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.

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.