Remote Ordering System

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.

1 . A handheld electronic menu comprising:
 an electronic display for displaying both a first series of menu choices and a sub-series of menu choices;   a plurality of switches, each switch positioned to be aligned with one of the first series of menu choices and one of the sub-series of menu choices;   an alpha-numeric keypad for entering data;   a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating selection of such menu choices;   a microcontroller including embedded software for operating such menu;   a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location;   a communication mechanism providing for communication with at least one other such menu;   an integrated payment device; and   a power supply for powering the electronic display and the transmitter.   
     
     
         2 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch for paging wait staff. 
     
     
         3 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising an integral printer. 
     
     
         4 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic signature pad. 
     
     
         5 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising a scanner for scanning personal identification. 
     
     
         6 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising a microphone and speaker for audibly communicating with restaurant staff. 
     
     
         7 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising a locator for providing a table and/or seat location of the device. 
     
     
         8 . The menu of  claim 1 , wherein such menu choices are available in more than one language. 
     
     
         9 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising software for providing nutritional information for such menu choices. 
     
     
         10 . The menu of  claim 1 , further comprising software for presenting a customer with non-menu-related features wherein the features are selected from the group consisting of advertising, games, and internet access. 
     
     
         11 . The menu of  claim 1 , wherein the microcontroller may be operated exclusively using embedded code. 
     
     
         12 . A method for a customer to place an order at a restaurant, the method comprising:
 picking up a handheld electronic menu;   reviewing a first series of menu choices presented on a display of the handheld electronic menu;   selecting a menu choice from the first series of menu choices by activating a switch aligned with the menu choice;   reviewing a sub-series of menu choices presented on the display of the handheld electronic menu;   selecting a menu choice from the sub-series of menu choices by activating a switch aligned with the menu choice;   wirelessly transmitting an order to a central location wherein the order includes selected menu choices from such first series and sub-series;   alerting a member of the wait staff and/or kitchen if assistance is required; and   paying for the order via a payment device integral to such menu.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising using a single menu to pay for orders placed using a plurality of menus. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising communicating with a second customer electronically via the handheld electronic menu and a second electronic menu associated with the second customer. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising speaking with a restaurant staff member via a microphone integral to such menu. 
     
     
         16 . A system comprising:
 a handheld electronic menu comprising:
 an electronic display for displaying both a first series of menu choices and a sub-series of menu choices; 
 a plurality of switches, each switch positioned to be aligned with one of the first series of menu choices and one of the sub-series of menu choices; 
 an alpha-numeric keypad for entering data; 
 a feedback mechanism for visually and/or audibly indicating selection of such menu choices; 
 a microcontroller including embedded software for operating such menu; 
 a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting selected menu choices to a central location; 
 a communication mechanism providing for communication with at least one other such menu; 
 an integrated payment device; and 
 a power supply for powering the electronic display and the transmitter; and 
   a central processor constructed and arranged to receive transmissions from such menu and to provide order information regarding customer orders to restaurant staff.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a printer associated with such menu and constructed and arranged to print a customer receipt. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a menu docking station for charging the power supply of such menu. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising software embedded on the microcontroller, the software capable of encrypting transmissions from such menu to the central processor. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the central processor comprises a personal computer.