WO2012117220A1

WO2012117220A1 - Ordering system & method

Info

Publication number: WO2012117220A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uday Bhatt; Steve WALLER; Christopher HERRIDGE
Original assignee: Virtual Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2011-03-01
Filing date: 2012-02-29
Publication date: 2012-09-07
Also published as: GB201103542D0; GB2488660A; GB201203555D0

Abstract

An ordering system (5, 30) is disclosed for enabling a customer from a mobile communications terminal (20, 42) to communicate an order to a service provider. The system comprises a memory module (51) storing a list of goods or services associated with the service provider, a communications module (6, 47, 49) configured to provide a wireless LAN (WLAN) and, in response to a mobile communications terminal connecting to the WLAN, to transmit over the WLAN to said mobile communications terminal a web page suitable for being opened within a web browser on the terminal, the web page providing access to the stored list of goods or services, and for receiving over the WLAN a customer order in the form of selection of one or more of the goods or services made from the web browser. The system also includes an order processing module for transmitting the or each selected goods or service to a human interface device.

Description

ORDERING SYSTEM & METHOD Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an ordering system and method, in particular but not exclusively one for ordering food and drinks.

Background of the Invention

A conventional restaurant ordering system involves a menu presented by a waiter. The waiter retires briefly and then comes back to take a customer's order. The waiter then takes this to the kitchen, where the order is prepared. This done, the chef shouts for the waiter to present the selected and prepared dishes. On completion of the meal the customer asks for the bill. This conventional system is labour intensive and has the waiter running around at everyone's beck and call.

Computerised ordering systems have been proposed as in US patent application No. 2005/171,850. They tend to be expensive .

Other computerised ordering systems, particularly ones designed for use on mobile communications terminals, require the user to download an application (or "App") . This requires network bandwidth to download the App and on-board memory to store the App for subsequent execution. Updates for the Apps may also be required to be downloaded from time to time. Apps may also have a monetary cost associated with them. Further, a respective App has to be developed for each different operating system and/or platform associated with different mobile terminals. Further, such systems may require the restaurant proprietor to own a dedicated terminal in order to receive and process orders. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided an ordering system for enabling a customer from a mobile communications terminal to communicate an order to a service provider, the system comprising: a memory module storing a list of goods or services associated with the service provider; a communications module configured to provide a wireless LAN (WLAN) and, in response to a mobile communications terminal connecting to the WLAN, to transmit over the WLAN to said mobile communications terminal a web page suitable for being opened within a web browser on the terminal, the web page providing access to the stored list of goods or services, and for receiving over the WLAN a customer order in the form of selection of one or more of the goods or services made from the web browser,- and an order processing module for transmitting the or each selected goods or service to a human interface device.

An ordering system is therefore provided that uses a WLAN to communicate with a mobile communications terminal via a web- based interface to receive selection of goods or services and for transmitting the order to a human interface device, which may be, for example, a printer or plural printers. According to a second aspect, there is provided an administration server (AS) for use with one or more remote ordering system(s) according to the first aspect, the AS comprising: processing means configured to present through a web browser portal: a registration webpage for users to identify one or more remote ordering system(s); and a menu input page for users to input a list of goods or services to be offered through the or each identified ordering system; a memory for storing the list of goods or services against the identified remote ordering system (s); and an interface configured to upload the inputted list of goods or services to the or each identified ordering system.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an ordering system enabling a customer via a mobile communications device to communicate an order to be executed by a service provider using the system, the system comprising: at least one human interface device for notifying the customer's order to a service provider and/or for notifying the price of the customer's order; and a data processing system having: a memory storing a list of goods or services offered by the provider; a wireless local-area-network ( LAN) interface for communicating the list to a customer's mobile communications device and receiving a customer's order from the customer's mobile communications device, at least one interface for interfacing with the human interface device or devices to cause it or them to display the customer's order and/or the price, in which the data processing system is configured to perform the steps of: transmitting the list of goods or services to a customer's mobile communications device, receiving a customer's order from the customer's mobile communications device and recording it, transmitting the customer's order to the or one of the human interface devices, e.g. for its execution; and transmitting a bill for the customer's order to the or one of the human interface devices, e.g. for its payment.

The ordering system to be described herein is for use in the provision of a service provided by a service provider, typically in an environment where orders are placed by the customer, then executed, usually by an order executor (for instance a chef) and paid for by the customer usually with the assistance of a bill handler (for instance a waiter hoping for a tip) . Not all services for which the system can be envisaged to be useful will involve separate order executors and bill handlers. Their functions may be performed by a single person or indeed part or all may be executed automatically, e.g. with the customer paying with an automated card payment device.

The ordering system described herein employs a wireless, local area network or WLAN. As used herein, this means a wireless transceiver adapted to communicate data in accordance with a protocol used by mobile communication devices, such as mobile telephones (including smartphones) , Portable Digital Assistants (PDAs), tablets etc. when used for wireless internet communication, in the way that laptop and other portable computers communicate. WLAN communications is also known as WiFi communications. Typical, WLAN communications uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet.

Normally the human interface devices will be:

· an order notification device for notifying the order to be executed on behalf of the provider to an order executor;

• an order billing device for notifying the price of the order for its payment by the customer to a bill handler on behalf of the provider.

In one preferred embodiment described below, two distinct human interface devices are provided, for use by two distinct members of the provider's staff. The first is a printer in a kitchen, for example for the chef's use by notifying him of orders as they come in so that he can manage his kitchen and execute the orders in the manner he is familiar with, that is with orders written on slips; the second is the bill printer for the waiter so that he can notify the customer of the bill and receive the correct payment, again in the manner that he is familiar with. In this embodiment, the customer can be seated at his table from his arrival in the restaurant until the time comes for him to leave. In alternatives, for example in a cafe where customers queue, the customers can place their order as they queue. This means that when they reach the front of the queue, their order will already have been processed. Alternatively, they can sit down and await being called to collect their order. In this alternative, where there is still likely to be an order executor (e.g. a person preparing the different coffee and snack orders) and a bill handler receiving payment, there are still likely to be two human interface devices, namely one for printing the orders and the other for printing the bills. New routines may be required such as the printed order note accompanying the actual prepared order, so that the bill handler merely has to note and input a serial number from the note to cause the bill to print. In another example where the service is the issuing of tickets in synchronisation with spaces on an attraction becoming available, the order execution, that is the issue of the tickets and the printing of bills for payment for them is not distinct; a single human interface device may be provided even though the nature of the venue providing attractions may be such that several counter workstations each with a printer may be provided. In operation, on arrival at the venue, the customer is informed that he/she can use their mobile device to reserve places on the attractions. This they do and then receive an acknowledgement giving a time to attend the particular attractions. When they attend without having to queue, they pay and are presented with an entry ticket to the attraction. In all the above alternatives, conventional payment methods can be provided for such as cash, or a credit/debit card in a card receiver presented to the customer, or a card in a permanently-installed card receiver. In a further alternative, the customer may not need to interface with a person. He may interface with a terminal into which he enters his details, PIN, password etc, and the ticket is issued or even a turnstile freed. It will be appreciated that the wireless local area network (WLAN) is advantageously employed. It may be configured such that on entry into the premises providing the service, the customer will be given a table number or serial number and a verification number, in the manner of a user name and password. This guards against unwanted items being ordered for the wrong table. The WLAN can be such as to be available only in the premises and indeed to be the only WLAN available in the premises. However this is not easy to achieve. Nevertheless, it will be essentially local to the provision of the service in question. As an adjunct to the service provided, the WLAN and the data processor can be connected to the internet and the customer can be enabled to contact the Internet in the normal way, either free or on a paying basis at the discretion of the service provider.

Whilst normally the order notification device is likely to be a printer in a kitchen, for instance, it is envisaged that it could be a display, for example a LCD or LED screen which may be touch sensitive. Where this device is a printer, the printed orders can be executed and delivered without delivery acknowledgement to the data processor being necessary. Alternatively, where the order is either a low value one not warranting a printer order, or indeed where it is a high value one warranting a special ticket, the display can be interactive enabling the order to be cancelled from the display and this acknowledgement to be notified to the data processor . Normally, the billing device will be a point of sale receipt printer associated with a till or an electronic payment terminal. Nevertheless it can be envisaged that if the customer does not wish a receipt and the supplier is not obligated to provide one, the billing device could be a display only associated with a till or an electronic payment terminal .

Usually the data processor will be a dedicated device, having the program embedded as firmware in a read-only-memory. However, it is envisaged that the data processor could be a multipurpose device, possibly already belonging to the restaurateur or other service provider, and associated WLAN router. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for receiving an order made from a mobile communications terminal to a service provider, the method comprising: storing a list of goods or services associated with the service provider; providing a wireless LAN (WLAN) ; in response to a mobile communications terminal connecting to the WLAN, transmitting over the WLAN to said mobile communications terminal a web page suitable for being opened within a web browser on the terminal, the web page providing access to the stored list of goods or services; receiving over the WLAN a customer order in the form of selection of one or more of the goods or services made from the web browser; and transmitting the or each selected goods or service to a human interface device. 00202

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According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of providing an administration service for use with one or more remote ordering system(s) as defined in above aspects, the method comprising: presenting through a web browser portal: a registration webpage for users to identify one or more remote ordering system (s); and a menu input page for users to input a list of goods or services to be offered through the or each identified ordering system; storing the received list of goods or services against the identified remote ordering system(s) ; and uploading the received list of goods or services to the or each identified ordering system.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided for programming a data processor having one or more interface (s) , memory and a WLAN of the first aspect of the invention and adapted to communicate with one or more order notification and order billing device (s), and a program storage medium having stored thereon a program comprising the steps of: transmitting the menu to the customer's device, receiving and recording the customer's order, passing the order to the notification device, and passing a bill for the order to the billing device.

Preferred features are defined in the appended dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a restaurant equipped with an ordering system according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 2 (a) -(c) show examples of a customer's mobile screen home page for the ordering system of the first embodiment;

Figure 3 is a similar Menu page used in the first embodiment; Figure 4 is kitchen print-out of a food order used in the first embodiment;

Figure 5 is a bar screen display of a drinks order used in the first embodiment;

Figure 6 is a bill print out of these orders used in the first embodiment ;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an ordering system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of components of a module used in the ordering system of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing operating steps performed by the module shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a flow diagram showing operating steps performed by a mobile communications terminal when connecting to, and operating with, the module shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a flow diagram showing operating steps performed by the module shown in Figure 8 when presenting menu options and interacting with human interaction device (s);

Figures 12(a)- (e) are schematic views of a customer mobile communications terminal for use in the ordering system of Figure 7 with different menu pages displayed; and

Figure 13 is a schematic view of a printed order generated when the ordering system of Figure 7 is in use.

A first embodiment will now be described. Referring to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, a restaurant 1 has a dining room 2, a reception desk and bar 3 and a kitchen 4. A computer 5, with a LAN router 6 is installed at the reception desk and bar 3. On the desk is a bill printer 7, a screen 8 and keyboard 9 and a card payment device 10. In the kitchen 4 is a printer 11, which is a small till receipt printer, and a clip board 12 for printed orders 14. The printers 7, 11 are connected to the computer 5 via its wired interface 15, although this can be achieved wirelessly.

When a customer enters the restaurant 1, the receptionist or a waiter consults the screen 8, which is displaying information under control of the computer 5, for a unique code — typically a three digit number or a three letter word easily memorable by the customer throughout the meal. Alternatively, the receptionist in requesting a code will cause the bill printer 7 to print a slip identifying the customer's table Ti - T6 and unique code. The customer is shown to the table and operation of the ordering system is explained as follows in which the customer operates a mobile communications terminal 20 using WiFi:

1. Customer accesses the restaurant's WLAN via WiFi using the mobile communications terminal 10;

2. Customer connects to, and checks that it is receiving the "Restaurant" network;

3. Customer accesses the internet, via a web browser, and is presented with the restaurant's home page pop-up;

4. Customer enters their Table No and Unique Code;

5. The menu will pop-up and the customer can scroll down to select drinks and food dishes:

6. When a drink or dish is selected, the screen will divide so that the customer can see what they have already ordered and colleagues can then choose;

7. Once the customer's order is complete, they hit "send order". The food order will go to the kitchen and a waiter will bring the food as soon as it has been prepared. The drinks order will come to the bar and drinks will be brought across; 8. If the customer wants any more drinks or a pudding/dessert after the main course, the customer can just again enter the Home Page - entering the Table No and Unigue Code — and place their order;

9. When the customer is finished, they hit "Bill Please" and the waiter will bring the bill and the card machine 10;

10. Customer can be presented with a message such as "I know it's different, but I hope you get on with it — Oh and by the way if you want to do your emails or browse the internet, you will find an Internet button on the home page. We charge 50p on your our bill to cover our costs in providing the Internet . "

Figures 2(a) to (c) show different ^xhome page' options. In Figure 2(a), for example, the user is first presented with a prompt to enter their table number and PIN. In Figure 2(b), the home page first presents the language options, e.g. English, French and German with their associated flag indicator. Figure 2(c) shows alternative home pages, including one which allows for a currency selection. Selection of a given language and/or currency will therefore result in subsequent pages being presented and processed accordingly. For this purpose, a number of different menu versions are provided in the different language options, with user selection of a given language on the home screen resulting in subsequent web pages presenting interactive menu options in said language. In the case where a currency which is different from the default is selected, the price that is subsequently shown associated with particular goods or service is converted to the selected currency. This may be an indicative price, based on a manually entered exchange rate, or one that is acquired from a remote website, e.g. periodically when the system is connected to the external Internet . The customer then selects his order from the menu which appears on his mobile communications device 20 once he has signed in, the menu has downloaded via the WLAN (and after initial preferences have been selected, if prompted) . He then sends his selection back over the WLAN. The computer 5 causes the food order to be printed in the kitchen 4, where the chef arranges its preparation, using his clip board 12. Once the food is ready, the chef can present it himself — and take congratulations for it — or the chef can call for a waiter to do so. Equally the drinks part of the order can be displayed on the receptionist's screen 8. Whilst there is no need for the order to be acknowledged to the computer 5 as having been executed when the food and drinks have been presented, it is convenient for the drinks orders to remain displayed until presented, when the receptionist can cancel them off the screen 8.

The order is memorised and up-dated in the computer's memory. Once a "bill please" message is received from the mobile communications device 20, the request is displayed on the receptionist's screen 8. As soon as he/she can do so and acknowledge, the bill is printed and can be presented. The invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above described embodiment. For instance, instead of the customer asking for the bill via his mobile communications terminal 20, he/she can ask the receptionist in person for it. The latter can input the request, quoting the table number from the returned slip and the printer 7 will print the bill.

The ordering system, namely the programmed computer 8, used with the WLAN network 6 and the associated peripherals, can be adapted for further functions. Where the restaurant 1 operates a takeaway service, the customers for this can be provided with a bar area where they can place their orders via their phones or other mobile communications terminal and they may also order drinks in the meantime. When their orders have been prepared, they can be delivered to the bar. In this variant, it is convenient for the chef to have a display on which he can cancel these orders as they are taken to the bar, to alert the receptionist via the bar screen. Further a numeric display may be provided in the takeaway customers' area so that they are alerted as to when their orders are ready for collection and payment.

It should be noted that normally the computer 5 will be a dedicated machine, not requiring extensive RAM nor video cards for instance; nevertheless, in a large restaurant, perhaps forming part of a larger establishment such as a hotel, shop or amusement park, the computer may be a conventional computer programmed with software for the ordering system. The software as such is believed to be within the capabilities of the skilled reader and will not be described further.

A second embodiment will now be described.

Referring to Figure 7, the ordering system is comprised of a dedicated order management module (OMM) 30 which is a standalone box having the general appearance of a conventional router. Externally, it comprises one or more iFi antenna (s) 32, 33 and a series of input/out ports 34, including a power port but also including other ports, including communication ports. The OMM 30 is connected to first and second external printers 36, 38 and to an electronic point-of-sale (ePOS) terminal 40, which connections can be wired or wireless. The OMM 30 is configured to provide all the functionality required to implement the core functions of the system. The printers 36, 38 and ePOS terminal 40 are external devices and can be conventional items already present in the relevant venue, e.g. a restaurant. In this sense, the O M 30 is intended to be a plug-and-play device that can be implemented by a service provider quickly and efficiently.

The OMM 30 is configured to communicate wirelessly with mobile communication devices 42 using WiFi. The devices 42 may be mobile telephones or smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, portable media players (PMPs), portable computers or any other device capable of WiFi communications.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the components of OMM 30. The OMM 30 has a controller 45, RAM 55, a first wireless communication module 47 and associated antenna 32, a second wireless communication module 49 and associated antenna 33, memory 51, external ports (e.g. USB and RJ45 ports) 34. The controller 45 is connected to each of the other components in order to control operation thereof.

The memory 51 may be a non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) . The memory 51 stores, amongst other things, an operating system 53 and may store software applications 54. The RAM 55 is used by the controller 45 for the temporary storage of data. The operating system 53 may contain code which, when executed by the controller 45 in conjunction with RAM 55, controls operation of each of the hardware components of the terminal. The controller 45 may take any suitable form. For instance, it may be a microcontroller, plural microcontrollers, a processor, or plural processors.

The OMM 30 engages in wireless communications using the wireless communications modules 42, 33 and associated antennas 32, 33. Only one wireless communication module and antenna is needed, but two are provided in this case. The wireless communications modules 47, 49 may be configured to communicate via several protocols such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) but can also use WiMax or Bluetooth to create a WLAN.

As well as storing the operating system 53 and software applications 54, the memory 51 may also store multimedia files such as music and video files. A wide variety of software applications 54 may be installed on the OMM 30 including games and utility applications.

In some embodiments the OMM 30 may also be associated with external software application not stored on the OMM. These may be applications stored on a remote server device and may run partly or exclusively on the remote server device.

These applications can be termed cloud-hosted applications.

The OMM 30 may be in communication with the remote server device in order to utilise the software application stored there .

Setup

The OMM 30, when initially acquired by a service provider, stores a basic operating system.

The OMM 30 is situated in the venue, for example in the bar area 3 of the restaurant 1 in Figure 1 and connected to a power outlet. The OMM 30 is then connected to the internet, which may be by means of a wired connection to a broadband router or a wireless connection, if available. When connected, the operating system causes connection automatically to a remote administration server. 12 000202

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The administration server (AS) provides a web-based service by means of which service providers can configure their menu of goods and/or services, even before installing the O M 30 in their venue. Typically, the service provider will access the AS and create a username and login. They will then create a profile for their establishment, including uploading the name and any associated logo and contact details. They then define preferences such as, number of tables, type of menu (which can be selected from a range of templates) , which languages the menu is to be provided in, and the currencies to be indicated.

Next, the service provider inputs their menus. The menu can comprise multiple layers, e.g. starting with menu headings such as "Starters", "Mains", "Desserts" and "Drinks", and under each heading, the specific items falling within the heading and their associated cost in the default currency. Further sub-menus can be created under items, e.g. "Rare", "Medium-Rare", "Medium", "Well Done" under a steak item. When the service provider has completed populating their menu, they save and submit it for processing by the AS. This will include the AS arranging for translations to be generated for each item in the menu in each of the selected languages. Indications of the cost in other selectable currencies are also setup based on the prevailing spot exchange rate.

The AS therefore sets up a more complete user profile, incorporating one or more menus, as part of a more specific operating system for subsequent transfer to the OMM 30. Pairing of the service provider's OMM 30 to the user profile is performed by specifying a unique serial code associated with the OMM to the user profile at the AS.

When the OMM 30 is first connected to the AS using the Internet, therefore, it is verified at the AS and the operating system 53 updated to store the pre-defined menus, containing preferences, menu hierarchies, items, costs, all in the different selectable languages and currencies. These are configured to as to be accessible and displayable by any HTTP client, e.g. any web browser, in an interactive HTML or XML website format. At this point, the OMM 30 can be disconnected from the Internet and operate as a stand-alone module with the memory 51 locally storing all preference and menu data. Maintaining a connection between the OMM 30 and the Internet may be desirable for obtaining occasional firmware updates, for getting real-time currency conversions and for enabling customers to access the Internet through the OMM 30 as an addon service. However, it can operate as a stand-alone module.

The OMM 30 is then connected, using either wired or wireless connectivity, to the printers 36, 38 and the ePOS terminal 40.

The OMM 30, when operational under the control of the controller 45, provides a WLAN using the or each wireless communication module 47, 49. An identifier, e.g. a SSID, identifying the venue is transmitted in the conventional way. This is so that customers in-range of the WLAN can identify the ordering service using their mobile communication terminal 42. A notice in the venue, e.g. a cardboard notice on the wall or on each table, will inform customers of the WLAN identifier and their table number. A verification code can be provided, but is not essential. Customers then operate their communications device 42 to identify and connect to the specified WLAN.

Once connected, users open a web browser, if not already open. The OMM 30 is configured to operate as a so-called captive portal, forcing the browser to open the top level menu webpage stored on the memory 51 regardless of what URL is inputted. There are several known techniques for operating a captive portal, as will be known in the art. Session-based browsing then takes place between the OMM 30 and the customer' s communications device 42 so that the OMM knows which device they are talking to.

Upon opening the top-level menu webpage, or homepage, the OMM 30 will typically ask for some identifier for the customer, e.g. their table number. Other preferences can be requested at this stage, e.g. language and currency, and the customer's selections are transmitted back to the OMM 30 in the session to interact with the web pages making up the service provider's personal OMM menu.

Upon selecting one or more menu items, the customer can place the order, at which time it is transmitted wirelessly to the OMM 30 whereupon it is automatically outputted to the printers 36, 38. Two printers 36, 38 are provided in this case to represent the previously described situation where one printer 36 is for an order executor, e.g. a chef, and another 38 is for a bill handler. The order sent to the chef may be in a different format from that sent to the bill handler (e.g. only the latter needs to show the price) . Only one printer may be needed in certain situations. Other human interface devices, e.g. LCD or LED displays can be used instead of a printed medium, and said displays can be interactive, e.g. with touch screen interfaces. The processing steps performed under software control at the various processing modules will now be briefly described.

Referring to Figure 9, the processing steps performed by the OMM 30 will be described. In a first step 9.1, the WLAN identifier is broadcast. In the next step 9.2, a connection request is received from a mobile communications terminal 42. In the next step 9.3, the OMM menu home page (e.g. HTML) is transmitted to the communications terminal 42 for display in a browser, the captive portal functionality ensuring this happens regardless of the URL. In step 9.4, user interactions are received from the communications terminal 42 to operate the menu system. In step 9.5, in response to a placed order, the selected items are output to the human interface (s) .

Referring to Figure 10, the processing steps performed by the mobile communications terminal 42 are indicated. In a first step 10.1, the customer identifies the WLAN from its identifier. In step 10.2, the communications terminal 42 connects to the WLAN. In step 10.3, a HTML browser is opened. In step 10.4, the OMM menu home page is received and displayed. In step 10.5, interactions are made with the OMM menu through the interface of the communications terminal 42. Referring to Figure 11, the processing steps performed by the OMM 30 in receiving interactions from the communications terminal for a typical OMM menu are shown, in this case for a restaurant or cafe. In step 11.1, the menu prompts for the table number. In step 11.2, the menu prompts for the preferred language. In step 11.3, the menu prompts for the preferred currency. In step 11.4, the menu displays the top level menu for selectable items. In step 11.5, selection of an item category is received. In step 11.6, items under that selected category, and prices, are transmitted. In step 11.7, selection (s) of one or more item(s) is/are received. In step 11.8, the selected item(s) are output to the human interface device (s), e.g. the printers 36, 38. Figure 12 shows a graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile communications terminal 42 at different stages of the above- mentioned interaction with the OMM 30. Figure 12a shows the home page, prompting input of table number, language and currency. Figure 12b shows the next level of the OMM menu with the item categories. Figure 12c shows the selectable menu items under the "Mains" category when selected. Figure 12d shows a single selected item. Additional items can be selected or, as shown in Figure 12e, the customer can place their order at this stage.

Figure 13 shows a printed order slip from the first printer 36 which is associated with the kitchen 4. This can then be used by the order executor, e.g. chef, to prepare the requested item for table 1. A similar slip is printed through the second printer 38 for the bill handler, although the price is shown in this case.

The memory 51 can also be used to store one or more further applications 54 for the purpose of improving or enhancing customer experience. These may include one or more of a music or jukebox application, a quiz application, a dating application. The service provider can select and download these from the AS. Once a customer is connected to the OMM 30 in the manner described above, they have access to this additional application functionality.

If the OMM 30 is connected to the internet, the service provider may also enable WiFi access to the external internet, as an add-on facility.

The above-described payment options for the first embodiment are applicable here also. The OMM 30 may simply be used to indicate, through printed slips, the cumulative bill for a given table or individual which is then acquired in the form of cash or card payment. Integration with an ePOS terminal 40 is an option. The use of electronic wallet-type payments or pre-payments can be facilitated with the use of a userid and password system, perhaps provided as part of a dedicated application that is downloaded to the OMM 30 from the AS.

Four different payment options that can be applied in the first and second embodiments will now be described.

1. Direct Mobile Billing

Here, the customer uses a mobile billing function during a checkout process provided as part of the ordering system (e.g. the OMM 30) through a payment ebpage. After two-factor authentication involving user-entry of a PIN and One-Time- Password, the customer's mobile account is charged for the purchase. It is a true alternative payment method that does not require the use of credit/debit cards or pre-registration at an online payment solution such as PayPal (TM) , thus bypassing banks and credit card companies. This type of mobile payment method provides the following benefits:

1. security - two-factor authentication and a risk management engine prevents fraud;

2. convenience - No pre-registration and no new mobile software is required;

3. easy - It's just another option during the checkout process;

4. fast - Most transactions are completed in less than 10 seconds; and

5. Proven. 2. Mobile Web Payment (WAP)

This payment option, again provided as part of the ordering system (e.g. the OMM 30) uses WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) as the underlying technology and thus inherits all the advantages and disadvantages of WAP. Using a familiar web payment model gives a number of proven benefits:

1. follow-on sales where the mobile web payment can lead back to a store or to other goods the consumer may like. These pages have a URL and can be bookmarked making it easy to re-visit or share with friends;

2. high customer satisfaction from quick and predictable payments; and

3. ease of use from a familiar set of online payment pages.

However, unless the mobile account is directly charged through a mobile network operator, the use of a credit/debit card or pre-registration at online payment solution such as PayPal (TM) is still required just as in a desktop environment.

A number of different actual payment mechanisms can be used behind a consistent set of web pages displayed by the ordering system, such as the OMM 30:

Direct operator billing

A direct connection to an operator billing platform requires integration with the operator, but provides a number of benefits:

1. simplicity - the operators already have a billing relationship with the customers, and the payment will be added to their bill;

2. instantaneous payments - giving the highest customer satisfaction; 3. accurate responses - showing success and reasons for failure (no money for example) ;

4. security - to protect payment details and consumer identity;

5. best conversion rates - from a single click-to-buy and no need to enter any further payment details; and

6. reduced customer support costs for merchants since customers will complain to the operator.

Direct operator billing is also known as Mobile content billing or WAP billing.

Credit Card A simple mobile web payment system provided within the ordering system, e.g. the OMM 30, includes a credit card payment facility allowing a consumer to enter their card details to make purchases. This process is familiar. In addition, if the payment vendor can automatically and securely identify customers then card details can be recalled for future purchases turning credit card payments into simple single click-to-buy purchases, giving higher conversion rates for additional purchases. Online Wallets

Online companies like PayPal (TM) , Amazon Payments (T ) and Google Checkout (TM) also have mobile options with which the ordering system, e.g. the OMM 30, integrates. Here is an example of the process: First Payment

• User registers, inputs their phone number, and t provider sends them an SMS message with a PIN;

• User enters the received PIN, authenticating the number;

• User inputs their credit card information (or anoth payment method) if necessary and validates payments.

Subsequent payments

• The user re-enters their PIN to authenticate.

These systems can be combined with operator and credit card payments through a unified mobile web payment platform within the ordering system, e.g. the OMM 30.

3. QR (Quick Response) Code For Mobile Payment

Here, the ordering system, e.g. the OMM 30, exploits the fact that smart phones can read QR codes. QR codes (or 2D barcodes) are square bar codes that can be printed on menus and are an easy way to inject information into a mobile phone or similar portable device such as a tablet or PDA. This makes it easy to create messages such 'visit a website' or copy useful text. QR codes have been around since 1994. Originally used to track, products in warehouses, QR codes were designed to replace traditional (one-dimensional barcodes) . Traditional barcodes just represent numbers, which can be looked-up in a database and translated into something meaningful. QR barcodes were designed to contain the meaningful information in the barcode. This method is used to create communication for mobile payment, 12 000202

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4. Near Field Communication (NFC)

The ordering system, e.g. the OMM 30, can be provided with the ability to integrate with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. NFC is used mostly in paying for purchases made in physical stores or transportation services. A customer using a mobile phone, or similar device, equipped with a smartcard passes their phone near a reader module. Most transactions do not require authentication, but some require authentication using a PIN, before the transaction is completed. The payment is deducted from a pre-paid account or charged to a mobile or bank account directly.

Further options that may be applied to both the first and second embodiments allow service providers to tie user profile data to purchasing patterns. This may include, for example, pulling-in demographic data from Facebook (TM) , Twitter (TM), Amazon (TM) Wish lists, etc. This data becomes part of a service provider's database, with the ability to track customer-level purchasing data, location data, demographic data, social influence data, and of course tracking conversion values of digital advertising to better define ROAS (return on advertising spend) . Further, the ordering module, e.g. the MOM 30, when connected to the Internet can enable ordering and payments to be made from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC in much the same was as an online takeaway and delivery service. Further, where payment is to be made from a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone, tablet, or PDA, funds stored on the mobile device can also be transferred to another mobile device. From the above, it will be appreciated that an ordering system is conveniently and simply implemented that obviates the need for orders to be taken manually by service providers personally attending customers to take their orders, and therefore reduces the time taken for customers to submit their orders and obtain their goods or services. Furthermore, it does not suffer from the technical disadvantages associated with dedicated ^ΛΑρρ' type electronic ordering systems. No special App has to be downloaded over the Internet, nor updated periodically. By using a HTTP client such as a web browser, the ordering system is viewable regardless of browser, mobile communication device operating system and/or platform.

Claims

1. An ordering system for enabling a customer from a mobile communications terminal to communicate an order to a service provider, the system comprising:

a memory module storing a list of goods or services associated with the service provider;

a communications module configured to provide a wireless LAN (WLAN) and, in response to a mobile communications terminal connecting to the WLAN, to transmit over the WLAN to said mobile communications terminal a web page suitable for being opened within a web browser on the terminal, the web page providing access to the stored list of goods or services, and for receiving over the WLAN a customer order in the form of selection of one or more of the goods or services made from the web browser; and

an order processing module for transmitting the or each selected goods or service to a human interface device.

2. An ordering system according to claim 1, wherein the order processing module is configured to transmit the selected goods or service to the human interface device in response to receiving a send order message from the human interface.

3. An ordering system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the order processing module is configured to transmit a data message configured to cause printing of the selected goods or services at a remote printer human interface device.

4. An ordering system according to claim 3, wherein the order processing module is configured to transmit a message configured to cause printing of the selected^' goods or services at a plurality of different remote printer human interface devices .

5. An ordering system according to claim 4, wherein the order processing module is configured to transmit a message configured to cause printing of different versions of the selected goods or services at respective printers.

6. An order system according to any preceding claim, wherein the order processing module is configured to transmit a data message configured to cause display of the selected goods or services at a remote display screen.

7. An order system according to any preceding claim, wherein the order processing module is configured to transmit a data message to cause input of the selected goods or services to a remote ePOS terminal.

8. An ordering system according to any preceding claim, wherein the communications module is configured to transmit a WLAN identifier for identification of the WLAN by a mobile communications terminal.

9. An ordering system according to claim 8, wherein the communications module is configured to detect connection of a mobile communications terminal to the WLAN and thereafter to operate as a captive portal to said terminal.

10. An ordering system according to any preceding claim, wherein in response to connection to the WLAN by a mobile communications terminal, the system is configured to transmit a webpage requesting input of a unique identifier for subsequently identifying the mobile communications terminal to the order system.

11. An ordering system according to claim 10, wherein the system is configured to generate the unique identifier for manual delivery to a customer associated with the mobile communications terminal for subsequent input through the webpage .

12. An ordering system according to any preceding claim, wherein in response to connection to the LAN by a mobile communications terminal, the system is configured to transmit a webpage requesting user input of preference data and, responsive to receiving the preference data, to transmit subsequent webpages to the mobile communications terminal dependent on the preference data received.

13. An ordering system according to claim 12, wherein the memory module stores the list of goods or services in a plurality of different languages, and wherein the system is configured to transmit a webpage requesting input of a selected language, and responsive to a language selection received from the mobile communications device, subsequently to transmit to the mobile communications device web pages in the selected language.

14. An ordering system according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the memory module stores, for each of the goods or services, an associated cost in a plurality of currencies, and wherein the system is configured to transmit a webpage requesting input of a selected currency, and responsive to a currency selection received from the mobile communications device, subsequently to transmit to the mobile communications device web pages, including the list of goods or services, with the associated cost in the selected currency.

15. An ordering system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to be connected to a remote server via the Internet for downloading of the list of goods or services and associated website data and thereafter is capable of being operated as a stand-alone module.

16. An ordering system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configured to receive from the remote server identity data relating to particular users and associated preference data relating to user browsing and/or purchasing and/or location patterns and thereafter to push the advertising of goods or services to said users based on said preference data.

17. An ordering system according to any preceding claim, wherein the memory module, communications module and order processing module are provided in a single stand-alone module for being operated independently of an external server.

18. An administration server (AS) for use with one or more remote ordering system(s) according to any preceding claim, the AS comprising:

processing means configured to present through a web browser portal:

a registration webpage for users to identify one or more remote ordering system(s); and

a menu input page for users to input a list of goods or services to be offered through the or each identified ordering system; a memory for storing the list of goods or services against the identified remote ordering system (s); and an interface configured to upload the inputted list of goods or services to the or each identified ordering system.

19. An ordering system enabling a customer via a mobile communications device to communicate an order to be executed by a service provider using the system, the system comprising: at least one human interface device for notifying the customer's order to a service provider and/or for notifying the price of the customer's order; and a data processing system having:

a memory storing a list of goods or services offered by the provider;

a wireless local-area-network (WLAN) interface for communicating the list to a customer's mobile communications device and receiving a customer's order from the customer's mobile communications device,

at least one interface for interfacing with the human interface device or devices to cause it or them to display the customer' s order and/or the price,

in which the data processing system is configured to perform the steps of:

transmitting the list of goods or services to a customer's mobile communications device,

receiving a customer's order from the customer's mobile communications device and recording it,

transmitting the customer's order to the or one of the human interface devices, e.g. for its execution; and transmitting a bill for the customer's order to the or one of the human interface devices, e.g. for its payment .

20. A method for receiving an order made from a mobile communications terminal to a service provider, the method comprising :

storing a list of goods or services associated with the service provider;

providing a wireless LAN ( WLAN ) ;

in response to a mobile communications terminal connecting to the WLAN , transmitting over the WLAN to said mobile communications terminal a web page suitable for being opened within a web browser on the terminal, the web page providing access to the stored list of goods or services;

receiving over the WLAN a customer order in the form of selection of one or more of the goods or services made from the web browser; and

transmitting the or each selected goods or service to a human interface device.

21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising transmitting the selected goods or service to the human interface device in response to receiving a send order message from the human interface.

22. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising transmitting a data message configured to cause printing of the selected goods or services at a remote printer human interface device.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the transmitted message is configured to cause printing of the selected goods or services at a plurality of different remote printer human interface devices.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein transmitted message causes printing of different versions the selected goods or services at respective printers.

25. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, further comprising transmitting a data message configured to cause display of the selected goods or services at a remote display screen.

26. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, further comprising a data message configured to cause input of the selected goods or services to a remote ePOS terminal.

27. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the step of providing a WLAN includes transmitting an identifier for identification of the WLAN by a mobile communications terminal.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein in response to detecting connection of a mobile communications terminal to the WLAN, the method further comprises operating a captive portal to force a particular webpage to be transmitted to a web browser being run on the mobile communications terminal.

29. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein in response to detecting connection of a mobile communications terminal to the WLAN, the method further comprises transmitting a webpage requesting input of a unique identifier for subsequently identifying the mobile communications terminal to the order system.

30. A method according to claim 29, further comprising generating the unique identifier for manual delivery to a customer associated with the mobile communications terminal for subsequent input through the webpage.

31. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein in response to detecting connection of a mobile communications terminal to the LAN, the method further comprises transmitting a webpage requesting user input of preference data and, responsive to receiving the preference data, to transmit subsequent webpages to the mobile communications terminal dependent on the preference data received.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the list of goods or services is stored in a plurality of different languages, and wherein the method comprises transmitting a webpage requesting input of a selected language, and responsive to a language selection received from the mobile communications device, subsequently to transmit to the mobile communications device web pages in the selected language.

33. A method according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein for each of the goods or services, an associated cost in a plurality of currencies is stored, and wherein the method comprises transmitting a webpage requesting input of a selected currency, and responsive to a currency selection received from the mobile communications device, subsequently to transmit to the mobile communications device web pages, including the list of goods or services, with the associated cost in the selected currency.

34. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 33, further comprising connecting to a remote server via the Internet, downloading of the list of goods or services and associated website data and thereafter operating as a stand-alone module.

35. A method according to claim 34, further comprising receiving from the remote server identity data relating to particular users and associated preference data relating to user browsing and/or purchasing and/or location patterns and thereafter pushing the advertising of goods or services to said users based on said preference data.

36. A method of providing an administration service for use with one or more remote ordering system (s) as defined in claims 1 to 19, the method comprising:

presenting through a web browser portal:

a registration webpage for users to identify one or more remote ordering system (s) and

a menu input page for users to input a list of goods or services to be offered through the or each identified ordering system; storing the received list of goods or services against the identified remote ordering system(s); and uploading the received list of goods or services to the or each identified ordering system.

37. A method for providing an ordering system using a data processor having one or more interface (s) , memory and a WLAN according to claim 18 and adapted to communicate with one or more order notification and order billing device (s), and a program storage medium having stored thereon a program configured to provide the steps of:

transmitting the menu to the customer's device,

receiving and recording the customer's order,

passing the order to the notification device, and

passing a bill for the order to the billing device.

38. A computer program comprising instructions that when executed by a computer apparatus control it to perform the method of any of claims 20 to 37.

39. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-readable code, which, when executed by computing apparatus, causes the computing apparatus to perform a method comprising the steps of:

storing a list of goods or services associated with a service provider;

providing a wireless LAN ( LAN) ;

in response to a mobile communications terminal connecting to the WLAN, transmitting over the WLAN to said mobile communications terminal a web page suitable for being opened within a web browser on the terminal, the web page providing access to the stored list of goods or services;

transmitting the or each selected goods or service to a human interface device.

40. A self-contained service provider module, comprising:

a local memory storing a plurality of web pages displayable through a web browser, the web pages including a home page and one or more sub-pages displaying a list of goods or services and associated costs, the goods or services in the list being selectable by means of user interaction with the web pages;

a wireless communications interface configured to provide a WLAN accessible by a plurality of wireless communications terminals and which, when a wireless connection is established to such a terminal, is configured to transmit the stored home page and, dependent on received user interactions, web pages for viewing in a web browser; and

order processing means for receiving an order including identification of the selection of one or more goods or services made through the web pages and in response thereto to automatically output the order to one or more human interface devices including an identifier associated with the user or their wireless communication terminal.