(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0265935 A1
`Woycik et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 15, 2007
`
`US 20070265935A1
`
`(54) COMPUTER-BASED ORDERING SYSTEM
`(75) Inventors: Thomas E. Woycik, Troy, MI (US);
`Charles W. Wheeler, Waterford, MI
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
`1000 TOWN CENTER
`TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
`SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075 (US)
`(73) Assignee: NEXTEP SYSTEMS, INC., Troy, MI
`(US)
`Appl. No.:
`11/742,770
`Filed:
`May 1, 2007
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/746,226, filed on May
`2, 2006. Provisional application No. 60/805,658, filed
`on Jun. 23, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06Q 30/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 705/26
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A computer-based ordering system for ordering goods and
`services includes a plurality of self-service client terminals
`and a server. Each self-service client terminal runs a self
`order application including a set of interactive menu screens
`having buttons that allow the customer to select and cus
`tomize products for the order. An administration tool appli
`cation communicates with the server to administer the
`self-service client terminals. The administration tool appli
`cation including a menu editor that enables the administrator
`to create and edit the interactive menu screens provided by
`the self-order application at the self-service client terminals.
`The menu editor accesses a library of menu templates
`containing predefined groupings of buttons, and uses the
`menu templates, as directed by the administrator, during
`creation and editing of the interactive menu screens.
`
`to N.
`
`Central
`Server
`
`22.
`
`20
`
`24
`
`24- customer
`
`Customer
`
`Customer
`
`| Store 1
`
`a
`Wireless, t
`f
`
`w
`
`6.
`
`3é
`- - - -,
`
`Server
`Client
`
`sell as
`
`s s
`Chain
`Operator
`
`23 &
`
`so
`
`|
`
`le
`
`Server
`Client -
`
`ra
`
`Client
`- - - - - m a
`
`|
`
`46
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`Renote
`Client
`
`20
`
`2O
`
`2d
`
`Cash
`Register
`27
`34
`
`CLOVER NETWORK 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 1 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`O
`
`N
`
`Central
`Server
`
`22
`
`20
`
`24
`
`24
`
`24
`
`Store 1
`
`O
`
`Customer
`
`customer
`
`s S)
`NS
`Chain
`Operator
`
`&
`
`/
`
`/12
`
`- - m a m up- - -
`Store 2
`3O
`
`-
`Wireless !
`1/
`
`36
`
`Server/
`Client
`
`40
`
`Remote
`Client
`
`20
`
`2O
`
`2O
`
`Server/
`Client
`
`le
`
`
`
`Client
`
`Cash
`Register
`
`Kitchen
`SCreen
`And/Or
`
`34.
`- H - - - - m r - - - - -
`
`Client
`
`Client
`
`Client
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 2 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`- so NetWork
`
`Connection
`
`
`
`O
`
`SS3
`
`
`
`Card
`Reader
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Cash/Coin
`Handler
`
`GO
`
`32
`
`2Z.
`
`
`
`Self-Order
`Application
`(Flash)
`Client (.NET)
`PC OS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Self-Order
`
`Admin Tool
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Client (.NET)
`Server/Database (.NET)
`PC OS
`Figure 3
`
`44
`
`44
`
`Central Server
`Online
`Web
`Order App. Admin Tool
`(Flash)
`(Flash)
`Web Server/DB (.NET)
`Server OS
`
`94.
`104
`
`od
`
`44
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 3 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`siste
`cricket
`
`
`
`fe
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 4 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`less greers seppers
`gas
`s
`
`401
`
`Figure 6
`
`
`
`to-
`
`Figure 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 5 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`isssssssse.
`
`ressee
`
`is
`
`st:8
`
`secrease feesiris
`
`sia Sijce
`
`4 o'
`
`Figure 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 6 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`22O
`
`List Kiosks:
`1) Status
`2) Permit
`Enable/Disable
`
`Login As
`Administrator
`
`2O
`
`Z 2.
`
`
`
`Display Main Menu
`26
`System
`Reports
`
`24
`System
`Status
`
`System
`Settings
`
`A CY
`22-2.
`NO.1
`tem
`Editor
`
`Menu
`Editor
`
`Z24
`
`Kiosk
`Editor
`
`232
`View and
`Print Reports
`
`Fig. 12
`
`Fig. 22
`
`
`
`Receipt Text
`Sales Tax %
`Service Fees
`Store ID
`Customer ID
`Language
`
`Zse
`
`
`
`Add/Remove Kiosks
`Edit Kiosk Profiles
`Specify Kiosk
`Parameters
`
`Figure 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 7 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`Edit end
`
`
`
`25
`
`2 St.
`
`s
`
`
`
`z
`axis
`2. &
`3) Figure 11
`2, -
`
`
`
`EXTER SYS3 say .
`
`. ) is soci
`
`of S
`
`See
`
`--- 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 8 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sle
`
`"Main Menu"
`Selected
`S8
`
`Return to
`Main Menu
`
`Display Menu
`Editor Main Screen
`
`26O
`
`
`
`
`
`"Edit items"
`Selected
`
`Display Edit
`items Screen
`
`2O4.
`
`Select
`Button Type
`
`"Add Menu"
`Selected
`
`"Edit Menu"
`Selected
`267
`
`
`
`Display Menu
`Details Screen
`
`
`
`Edit Menu
`Attributes
`
`Select
`Template
`
`
`
`Buttons
`Complete
`
`Figure 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 9 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`Quantity
`
`Select 1 of 3
`
`Button type = Quantity
`
`-- /
`
`34
`
`s
`
`Figure 15
`
`s
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`asses
`
`Select 1 of 6 Combo
`BANNER
`244/
`
`Button type = SelectOne
`
`Sel
`
`k Select Many of 12 Mod LNM
`344
`
`280/
`
`Figure 18
`
`
`
`Button type = SelectMany
`
`Figure 19
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 10 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`42. .."
`
`33
`
`selectone
`
`4-22
`
`422
`42.2"
`
`EuButton
`SELECTONE
`
`
`
`xester systs. AGM in raci.
`resis
`-
`
`".
`
`42C
`
`Figure 20
`
`- 4 St.
`
`45 cf.
`
`4. C.
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 11 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`Display item
`Editor Screen
`
`472
`"Add tem"
`Selected
`
`Add New
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`"Edit tem"
`Selected
`
`"Main Menu"
`Selected
`
`4.32
`
`Return to
`
`-
`
`Figure 22
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Display item
`Details Screen
`
`Edit tem
`Attributes
`
`478
`
`48O
`
`Updates/Patches to Software
`Stored on Remote Server
`
`Sgo
`
`Local Server Checks for
`Software Updates/Patches
`
`
`
`S32.
`
`Local Server Downloads
`Software Updates/Patches
`
`434
`
`Local Server installs
`Updates/Patches
`Applicable to Server
`
`S3t
`
`Local Server Pushes Client
`Software Updates/Patches to Y-938
`Client During Selected Times
`
`Client Installs Client
`Software Updates/Patches
`Figure 24
`
`94d
`
`
`
`
`
`so
`
`924.
`
`
`
`to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Place Media in
`Central Repository
`
`Local Server Checks
`Central Media Repository
`For New or Updated Files
`
`Local Server DOWnloads
`New/Updated Media Files
`
`Client Requires Use
`of a Media File
`
`Client Checks Local
`Server for Updates
`To Media File
`
`
`
`
`
`92.
`Client Uses
`Existing File
`
`File
`Updated
`
`
`
`614
`
`
`
`it
`
`Client Downloads
`Updated Media File
`from LOCal Server
`
`Client Uses Downloaded
`Media File
`Figure 23
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 12 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`92O
`
`Administrator Logs into Website
`Using URL. Through Kiosk
`
`S82.
`
`Web Server Launches
`installation Wizard
`
`LOCal Server Checks
`Remote Server for Changes
`To Customer interface
`
`installation Wizard
`S84 Downloads Files onto Kiosk
`
`Figure 25
`
`Remote/Client Places
`Customer Order
`
`Remote/Client Stores Order
`Data on Local Server
`
`
`
`COO
`
`Sq2
`
`SC4
`
`
`
`See
`
`Local Server Stores
`Order Data in Centralized
`Data Repository
`
`Run Kiosk Diagnostics
`
`S. 72
`
`474.
`
`List Kiosks that Failed
`In Exceptions List
`Figure 26
`
`CS
`
`Request for
`Data/Report Received
`
`6OO
`
`Remote Server Provides
`Data/Report
`
`Figure 28
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 13 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`Order Review $ 00000
`
`ot
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`t
`
`ext sea
`
`gresser
`
`giresses
`
`this is tiis give syiews sitext area.
`
`Chicken fajita
`Salsa Picate, Scur Crearn
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 14 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`AGREE
`
`- The name on the is must match the rare on the credit
`cars
`
`430 /
`
`Figure 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 15 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`pessºud HHOW
`
`LOH , ! (z ?a?ueno) `ºe
`
`?OG
`
`
`
`pesseld SSET
`
`·(Á??uenboraz
`
`000 LOH
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`zo?.^ (%\nuenb3,5u?s)00/ . "(K??uenb Ouaz)
`
`
`pessºud WELLIpassaud You - WHL
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 16 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`firei Systiss AEG,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2.
`
`Figure 34
`
`---------------
`xx's SS. - &isi.
`i.
`g
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 17 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 18 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`s
`
`Figure 37
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 19 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`RETURNING CUSTOMER PROVIDES
`CUSTOMER DENTIFICATION
`INFORMATION
`
`8402
`
`RECOGNITION SYSTEMPROCESSES
`CUSTOMER DENTIFICATION
`INFORMATION WITH A HASH FUNCTION
`
`r
`842
`
`DISCARD CUSTOMER DENTIFICATION u-844
`NFORMATION
`
`LOOK UP CUSTOMER IN TABLE OR
`DATABASE BASED ON HASH RESULT
`
`34t,
`
`Figure 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 15, 2007 Sheet 20 of 20
`
`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`
`
`Figure 40
`
`

`

`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`Nov. 15, 2007
`
`COMPUTER-BASED ORDERING SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi
`sional Application No. 60/746,226 filed on May 2, 2006.
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/805,658 filed on Jun. 23, 2006.
`0002 A portion of the disclosure of this patent document
`contains material which is subject to copyright protection.
`The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
`reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
`disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
`patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
`rights whatsoever.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`0003)
`1. Field of the Invention
`0004. This invention relates generally to computer-based
`systems used for ordering goods and services and, more
`particularly, to self-service terminals and software tools for
`administering self-service terminals.
`0005 2. Background Art
`0006 Point of Sale (POS) systems provide a means by
`which ordering and purchasing transactions can be carried
`out electronically at the store or other venue where the goods
`or services are supplied. Many of these POS systems are
`used by the merchants themselves to consummate transac
`tions with their customers. Other POS systems comprise
`self-service terminals that can be used directly by the
`customer to order goods, pay for them, or both. The POS
`system generally includes at a minimum a processor-based
`terminal device along with software running on the proces
`sor to carry out the functions of the terminal. One or more
`remote computers are typically connected to the terminal by,
`for example, a computer network or dialup telephone con
`nection to enable communication between the terminal and
`computer(s) for the purpose of carrying out the transaction
`(order, payment, etc.).
`0007 Self-service POS systems typically have a central
`computer acting as a server and one or more terminals which
`are the individual client units that are used by customers to
`input their orders. These terminals are often implemented as
`kiosks mounted to a floor via a base, or to a wall, or located
`on a counter or other raised surface. Each kiosk will include
`a computer display screen, possibly speakers for audio
`output, and one or more input devices such as a keyboard,
`key pad, or touch sensor overlaying the display screen.
`When a customer is interested in making a purchase, the
`kiosk allows customers to select products for purchase from
`those listed on the screen, submit an order for those prod
`ucts, and, in Some cases, pay for the order.
`0008 Self-service POS systems typically use a dedicated
`server to communicate to each self-service client terminal.
`The server can be a general purpose computer located
`Somewhere on the premises or remotely, and is programmed
`with software that is used to provide each client with product
`information for customer ordering. Changes to the products
`offered via the self-service terminals usually require access
`to and use of an administration program on the server using
`
`common input devices such as a keyboard and mouse to
`change the product offerings or information about those
`products (e.g., price).
`0009 Direct ordering of goods and services by customers
`can also be carried out using non-POS systems, such as
`Internet-based online ordering of goods from merchants for
`either pickup by the customer or delivery via shipment.
`These systems also commonly use a client-server topology
`to not only carry out the selection and ordering process, but
`also to complete payment for the goods.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`0010. It is an object of the invention to provide an
`improved computer-based ordering system for ordering
`goods and services.
`0011. The invention comprehends self-service terminals
`and software tools for administering self-service terminals.
`0012.
`In one approach to implementing a computer-based
`ordering system in accordance with the invention, a com
`puter-based ordering system for ordering goods and services
`comprises a self-service terminal for use by a customer to
`place an order. The self-service terminal includes a proces
`sor and a storage medium storing a self-order application.
`The self-order application provides a first user interface
`including a set of interactive menu screens having buttons
`that allow the customer to select and customize products for
`the order. The storage medium further stores an administra
`tion tool application for administering the self-service ter
`minal. The administration tool application provides a second
`user interface that can be accessed by the administrator to
`perform various administrative functions.
`0013 The administration tool application includes a
`menu editor. The menu editor enables the administrator to
`create and edit the interactive menu screens provided by the
`self-order application. The menu editor accesses a library of
`menu templates containing predefined groupings of buttons,
`and uses the menu templates, as directed by the administra
`tor, during creation and editing of the interactive menu
`SCCS.
`0014 Preferably, the self-service terminal further com
`prises a display screen having a touch screen for accepting
`user input. Accordingly, the customer interacts with the
`self-order application using the touch screen. Further, the
`administrator interacts with the administration tool applica
`tion using the touch screen.
`0015. In the approach described above, the self-service
`terminal includes a self-order application for use by cus
`tomers and includes an administrative tool application for
`use by administrators. It is appreciated that other approaches
`to implementing a computer-based ordering system in accor
`dance with the invention may involve a client/server envi
`rOnment.
`0016.
`In another approach to implementing a computer
`based ordering system in accordance with the invention, a
`computer-based ordering system for ordering goods and
`services includes a plurality of self-service client terminals
`for use by customers to place orders, and a server in
`communication with the plurality of self-service client ter
`minals. Each self-service client terminal runs a self-order
`application. An administration tool application is stored on
`
`

`

`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`Nov. 15, 2007
`
`a computer-readable storage medium. The administration
`tool application, when executed by a computer, communi
`cates with the server to administer the self-service client
`terminals. The administration tool application includes a
`menu editor that enables the administrator to create and edit
`the interactive menu screens provided by the self-order
`application at the self-service client terminals. The menu
`editor accesses a library of menu templates containing
`predefined groupings of buttons, and uses the menu tem
`plates, as directed by the administrator, during creation and
`editing of the interactive menu screens.
`0017. It is appreciated that the administrative tool appli
`cation could be located at a variety of places. For example,
`the administrative tool application may be located at the
`server. The server may also operate as an additional self
`service client terminal by running the self-order application
`while the server communicates with the plurality of self
`service client terminals in the background. Further, the
`administrative tool application may also be located at each
`client terminal to allow administration from any of the
`self-service client terminals. It is appreciated that there are
`many possible arrangements and the administrative tool
`application may be located at a variety of locations, includ
`ing a back office location or an offsite location provided that
`the administrative tool application is able to communicate
`with the server.
`0018. At the more detailed level, the invention compre
`hends a number of additional features. Different implemen
`tations may employ different combinations of the compre
`hended features, depending on the application of the system.
`0019. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
`library of menu templates includes a plurality of templates.
`Each template represents an interactive menu screen having
`buttons. The menu editor enables the administrator to,
`during creation/editing of an interactive menu screen, select
`a template for the interactive menu screen and associate
`functions with the buttons included on the selected template.
`0020. The association of functions with the buttons
`included on a selected template may involve several addi
`tional features which are part of the preferred embodiment
`of the invention. For example, associating functions with the
`buttons included on the selected template may include
`selecting a button type for a button, selecting associated text
`for a button, selecting an image overlay for a button, and/or
`selecting an item/product for a button. Further in this aspect,
`associating functions with the buttons included on the
`selected template may include selecting a quantity for the
`item/product for a button, or selecting a pricing option for
`the item/product for a button. In another aspect, associating
`functions with the buttons included on the selected template
`may include selecting a Subsequent menu screen for activa
`tion upon selection of a button by the customer. This creates
`a hierarchy of menus to guide the customer through the order
`process.
`0021. In addition to the various menu screen creating and
`editing, menu building, and administration tool related
`aspects of the invention described above, the invention also
`comprehends a variety of configurable button behaviors. For
`example, a template may be configured to allow selection of
`only a single button by the customer from a presented
`plurality of buttons. In another example, a template may be
`configured to allow selection of multiple buttons by a
`customer from a presented plurality of buttons.
`
`0022. The invention also comprehends special buttons.
`One example of a special button is a button including a
`plurality of sub-buttons to provide multiple selected states
`for the special button. Another example of a special button
`is a button that, upon selection thereof, causes selection of
`a predetermined set of a presented plurality of buttons.
`0023. In a computer-based ordering system, in certain
`situations, it is possible that orders from the self-service
`terminals could overwhelm the workers fulfilling the orders.
`The invention also comprehends an order governor for
`regulating the flow of orders, when needed.
`0024.
`In one approach to implementing a computer-based
`ordering system including an order governor in accordance
`with the invention, the system comprises a self-service
`terminal for use by customers to place orders. The self
`service terminal runs a self-order application. The system
`further comprises an order display device for receiving
`orders placed by customers and providing instructions to
`workers that fulfill the orders. A configurable order governor
`cooperates with the self-order application to regulate the
`flow of orders. The flow of orders is regulated by introducing
`a wait time between customer orders at the self-service
`terminal, as needed, based on the order governor configu
`ration.
`0025. It is appreciated that the order display device may
`take a variety of forms. For example, the order display
`device may be a video display Screen that displays instruc
`tions corresponding to received orders. In the alternative, the
`order display device may be a printer that prints instructions
`corresponding to received orders.
`0026.
`In an exemplary implementation of the order gov
`ernor, the order governor configuration includes a config
`urable value representing an average order fulfillment time.
`The wait time between customer orders is provided such that
`an order fulfillment backlog time stays below a predeter
`mined value. More specifically, in this example, the order
`fulfillment backlog time is increased by the average order
`fulfillment time upon the placement of an order, and is
`decreased with the passing of time.
`0027. In another contemplated approach for implement
`ing the order governor, the order governor configuration
`may include a plurality of configurable values representing
`order fulfillment time for the various products. In this
`approach, the order fulfillment backlog time is increased by
`an estimated order fulfillment time upon the placement of an
`order. This estimated order fulfillment time is based on the
`plurality of configurable values in the order governor con
`figuration and the selected products for the placed order.
`0028. In yet a further contemplated feature of the inven
`tion, computer-based ordering systems may recognize cus
`tomers through any one of many possible methods such as
`Swiping a customer loyalty card, reading an RFID tag,
`Swiping a credit card, or even through biometrics. Customer
`recognition allows the system to provide an enhanced cus
`tomer experience, for example, by allowing returning cus
`tomers to quickly order items ordered in the past without
`having to rebuild the order. A particular concern in customer
`recognition systems for computer-based ordering systems is
`that it is desirable, in certain circumstances, to recognize a
`customer without the need to store certain sensitive infor
`mation. For example, it may be desirable to recognize a
`
`

`

`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`Nov. 15, 2007
`
`customer when the customer Swipes a credit card; however,
`for some applications, it would be desirable to do this
`without storing sensitive customer information (for
`example, the credit card number).
`0029. The invention comprehends an approach to cus
`tomer recognition for use in computer-based ordering sys
`tems wherein the customer is recognized based on encoded
`or encrypted information obtained from a one-way hash
`function (the term “hash function” as used herein is intended
`to encompass one-way hash functions as well as any equiva
`lent algorithm that is very difficult to calculate in the reverse
`direction). For example, in an application where a customer
`credit card is swiped at the self-service terminal, the credit
`card number and/or other information fields obtained during
`the card Swipe are encoded or encrypted using a hash
`function.
`0030 The encoded or encrypted result from the hash
`function is used to lookup the customer in a table or
`database, and the credit card number and/or other informa
`tion fields obtained from the card Swiping may be immedi
`ately destroyed, and not retained by the self-service termi
`nal. The table or database where the customer is looked up
`may be stored, for example, at the local server for the
`ordering system. When the overall system includes a central
`server, for example, to coordinate multiple store locations,
`the table or database can be stored at the central server.
`Customer orders or other information that is to be retained
`to enhance the customer experience may be retained at the
`local server, and uploaded to the central server, for example,
`once per day. In the alternative, the ordering system could
`provide updates to the central server in real-time throughout
`the day.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0031
`FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary self-service order
`ing system made in accordance with the invention;
`0032 FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary kiosk of the order
`ing System;
`0033 FIG. 3 illustrates the various software layers run
`ning on the client kiosks, client/server kiosk, and central
`server in the exemplary self-service ordering system;
`0034 FIG. 4 depicts a sandwich selection screen pro
`vided by the self-order application running on a kiosk in the
`exemplary self-ordering system;
`0035 FIG. 5 depicts a succeeding screen in which a first
`set of options for a selected sandwich are provided;
`0.036
`FIG. 6 depicts a subsequent screen in which addi
`tional options for the sandwich are provided, including the
`use of less/normal/more overlay buttons;
`0037 FIG. 7 depicts a subsequent screen in which addi
`tional options, in this case for a hamburger, are provided,
`including the use of none/normal/extra overlay buttons;
`0038 FIG. 8 depicts a subsequent screen to the screen
`shown in FIG. 7, where the American Cheese overlay
`buttons have been eliminated and new overlay buttons are
`displayed on the tomato button;
`0.039
`FIG. 9 depicts another subsequent screen to the
`screen shown in FIG. 7, where additional cheese has been
`selected;
`
`0040 FIG. 10 illustrates the initial display screen of the
`administrative tool and also illustrates the main menu
`including selectable options;
`0041
`FIG. 11 depicts a menu editor screen of the admin
`istrative tool which allows an administrator to create and
`edit the screens or menus that customers see in the self-order
`application running on a kiosk;
`0042 FIG. 12 illustrates a method of editing menus using
`the menu editor;
`0043 FIG. 13 depicts a menu details screen of the
`administrative tool which provides editable menu attributes
`including the menus template;
`0044 FIG. 14 shows a Quantity menu template:
`004.5
`FIG. 15 shows a Select 1 of 3 menu template:
`0046 FIG. 16 shows a Select 1 of 3 Review menu
`template;
`0047 FIG. 17 shows a Select 1 of 6 Combo menu
`template;
`0.048
`FIG. 18 shows a Select Many of 12 Modifier Check
`menu template;
`0049 FIG. 19 shows a Select Many of 12 Modifier
`Less/Normal/More menu template:
`0050 FIG. 20 depicts an edit items screen of the admin
`istrative tool which enables the editing of characteristics of
`each individual button on a menu:
`0051
`FIG. 21 depicts an item/product editor screen of the
`administrative tool which enables the editing of the indi
`vidual items/products for sale;
`0052 FIG. 22 illustrates a method of editing items/
`products with the item/product editor;
`0053 FIG. 23 illustrates a method of updating local
`servers and clients with a common set of media from a
`central server;
`0054 FIG. 24 illustrates a method of updating software
`on and providing software patches to local servers and
`clients from a remote server;
`0.055
`FIG. 25 illustrates a method of remote administra
`tion of local servers and clients to edit the customer interface
`configuration;
`0056 FIG. 26 illustrates a method of remotely diagnos
`ing a kiosk,
`0057 FIG. 27 illustrates a method of installing a new
`kiosk (or restoring a kiosk) using a web installation service
`provided by a remote server;
`0058 FIG. 28 illustrates a method of using a remote
`server to provide a central data repository for customer
`and/or order data, and to provide consolidated reporting:
`0059 FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative order review tem
`plate;
`0060 FIG. 30 illustrates the resulting screen display for
`the alternative order review template of FIG. 29;
`0061
`FIG. 31 illustrates an age verification template for
`the sale of age restricted products;
`
`

`

`US 2007/0265935 A1
`
`Nov. 15, 2007
`
`0062 FIG. 32 illustrates the resulting screen display for
`the age verification template of FIG. 31:
`0063 FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative quantity button
`including less/more overlay Sub-buttons and an overlaid
`number count;
`0064 FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative administrative
`tool Main Menu screen, wherein the Kiosk Editor button has
`been replaced with a Void Order button;
`0065 FIG.35 illustrates a Systems Settings screen that is
`accessible from the Main Menu screen shown in FIG. 34:
`0.066
`FIG. 36 illustrates a Void Order screen that is
`accessible from the Main Menu screen shown in FIG. 34:
`0067 FIG. 37 illustrates a wait screen displayed by the
`self-order application when the order governor is enabled
`and the order fulfillment backlog time is greater than a
`predetermined value;
`0068 FIG. 38 illustrates a Systems Settings screen that
`includes a configurable value for maximum orders per
`minute that is used by the order governor in the exemplary
`order governor implementation;
`0069 FIG. 39 illustrates an approach to customer recog
`nition for use in computer-based ordering systems wherein,
`in accordance with the invention, the customer is recognized
`based on a hash result, and
`0070 FIG. 40 illustrates a customer recognition screen
`displayed by the self-order application when a returning
`customer is recognized.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`FIG. 1 shows an exemplary self-service ordering
`0071
`system 10 constructed in accordance with the invention as it
`might be used by a chain of quick-service restaurants. The
`system 10 includes two store locations 12, 14 each having a
`plurality of kiosks arranged in a client-server configuration.
`In each store, the local (on-site) server 16 is connected to the
`Internet 18 which allows remote access by the restaurant
`chain operator 20 and enables the local server 16 to access
`a central server 22 for software and media updates. This
`Internet connection also makes possible use of the local
`server 16 for receiving online customer orders from cus
`tomers 24. In general, a single store location will include at
`least one local server 16 and at least one client kiosk 30. In
`a more typical configuration Such as is shown for Store 1
`(store location 12), the store location will include a single
`server 16, multiple client kiosks 30, a cash register 32 (for
`cash, credit card, debit card, bar code card, or other payment
`means), and possibly a kitchen build screen or printer 34 for
`use by the food preparers in making and/or aggregating the
`food items for a particular order. The store location might
`also include one or more remote clients 36 (e.g., for ordering
`outside the store, but in a nearby location Such as a drive
`through kiosk, or at a kiosk located elsewhere in the same
`mall in which the store is located).
`0072. As indicated in FIG. 1, rather than using a dedi
`cated “back room’ computer as the local server, one of the
`kiosks 16 is used both as a client to permit customer entry
`of orders and as the local server to interface to the Internet
`18 and to respond to requests from the local client kiosks 30.
`
`This is accomplished by providing separate client and server
`software both on a single one of the kiosks 16. The client
`software allows customer ordering of the food products
`available at the store. The server software interfaces with the
`client application on that same kiosk 16 as well as the other
`local kiosks 30 to provide them with the user interface (e.g.,
`food ordering menus with their graphics and audio), and to
`receive orders from the client kiosks 30 and supply them to
`the kitchen screen/printer 34 as well as to the cash register
`32 for payment by the customer.
`0073. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the
`client software is a computer program that is accessed by the
`user via a user interface application written using a multi
`media authoring program. For customer ordering of food
`items, the user interface application is a self-order applica
`tion that displays a graphic-intensive user interface that
`allows the customer to select and customize the desired food
`items, specify quantity, options, etc. Additionally, the local
`server kiosk 16 further includes an administrative tool
`comprising a second user interface application that can be
`accessed by the administrator to perform various adminis
`trative functions such as configuring kiosks, creating and
`editing menus and available food items, and specifying tax
`and payment features of th