Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 1 of 23
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 1 of 23
`
`EXHIBIT A
`EXHIBIT A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`( 12 ) United States Patent
`McNally
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`( 10 ) Patent No .:
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`US011276130B2
`
`( 54 ) INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND
`SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS
`SYSTEM
`( 71 ) Applicant : Ameranth , Inc. , San Diego , CA ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Keith R. McNally , San Diego , CA
`( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : Ameranth , Inc. , San Diego , CA ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`( * ) Notice :
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No .: 17 / 086,181
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Oct. 30 , 2020
`( 65 )
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2021/0065318 A1
`Mar. 4 , 2021
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 15 / 688,198 , filed on
`Aug. 28 , 2017 , now Pat . No. 10,970,797 , which is a
`( Continued )
`
`( 63 )
`
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`G06Q 50/12
`G06Q 10/02
`
`( 2012.01 )
`( 2012.01 )
`( Continued )
`
`( 52 ) U.S. CI .
`CPC
`
`G06Q 50/12 ( 2013.01 ) ; G06Q 10/02
`( 2013.01 ) ; G06Q 30/0621 ( 2013.01 ) ;
`( Continued )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`G06Q 50/12 ; G06Q 10/02
`CPC
`( Continued )
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,530,067 A
`5,003,472 A
`
`7/1985 Dorr
`3/1991 Perrill et al .
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`GB
`
`10/2005
`0779759 B1
`5/1988
`2196766 A
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Luna Champagne
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm
`John L. Rogitz
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`An information management and synchronous communica
`tions system and method facilitates database equilibrium and
`synchronization with wired , wireless , and Web - based sys
`tems , user - friendly and efficient generation of computerized
`menus and reservations with handwritten / voice modifica
`tions for restaurants and other applications that utilize equip
`ment with nonstandard graphical formats , display sizes
`and / or applications for use in remote data entry , information
`management and communication with host computer , digital
`input device or remote pager via standard hardwired con
`nection , the internet , a wireless link , printer , or the like .
`Various operations employing automated telephone calls
`and / or messaging may , for instance , be performed . For
`example , desired reservation and / or appointment informa
`tion may be automatically converted and conveyed to one or
`more entities via automated telephone call and / or messag
`ing . As another example , information regarding reservation
`acceptability may be received and automatically converted
`via automated telephone can and / or messaging . Telephones
`may , for instance , be the only equipment required by the
`entities .
`
`3 Claims , 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 2 of 23
`
`2POS - Menu Explorer
`Fle Edit
`View Hen
`
`Modifier
`OCESE
`CHOMENTS
`DRESSIG
`HEAT TEPERATURE
`PREPARED
`QUAMIY
`VEGETABLES
`
`dienu
`3 Appetizers
`Desserts
`ma Drinks
`#Entrees
`#Chicken
`w Red Meat
`#
`BEEF TOUNEDO
`BO AMB
`& MY STRIP
`OVBETIBLES
`am EAT TENPERATURE
`MED RARE
`Sub Modifier
`@ WAL
`CINO
`MENN
`EXTRA
`La El
`SIDE
`EN SCALOPPN
`Seafood
`Solods
`Sandwiches
`Soups
`Ready
`
`VENU TREE
`
`3
`7 .
`
`Code
`1107
`1084
`40183
`3481
`1466
`WS
`
`Code
`
`Price
`0
`
`0
`0
`0
`V
`
`Display
`NO
`EXTRA
`SOE
`
`5
`
`MODHERS
`2007
`
`SU
`MODIFERS
`DOW
`
`

`

`US 11,276,130 B2
`Page 2
`
`a
`
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2012.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2018.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`continuation of application No. 14 / 276,948 , filed on
`May 13 , 2014 , now Pat . No. 9,747,651 , which is a
`continuation of application No. 14 / 265,519 , filed on
`Apr. 30 , 2014 , now abandoned , which is a continu
`ation of application No. 11 / 190,633 , filed on Jul . 26 ,
`2005 , now Pat . No. 9,009,060 .
`( 51 ) Int . Cl .
`H04M 3/493
`H04W 99/00
`G06Q 30/06
`H04L 29/06
`H04W 4/00
`H04W 88/02
`( 52 ) U.S. CI .
`G06Q 30/0623 ( 2013.01 ) ; G06Q 30/0641
`CPC
`( 2013.01 ) ; G06Q 30/0643 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04L
`63/083 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04M 3/4938 ( 2013.01 ) ;
`H04W 99/00 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04M 2201/60
`( 2013.01 ) ; H04M 2203/1058 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04M
`2203/2016 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 4/00 ( 2013.01 ) ;
`H04W 88/02 ( 2013.01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`USPC
`705/15
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`
`( 56 )
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,510,979 A
`5,721,827 A
`5,724,069 A
`5,802,526 A
`5,845,263 A
`5,912,743 A
`5,948,040 A
`5,969,968 A
`5,974,238 A
`5,991,739 A
`6,038,545 A
`6,058,373 A
`6,107,944 A
`6,167,255 A
`6,208,976 B1
`6,219,696 B1
`
`4/1996 Moderi et al .
`2/1998 Logan et al .
`3/1998 Chen
`9/1998 Fawcett et al .
`12/1998 Camaisa et al .
`6/1999 Kinebuchi et al .
`9/1999 DeLorme et al .
`10/1999 Pentel
`10/1999 Chase
`11/1999 Cupps et al .
`3/2000 Mandeberg et al .
`5/2000 Blinn et al .
`8/2000 Behr et al .
`12/2000 Kennedy et al .
`3/2001 Kinebuchi et al .
`4/2001 Wynblatt et al .
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 3 of 23
`
`6,301,564 B1
`6,341,316 B1
`6,356,543 B2
`6,366,650 B1
`6,415,138 B2
`6,421,717 B1
`6,425,524 B2
`6,435,406 B1
`6,553,412 B1
`6,594,347 B1
`6,604,087 B1
`6,779,042 B1
`6,823,373 B1
`6,839,744 B1
`6,865,261 B1
`6,880,750 B2
`6,920,431 B2
`6,973,437 B1
`7,000,032 B2
`7,069,228 B1
`7,181,410 B1
`7,234,640 B2
`7,945,477 B2
`2001/0047264 A1
`2001/0047302 A1
`2002/0055351 A1
`2002/0073234 A1
`2002/0123913 A1 *
`
`10/2001 Halverson
`1/2002 Kloba et al .
`3/2002 Hall et al .
`4/2002 Rhie et al .
`7/2002 Sirola et al .
`7/2002 Kloba et al .
`7/2002 Pentel
`8/2002 Pentel
`4/2003 Kloba et al .
`7/2003 Calder et al .
`8/2003 Kolls
`8/2004 Kloba et al .
`11/2004 Pancha et al .
`1/2005 Kloba et al .
`3/2005 Rao et al .
`4/2005 Pentel
`7/2005 Showghi et al .
`12/2005 Olewicz et al .
`2/2006 Kloba et al .
`6/2006 Rose et al .
`2/2007 Jones et al .
`6/2007 Pentel
`5/2011 Werbitt
`11/2001 Roundtree
`11/2001 Yoshinaga et al .
`5/2002 Elsey et al .
`6/2002 Ma
`9/2002 Butterly
`9/2002 Cogen
`2002/0138350 A1
`2002/0152101 A1 10/2002 Lawson et al .
`2002/0178034 A1 * 11/2002 Gardner
`
`2002/0184618 Al
`2003/0050854 A1
`2003/0051070 Al
`2003/0067494 A1
`2003/0107588 A1
`2003/0208386 A1
`2004/0125940 A1 *
`
`12/2002 Bala et al .
`3/2003 Showghi et al .
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`4/2003 Burns
`6/2003 Elsbree et al .
`11/2003 Brondrup
`7/2004 Turcan
`
`2011/0202370 A1
`2013/0090959 A1
`2013/0275164 Al
`2013/0282516 A1
`
`8/2011 Green et al .
`4/2013 Kvamme et al .
`10/2013 Gruber et al .
`10/2013 McCartney et al .
`
`G06Q 10/025
`705/6
`
`GO6Q 10/02
`705/5
`
`H04M 3/5183
`379 / 265.13
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1998020434 A2
`WO
`1998041936 A1
`WO
`* cited by examiner
`
`5/1998
`9/1998
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`MONES 100W
`
`FIG.1
`
`FIERS WINDOW
`SUB MOD
`
`6 9
`
`5
`
`8
`
`Price 0 0 0 0 U 0 0
`
`Code 1107 1984 1004 4083 3481 1466 4486
`
`Display NO EXTRA SVE
`
`Code 3241 3242 3243
`
`CONDIMENTS
`CHEESE
`
`Modifier
`
`
`MEAT TEMPERATURE
`PREPARED
`
`DRESSING
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 4 of 23
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Edit View Help EPOS - Menu Explorer File
`
`BEEF
`
`w Red Meat
`
`Desserts
`B Appetizers
`Menu
`B Drinks
`
`
`
`Sub Modifier
`
`RARE VED
`WELL
`
`
`
`HENU TREE
`
`Ready
`
`B
`$
`
`3 7
`
`EXTRA
`SIDE
`
`NO
`
`QUANINY
`
`TOURNEDO VEGETABLES
`BB LAMB D NY SIRP VEGETABLES WEAT TE PERATURE MED
`MEDIUM
`UMRE
`. WELL
`Salads Sandwiches Soups
`SCALOPPN Seafood
`Chicken
`E VEL
`Entrees
`A 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`X
`
`10
`
`?
`
`11
`
`Modifier
`Long Name :
`Short Name :
`Code :
`Price :
`
`0
`
`OK
`
`Cancel
`
`Browse
`
`FIG.2
`
`Menu Category
`Long Name :
`Short Name :
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 5 of 23
`
`OK
`
`Cancel
`
`Browse
`
`FIG.3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`12
`
`X
`
`
`
`Prep Time :
`12
`
`12.95
`Price :
`
`5612
`Code :
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Flame broiled brandy marinated Tender Chicken Breast topped
`
`
`
`Spices include lemon pepper , paprika , ginger .
`
`
`
`
`
`with steamed with a creamy cilantro sauce . Served broccoli , carrots and zucchini .
`
`
`
`
`Chicken Alaska
`Long Name :
`
`
`
`Menu Item
`
`
`
`Short Name :
`ChxAls
`
`Recipe
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 6 of 23
`
`Browse
`
`Cancel
`
`OK
`
`FIG.4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`-13
`X
`
`
`
`Selected Columns Name Code Price
`
`Cancel
`
`OK
`
`Insert >>
`
`<< Remove
`
`Move Up
`
`
`
`Move Down
`
`FIG.5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Select Columns Format Columns Select Filter Select Sort Select Style
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 7 of 23
`
`
`
`Available Columns :
`Name Display Image Code Price
`
`Customize
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`14
`
`X9A
`
`?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`File View Log File Simulate Restaurant - Wireless Traffic Cont ... Print Log
`
`
`
`-Message log
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 8 of 23
`
`FIG.6
`
`
`
`Waiting for message
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`-15
`
`16
`
`X
`
`
`
`Tb167 5st 2 Drinks Entrees
`
`Dessert
`
`
`
`Choose Item :
`App
`
`Soups
`
`Sdwch
`
`Salads
`
`PAY
`
`VIEW
`ORDER
`CHECKS
`Login
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 9 of 23
`
`POSce - System
`
`FIG.7
`
`Browse
`
`Cancel
`
`OK
`
`MODS
`
`PAGE
`
`PREY
`
`
`
`REMOVE LAST
`
`2
`
`
`
`
`
`Select Guest to Order for .
`
`Direction : MAIN
`
`1
`
`
`
`Last Selection
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`2 : 370
`
`
`
`Ameranth Wireless
`
`lemon
`IM
`
`OK
`
`Cancell Clear
`
`This is an example of the ordering
`
`
`" Literal Screen " .
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 10 of 23
`
`FIG . 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`
`
`ordering On - line reservations • On - line waitisting On - line
`On - line
`
`
`
`Web Links
`
`318 MHz
`
`Ethernet
`
`
`POS Interface 15+ POS
`Partners
`
`Web
`Hub
`
`setup
`• Walt Ast
`
`Wireless Hub
`
`reports / coordination
`Frequent austomer On - line
`
`Middleware Communications Controller Linked
`Ameranth
`
`Frequent Customers
`Databases • Com
`. Reservations
`Ethernet
`
`Tech Paging
`Other PC based systems
`
`PadLink Table
`Status
`Spectrum24
`
`Spectrum24
`
`27MHZ 318 MHz
`
`with Spectrum24 card
`
`Fixed POS stations
`
`
`2700 for valet parking
`2700 for Manager Inventory Scanning
`
`2700 for wireless POS
`
`2700
`
`for hostess stration
`
`AMERANTH FIG . 9
`
`
`WIRELESS SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS
`
`
`
`Ameranth 21st Century Communications Integration
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 11 of 23
`
`
`
`WAN Wireless Growth in 2000+
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 15 , 2022
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`reports / coordination
`Frequent Customer On - line
`
`ordering On - line reservations On - line
`waltlisting On - line
`On - line
`
`Tone Recognition
`Messaging Text Messaging Text To Volan , Yoice To Text Touch
`
`Communication Conversions ag . Instant
`
`
`318 MHZ
`
`Web Links
`Web Hub
`
`with Spectrum24 card
`
`Fixed POS statians
`
`
`2700 for valet parking
`for Manager Inventory Scanning
`
`2700
`
`2700 for wireless POS / gaming
`
`2700 for hostess station
`
`Fig . 10
`
`PadLink Table
`Status
`802.11
`
`802.11
`
`27MHZ 318 MHz
`
`
`
`Linked Databases
`
`
`
`
`
`Ameranth 21st Century Communications Integration With " Conversion
`Technologies
`
`Ethernet
`
`
`
`PMS / POS Interfaces
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 12 of 23
`
`
`
`WAN Wireless Growth in 2000+
`
`Ameranth Middleware / Framework Communications Controller
`
`Communications Conversions
`
`
`
`. Com setup Wait
`
`
`
`Wireless Hub
`
`
`
`Jitesh paging
`
`Customers Reservations Appointments
`list Frequent
`Ethemet
`Other PC based systems
`
`

`

`US 11,276,130 B2
`
`1
`2
`gate have resulted in limited acceptance of PDA type
`INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND
`devices in the restaurant and hospitality fields .
`SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS
`Many of the negatives prevalent in earlier devices have
`SYSTEM
`been eliminated , but , to date , there is still no integrated
`The present application is a continuation - in - part of appli- 5 solution to the ordering / waitlist / reservation problem dis
`cussed above . With the advent of the Palm® and other
`cation Ser . No. 14 / 112,990 , filed Apr. 22 , 2005 , which is a
`handheld wireless devices , however , the efforts to make such
`continuation of application Ser . No. 10 / 016,517 , filed Nov.
`devices ubiquitous have begun to bear fruit at least in some
`1 , 2001 , which is a continuation - in - part of application Ser .
`areas , e.g. , personal calendars . However , substantial use of
`No. 09 / 400,413 , filed Sep. 21 , 1999 ( now U.S. Pat . No.
`6,384,850 ) . The contents of application Ser . No. 11 / 112,990 , 10 such devices in the restaurant and hospitality context has not
`occurred to date . As discussed above , at least one of the
`application Ser . No. 10 / 016,517 , and application Ser . No.
`reasons PDAs have not been quickly assimilated into the
`09 / 400,413 are incorporated herein by reference .
`restaurant and hospitality industries is that their small dis
`play sizes are not readily amenable to display of menus as
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`15 they are commonly printed on paper or displayed on , e.g. ,
`large , color desktop computer screens . Another reason is that
`This invention relates to an information management and
`software for fully realizing the potential for wireless hand
`synchronous communications system and method for gen
`held computing devices has not previously been available .
`eration of computerized menus for restaurants and other
`Such features would include fast and automatic synchroni
`applications with specialized display and synchronous com- 20 zation between a central database and multiple handheld
`munications requirements related to , for example , the use of
`devices , synchronization and communication between a
`equipment or software with non - PC - standard graphical for-
`World Wide Web ( “ Web ” ) server and multiple handheld
`mats , display sizes and / or applications for use in remote data
`devices , a well - defined application program interface
`entry , information management and synchronous communi-
`( “ API ” ) that enables third parties such as point of sale
`cation between host computer , digital input device or remote 25 ( “ POS ” ) companies , affinity program companies and inter
`pager via standard hardwired connection , the internet , a
`net content providers to fully integrate with computerized
`hospitality applications , real - time communication over the
`wireless link , smart phone or the like .
`internet with direct connections or regular modem dialup
`connections and support for batch processing that can be
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`30 done periodically throughout the day to keep multiple sites
`While computers have dramatically altered many aspects
`in synch with the central database . A single point of entry for
`all hospitality applications to communicate with one another
`of modern life , pen and paper have prevailed in the hospi-
`tality industry , e.g. , for restaurant ordering , reservations and
`wirelessly has also previously been unavailable . Such a
`wait - list management , because of their simplicity , ease of
`single point of entry would work to keep all wireless
`training and operational speed . For example , ordering pre- 35 handheld devices and linked Web sites in synch with the
`pared foods has historically been done verbally , either
`backoffice server ( central database ) so that the different
`directly to a waiter or over the telephone , whereupon the
`components are in equilibrium at any given time and an
`placed order is recorded on paper by the recipient or
`overall consistency is achieved . For example , a reservation
`instantly filled .
`made online would be automatically communicated to the
`Although not previously adapted for wide - scale use in the 40 backoffice server and then synchronized with all the wireless
`hospitality industry , various forms of digital wireless com-
`handheld devices wirelessly . Similarly , changes made on
`munication devices are in common use , e.g. , digital wireless
`any of the wireless handheld devices would be reflected
`messengers and pagers . Also in common use are portable
`instantaneously on the backoffice server , Web pages and the
`laptop and handheld devices . However , user - friendly infor-
`other handheld devices .
`mation management and communication capability not 45
`For the foregoing reasons , paper - based ordering , waitlist
`requiring extensive computer expertise has not heretofore
`and reservations management have persisted in the face of
`been available for use in everyday life such as for restaurant
`widespread computerization in practically all areas of com
`ordering , reservations and wait - list management . Hundreds
`merce . At most , computerization of these functions has been
`of millions of dollars have been spent on personal digital
`largely limited to fixed computer solutions , i.e. , desktop or
`assistant ( “ PDA ” ) development seeking to produce a small , 50 mainframe , because of the problems heretofore faced in
`light - weight and inexpensive device that could be adapted to
`configuring wireless handheld devices and maintaining data
`such uses ; yet none have yielded a satisfactory solution .
`base synchronization for such applications . Specifically , the
`One of the inherent shortcomings of PDA type devices is
`unavailability of any simple technique for creating restau
`that , as they strive for small size , low weight and low cost ,
`rant menus and the like for use in a limited display area
`they must compromise the size and clarity of the operator , 55 wireless handheld device or that is compatible with ordering
`display medium interface itself , which in most cases is one
`over the Internet has prevented widespread adoption of
`of a variety of LCD ( liquid crystal display ) type devices . As
`computerization in the hospitality industry . Without a viable
`the size of the display shrinks , the amount of information
`solution for this problem , organizations have not made the
`that may be displayed at any one point or time is commen-
`efforts or investments to establish automated interfaces to
`surately decreased , typically requiring multiple screens and 60 handheld and Web site menus and ordering options .
`displays to display information to the operator . This reduces
`A principal object of the present invention is to provide an
`the overall utility of the device . Additionally , the smaller
`improved information management and synchronous com
`display and keyboard results in a non - optimal operator
`munications system and method which facilitates user
`interface , which slows down operation and is thus unaccept-
`friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus for
`able for the time criticality of ordering , reservation and 65 restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment
`wait - list management and other similar applications . This
`with non - PC - standard graphical formats , display sizes and /
`necessitates many design compromises which in the aggre-
`or applications .
`
`a
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`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 13 of 23
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`US 11,276,130 B2
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`3
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`software and the combined message can be sent to a res
`A further object of the present invention is to provide an
`taurant point of sale ( POS ) system , printer or / or display
`improved information management and synchronous com-
`system . This unique operator interface enables universal
`munications system and method which provides for entry ,
`languages and an unlimited set of information to be manu
`management and communication of information from the
`operator as well as to and from another computer , Web page 5 ally communicated and exchanged . The resultant combined
`menu , remote digital device using a standard hardwired
`message of one or more fixed indications selected from a
`menu of a device such as a hand - held , and dynamic hand
`connection , the internet or a wireless link .
`A further object of the present invention is to provide an
`written messages and / or data provides an even more pow
`erful tool than either modality used independently .
`improved information management and synchronous com
`munications system which is small , affordable and light- 10
`For example a restaurant server taking a drink order could
`weight yet incorporates a user - friendly operator interface
`select from a menu of her hand - held device's screen " Iced
`and displays menus in a readily comprehensible format .
`Tea ” , and then manually write in the literal screen of her
`A further object of the present invention is to provide a
`hand - held “ with lemon " as shown in FIG . 8. The manually
`synchronous information management and communications
`written information could , for example , be printed or dis
`system which enables automatic updating of both wireless 15 played in front of a bartender preparing the drink order . The
`indication " Iced Tea ” as selected from a menu of the
`and Internet menu systems when a new menu item is added ,
`hand - held would also be presented to the bartender , perhaps
`modified or deleted from any element of the system .
`by printing and / or screen display . The server can also select
`any printer from within the hospitality establishment directly
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`20 from the operator interface on the screen of the hand - held
`and have either the order or the receipt printed out where it
`The foregoing and other objects of the present invention
`is most convenient and efficient .
`are provided by a synchronous information management and
`communications system and method optimized for simplic-
`Similarly , a server taking a drink order could select from
`ity of operation which incorporates menu generation for
`a menu of her hand - held device's screen “ Iced Tea " , and
`creation of menus to be used with wireless remote handheld 25 then record the voice message “ with lemon ” using her
`computer and PDA devices , the Internet or any application
`hand - held device integral microphone . The recorded infor
`where simple and efficient generation of menus is appropri-
`mation could , for example , be played on a speaker attached
`ate . The menu generation approach of the present invention
`to a computer , POS system , or the like located near the
`includes a desktop software application that enables the
`bartender or chef preparing the order . The indication “ Iced
`rapid creation and building of a menu and provides a means 30 Tea ” as selected from a menu of the hand - held would also
`to instantly download the menu configuration onto , e.g. , a
`be presented to the bartender / chef , perhaps by printing
`handheld device or Web page and to seamlessly interface
`and / or screen display . Both the literal screen capture method
`with standard point of sale ( “ POS ” ) systems to enable
`and the voice recorded message method combine the power
`automatic database updates and communication exchanges
`of automatic fixed menu generation with the expanded
`when a change or input occurs in any of the other system 35 flexibility to resolve operational issues that exist throughout
`elements . To solve the above and other related problems , an
`the hospitality market without this innovative solution .
`information management and communications system is
`Additionally , in certain embodiments , hand - writing and
`provided which results in a dramatic reduction in the amount
`voice recognition technologies can be utilized to convert the
`of time , and hence cost , to generate and maintain comput-
`manual operator inputs into appropriate text messages which
`erized menus for , e.g. , restaurants and other related appli- 40 can be combined with the computer generated menu options
`cations that utilize non - PC - standard graphical formats , dis-
`to convey the combined information to , for example , a
`play sizes or applications .
`bartender or chef .
`The menu generation approach of the present invention
`Similarly , hand - held devices can link the above innova
`has many advantages over previous approaches in solving
`tions to individual customers at specific tables through a
`the problem of converting paper - based menus or Windows® 45 graphical user interface on the hand - held screen that assigns
`PC - based menu screens to small PDA - sized displays and
`each customer a number within a table . For example , table
`Web pages . In one embodiment , the present invention is a
`20 might have 6 customers ( 1-6 ) and each customer has a
`software tool for building a menu , optimizing the process of
`different order , By enabling the linkage of the orders to
`how the menu can be downloaded to either a handheld
`specific customer positions within the table and accessible
`device or Web page , and making manual or automatic 50 from the hand - held screen , the servers can easily track and
`link the specific orders to the specific customers .
`modifications to the menu after initial creation .
`Manual modifications to the generated menus include
`The use of wireless handheld devices in the restaurant and
`handwritten screen captures and / or voice recorded message
`hospitality industry is becoming increasingly pervasive as
`captures coupled with the standard menus and modifiers
`restaurant owners and managers become more aware of the
`generated according to standard choices . Such manual modi- 55 benefits . With the proper wireless handheld system in place ,
`fications enable an extremely rapid and intuitive interface to
`restaurants can experience increased table turns from
`enhance operations and further optimize the overall operator
`improved server productivity and shorter order taking and
`interface . This approach solves a long - standing , operational
`check paying times . Restaurants and POS companies seek
`issue in restaurant / hotel / casino food / drink ordering when
`ing to provide a wireless handheld interface to their desktop
`customers want something unusual and not anticipated and 60 based POS systems or a Web page equivalent face several
`available through normal computerized selections . As seen
`challenges . These challenges include building a menu using
`in FIG . 8 , the operator screen on the hand - held can capture
`their existing database and transferring the menu onto hand
`handwritten information specific to a customers requests
`held devices or Web pages that will interface with servers
`directly on the touch - sensitive screen of the wireless com-
`wirelessly or to restaurants / customers over the internet . The
`puting device . This additional information can then be 65 menu generation approach of the present invention is the
`coupled with the fixed menu and modifier information
`first coherent solution available to accomplish these objec
`generated automatically from the hospitality application
`tives easily and allows one development effort to produce
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`a
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`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 1-3 Filed 12/09/22 Page 14 of 23
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`US 11,276,130 B2
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`15
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`5
`6
`FIG . 7 is a schematic representation of a point of sale
`both the handheld and Web page formats , link them with the
`interface on a wireless handheld device for use in displaying
`existing POS systems , and thus provides a way to turn a
`page menus created in conformity with a preferred embodi
`complicated , time - consuming task into a simple process .
`ment of the present invention .
`The information management and synchronous commu-
`FIG . 8 is an example of a literal , hand - written screen
`nications system of the present invention features include 5
`according to embodiments of the present invention .
`fast synchronization between a central database and multiple
`FIG . 9 is an exemplary system diagram relating to
`handheld devices , synchronization and communication
`embodiments of the present invention .
`between a Web server and multiple handheld devices , a
`FIG . 10 is a further exemplary system diagram relating to
`well - defined API that enables third parties such as POS
`a
`companies , affinity program companies and internet content 10 embodiments of the present invention .
`providers to fully integrate with computerized hospitality
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`applications , real - time communication over the internet with
`INVENTION
`direct connections or regular modem dialup connections and
`support for batch processing that can be done periodically
`Most personal computers today run under an operating
`throughout the day to keep multiple sites in synch with the
`system that provides a graphical user interface ( “ GUI ” ) for
`central database .
`accessing user applications . A GUI is used in the preferred
`embodiment of the present invention . Through an interface
`The communication module also provides a single point
`of windows , pull - down menus , and toolbars , GUI operating
`of entry for all hospitality applications , e.g. , reservations ,
`frequent customer ticketing , wait lists , etc. to communicate 20 systems have simplified PCs and have rendered computer
`with one another wirelessly and over the Web . This com-
`technology more user friendly by eliminating the need to
`munication module is a layer that sits on top of any com-
`memorize keyboard entry sequences . In addition , GUIS
`munication protocol and acts as an interface between hos-
`allow users to manipulate their data as they would physical
`pitality applications and the communication protocol and
`entities . For example , a window can represent a file and the
`can be easily updated to work with a new communication 25 contents of the window can represent the records of the file .
`protocol without modifying the core hospitality applications .
`The window can be opened , closed , or set aside on a desktop
`An exemplary system diagram of such a communications
`as if it were an actual object . The records of the file can be
`systemic relationship is shown in FIG . 9 and serves as an
`created , deleted , modified and arranged in a drag - and - drop
`example of the power of the synchronization element of the
`fashion as if they also were physical objects . The most
`invention through a common , linked solution . A single point 30 common GUI operating systems that provide this " object
`of entry works to keep all wireless handheld devices and
`oriented ” environment for personal computers are Microsoft
`linked web sites in synch with the backoffice server appli-
`Windows® systems , including Windows CE® for handheld
`wireless devices and the like . Generally , a particular appli
`cations so that the different components are in equilibrium at
`any given time and an overall consistency is achieved . For
`cation program presents information to a user through a
`example , a reservation made online can be automatically 35 window of a GUI by drawing images , graphics or text within
`communicated to the backoffice server and then synchro-
`the window region . The user , in turn , communicates with the
`nized with all the wireless handheld devices wirelessly .
`application by “ pointing " at graphical objects in the window
`Similarly , changes made on any of the wireless handheld
`with a pointer that is controlled by a hand - operated pointing
`devices are reflected instantaneously on the backoffice
`device , such as a mouse , or by pressing keys on a keyboard .
`The use of menus is conventional in GUIs for software
`server . Web pages and the other handheld devices .
`applications . Menus are typically utilized to provide end
`users of applications with available choices or processing
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`options while using the applications . For example , in a
`typical desktop or interactive application , selection of a
`The foregoing features and advantages of the present
`invention can be appreciated more fully from the following 45 “ file ” from a menu bar may cause display of a context menu
`description , with references to the accompanying drawings
`which provides “ file ” options . File options can have addi
`tional subordinate or child options associated with them . If
`in which :
`FIG . 1 is a schematic representation of a window dis-
`a file option having subordinate options is selected , the child
`options are displayed in context in a child menu or submenu
`played on a computer display screen which shows a hierar-
`chical tree menu , modifier window and sub - modifier win- 50 proximate to the selected parent option . One or more of the
`dow in conformity w