled in the art
such as, but not limited to, a touch pad/mouse/trackball/etc 30, a
keyboard or keypad 32, buttons 34, touch sensitive screen 36, or
voice recognition 38. The input devices 14 are also preferably
backlit facilitating their use in the low-light conditions which
are prevalent in restaurants. Once selected, additional information
related to the selected item (for example, a description of the
food/beverage) may be displayed on the display 12.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the input device 14 may include
an "Advice Button" or the like 24. The "Advice Button" optionally
provides additional useful information related to one or more of
the selected items such as, but not limited to, a selection of
suggested wines that go well with a particular food, preferred side
dishes, etc.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, the input device 14 optionally
includes a "Get Help" button or the like 40. The "Get Help" button
40 preferably sends a signal to the wait-staff indicating that the
customer would like to speak with someone. According to a first
embodiment, the communication between the waiter/waitress is be
done in person (i.e., the waiter/waitress may physically come over
to the customer' location). Alternatively, the communication
between the customer and waiter/waitress may be done
electronically. In this embodiment, the communication may include
voice communication using speaker 42, or optionally may include
video (either 1 or two way) displayed on a portion of the display
12 using camera 44.
[0036] In a further embodiment, the transaction tray 10 further
includes a "Refill" button 55. When a customer desires a refill or
the like (additional bread, etc.), the customer simply pushes this
button 55, selects the desired action, and it is transmitted to the
appropriate personal for attention. These features further reduce
the amount of labor necessary since it is no longer necessary to
"check-up" on the customer's status periodically.
[0037] The transaction tray 10 also preferably includes a credit
card reader 46 or the like as described in copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which is
incorporated fully herein by reference and preferably includes a
printer 48 to make receipts and the like. Other forms/means of
effecting the transaction described in the U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/548,615 are also considered part of this invention.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the customer views the menu
using display 12 and makes a selection of one or more items using
input devices 14. Upon selection (and preferably verification), the
customer's order is transmitted to the remote database 18 to be
processed. According to this method, the waiter/waitress need not
come to the customer to take their order. This greatly reduces the
labor costs needed to service the customers since all that is
required is enough people to bring the order (once prepared) to the
customer's table and remove the dishes at the end. Additionally,
this method also solves the problem of when to take the customer's
order since the customer simply places their order whenever is most
convenient to them.
[0039] A further benefit of this method is that it minimizes the
likelihood of the customer's order being incorrectly processed.
Rather than relying on messy/difficult to read hand-written notes
or memorization, the customer's order is contained electronically.
A further embodiment of the present invention features a monitor or
the like 52 which is connected to the remote database 18 which
displays the customer's order to the correct people for
processing/preparing. The present invention also minimizes the
likelihood of an error occurring on the bill since the order is
electronically processed.
[0040] From the above description, it is clear that the various
embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus
that decreases the time it takes to complete a transaction. The
method and apparatus also preferably facilitates the overall
transaction by making it easier for customers/establishments to
place/take customers' orders, and reduces the amount of labor
necessary to handle the transactions. Lastly, the method and
apparatus facilitates making changes to the menu/catalogue.
[0041] While the present invention has been primarily described
with respect to a restaurant or the like, those skilled in the art
will readily understand and appreciate that this is not a
limitation of the present invention (unless specifically and
explicitly claimed in the following claims). Any modifications
necessary to use the present invention in
circumstances/situations/applications are considered within the
knowledge of one skilled in the art.
[0042] As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to
be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of
any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should
not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary
embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a
preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the
above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its
practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as is suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted
in accordance with breadth to which they are fairly, legally and
equitably entitled.
* * * * *