Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 1 of 24
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 1 of 24
`
`EXHIBIT 3
`EXHIBIT 3
`
`

`

`MAN KUN TAITEIT VAN MATA WANANCHI KUNA T
`
`US009747651B2
`
`ON
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`McNally
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`( 54 ) APPLICATION SOFTWARE BASED
`INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND REAL
`TIME COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
`INCLUDING INTELLIGENT AUTOMATED
`ASSISTANTS ( BOTS ) IN A COMPUTING
`ECOSYSTEM INCLUDING DIFFERENT
`TYPES OF REMOTE COMPUTING DEVICES
`WITH DIFFERENT USER INTERFACES AND
`WITH A MASTER DATABASE THAT IS
`ACCESSIBLE FROM AND STORED AT A
`CENTRAL LOCATION
`( 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 275 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 14 / 276 , 948
`May 13 , 2014
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2014 / 0279093 A1 Sep . 18 , 2014
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 63 ) Continuation of application No . 14 / 265 , 519 , filed on
`Apr . 30 , 2014 , which is a continuation of application
`( Continued )
`
`( 51 )
`
`Int . Cl .
`G06Q 50 / 12
`G060 10 / 02
`
`( 52 )
`
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . .
`
`( 2012 . 01 )
`( 2012 . 01 )
`( Continued )
`G06Q 50 / 12 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G06Q 10 / 02
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; G06Q 30 / 0621 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`( Continued )
`
`JP
`
`( 56 )
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC combination set ( s ) only .
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5 , 721 , 827 A *
`2 / 1998 Logan . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06F 17 / 30746
`709 / 217
`6 , 058 , 373 A *
`5 / 2000 Blinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO6Q 10 / 087
`705 / 22
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`WO 9910992 A1 *
`3 / 1999 . . . . . . . . . G06F 15 / 025
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Jameson Lee , Meredith C . Petravick , and Neil T . Powell , Admin
`istrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark Office ,
`Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written Decision ” ,
`Apple , Inc . , Domino ' s Pizza , Inc . , Domino ' s Pizza , LLC , Fandango ,
`LLC , and Opentable , Inc . , Petitioner , v . Ameranth , Inc . , Patent
`Owner . , Mar . 20 , 2015 , Case CBM2014 - 00013 , U . S . Pat . No .
`6 , 982 , 733 B1 .
`( 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
`( Continued )
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 2 of 24
`
`LTHOS - Meru Explorer
`File Filthor Help
`+
`,
`Olanu
`Appetizers
`a
`Desserts
`Drents
`e
`Enuces
`Chicken
`Red Heat
`Y DE TOURHEDO
`ob VB
`???
`VESTIBLES
`-
`ETTEPERATURE
`OVER
`AL
`UN
`NE
`TELE
`EL SCALOPPET
`Seafood
`Salads
`Sandwiches
`Soups
`
`-
`
`- -
`
`N
`
`A
`
`Home
`CHEESE
`COMMENTS
`DRESSING
`WAT EFETURE
`PREPARD
`CREEN
`VOCE
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Code
`Code
`1107
`
`3431
`148
`
`Price
`
`eleono
`
`Sub Hodifier
`CHO
`EXTRA
`SDE
`
`$ 653
`
`Disney
`EXTRA
`SOLE
`
`BUT
`
`NOORKS
`DO
`
`0
`
`0
`
`SB
`DARS
`WOOOH
`
`DU
`
`

`

`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`Page 2
`
`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 call and / or messaging . Telephones
`may , for instance , be the only equipment required by the
`entities .
`
`11 Claims , 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`Jameson Lee , Meredith C . Petravick , and Neil T . Powell , Admin
`istrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark Office ,
`Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written Decision ” ,
`Agilysys , Inc . et al . , Petitioner v . Ameranth , Inc . , Patent Owner , Mar .
`20 , 2015 , Case CBM2014 - 00015 , U . S . Pat . No . 6 , 384 , 850 B1 .
`Jameson Lee , Meredith C . Petravick , and Neil T . Powell , Admin
`istrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark Office ,
`Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written Decision ” ,
`Agilysys , Inc . et al . , Petitioner , v . Ameranth , Inc . , Patent Owner ,
`Mar . 20 , 2015 , Case CBM2014 - 00016 , U . S . Pat . No . 6 , 871 , 325 B1 .
`Meredith C . Petravick , Richard E . Rice , and Stacey G . White ,
`Administrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark
`Office , Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Decision ( Non
`Institution Ruling ) ” , Apple Inc . , Eventbrite Inc . , Starwood Hotels &
`Resorts Worldwide , Inc . , et al . Petitioner , v . Ameranth , Inc . , Patent
`Owner , Aug . 20 , 2015 , Case CBM2015 - 00081 ( U . S . Pat . No .
`8 , 146 , 077 B2 ) , Case CBM2015 - 00095 ( U . S . Pat . No . 8 , 146 , 077
`B2 ) .
`Toni R . Scheiner , Stacey G . White , and Kevin W . Cherry , Admin
`istrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark Office ,
`Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Decision ( Non - Institu
`tion Ruling ) ” , Apple Inc . , Petitioner , V . Ameranth , Inc . , Patent
`Owner , Sep . 28 , 2016 , Case CBM2016 - 00053 , U . S . Pat . No .
`9 , 000 , 000 B2 . .
`Reyna , Chen , and Stoll , Circuit Judges , United States Court of
`Appeals for the Federal Circuit , “ Opinion ” , Apple , Inc _ Domino ' s
`Pizza , Inc . , Domino ' s Pizza , LLC , Fandango , LLC , Opentable , Inc ,
`Appellants v . Ameranth , Inc . , Cross - Appellant , Nov . 29 , 2016 ,
`2015 - 1703 , 2015 - 1704 .
`Meredith C . Petravick , Richard E . Rice , and Stacey G . White ,
`Administrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark
`Office , Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written
`Decision ” , Starbucks Corporation , Apple , Inc . , Eventbrite Inc . , and
`Starwood Hotels &
`Resorts Worldwide , Inc . , Petitioner , V .
`Ameranth , Inc . , Patent Owner , Sep . 13 , 2016 , Case CBM2015
`00091 , U . S . Pat . No . 6 , 384 , 850 B1 .
`Meredith C . Petravick , Richard E . Rice , and Stacey G . White ,
`Administrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark
`Office , Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written
`Decision " , Starbucks Corporation , Apple , Inc . , Eventbrite Inc . , and
`Starwood Hotels &
`Resorts Worldwide , Inc . , Petitioner , V .
`Ameranth , Inc . , Patent Owner , Sep . 13 , 2016 , Case CBM2015
`00099 , U . S . Pat . No . 6 , 871 , 325 B1 .
`Meredith C . Petravick , Richard E . Rice , and Stacey G . White ,
`Administrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark
`Office , Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written
`Decision ” , Apple , Inc . , Eventbrite Inc . , Starwood Hotels & Resorts
`Worldwide , Inc . , Expedia , Inc . , Fandango , LLC , Hotels . com , L . P . ,
`Hotel Tonight , Inc . , Hotwire , Inc . , Kayak Software Corp . , Opent
`able , Inc . , Orbitz , LLC , Papa John ' s USA , Inc . , Stubhub , Inc . ,
`Ticketmaster , LLC .
`Meredith C . Petravick , Richard E . Rice , and Stacey G . White ,
`Administrative Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark
`Office , Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Final Written
`Decision ” , Apple , Inc . , Eventbrite Inc . , Starwood Hotels & Resorts
`Worldwide , Inc . , Expedia , Inc . , Fandango , LLC , Hotels . com , L . P . ,
`Hotel Tonight , Inc . , Hotwire , Inc . , Kayak Software Corp _ , Opent
`able , Inc . , Orbitz , LLC , Papa John ' s USA , Inc . , Stubhub , Inc . ,
`Ticketmaster , LLC .
`* cited by examiner
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`No . 11 / 190 , 633 , filed on Jul . 26 , 2005 , which is a
`continuation - in - part of application No . 11 / 112 , 990 ,
`filed on Apr . 22 , 2005 , now Pat . No . 8 , 146 , 077 , which
`is a continuation of application No . 10 / 016 , 517 , filed
`on Nov . 1 , 2001 , now Pat . No . 6 , 982 , 733 .
`Int . Cl .
`( 2006 . 01 )
`H04L 29 / 06
`( 2006 . 01 )
`H04M 3 / 493
`G060 30 / 06
`( 2012 . 01 )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . G060 30 / 0623 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G060 30 / 0641
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; G060 30 / 0643 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04L
`63 / 083 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04M 3 / 4938 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`H04M 2201 / 60 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04M 2203 / 1058
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04M 2203 / 2016 ( 2013 . 01 )
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6 , 425 , 524 B2 *
`7 / 2002 Pentel . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 20 / 206
`235 / 380
`6 , 604 , 087 B1 *
`8 / 2003 Kolls
`G06Q 10 / 10
`705 / 14 . 51
`2002 / 0055351 A1 *
`5 / 2002 Elsey . . . . . . . . . . .
`G06Q 10 / 109
`455 / 414 . 2
`2011 / 0202370 A1 *
`8 / 2011 Green , III . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06F 19 / 328
`705 / 3
`2013 / 0275164 A1 * 10 / 2013 Gruber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GIOL 17 / 22
`705 / 5
`
`( 56 )
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 3 of 24
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Jameson Lee , Richard E . Rice , and Stacey G . White , Administrative
`Patent Judges , United States Patent and Trademark Office , Before
`the Patent Trial and Appeal Board , “ Decision ( Non - Institution
`Ruling ) ” , Agilysys , Inc . , et al . Petitioner , v . Ameranth , Inc . Patent
`Owner . Mar . 26 , 2014 , Case CBM2014 - 00014 , U . S . Pat . No .
`8 , 146 , 077 B2 .
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`MODIFIERS WINDOW
`
`8
`
`75
`
`FIG . 1
`
`SUB MODIFIERS WINDOW
`
`Price
`
`oooooo
`
`Code
`3984 1084
`4083 3481 1466 3486
`1107
`
`0
`
`Display NO EXTRA SIDE
`
`Code
`3243
`3241 3242
`
`
`MEAT TEMPERATURE
`CONDIMENTS
`PREPARED
`DRESSING
`CHEESE
`
`Modifier
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 4 of 24
`
`+ , + . A @
`
`
`
`
`Eile Edit View Help
`
`e POS - Meriu Explorer
`
`9
`
`Appetizers
`Desserts
`Menu
`
`Chicken
`Entrees
`# Drinks
`
`
`
`p Red Meat
`
`i
`$ Salads
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`i
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`- - - -
`- - - -
`
`QUANTITY
`
`
`SEF TOURHEDO VEGETABLES
`ED LAMB O NY STRIP VEGETABLES - WEAT
`
`+
`
`EXTRA
`SIDE
`
`
`
`KED WELL Sub Modifier MEDIUM NO
`TEMPERATURE MED RARE
`
`
`RARE
`WELL
`SCALOPPIN Seafood
`EO VEAL
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`Sandwiches Soups
`
`
`
`MENU TREE
`
`Ready
`
`N
`
`=
`
`3
`
`7
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`Modifier
`Long Name :
`Short Name :
`Code :
`Price :
`
`Cancel
`
`Cancel
`[ OK OK ]
`FIG . 2
`
`Browse
`
`Browse
`
`| Menu Category
`Long Name :
`Short Name :
`
`C
`
`OK OK
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 5 of 24
`
`Browse
`
`Browse
`
`Cancel
`
`Cancer
`FIG . 3
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`Browse
`Cancel .
`
`FIG . 4
`
`OK
`
`Prep . Time :
`s
`12
`
`e
`
`Code : 5612
`
`
`the person
`Price : | 12 . 95
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`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 .
`
`
`Long
`
`Nome : Chicken Alaska
`
`
`
`Name : that it means Short
`Recipe
`ChxAls
`
`
`
`Menu Item
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 6 of 24
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`Cancel
`Cancel
`
`OK OK
`
`L
`
`
`
`Selected Columns
`
`Price
`Code
`
`Insert > > Name
`< < Remove
`
`Move Up
`
`
`
`Move Down
`
`FIG . 5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Select Columnns Format Columns Select Filter Select Sort Select Style
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 7 of 24
`
`
`Available Columns :
`Name Display Image
`Code
`Price
`
`Customize
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`( 6X
`
`Restaurant - Wireless Traffic Cont . . .
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Print Log File View Log File Simulate
`
`Message log
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 8 of 24
`
`FIG . 6
`
`
`
`
`
`Waiting for message
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`FIG . 7
`
`15
`
`16
`
`TbI675st 2 Drinks | Entrees
`| Soups
`
`| MEW PAY
`
`MODS
`
`
`
`PAGE PREY JL PAGEL MODS
`
`Browse
`Browse
`Cancel
`Cancel
`
`REMOVE LAST
`
`
`C REMOVE LAST
`]
`OK OK
`
`[
`
`DO
`
`ORDER
`
`Dessert Sdwch
`
`Login CHECKS Choose
`Item : App
`POSce - System
`
`Salads |
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 9 of 24
`
`
`
`
`
`Select Guest to Order for .
`
`Direction : MAIN
`
`
`
`Last Selection
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 9 . 747 , 651 B2
`
`7 : 37 )
`
`
`
`Ameranti Wireless
`
`
`
`| Face Gear | OK ]
`
`This is an example of the ordering
`
`
`“ Literal Screen ”
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 10 of 24
`
`HG . 8
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`with Spectrum24 card 33 AMERANTH
`
`Fixed POS stations
`
`
`for valet parking
`2700
`for Manager Inventory Scanning
`
`2700
`
`FIG . 9
`
`2700 for wireless POS
`
`2700 for hostess station
`
`
`
`Web Links
`
`Web
`Hub
`
`318 MHz
`
`PadLink Table
`elan
`Status
`Spectrum24
`Wireles Hub
`Wireless Hub
`Spectrum24
`
`• Frequent Customers • Reservations
`
`reports / coordination
`Frequent customer On - line
`waitlisting On - line ordering On - line reservations On - line
`
`
`On - line
`
`
`Databases Ameranth Middleware Communications Controller Linked
`Ameranth 21st Century Communications Integration
`
`
`
`
`52
`
`Ethemet
`
`
`POS Interface 15 + POS
`Partners
`
`
`
`• Com setup
`
`
`1 . Wait list
`
`
`
`Jtech Paging ]
`
`
`
`27MHz 318 MHZ
`
`
`
`WAN Wireless Growth in 2000 +
`
`systems
`Other PC - Ethernet
`based
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 11 of 24
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Aug . 29 , 2017
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`coordination
`
`Frequent customer
`
`On - line reports /
`
`On - line reservations
`
`On - line waitlisting On - line
`On - line ordering
`
`
`Recognition
`
`Conversions ,
`
`Text Messaging ,
`Voice To Text ,
`Text To Voice ,
`
`Touch Tone
`
`Web Communication
`
`e . g . instant Messaging
`
`MHZ
`318
`
`Web Il Links
`Hub
`
`PadLink
`
`
`
`
`
`802 . 11 Table Status
`
`
`Communications Controller
`Ameranth
`Middleware / Framework
`
`
`
`Linked Databases
`
`Wireless Hub
`• Frequent Customers
`
`• Appointments
`• Reservations
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`. Com setup
`
`
`• Wait list
`
`802 . 11
`
`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`with Spectrum24 card
`Fixed POS stations
`
`2700 for | valet parking
`
`
`2700 for Manager Inventory Scanning
`
`2700
`
`for wireless POS / gaming
`
`EEEEE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Ameranth 21st Century Communications Integration With " Conversion " Technologies
`
`Ethernet
`
`
`PMS / POS Interfaces
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 12 of 24
`
`Growth in 2000 +
`
`WAN Wireless
`
`
`
`Itech Paging
`
`-
`
`based Ethernet
`
`systems
`Other PC
`
`
`
`27MHz 318 MHz
`
`Communications
`
`Conversions
`
`2700 for hostess station
`
`Fig . 10
`
`

`

`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`10
`
`displays to display information to the operator . This reduces
`APPLICATION SOFTWARE BASED
`the overall utility of the device . Additionally , the smaller
`INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND REAL
`display and keyboard results in a non - optimal operator
`TIME COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
`interface , which slows down operation and is thus unaccept
`INCLUDING INTELLIGENT AUTOMATED
`5 able for the time criticality of ordering , reservation and
`ASSISTANTS ( BOTS ) IN A COMPUTING
`wait - list management and other similar applications . This
`ECOSYSTEM INCLUDING DIFFERENT
`necessitates many design compromises which in the aggre
`TYPES OF REMOTE COMPUTING DEVICES
`gate have resulted in limited acceptance of PDA type
`WITH DIFFERENT USER INTERFACES AND
`devices in the restaurant and hospitality fields .
`WITH A MASTER DATABASE THAT IS
`Many of the negatives prevalent in earlier devices have
`ACCESSIBLE FROM AND STORED AT A
`been eliminated , but , to date , there is still no integrated
`CENTRAL LOCATION
`solution to the ordering / waitlist / reservation problem dis
`cussed above . With the advent of the Palm® and other
`The present application is a continuation - in - part of appli
`handheld wireless devices , however , the efforts to make such
`cation Ser . No . 11 / 112 , 990 , filed Apr . 22 , 2005 , which is a
`continuation of application Ser . No . 10 / 016 , 517 , filed Nov . 15 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
`such devices in the restaurant and hospitality context has not
`6 , 384 , 850 ) . The contents of application Ser . No . 11 / 112 , 990 ,
`occurred to date . As discussed above , at least one of the
`reasons PDAs have not been quickly assimilated into the
`application Ser . No . 10 / 016 , 517 , and application Ser . No .
`20 restaurant and hospitality industries is that their small dis
`09 / 400 , 413 are incorporated herein by reference .
`play sizes are not readily amenable to display of menus as
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`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 - 25 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
`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 30 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
`( “ 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 .
`35 internet with direct connections or regular modem dialup
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`connections and support for batch processing that can be
`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
`of modern life , pen and paper have prevailed in the hospi -
`all hospitality applications to communicate with one another
`tality industry , e . g . , for restaurant ordering , reservations and 40 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 -
`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 45 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
`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 50 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
`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 55 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 ,
`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 60 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 ,
`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 65 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
`handheld and Web site menus and ordering options .
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 13 of 24
`
`

`

`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`
`available through normal computerized selections . As seen
`A principal object of the present invention is to provide an
`in FIG . 8 , the operator screen on the hand - held can capture
`improved information management and synchronous com -
`handwritten information specific to a customers requests
`munications system and method which facilitates user -
`directly on the touch - sensitive screen of the wireless com
`friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus for
`restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment 5 puting device . This additional information can then be
`with non - PC - standard graphical formats , display sizes and
`coupled with the fixed menu and modifier information
`or applications .
`generated automatically from the hospitality application
`A further object of the present invention is to provide an
`software and the combined message can be sent to a res
`improved information management and synchronous com
`taurant point of sale ( POS ) system , printer or / or display
`munications system and method which provides for entry , 10 system . This unique operator interface enables universal
`management and communication of information from the
`languages and an unlimited set of information to be manu
`operator as well as to and from another computer , Web page
`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 15 written messages and / or data provides an even more pow
`improved information management and synchronous com -
`erful tool than either modality used independently .
`munications system which is small , affordable and light -
`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 20 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
`played in front of a bartender preparing the drink order . The
`and Internet menu systems when a new menu item is added ,
`indication “ Iced Tea ” as selected from
`a menu of the
`hand - held would also be presented to the bartender , perhaps
`modified or deleted from any element of the system .
`25 by printing and / or screen display . The server can also select
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`any printer from within the hospitality establishment directly
`from the operator interface on the screen of the hand - held
`The foregoing and other objects of the present invention
`and have either the order or the receipt printed out where it
`is most convenient and efficient .
`are provided by a synchronous information management and
`communications system and method optimized for simplic - 30
`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
`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 35 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
`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 40 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
`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 45 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 -
`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 50
`Similarly , hand - held devices can link the above innova
`tions to individual customers at specific tables through a
`has many advantages over previous approaches in solving
`the problem of converting paper - based menus or Windows®
`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 55 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
`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 60 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 -
`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 65 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
`based POS systems or a Web page equivalent face several
`
`Case 2:22-cv-01776-WSH Document 22-3 Filed 06/29/23 Page 14 of 24
`
`

`

`US 9 , 747 , 651 B2
`challenges . These challenges include building a menu using
`FIG . 5 is a schematic representation of a display customi
`their existing database and transferring the menu onto hand -
`zation dialog box in conformity with a preferred embodi
`held devices or Web pages that will interface with servers
`m ent of the present invention .
`wirelessly or to restaurants / customers over the internet . The
`F
`IG . 6 is a schematic representation of a communications
`menu generation approach of the present invention is the 5 control window in conformity with a preferred embodiment
`first coherent solution available to accomplish these objec
`of the present invention .
`tives easily and allows one development effort to produce
`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 .
`10 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
`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 15
`FIG . 10 is a further exemplary system diagram relating to
`well - defined API that enables third parties such as POS
`embodiments of the present invention .
`companies , affinity program companies and internet content
`DETAILED DESCR