WO2013187790A1

WO2013187790A1 - System for ordering using mobile devices and rfid tags

Info

Publication number: WO2013187790A1
Application number: PCT/RS2013/000012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ksenija MIJOVIĆ; Gordana LAZIĆ
Original assignee: Brainstorm D.O.O.
Priority date: 2012-06-15
Filing date: 2013-06-13
Publication date: 2013-12-19
Also published as: RS20120255A1

Abstract

Ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, comprising a central server, central data base for storing the data, at least one serving device; at least an RFID table tag, acting as a table ID at least an ordering device and at least a managing device, wherein, the central server, the central database, the ordering device, the managing device, and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

Description

System for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile menu and ordering system, and more specifically, to a HoReCa automation system based on Near Field Communication (NFC) to increase operation efficiency.

According to international patent classification, the patent falls under G06Q 50/00 i G06Q 90/00

Background of the invention

In recent years, the intensity of the modern life style has been significantly increased, requiring fast and efficient handling of the everyday routines: Am ng others, this influenced the fast grow of the quick service restaurants (QSR), such as fast food cafes. However, the problem of fast service in the bars and (especially) nightclubs with a large number of customers has not yet been efficiently solved. This arises from several facts:

1. A new customer in a HoReCa is usually not familiar with the HoReCa menu. This implies that the customer needs a certain period of time to make a decision, whereas the waiter is unable to serve other customers in the meanwhile.

2. In many HoReCas, the waiters spend significant amount of time simply walking from customer to customer, accepting the orders.

3. Once the orders are received, the waiter spends time waiting for the bartender to prepare the order, and entering the order into counter.

4. Due to the fact that the waiter is serving many people at the same time, the customers' complains about the wrong and/or delayed orders are inevitable.

5. After the bill has been issued, the waiter spends additional time to divide the amount on the bill among the people sitting at the same table. Currently, the modern point of service (POS) systems are available for solving several of the abovementioned problems (Fig. 1). These systems usually consist of the mobile ordering devices, handled by the waiters. Once the waiter has received the order, it is automatically sent to the counter. Therefore, the bartender may already start preparing the order, before the waiter has arrived back to the counter to bring the order to the customer. Simultaneously, the order is automatically entered into the counter, and no additional time is spent. However, the current POS systems do not integrate several simple, yet important, functions. For example, the waiter still has to go from a table to table to acquire the orders, and the customer cannot call the waiter at any given moment. Moreover, the waiter still needs to manually indicate in the counter which table the particular order refers to.

Several patents have been filed recently with the intention to solve this problem. For example, patent with the application number 20100117806 suggests using the HoReCa menu card wich contains RFID tags, which could be read by mobile terminals with the embedded NFC technology. However, such a HoReCa card would have a limited applicability, since the RFID tags have to be sufficiently far from each other. Contrary, the present invention suggests the existence of only a single RFID tag on each table of the HoReCa venue.

On the other hand, the patent number US 2006/0085266 Al, application number 10/986,886 suggests a system in which the ordering device, and managing device the property of the HoReCa object, and they are

Summary of the Invention

The primary object of the invention is to provide a system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, capable of identifying the customer's table by an RFID tag placed on the table.

Another object of invention is to allow customers to interact with the ordering, serving and billing systems, using their NFC- equipped mobile devices, attached to the local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology. Customers are identified in the internal HoReCa system by obtaining the ordering spot ID from the RFID tag and transferring this data together with the personal identification of their mobile device to the central server.

This identification of the personal mobile device allows that different customers present at the same ordering spot can be distinguished.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a system for enhancing the HoReCa, comprising an ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, an ordering method, a serving method, and a bill paying method.

Ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags of invention comprises a central server, a central database for storing the data, at least a serving device, at least an RFID tag, acting as an ordering spot ID, at least an ordering device, and at least a managing device, wherein the central server, the central database, the ordering device, and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

A mobile ordering method, comprising the steps of:

(a) Providing ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, and the system comprising of a central server; a central database, for storing the data; at least a serving device; at least an RFID tag, acting as a ordering spot ID; at least an ordering device; wherein the central server, the central database, the ordering device, and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(b) Providing at least a customer operating the ordering device for recording the information of the RFID tag, acting as a ordering spot ID to the ordering device, e.g. by using the embedded Near Field Communication technology;

(c) sending a unique customer code and the ordering spot ID to the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or by any other data transmitting technology. (d) Registering the ordering device to the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or by any other data transmitting technology.

(e) Sending the information about the registration in the system to the ordering device and sending the HoReCa menu.

(f) Displaying a acknowledgment of the registration in the central data base on the display of the ordering device.

(g) Inserting an order of the customer by selecting from the HoReCa menu shown on the display of the ordering device.

(h) Transmitting the order data of the to the central server via local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

(i) Storing the order in the central database by the central server.

A mobile serving method, comprising the steps of:

(a) Providing ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, and the system comprising of a central server; a central database, for storing the data; at least a serving device; at least an RFID tag, acting as an ordering spot ID; at least an ordering device; wherein the central server, the central database, the ordering device, and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(b) Providing at least a customer operating the ordering device for inputting the order data, where the order data are being transmitted to the central server through a local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology, and are then stored in the central database;

(c) Providing at least an order manager, operating the serving device for reading the order, preparing the order for serving

(d) Providing at least a serving manager for serving the order to the customer.

(e) Filing the ordering information to the serving device by the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology; (f) Displaying the order information on the display of the serving device;

(g) Filing the order acceptance from the serving device to the central server, after the order manager has accepted the order;

(h) Preparing the order for serving, followed by inserting the information that the order is ready to the serving device by the order manager, to acknowledge that the order manager is ready to receive the next order information;

(i) Filing the information that the order is ready to the central server by a local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(j) Processing the filing from the serving device by the central server that the order is ready;

(k) Marking the order as executed in the central server and storing the data about the executed order in the central database;

(1) Filing the next order information in the queue from the central server to the serving device;

(m) Filing the information that the order is ready to the central server by a local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology,

(n) Serving the prepared order to the customer.

A mobile bill paying method, comprising the steps of:

(a) Providing ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, and the system comprising of a central server; a central database, for storing the data; at least an ordering device; at least an RFID tag, acting as an ordering spot ID; at least an serving device; at least a managing device; wherein the central server, the central database, the ordering device, the managing device and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(b) Providing at least a customer, controlling the ordering device, and having the customer ID and the ordering spot ID;

(c) Acquiring the table ID by the ordering device and transmitting it together with the customer ID to the central database through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(d) Displaying the registration confirmation on the display of the ordering device indicating the entering to the central data base;

(e) Inserting an order of the customer by selecting from the HoReCa menu shown on the display of the ordering device, wherein the order data of the customer is transmitted to the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

(f) Choosing the option to pay the bill by the customer on the managing device when the customer is ready to pay the bill;

(g) Filing the request for payment to the central database, enabling the billing program to calculate the amount due of the customer with the personalized menu and show the amount due on the managing device;

(h) Paying the amount due by the customer.

Other and further features, advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not to be restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in general terms. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Figures

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing a conventional point of service (POS) system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration showing a system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a flowchart of the ordering method of the system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3b is a flowchart of the serving method of the system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, according to the present invention.

Fig. 3c is a flowchart of the bill paying method of the system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, according to the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration showing a system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot IDs, according to the present invention. The system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags of the invention comprises a central database (1) a central server (3), an ordering device (5) and (7), a serving device (2), a managing device (5) and (7), and the RFID tag, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, (4) and (6), wherein the central database (1) is used to store the menu, the ordering information of the customer, including the ordering spot ID and the customer ID, and the bill payment programs and other data and programs related to the restaurant management. The ordering device (5) and (7) further comprise a display, and an NFC device, and a WiFi network connectivity, the Internet connectivity, or any other data transmitting connectivity. The serving device (2) further comprises a display, and a WiFi network connectivity, the Internet connectivity, or any other data transmitting connectivity. The managing device (5) and (7) further comprises a display, a WiFi network connectivity, the Internet connectivity, or any other data transmitting connectivity. The managing device and the ordering device are substantially the same device, i.e. a mobile device owned by the customer (e.g. a cellular phone or a tablet), which functionality is controlled by application software.

Fig. 3 is a complete operation diagram of the system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, according to the present invention, composed of 3 sub-diagrams, shown in Figs. 3a-c. The flowchart in Fig. 3 includes an ordering method (Fig. 3a), a serving method (Fig. 3b) and a bill paying method (Fig. 3c). The use of the system for ordering using mobile devices and RFID tags by the customer starts immediately after the customer has found a free table and took his place. At that moment the ordering method, depicted in Fig. 3a, takes place.

Step 311: The customer uses his mobile device (playing the roll of the ordering device) to read the RFID tag, acting as acting as an ordering spot ID, with the embedded camera. This way, the customer has input the ordering spot ID into the ordering device.

Step 312: a procedure of registering the new customer in the database starts by filing the ordering spot ID and the customer ID to the central server using the WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

Step 313: The central server stores the customer ID and the ordering spot ID in the central database.

Step 314: After registering the new customer in the database, the central server reads the menu from the central database, and files it to the ordering device through the WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

Step 315: The menu is displayed on the ordering device, allowing the customer to make a selection of the menu items, by marking them on the screen of the ordering device.

Step 316: The ordering device sends the order information to the central server through the WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

Step 317: The central server stores the order in the central database and the ordering is accomplished.

Fig. 3b shows the serving method, which follows the ordering method, shown in Fig. 3a. Therefore, the Step 317 of the ordering method is followed by the Step 321 of the serving method in the following way.

Step 321: After the customer has finished the ordering, and the ordering information has been stored in the central database, the central server informs the serving device about the new acquired order through the WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

Step 322: The serving device displays the message about the new order, allowing the order manager to accept the new order.

Step 323: After the order manager has accepted the new order, he starts preparing the order.

Step 324: When finished with the preparation of the order, he inputs the "Order Ready" message to the serving device, acknowledging that he is ready to receive the new order.

Step 325: The serving device sends the Order Ready message to the central server through the WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

Step 326: The central server sends the "Order Ready" message to the ordering device through the WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology and marks the order as executed in the central database, which makes the serving method accomplished.

Step 327: The prepared order can be served to the customer.

Fig. 3c illustrates the bill paying method, which takes place after the order has been served, and the customer is ready to make the payment. The step 331 of the bill paying method is, therefore, the follow-up of the step 327 of the serving method.

Step 331: The customer uses his mobile device (this time playing the role of the managing device) to request the bill, by selecting the option from the application software on the managing device.

Step 332: Subsequently, the ordering spot ID and the customer ID are sent via WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology to the central server, together with the request for payment

Step 333: The central server communicates the information about the ordering spot ID, the customer ID and the request for payment to the central database, and requires the total amount to be paid. Step 334: The billing program in the central database calculates the total amount and sends this information to the central server.

Step 335: The central server transfers the billing information to the customer, allowing him to pay the total amount.

Step 336: The customer executes the payment.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the central database can be arranged in a computer center, together with the central server, the ordering device and the managing device can substantially be the same device, and the functionality of the device is controlled by application software. This device is substantially any mobile device (for example, but not limited to a cellular phone or a tablet) owned by a customer. The serving device can be, e.g. arranged at the bar (in case of clubs), or the kitchen (in case of restaurants or hotels), or at any other convenient place. In addition, the RFID table tag is adapted for storing the ordering spot ID, the HoReCa ID, and the credentials of the WiFi network, in case that the central server, the central database, the ordering, the managing device and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), not the Internet.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the credit- card payment mechanism, or any mobile-based payment mechanism can be integrated with the central database. The mobile-based payment mechanism allow that the customer can pay the bill by simply using his/her managing device (the cellular phone), without need to walk to the counter, or to wait the waiter to arrive.

Furthermore, the system of invention can be integrated with the point of service (POS) system, used for electronic management of the HoReCa. In this regard, the implementation of the present invention not only can provide ease of payment for the customers, but also enhance the efficiency of automation and electronic management of the restaurant.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been set forth for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of the disclosed embodiment of the invention, as well as other embodiments thereof, may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all embodiments which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, comprising: a central server; a central database, for storing the data; at least a serving device; at least an RFID tag, acting as a ordering spot ID; at least an ordering device; at least a managing device; wherein the central server, the central database, the ordering device, the managing device, and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology.

2. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the serving device further comprises a display.

3. The system recited in claim 2, wherein the serving device is arranged at the counter of a HoReCa.

4. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the ordering spot ID is arranged at the place wherefrom the customer can place an order.

5. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the central server is arranged such that it is not physically accessible to customers.

6. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the central database is arranged such that it is not physically accessible to customers.

7. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the data is substantially a customer ID.

8. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the data is substantially a HoReCa menu.

9. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the data is substantially a billing program.

10. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the ordering device and managing device can substantially be merged into one ordering/managing device, controlled by the application software, and can serve both purposes.

11. The system recited in claim 10, wherein the ordering/managing device is substantially any mobile device (e.g. a cellular phone or a tablet device) equipped with the Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a Wireless Network (WiFi) connectivity, the Internet connectivity, or any other transmitting technology, and a display.

12. The system recited in claim 10, wherein the ordering/managing device is the property of a customer.

13. A mobile ordering method, comprising the steps of:

(c) sending a unique customer code and the ordering spot ID to the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or by any other data transmitting technology.

(d) Registering the ordering device to the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or by any other data transmitting technology.

(f) Displaying a acknowledgment of the registration in the central data base on the display of the ordering device. (g) Inserting an order of the customer by selecting from the HoReCa menu shown on the display of the ordering device.

(i) Storing the order in the central database by the central server.

14. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the ordering device is substantially any mobile device (e.g. a cell phone or a tablet) equipped with the Near Field Communication (NFC) device, Wireless Network (WiFi) device, an Internet device, or any other data transmitting device and a display.

15. The system recited in claim 14, wherein the ordering device is a property of a customer.

16. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the RFID tag is arranged at the ordering spot wherefrom the customer can place an order in the given HoReCa object.

17. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the central server is arranged such that it is not physically accessible to customers.

18. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the central database is arranged such that it is not physically accessible to customers.

19. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the order data of the customer is substantially the ordering spot ID.

20. The method recited in claim 19, wherein the order data is substantially the customer ID.

21. The method recited in claim 19, wherein the order data is substantially the order record of a customer.

22. A mobile serving method, comprising the steps of: (a) Providing ordering system which uses mobile devices and RFID tags, and the system comprising of a central server; a central database, for storing the data; at least a serving device; at least an RFID tag, acting as an ordering spot ID; at least an ordering device; wherein the central server, the central database, the ordering device, and the serving device are connected by a local wireless network (WiFi), the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(d) Providing at least a serving manager for serving the order to the customer.

(e) Filing the ordering information to the serving device by the central server through the local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology;

(f) Displaying the order information on the display of the serving device;

(1) Filing the next order information in the queue from the central server to the serving device; (m) Filing the information that the order is ready to the central server by a local WiFi network, the Internet, or any other data transmitting technology,

(n) Serving the prepared order to the customer.

23. A mobile bill paying method, comprising the steps of:

(h) Paying the amount due by the customer.

24. The method recited in claim 23 wherein the order data of the customer is substantially the ordering spot ID.

25. The method recited in claim 23, wherein the order data is substantially the customer ID.

26. The method recited in claim 23, wherein the order data is substantially the order record of a customer.

27. The system recited in claim 23, wherein the ordering device and managing device are substantially merged into one ordering/managing device, controlled by the application software, and serves for both purposes.

28. The system recited in claim 27, wherein the ordering/managing device is substantially any mobile device (e.g. a cellular phone or a tablet) equipped with the Near Field Communication (NFC) device and/or a camera, a Wireless Network (WiFi) connectivity, the Internet connectivity, or any other data transmitting technology and a display.

29. The system recited in claim 28, wherein the ordering/managing device is a property of a customer.