RPX Exhibit 1006
`RPX v. AIT
`
`

`
`5,806,071
`Page 2
`
`us. PATENT nocumems
`
`4,825,045
`4»’l98'4' Humble
`.. 2357383
`
`4,332,475
`1171989 Miller .-.-1 51..
`2357383
`5,077,607 1271991 Johnson elal. ......................... .. 353736
`
`771992 Mueller ................................. .. 3547405
`5,128,862
`371993 Mucllerelal.
`....................... .. 3547405
`5,235,509
`5,353,219 1071994 Mucllcrclal.
`3547405
`5,57:1,<,=51
`1171995 Iockwood
`3957227
`
`5,594,791
`171997 Szlam el :11.
`.......................... .. 3797265
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`5,806,071
`
`I20
`
`'*——"’
`
`"“—_“
`
`:8
`
`I6 . T E T
`
`‘ j j E [9
`V1050
`I20 '0;
`MONITOR
`MANAGER
`
`Pos um E
`
`Ila
`
`STATION I
`
`I4
`
`(IN STORE)
`
`200
`1 _
`l"c'usToMER1
`TERMINAL I
`LJ1_J
`
`
`
`20b
`A _
`[EusToMER'|
`I TERMINAL I
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`I TERMINAL
`'°%3A;-3"
`I
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`2—6
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`Mum“
`CUSTOMER 290
`l
`P°RTZ§
`TERMINAL
`|
`SERIAL
`PRINTER
`l
`CREDIT
`FORTE‘ {I I
`
`CARD
`335’486
`CUSTOMER
`I
`READER
`5v%(%':_3_2
`INTERACTIVEI
`[/53
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`AUDIO
`33b
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`
`
`
`29b
`
`DETECTOR
`
`
`
`II I I
`
`35
`
`

`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1998
`
`Sheet 3 of 14
`
`5,806,071
`
`62
`
`DIALOG
`
`FILES
`
`CREATOR
`
`60
`
` 66 [R68
`64
`TEMPLATE-ITEM
`GRAPHICS
`EDITOR
`
`
`
`
`FILES 8I RULES
`/
`TEMPLATE
`ORIGINAL
`72
`70/ \Kpaese~TAT.o~
`
`AUDIO
`
`EDITOR
`
`
`
`FILES
`
`BASE RECORDS
`
`8 INSTRUCTIONS
`
`74
`
`
`
`TEMPLATE PRESENTATION
`BI TEMPLATE UPDATES
`
` HEAD -
`76
`
`80
`QUARTERS
`L TRANSMITTED COPY
`DATA MANAGE-
`TEMPLATE PRESENTATION
`
`
`ATEMPLATEPRESENTATION
`
`
`
`TEMPLATE
`PRESEN1-A1-'0"
`8 UPDATES
`
`84
`
`CONFIGURING
`
`8: UPDATES
`
`ROUTINE
`
`NOTIFICATION
`THAT CONFIG.
`OR RE-CONFIG.
`
`8|b
`
`MENT
`
`NOTIFICATION OF
`
`NEW TEMPLATE
`8| UPDATES
`
`
`
`
`IS NECESSARY
`870
`NOTIFY OF
`MODIFICATIONS
`
`
`
`UPDATEI
`MODIFICATION
`DETECTOR
`
`CONFIGURED
`
`PRESENTATION
`
`8. NEw DATABASE 8-,bV
`
`NOTIFICATION THAT
`CONFIGURATION
`(OR RE-CONFIGURATION)
`IS NEEDED--INTERRUPT
`
`83b
`
`CUSTOMER 95
`INPUT
`
`35
`85
`
`93
`'N'ST0RE
`COMPUTER ._E\(
`DATABASE
`(E.G. CLERK/ CUSTOMER
`MGR. POS)
`ORDERS
`
`
`
`PRESENTATION
`
`PRESENTATION
`——-—— 90
`
`9|
`
`
` CONFIGURED :j&
`
`F/G. 3
`
`PRESENTATION
`FOR ORDERING
`
`

`
`

`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8,1998
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`5,806,071
`
`
`
`PROVIDE ORIGINAL TEMPLATE
`
`PRESENTATION OF TEMPLATE
`DATA RECORDS (CREATED AT
`A FIRST LOCATION
`
`
`
`I201
`
`
`
`PROVIDE A DATABASE
`OF LOCAL
`
`DATA RECORDS
`
`I220
`
`|22b
`
`
`
`MOD. DATABASE AS
`DESIRED/REQUESTED
`
`I24
`
`
`
`PROVIDE ANY UPDATES
`(AS DESIRED/REQUESTED)
`TO ORIGINAL TEMPLATE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`D.S BEEN
`
`MADE TO
`DATABASE
`9
`
`( IS CONFIG./
`NECESSARY ?)
`
`
`
`HAS
`
`
`
`ORIGINAL
`TEMPLATE BEEN
`
` CONFIGURED (AT
`
`LEAST ONCE)
`
`I38
`
`I34
`
`(YES)
`
`STOP/INTERRUPT ANY CURRENT
`PRESENTATION AND NOTIFY THAT
`CONFIGURATION IS NECESSARY
`
`.35
`
`CONF|GURE' ELECTRONIC INFORMATION
`(IN - WHOLE OR IN - PART)
`
`’
`
`I39
`
`
`
`

`
`

`
`

`
`

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`

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`tnm3P«MU
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`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 8, 1998
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`5,806,071
`
`F/6.
`
`/2A /220
`
`FIG. I2
`
`222
`
`TRY TO MATCH EACH DATABASE ITEM
`IDENTIFIER - STRING wma A COMMON
`IDENTIFIER - STRING IN TEMPLATE RECORDS
`
`226
`
`TREAT DATABASE
`ITEM AS NON-EXISTENT
`
`N0
`
`2250
`
`228
`
`224
`COMMON IDENTIFIER-
`
`sTR|Ns BE Foum)
`
`O
`
`
`
`225D
`
`
`YES
`
`MAP THE DATABASE PLU TO THE ITEM ASSOCIATED WITH
`THE MATCHED IDENTIFIER - STRING
`(AN ITEM MATCH HAS BEEN FOUND)
`
`
`IF ANY DATABASE RECORD FIELD CONTAINS
`230 INFORMATION (SUCH AS PRICE, TAX RATE) EARMARKED
`FOR USE IN PRESENTATION, ADJUST OR ADD TO DATA
`
`RECORD OF MATCHED ITEM
`
`
`
`IF CHOOSE TO, WRITE ADJUSTED RECORD (IN -WHOLE OR
`IN - PART) OF MATCHED ITEM TO A CONFIGURED-ITEM LIST
`
`232
`
`234
`
`2350
`
`236
`
`
`
`THE RECORD OF
`
`
`YES
`THE MATCHED ITEM BEEN
`
`
`
`WRITTEN TO A CONF/GURED'
`
`
`
`
`IF EFFICIENT, USE
`CONFIGURED - ITEM LIST
`
`ITEM LIST
`0
`
`USE ADJUSTED TEMPLATE RECORDS WITH MAPPED PLUS
`
`NO
`
`23?
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.8,1998
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`5,806,071
`
`FIG.
`
`/28
`
`/22°
`
`237
`
`238
`
`IF DISPLAY CELL LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN DEFINED, MAY
`CONTINUE SCREEN - BY - SCREEN; OTHERWISE, CONTINUE
`BY USING DATA RECORDS IN ANY CHOSEN ORDER
`
`TAG AS ACTIVE FOR PRESENTATION, THE ITEMS
`ASSOCIATED WITH MATCHED IDENTIFIER - STRINGS
`
`240
`
`
`242
`ANY
`TAG As ACTIVE FOR
`
`GENERAL
`
`§E§§SIE’%E'.‘3L“JGE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.,
`
`
`
`RECORD
`
`
`
`
`
`243b
`
`246
` ANY
`BRANCH CELL
`
`
`YES
`
`
`
`LOCATIONS
`INCLUDED
`0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`TAG AS ACTIVE FOR PRESENTATION,
`ANY BRANCH CELL FOR WHICH
`
`247b
`
`250
`
`(A) ALL CELL LOCATIONS IN A DEPENDENT
`BRANCHED - SCREEN HAVE BEEN
`
`DETERMINED A/I, AND
`
`(3) AN ASSO’CD. COUNTER VALUE HAS
`
`EXCEEDED A PRE-SET VALUE
`
`
`
`
`
`248
`
`ITEMS, RECORDS, AND/OR CELL LOCATIONS
`TAGGED AS ACTIVE WILL BE PRESENTED.
`
`

`
`

`
`5,806,071
`
`1
`PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR
`CONFIGURING INFORMATION FOR
`PRESENTATION AT AN INTERACTIVE
`ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`In general, the present invention relates to processes and
`systems that can offer for sale, items {both wholesale and
`retail prepared fast-food, packaged foods, dry goods, and
`other consumer products), in a self-service fashion using a
`touch-screen display, computer key board, telephone key-
`pad or receiver, microphone, or other electronic device
`capable of accepting and transmitting a customer's input.
`More particularly, this invention relates to a new process and
`system that can combine a complex rrtulti-media template
`presentation created at, for example, corporate headquarters
`ol‘ a chain of sales outlets, along with information from a
`database containing items intended for sale at any sales
`outlet of the chain, and automatically configure a tailor-
`made presentation for use on a customer-interactive device
`at the outlet {such as a store, restaurant, kiosk, cart, or other
`“point of access").
`A multi-national corporation in the business of selling
`consumer products, especially one that owns many sales
`outlets, may have millions of interactions each day between
`customers and company sales clerks. In order to increase
`sales, yet contain costs, many of these corporations are
`interested in decreasing their large number of daily
`in-person customer-clerk interactions by olfering goods for
`sale through electronic devices, such as customer activated
`terminals (both on- and off-site), home personal computers
`(connected with the Internet),
`televisions (connected to
`cable TV channels via hardwire or satellite dish), and
`telephones. With the increased use of such electronic
`devices, a demand for flexible computer systems that can
`automatically deliver multimedia presentations (and timely
`update these presentations) and accept customer orders, has
`been created.
`
`Currently, a corporation owning 100 (for example) sales
`outlets, each having its unique stock of goods for sale based
`upon locate and each offering daily “specials”, must initially
`generate 100 outlet—specific multi—media presentations for
`use on electronic devices at
`the outlets. If each of these
`presentations requires daily updates,
`then at
`least 36,500
`dil1‘erent presentations will have to be created, dc—bugged,
`and downloaded in one year!
`The assignee hereof has designed and implemented pro-
`cesses artd a computer system now being used for handling
`the generation (at its company facility), as well as transmis-
`sion via modem to each restaurant, of outlet—specific multi-
`media presentations for fast-food customer activated touch-
`screen terminals. Daily scrvice and software support,
`especially manual updating and tracking of outlet
`presentations, is necessary for these processes and system.
`Typical
`in-store hardware currently used for transmitting
`and presenting a store-specilic multi-media display of fast-
`food items for sale to a customer at a terminal (into which
`the customer can place an order),
`is shown in FIG.
`l—(details of FIG. 1 will be discussed in connection with
`the other drawings). Generating restaurant-specific
`presentations, as well as generating and tracking updates to
`restaurant-specific presentations, quickly becomes an enor-
`mously labor-intensive task as the complexity of a presen-
`tation increases (to include audio, still- and motion-graphics,
`and video), the number of food items being offered at an
`electronic device increases,
`the number of store-specific
`
`‘I El
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`(35
`
`2
`presentations increases, andtor the number of updates to the
`store-specific presentations increases. In fact, the amount of
`electronic data requiring manual manipulation in such
`known autontatic restaurant-specific presentation systems
`can make elfteient data management nearly impossible. The
`new process and system discussed herein address these
`problems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is a primary object of this invention to provide a process
`and system to, using both a template presentation created at
`one location and a database containing items intended for
`sale at a sales outlet, configure with a computer, electronic
`information for presentation at an electronic device with
`which an item (from the outlet), may be ordered. It
`is also
`an object of this invention to provide a process and system
`that can automatically handle modifications to the database
`or updates to the template presentation, so that they can be
`included in the presentation at
`the interactive electronic
`device on a timely basis
`The advantages ofproviding such a process and system as
`described herein are many: (a) Initial generation of many
`store-specific presentations is unnecessary—in5tead, one
`original template presentation can be created to include a
`complete package of items (plus associated graphics, audio
`and video messages) and special
`instructions; using this
`template along with several different databases of items
`intended for sale through electronic devices at several sales
`outlets [i.e.. points of access), specific presentations can be
`configured for the sales outleLs; (b) Versatility—the new
`process and system can be adapted to all kinds of selling
`techniques and electronic devices through which customers
`order items;
`(C) Manual
`tracking of changes to specific
`presentations, as well as manual updating of outlet presen-
`tations to refiect such changes, is decreased; (d) Response
`time for making changes to electronic device presentations,
`and the risk of making mistakes, can be decreased;
`(C)
`Presentations at electronic devices can accommodate more-
`complex multi-media features; and (F) Modifications to
`electronic device presentations can be made on-site by a
`sales outlet clerk or manager (thus giving more control to the
`outlets), while at the same time, headquarters can maintain
`control over both the complete list of items available for sale
`at its electronic devices, and item characteristics—(such as
`graphics, audio and video messages used to portray the items
`during a presentation).
`Briefly described,
`the invention includes a process for
`configuring electronic information for presentation at an
`interactive electronic device with which an item may be
`ordered, comprising the steps of: providing an original
`template presentation created at a first location to include a
`plurality of template items; providing a database to include
`a plurality of database items; and configuring, using a
`computer, the information to include each template item that
`is also a database item. A template data record can be
`associated with each template item, and likewise a local data
`record can be associated with each database item. The
`template and database are preferably maintained separately.
`In another characterization, the invention includes a pro-
`cess for presenting display information at an interactive
`electronic device with which an item may be ordered,
`comprising the steps of: providing an original
`template
`presentation created at a first location to include a plurality
`of template items; providing a database to include a plurality
`of database items,‘ and configuring the display information
`for presentation, to include the step of tagging as active for
`
`

`
`5,806,071
`
`3
`display, an item cell associated with each template item that
`is also a database item. DiIIerent cell types can be accom-
`modated and tagged for display.
`An additional characterization of the invention includes a
`system for configuring electronic information for presenta-
`tion at an interactive electronic device, comprising: an
`original template presentation created at a Iirst location to
`include a plurality of template items; a database to include
`a plurality of database items; and a communications medium
`for transmitting the original
`template presentation to a
`computer. The template presentation for the system also
`includes a set of instructions for configuring, using the
`computer, the information for presentation to include each
`template item that is also a database item.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The invention will be more particularly described by
`referencing the accompanying drawings of the preferred
`embodiments, in which like numerals designate like parts.
`FIG. 1 is a schematicfblock diagram of in-store hardware,
`connected in a manner designed by the assignee hereof,
`currently used for
`transmitting and presenting a store-
`specific multi—rncdia display of fast-food items for sale to a
`customer at a terminal (into which the customer can place an
`order). FIG. 1 also represents a system of hardware capable
`of carrying out the invention.
`FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, a typical well
`known electrical signal communication system used to
`transmit data from a Source to a User of the data. FIG. 2 aLso
`represent a preferred communication system for carrying out
`the invention.
`
`FIG. 3 is a schematic representing data flow for a pre-
`ferred process and system of the invention.
`FIGS. 4 and 5 are flow diagrams illustrating features of
`preferred methods of the invention.
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow diagram of
`FIG. 5 in greater detail.
`l"IG. 7 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of
`“cell” organization on a template presentation display 150.
`Each cell location (shown organized in “tracks”) is repre-
`sented by a box.
`FIG. 8 is a schematic of two template presentation dis-
`plays (.160, 170) of the invention, each display has cells
`associated with items for sale. The right-hand display is an
`overllow screen, only seen if certain conditions have been
`met,
`that
`is tied with a special cell
`location called an
`overllow branch cell.
`
`FIG. 9, like FIG. 8, illustrates two presentation displays
`(180, 190) having been configured to present seven items
`(all of one category) for sale to a customer. Displayed in the
`left-hand display is a branch cell
`that will call-up the
`right-hand display of two more items (numbered 9 & 10),
`when touched (or otherwise activated by a customer).
`FIG. 10 illustrates a configured display of the invention
`with four cells associated with four items, rather than seven
`items as is seen in the displays of FIG. 9. No branch cell or
`overflow screen are needed since all four items (of one
`category] lit on one display.
`FIG. 11 is a schematic of two template presentation menu
`displays (200, 210) of the invention, each display has cells
`associated with categories of items for sale. Displayed in the
`left-hand display is a hidden branch cell. The right-hand
`display is a hidden overflow screen (never seen in a pre-
`sentation to a customer) that is tied with a hidden overllow
`branch cell of the left-hand screen.
`
`Ill
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 12 is a How diagram illustrating details of a preferred
`conliguring process of the invention (see, also, TABLES A,
`B, and C in connection with FIG. 12).
`FIG. 13 is a schematic representing three configured
`displays of the invention (see, also, TABLES A, B, and C.‘ in
`connection with FIG. 12).
`
`Dl3'l'AILl3D DI".-'.SCRlI"I'lON OF TI IE
`I’Rl:lFl£RR}:ID I-_iMl3ODIMEN'l'S
`
`In FIG. 1, Host #1 box 18 represents a computer {such as
`a personal computer, workstation, or mainframe) located at,
`for example, management headquarters of a company hav-
`ing many sales outlets. Line 19 connects box 18 to the
`manager’s station 10 (such as a personal computer,
`workstation, mainframe computer, etc.). This represents the
`communication medium through which management head-
`quarters and the outlet manager can “talk". Together, Ilost
`#2 at 24 and line 23 connecting it (through connection Box
`22) to customer terminals 201:, 20b, 20C, represent a com-
`puter systcm 24 (a personal computer, workstation, main-
`frame computer, etc.) and communication medium 23
`through which a multi-media presentation, and its updates,
`can be transmitted. Known communication systems {similar
`to that
`in FIG. 2) can be used for the transmission and
`receiving of electronic information from Host processors 18,
`24 to manager’s station 10 and customer terminals 20:3, 20!),
`20c. Transmission media suitable for use to connect head-
`quarters with manager’s station 10, as well as connect I--lost
`#2 with a receiving device (such as an "E2. LAN Box" 22),
`includes telephone line(s) connected at each end to a modem
`(or other hardwired system), full-duplex Wide Area Network
`wiring, or magnetic media onto which electronic informa-
`tion is stored and delivered to the outlet.
`
`As is well known, each customer terminal 20a, 20b, 20c,
`the manager's station It] {operated by, or at the direction of,
`the outlet’s management), each Point-of~Sale (POS) termi-
`nal 12n, 12b, 12c (suitable POS systems include model 3230
`from PAR Microsystems Corp.) used by the clerks who take
`orders in-person at an outlet front or back counter (or
`drive-through window), and the video monitor 16 (located
`where stock is pulled for satisfying an order—such as the
`restaurant kitchen), are all connected to a known POS Local
`Area Network (LAN) 14 within the outlet. Suitable LANs
`include an ethernel (available from PAR Microsystems
`Corp), arcnet, RS-485, or RS-232 LAN. It is preferred that
`the customer terminals 20a, 20b, 20:: and clerk-operated
`POS terminals 12a, 12b, 12:: be connected to the stockro-om
`video monitor 16 so that an order can be communicated to
`the person pulling items from stock for delivery to a cus-
`tomer. The manager's station 10 is, oftentimes, also con-
`nectcd to the customer and clerk POS terminals so that data
`pertaining to inventory levels.
`revenue, sales, purchase
`trends, etc., can be collected and analyzed for use at the
`outlet and headquarters. Manager’s station 10 is shown with
`a monitor llrr and key board llb so that information can be
`entered via touch-screen or key board.
`Dashed-line box 20:: (representing a customer terminal),
`encompasses one example of a typical hardware set up
`(including peripheraLs) currently being commercially used
`in the fast-food industry. ln—store POS LAN 14 is connected
`through a POS LAN card 26.
`The customer terminal includes a multi—port connection,
`represented by box 28, which communicates with peripher-
`als such as a printer 29rr, credit card reader 29b, and
`motionfproximity detector 29c. Also included is a serial port
`connector, represented by box 30, that allows direct com-
`
`

`
`5,806,071
`
`5
`munication 31 with another computer (such as the manag-
`er’s station 10). Connected to the processor 32 (such as Intel
`Corporation's “"386”, "486", or “PENT'lUM" processors
`commercially available and used widely in personal
`computers) is a monitor 33b (such as a VG-A+:ompatible
`monitor available from Sony, NBC, and Goldstar) having a
`touch-screen display 33a. Audio card 34 allows for connec-
`tion with a speaker that can relay sound messages to a
`customer. Although not shown, a microphone could be also
`connected to the customer terminal system 2011 so that audio
`messages from the customer could he fed into a transducer
`for transmission through the in-store POS LAN 14 to the
`clerk POS terminals 12a, 12b,
`12:’: or
`inventory video
`monitor 16.
`
`ll!
`
`6
`reproduction in a chosen fonn (such as audio
`56 for
`messages, or moving-graphicstlanimation, video, alphanu-
`meric characters on a screen}. Known types of transmission
`medium 5|] include telephone and cable TV transmission
`wires, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic (glass) cables.
`Additionally, other dielectric-material media, such as a
`microwave radio or satellite link (which utilize earth’s
`atmosphere or space) can be used to transmit information
`from one location to another. Chapter 13, pgs. 545-562, of
`Electronic Cotrrrirtmicnrion Tecliniques (3rd edition, copy-
`righted l994) by Paul II. Young,
`incorporated herein by
`reference, has further design details for various electronic
`data communication systems using dilferent transmission
`media. Data received by receiverfprocessor 52 is processed
`and then input 53 into appropriate transducers, represented
`by box 54, for communication in the proper fonn to user 56.
`The data [low diagram of FIG. 3 illustrates the types of
`files and instructions. shown generally at 60, which can be
`compiled as desired to create an original template presen-
`tation 70 that includes a complete package of items (and
`still- and motion-graphics, audio and video messages, alpha-
`numeric characters, etc., associated with a presentation) and
`special
`instructionsfsubroutines. The dialog files creator,
`represented by circle 62, is used to create dialog control files
`that: (a) control general sequencing of the template presen-
`tation items, whether arranged by screen display or order of
`audio message presentation; (b) define default parameters
`for presentation units, such as screen displays; as well as (c)
`specify when special functions take place. The graphics
`editor, represented by circle 64,
`is preferably a graphics
`image editor that can create digital graphic filestsuch as well
`known PCX, PCC, GIF, or TIF files) for graphic and icon
`display images included in the presentation. Currently-
`available graphics and icon creation tools suitable for use
`include "PUBLlSHER’S PAINTBRUSH” supplied by
`Zsoft, “CORliLDRAW” supplied by Corel, and Adobe’s
`" PHO'l‘OSH0l”’. Audio editor 66, represents an audio editor
`for producing files compatible with audio cards (34 in l"l(_i.
`I) used in the customer terminal (for example,
`if a
`“SOUNDB[J\STER” audio card supplied by Creative Sys-
`tems Labs is used, one can use an audio editing tool is called
`"WaveEdit" also supplied by Creative Systems Labs).
`Circle 68 represents the editor capable of creating and
`updating the expanded! complete group of data files that
`contain infonnation about all items available for purchase by
`all outlets, collectively. This group of new template data liles
`will be explained in greater detail in connection with other
`figures. Generally speaking, this group of template data files
`contain: a listing of items for sale, associated icons,
`graphics, and audio messages; layouts for screens and item
`cell
`locations; branch menu cells which point
`tofcall-up
`associated ordering screens; standard branch cells that call-
`up a previous or later screen; overflow and hidden branch
`cells which point to overflow or hidden screens (only seen
`if certain conditions have been met); instructions for con-
`figuring a site -specific customer presentation from the origi-
`nal template presentation 70 (including dialog control liles
`and subroutines—see, also, FIG. 4 step 104, FIGS. 5 and 6
`step 136, and FIG. 12);
`instructions for re-configuring a
`customer presentation (see, also, step 116 in FIG. 4); and, as
`needed, instructions for determining which portion of the
`data needs re-configuring and whether configuration is nec-
`essary (see FIG. 4 step 110, and FIGS. 5 and 6 step 130).
`TABLE A gives examples of the types of template data
`records that are preferably incorporated into a template
`presentation of the invention created for a computer monitor
`(with, preferably, a touch-screen customer interface). The
`
`15
`
`.
`
`As it is well known, a digital computer ( like those at 10,
`18, 24-, 200) typically consists of a central processing unit
`(CPU), memory (usually with three storage elements:
`instructional storage, a program storage, and data storage),
`and several peripherals (examples: magnetic disk, printer,
`mouse, all attached through IEO porLs). Ilost #1 and #2,
`although shown by separate boxes, could be the same
`computer. Optionally, hosts #1 and #2 could be two separate
`computers at the same physical location {such as manage-
`ment headquarters, on an upper lloor of a building within
`which the customer terminals are located, or at a third _
`party’s facility). An EZ LAN Box is shown for receiving
`information from Host #2. Host #2 could be connected
`directly to each customer terminal. Ilowever, preferably
`Host #2 is directly connected to in-store LAN 14, or to
`manager's station 10, for more-direct communication with
`the station II]. The customer terminals (200, 2%, 20¢),
`although shown in more detail at 203 to have individual
`processing units, can be replaced with a single processor
`connected to several customer presentation devices. Elec-
`tronic devices suitable for use include: a touch-screen on a
`Cathode Ray Tube CRT monitor, a fiat-panel Liquid Crystal
`Display LCD screen, or a Light Emitting Diode LED screen;
`a computer key board; a telephone key-pad or receiver; or a
`microphone. Likewise, each clerk POS terminal (l2rr, 12b,
`12c) could have its own processor, or a single POS prooessor
`could be connected to several devices capable of accepting
`a clerk’s input.
`Communication systems, such as the one at 40 in FIG. 2,
`are currently available forsending and receiving analog (i.e.,
`continuous~wave) or digitally-recorded {i.e., in the form of
`bits) audio and visual signals, as well as analog or digital
`computational data. Designs of such communication sys-
`tems are readily understood in the art. Box 42 represents
`transducers of source information: a microphone is the
`transducer for converting energy in the form of sound
`pressure waves into electrical energyfinformatiortfdata; and
`a TV or video camera converts visual images into electrical
`video signals. Further electronic processing can convert
`analog signals into a digital format. Digitally-stored DATA
`(such as that on a compact disk) is typically ready for
`processing once read. Information which has been properly
`converted into a chosen electrical signal form, is input at 43
`into a central processing unit 44 {such as an IBM-compatible
`personal computer). The transmitter {a peripheral such as a
`modem) represented by box 48 can be connected to the
`processing unit 44 via an Electronics Industry Association
`(L-LIA) standard RS-232-C communications interface 46 (i.e.,
`a connector having 25 pins, typically attached to a cable with
`specified voltage levels and signal parameters, for joining
`two units).
`Dashed line 50 represents suitable transmission medium
`that allows information from the Source 41 to get to the User
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4-0
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`
`5,806,071
`
`7
`records shown are itemized by cell on a display screen and
`organized in tracks with ordinal numbers to deline positions
`within tracks. The organization of data records will be
`further discussed in connection with FIGS. 7-11. Each
`screen generally represents a category of items (by way of
`example,
`food items)—such as TACOS, TACO
`OVERFLOW, BURRITOS, DRINKS, and a MAIN MENU.
`The types of cells on TABIJ5. A associated with data records,
`include:
`item cells; menu branch cells; general cells not
`associated with an item (such as an “EXIT to PAY” cell); and
`overflow and hidden branch cells. For example,
`track
`#1Eordinal #1 of the TACOS screen contains an item cell
`associated with item (1);
`it has an itemidentificr string
`"REGTACO" and a template Price Look-Up (PLU) key, or
`other item sequence number, of 001. The “order window”
`cell on the TACOS screen is not associated with any
`particular item; the location of this cell (track #0) is fixed in
`the template presentation. During configuration,
`this cell
`will be activated but will not move. Associated with the
`MAIN MENU screen are three menu branch cells and one
`hidden branch cell (see also FIG. 11). Additional data fields
`(not shown) can be associated with each cell, such as an
`icon, animated graphics, audio and video messages, and text.
`The far right-hand data fields will be explained along with
`'l‘ABI_l3S B, C and FIGS. 12, 13.
`
`5
`
`IE)
`
`15
`
`8
`known restaurant-specific presentations created for trans-
`mission to each restaurant: (a) a dialog files creator and
`editor; (h) a commerciallyavailahle graphics editor; (c) a
`commercially-available audio editor; and (d) restaurantspe-
`cific data files, tailored to a particular fast~food restaurant,
`containing food items for sale, associated icons, graphics,
`and audio messages, screen and item cell location layouts,
`branch menu cells which point tofcall-up associated ordering
`screens, and standard branch cells that cal]-up a previous or
`later screen (two examples of standard branch cells are as
`follows: an “EXIT to PAY" cell
`that, depending upon
`programmed sequencing, calls-up either a suggestive-sell
`question screen or the “THANK YOU for Your Order”
`screen; and a cell location labeled "OTHER FOOD" cell that
`calls-up a menu screen).
`Returning to FIG. 3, arrow 72 represents the flow of the
`created original template presentation 70 into a corporate
`headquarters’ data management routine 74 {which could be
`stored on a processor located at corporate headquarters,
`on-site or upstairs of the sales outlet, or at the facility of a
`third party handling software serviceEsupport). Routine 74
`preferably contains the capabilities of gathering and analyz-
`ing inventory. revenue, sales, purchase trends. ctc., data.
`Routine 74 can also contain the capability, as shown, of
`providing notification (via data How arrow 75) to Detector
`
`TABLE A
`
`TF.-.\ttP]..A"I1’. RECORDS exam IE
`
`traclt#E
`ordinalttt
`(if exists)
`
`cell type
`
`item
`identifier
`string
`
`template
`PLU
`
`Inactive!
`Active
`tag
`
`"mapped"
`PLU
`
`screen
`type
`
`TAOOS
`
`"moo
`OVER-
`FLOW
`
`BURRITOS
`
`DRINKS
`
`MAIN
`MENU
`
`IE1
`IE2
`to
`1:4
`IE5
`IE6
`
`REGTACO
`CI-[]I(”t'ACO
`moo-st.-'t>
`r—mvt‘.«\c
`SOP-'I'i-’\OO
`
`item (1)
`item ('2';
`item (3;
`item (4;
`item {5}
`fixed
`branch
`fixed
`OEorder
`general
`window
`0i’EXl'l‘to fixed
`pay
`general
`Oicancel
`fixed
`itcm
`gcncml
`Oircpeat
`fixed
`itcm
`general
`1E}
`item ((3,1
`IE2
`item ('EJ
`IE3
`item (SJ
`IE4
`item (9;
`IE5
`item ('10)
`1'}
`item (1)
`1'2
`item (2;
`an
`item (3 ,1
`3E]
`item (1)
`3:2
`item (2)
`IEI
`menu (11
`branch
`menu (21
`branch
`menu (31 DRINMENU
`branch
`hidden
`branch
`
`131~‘i\s'rt'i\c
`BEANTACO
`TACO-SPX
`TACO-SPY
`’I‘A(_‘0—SI’]£
`BUI{R—5UP
`B}-'AS'l‘BLiR
`'.I’—LAYBUR
`PEPSI
`DR.PF.PP
`TACOMENLI
`
`BURRMENU
`
`3.51
`
`3E]
`
`4E1
`
`O04
`
`t'lU2
`
`003
`
`DUI
`no:
`nus
`[104
`005
`
`nun
`[it]?
`008
`009
`[J10
`[)1].
`[112
`ms
`014
`n15
`
`A
`[
`A
`t
`A
`I
`
`A
`
`A
`
`A
`
`A
`
`t
`A
`I
`I
`[
`A
`I
`A
`A
`A
`A
`
`A
`
`A
`
`[
`
`template presentation of the
`Contrasting the original
`invention, are the outletspecilic multi-media presentations
`(designed and implemented by the assignee hereoi) cur-
`rently in use at l'ast-food customer activated touch-screen
`terminals. The following elements can be found in such
`
`65
`
`routine 82 that at new template or an update to a template has
`been identified by data management routine 74. As arrow 76
`indicates, the original template presentation and any updates
`made to the presentation along the way, l"on'n the so-called
`transmitted copy 80 of the original
`template. Template
`
`

`
`5,806,071
`
`10
`and files 86 might also be created with the same computer
`(but created at a different time) as that used to create the
`template presentation 70. It is, nevertheless, preferred that
`the original template presentat ion 70 and the database 86 be
`created to form separately stored and maintained files and
`data. This is so that sales outlet personnel (most—likely store
`managers) can control, if desired, the creation and modify-
`ing of their own database of items they intend to sell over the
`course of a day, for example.
`
`9
`presentation copy 80 flows. as represented by arrow 81:1.
`into the Configuring routine 84. In the event the template
`presentation includes, as suggested above, instructions (or a
`portion of the full set of instructions} for determining
`whether configuration is necessary, this information would 5
`need to How along 812: into updatcfmodification Detector
`routine 82 so that the Detector can perform its functions: (a)
`provide notification along 83!) to Waitor routine 92 (directly
`connected to the electronic presentation device 94 used by a
`customer), to interrupt a currently-ntnning presentation so
`that configuration or re-configuration can take place to
`Arrow 876 illustrates the How of database filesfrecords,
`update the customer presentation; and (b) notify, along
`and any modifications thereto, into the Configuring routine
`arrow 83:1, and trigger the Co