Patent Application
20130097038
1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to management systems including a hub, a set of clients, and a point of sale system, the management system operable to be controlled by management tool software.
2. Technical Background
Many processes involving sales lack centralized control and provide only a limited set of services. One example is a normal restaurant, in which food and drink are ordered from a waiter who then takes the order to the kitchen and delivers the food and drink as they become available, with no central control over the restaurant processes; the only service provided is food and drink services. If the customer wants to play a computer game, he has to bring his own hardware and software. If he wants to edit an Excel spreadsheet, he has to bring his own hardware running Excel software. If wants to view a movie, he has to bring his own hardware and software, with content either present on the hardware, or accessible using the software running on the hardware.
3. Discussion of Related Art
In WO2008071979A1, which is incorporated by reference, there is described an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, in which a computer controlled projector is mounted above a surface such that a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto some or all of the surface. The selection options are selectable by a user operating an interface device connected to the computer, such as a wireless track pad.
In WO2011021045A1, which is incorporated by reference, there is described a combined table and computer-controlled projector unit, comprising: (a) at least one table; (b) a stand supporting the table; (c) a projector controlled by a computer; and (d) an imaging system mounted on the stand, the imaging system causing an image to be projected onto the table. Because the unit combines both a table and the computer controlled projector unit, it can be readily installed and does not require any ceiling cabling.
In PCT application number PCT/GB2010/051982, which is incorporated by reference, there is described an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by a second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, wherein the menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected into a zone on the surface that is shared by the first and second users.
In prior art
The approach in prior art
There is provided a management system, comprising a hub, a set of clients, and a point of sale system, the management system operable to be controlled by management tool software wherein the management tool software provides a user interface.
The management system may be one wherein the management tool software is running on a computer terminal connected to the hub.
The management system may be one wherein the management tool software is running on the hub.
The management system may be one wherein the hub comprises an ordering process.
The management system may be one wherein the ordering process is associated with a client.
The management system may be one wherein the hub comprises a web service.
The management system may be one wherein the web service is associated with a client.
The management system may be one wherein the hub comprises an EPOS Abstraction.
The management system may be one wherein the EPOS Abstraction is associated with a client.
The management system may be one wherein the point of sale system is selectable from a set of point of sale systems using the management tool software.
The management system may be one wherein the hub is connected to an EPOS.
The management system may be one wherein the hub is operable to provide one or more of: an interactive food and/or drink ordering interface, a computer game, a computer software application, a movie, a playstation running game, or a Nintendo Wii playing game.
The management system may be one wherein the hub is operable to provide one or more of a plurality of client-facing software applications.
The management system may be one wherein the management tool software is operable to change a client facing interface in real time.
The management system may be one wherein the management tool software requires a username and password, so that only designated staff can operate the management tool software.
The management system may be one operable to receive input from a plurality of input technologies.
The management system may be one operable to receive input from a games remote control.
The management system may be one wherein the management system is a table management system including tables.
The table management system may be one wherein each table is operable to run a client from the set of clients.
The table management system may be one wherein the management tool software is operable to select a particular client from the set of clients to run on a particular table.
The table management system may be one wherein the hub is an E-Table hub.
The table management system may be one wherein the management tool software is operable to change a client facing interface at a table.
The table management system may be one wherein a receiver associated with a given table is operable to receive input from a plurality of input technologies.
The table management system may be one wherein a receiver associated with a given table is operable to receive input from a games remote control.
The table management system may be one wherein a given table provides an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer.
Use of the management system may be in a stadium, a hotel room, a conference centre, an airport, a nightclub, a train, an aeroplane, or an e-learning centre.
The management system may be used as a table management system in restaurants.
(i) a multi-establishment table management system comprising a super-hub operable to be controlled by super-hub management tool software, and
(ii) a plurality of table management systems, each table management system comprising a hub, a set of clients, and a point of sale system, each table management system operable to be controlled by respective management tool software,
wherein the super-hub is connected to the plurality of table management systems.
Overview
When we use the word “E-Table” in this document it may for example be referring to any Server-Client hardware and software combinations as shown in
Some other locations where our technology may add extra value:
Purchasing
Social Events Using the System
Camera Tracking
New Technologies, Customer Data Tracking & Loyalty
The individual guest data may be tracked through a variety of means and this may be used for a whole host of revenue generation options for a restaurant as well as increased customer satisfaction, increased efficiency and enhanced customer experience. The tracking may be done through a variety of means.
Some of the benefits of tracking customers in this way may include but are most certainly not limited to:
Linking to Social Networking Sites
Personalisation for Own Environment e.g. Customer Booth
Text Message Services
A customer can connect to texting service to send messages
Simple Games
Shared Experiences and Multiplayer Games
Customers can all play a group game through the E-Table system as opposed to just playing on their own table. More than one table to play
Multi Restaurant Experiences and Multi-Restaurant Games
All of the above concepts may be extended to include players not just within one restaurant but within multiple restaurants and even further:
Miscellaneous
E-Table System go Vs E-Table General Use
The current E-Table is typically set up to run in conjunction with an EPOS terminal and in the case of the E-Table Full Install/The E-Table Portable runs two interfaces through one computer. Each of these is linked back through to a central server.
It is possible to, from the central server, turn off the interactive ordering and put a separate feed/stream through the tables. One may edit our CMS (Content Management System) to allow the individual tables to run separate software using the hardware that is already there. For example, one may link a playstation into the server and may thus play a playstation game through the E-Table Portable hardware (viewable either on a single table, or on multiple tables.
One can stream video on some tables in the restaurant and not others converting one room into a mini cinema.
Taking this a step further, it is possible to link multiple Playstations/Nintendo Wiis/X-Boxes etc. into the server and select which tables in a restaurant can run the games and which would simply be ordinary ordering. Instantly this can convert a restaurant into a games arcade!
For an example, see
This has further features of allowing a set of regular PCs to do this immediately providing a mechanism by which powerpoint, excel, staroffice, facebook, twitter may be fed to multiple E-Tables in the middle of a dining experience through the request of a customer and the management of a restaurant/hotel manager. You may have a software and hardware link which runs through a content management system instantly allowing a restaurant manager to allocate individual tables to do virtually anything that the client PC is capable of running through our hardware without running directly through the EPOS system while maintaining the realtime food data.
This can be thought of as a switch between normal E-Table operation and using the hardware in its more regular use and managing this process through our content management system. For example, see
In
In the case of the E-Table portable and full E-Table install, this can run either directly through the client PC using one of the custom trackpads (or whatever input device is being used at that stage) or it may run just through the network of projectors and a completely separate piece of hardware may be used to interact with the hub. See
Applying the E-Table Hub Concept to Multiple Restaurants
Much like the internet is built of constituent smaller networks and servers, one can conceptualise an E-Table-Work which consists of multiple E-Table restaurants grouped together. This may not transfer all of the private data, but would allow individual restaurants to game against each other, compare high scores etc. as laid out in the multi restaurant games section of this document. This may be taken further as a mechanism for individual restaurants to share important and valuable data if they were to opt in to that. For example, see
It should be noted that a super E-Table hub may exist within an individual restaurant chain (e.g. multiple restaurants run from a single super E-Table hub to centralize all of their data as well as to work with the games, but an idea being put forth above is the idea of a SUPER SUPER E-Table hub whereby multiple chains and restaurants all share gaming, application (and potentially much more) data through a centrally controlled Compurants Server, or through some other centrally controlled server.
Others
Ideas/Applications
1. Games (Including Ping, Pop'em)
2. Build your own pizza tool.
3. The following applications may be available:
a) A what's on at the cinema tool
b) A build your own cocktail tool
c) A virtual tour of the restaurant
d) A find your waiter tool
4. The following applications may be available:
a) The retail art tool
b) The trading price tool
c) A table drawing tool
5. APIs may allow external software developers to develop front end applications for our system.
6. A POSless E-Table system may be developed (for display purposes & for use in conjunction with any POS)—meaning one that can have input and output which is not through external POS (including table grouping), and including a fuller database, including output to printers.
Other Possible Projects
Project 1: Guest Action Recognition
User Scenario:
An Overview of the Target User Scenario:
1. A group of diners arrive at the restaurant.
2. They are given an object(s) that is linked to their group within the restaurants computer system. This object(s) will be recognised anywhere within the restaurant as an identifier of that group and their orders.
3. The group sits at a table and places the object(s) on a table to reveal a menu(s).
4. The menu can either be shared by members of the group or menus can be shown for each individual user. The position of the menu can be defined by the location of the objects that trigger the menu.
5. Users then browse the menu(s) using either features within the menu-triggering object(s) or separate objects used specifically for pointing and selecting.
6. There are many exciting experiences that can be created using projectors and tracking. However, the hardest and most important foundation to get in place is reliable and accurate pointing and selection to provide reliable menu browsing system. This also needs to be partnered with a reliable method of identifying a group and relating that to orders made by that group.
Once that is in place one can introduce further, less critical, areas of interaction that can be used more for entertainment and game play. The sensors and activators for this may be separated from those used for core pointing and clicking to ensure pointing and clicking remains reliable.
Features and Problems:
These are the key features and functions.
1. Uniquely identify the location and orientation (translation) of multiple objects on a surface.
a. Issues:
i. Very varied lighting conditions.
ii. Many other objects of varied heights on the projection/tracking surface (shadows, line of sight etc.)
iii. Ensuring human gestures and moving physical objects that should be ignored by the system do not confuse the tracking of objects and/or human gestures that should be tracked by the system.
iv. To only detect specified objects with a certain identification code and/or intentional human input (e.g. detect the difference between someone pointing at something and someone meaning to select something).
2. Point at items in a projected menu system, i.e. mouse pointer-like functionality. Translation of the menu itself is in relation to certain specified objects on a surface. Pointing should have as close to a mouse-pointer or computer track-pad level of accuracy.
a. Issues:
i. Lighting conditions as above.
ii. Other objects, both static and moving, as above.
3. Making a selection (e.g. clicking a mouse, tapping a touch-pad) in the projected menu system.
a. Issues:
i. Ensuring only intentional ‘clicks’ or ‘selections’ are registered.
ii. Ensuring a high level of confidence in the user that the system is doing what they ask.
4. Ensuring correct calibration between an objects location on a table and the resulting projected GUI (graphical user interface).
5. Keeping the cost of components down, especially at the user level.
6. The items that need to be tracked on the surface may be quite small in relation to the overall size of the projection surface. There may also be a number (e.g 20) of items that need to be tracked for various purposes on that projection surface.
7. Power requirements for table level items need to be considered in relation to battery requirements, sizes, and charging regimes. The less power and longer re-charging frequencies may be preferred.
Possible Existing Technologies:
These are technology items that may be combined in some way to achieve the above.
1. TECH: Infra-red capable camera (and related software/computer) to track items and send appropriate signals to the GUI.
NOTES: Choice of infra-red to:
a. Ensure any required markers/identifiers can be invisible from the user.
b. Ensure a consistent level of visibility in the widely varied lighting conditions caused by the GUI being projected onto the surface the camera would be looking at for identifiable objects.
2. TECH: HALIOS 3d pointer (see HALIOS 3d pointer notes below)
POSSIBLE USES: pointing at items, making a selection.
3. TECH: ANOTO digital pen (see ANOTO digital pen notes below)
POSSIBLE USES: pointing at items, making a selection, (possibly) positioning menus.
NOTES: The component that makes the pen work can be packaged differently. The projection surface may require the ANOTO pattern. The projected image may need to be positioned accurately in relation to the ANOTO pattern to ensure correct location of pen. The pen's components may communicate via Bluetooth to receiving computers).
4. TECH: Atracsys (see Atracsys notes below)
POSSIBLE USES: pointing at items, uniquely identify the location and orientation
5. TECH: Configurations of IR LED's in objects.
POSSIBLE USES: pointing at items, uniquely identify the location and orientation, making a selection.
a. Create a unique identification code (by flashing a series of LED to create a unique code).
b. Provide a high level of visibility to a tracking camera (by adding the correct IR filter to the camera to filter out everything but that IR from the LED's).
c. Work out translation via 3 LED's.
d. By employing a mode switch the transform of the object the LED's are embedded into can be used to position a projected menu on a surface, and then, once the mode is changed, to use changes to the position of the object to create mouse-like pointer.
e. An LED can be tracked as ‘click’ or ‘selection’ LED. When it flashes on the system registers a selection.
6. TECH: Infra-red inks (here)
NOTES: Useful to allow printing of unique patterns (such as QR code) in IR (infra red)/UV (ultra violet) (the UV element can be useful for quickly shining a black-light at so staff can see important info) in combination with visible inks, thus allowing the camera to see one thing (a unique code) and users to see another thing.
7. TECH: Printed bar code patterns
POSSIBLE USES: pointing at items, uniquely identify the location and orientation, making a selection (by temporarily removing from view).
NOTES: either using a code similar to QR code or bespoke code patterns. These can be printed in normal ink or using IR ink (this would help increase visibility to a tracking camera and hide the code from users)
8. TECH: Standard laptop-like track pad embedded into an object to.
POSSIBLE USES: pointing at items, making a selection.
NOTES: This may be used in combination with a Bluetooth controller.
Possible Configurations of Technologies:
These are some of the configurations of the technologies above.
1. Use an object with a single IR LED (light emitting diode) as a pointer/selector. The object can be a simple pen-like instrument with a downwards aiming IR LED as its tip and a pressure switch to activate the LED and shine IR light onto the surface directly in front of the pen. An IR camera can then recognise and track this IR light. A ‘click’ on the table surface can be responded to as a mouse click. Each pen can have a unique code embedded into it. A ‘click’ of the pen on the projection surface will cause the LED to flash a sequence of pulses that represent the pen's unique ID code. Holding the pen down for longer can trigger a variety of different light flashes that can be responded to in different ways such as tracking gestures, drawing and so on. This will provide a touch-surface like experience with the user pointing a physical object (the pen) at items on a projected interface. It will also ensure that a click only occurs when using a specific pen, thus preventing unintentional selections. This can be used in two main scenarios:
a. Pen only.
Makes use of the unique identifier of a pen to register it to a group. The pen can be used to activate menu anywhere in the restaurant and then to browse the menu and re-position it using a ‘drag menu’. Any orders made on that menu are logged to the group the pen is registered to.
i. When a person or group arrives at a restaurant a member of staff activates each pen's ID to register a pen to an individual or group within the system. Then gives the pen to each person in the group.
ii. Each person then sits at any table and presses the pen on the surface in front of them to activate the pen's ID. The system then recognises the pen and activates a menu. The default location and rotation of the menu can be determined by the position where the pen was first recognised.
iii. From then on any ‘click’ pulses of the pen's LED can be used to register a click wherever the pen is clicked and allow browsing of a menu.
b. Pen and Menu Identifier.
Using a menu identifier to activate and position a menu anywhere in a restaurant. The menu identifier is registered to a group. Pens are then used to browse the menu.
i. When a person or group arrives at a restaurant a member of staff provides them with an object with a large IR printed unique identifier on its top surface and registers it to a group on the system. The object then becomes the group identifier. Each person is then provided with a pointing pen.
ii. The group then sits at any table and places the group identifier on the table. This triggers a projected menu to appear and positions it in relation to the group identifier.
iii. Each person can then use any pen to navigate the menu.
2. Use either IR printed markers to uniquely identify an object that can trigger and translate a menu and objects containing a single IR LED that illuminates when pressed onto a surface. These may be simple pencil like objects with a pressure switch as a tip with the LED near the tip. When pressed on an item in the projected menu the LED illuminates briefly, and infra-red capable camera recognises the location of the LED's flash and lets the system know a ‘click’ occurred at that point. An un-limited number of pointers can then be used and the system would need to know how to deal with an unlimited number of ‘clicks’ possibly occurring at the same time.
3. A single object containing arrays of IR LED's that perform separate functions:
a. 3 LED's provide triangulation of position and rotation for moving either the menu or the pointer based on a mode switch.
b. 1 LED acts as a mode switch. If it is on then the object acts as a mouse with translation of the object moving the mouse. If it is off then translation of the object moves the menu.
c. 1 LED acts as a ‘click’ or ‘select’ identifier. When it flashes the system recognises a mouse click.
d. 5 (or more/less) LED's flash in such a way as to provide a unique identification.
4. Use either IR printed markers or flashing IR LED's to uniquely identify an object that can trigger and translate a menu. The projection surface has the current Bluetooth/track pad solution fixed into it providing pointing and clicking. Menus can be moved anywhere but the pointers are fixed.
5. Use either IR printed markers or flashing IR LED's to uniquely identify an object that can trigger and translate a menu. This defines a local zone in relation to the projected menu in which human gestures can be tracked as a pointer and possibly a selection.
Project 2: Table Drawing Tool
The table drawing tool is an application that allows customers at tables to create their own tablecloth images. A tablecloth image may be a 1050×1050 pixel image that is layered behind the user interface on tables.
Goals
The aim is to find a number of methods of creating attractive graphics that can be used as tablecloths, and build a prototype that ties these methods together in an intuitive tool that anyone can use without instruction.
Criteria
Firstly, the criteria of the tool can be:
1. The tool should be fun. Using it should feel like a mixture of play and experimentation.
2. The tool should support the user who wants to make a good tablecloth in 30 seconds, as well as the user who wants to spend a few minutes on a more individual tablecloth.
3. The tool should balance two potentially competing forces: a) in order to make the tool quick to use, the user should provide simple gestures that the tool elaborates into more complex graphic elements, and b) in order to make the tool satisfying, the user should feel that the resulting tablecloth is their creation: that they have told the tool what to do, not that the tool has done the job for them.
4. Within reason, all output should look good. There should be no options that allow the creation of garish or unpleasant tablecloths, and use of the tool should not require artistic talent (though talent might help get the best out of the tool).
Constraints
In addition there are a number of limitations imposed by the nature of our product that may be taken into account:
1. Although the area to display the tablecloth is large (eg. 1050×1050 pixels), the interactive area for all UI controls and drawing is very small: eg. 246×264 pixels, landscape orientation. This is the most important limitation of the system—it is very hard to fit much text or buttons in this space. It will be necessary to provide a small canvas on which to draw, and then allow the rendering of a high quality version.
2. Track pads. Drawing a specific shape with a trackpad is not easy. Testing the tool on a laptop with a trackpad will help you decide what motions are natural.
3. No buttons. Clicking is done by tapping the trackpad, so it is not possible to click-and-drag. This makes drawing lines very hard, so that should be avoided unless they are fundamental to the drawing method you are experimenting with. If you do want to draw lines, you might consider one of: click to start drawing and click to stop; click to start drawing a line that continues for a certain length (measured in cm or seconds); or clicking numerous times to provide control points which the line then flows between.
4. No keyboard.
5. The final product of the tool must be a static image—we may not support animated tablecloths.
Drawing Methods
1. Offer ways to splash or scatter shapes over an image. For example the user may click a point in one corner of the canvas and cause a few leaves to be scattered around that area.
2. Customise an entity to your personal taste by selecting from a set of components. See zwinky.com for a very advanced example of this principle, though much simpler implementations are possible.
3. Accept crude line drawings and embellish them in a graphically pleasing manner. Reference may be had to scribbler by zefrank for a simple implementation of this idea.
4. Check out spirographs—line drawing algorithms that have relatively few initial parameters, from which complex shapes are produced. That general principle no doubt has other implementations than just spirographs, which are in fact quite hard to control predictably. The data for such an algorithm may be entered on a projected keyboard, or in a customized user interface.
5. Offer starting points other than a blank canvas. For example you might have some elements pre-arranged on the canvas but movable, or simply start with a backgrounds image or pattern and layer the user's drawing(s) on top of this background.
6. Distort bitmaps in creative ways.
Restaurant Table System Example
In
In
System with a Shared Menu Zone; System with a Plurality of Shared Menu Zones; Input Palette System; Input Palette; Input Pointer System, and Input Pointer
A different approach to that exemplified in
A single, shared menu zone also allows for more flexible use of a given table area—for example, the two seat table described with reference to
Flexible positioning of the various shared menu zones allows for odd (i.e. various) group sizes and seating arrangements. For example, a table for ten people is arranged so that there are three different shared menu zones—one for a group of four on the left hand side; another for a group of three in the middle and finally a group of two on the right hand side. An example is shown in
Using a camera such as a web camera to detect and track a physical object provides a new approach to flexibility. For example, the shared menu zone is normally just projected by a projector onto the table top at a fixed location (albeit one that can be altered by the restaurant management to permit different seating arrangements to be used, different groups at a table to be provided with their own dedicated menu zone etc) as shown for example for the table in
Because the palette can be rapidly and reliably tracked, a diner can move the palette to any convenient position on the table and the shared menu zone will follow its movement, being continuously projected onto the palette and not elsewhere on the table. The projector may maintain a fixed background image on the table as the palette is moved.
The location of the handle can be tracked and identified as well—so that the shared menu zone orientation can vary as the palette is rotated. For example, with the palette in a particular position, the menu could be oriented by the overhead projector to present the menu correctly to the diner at the first seat; if a diner swivels the palette around, then the menu orientation can alter to face the other diner in the second seat.
Using a web camera to detect and track a physical object allows for as many instances of a menu as there are physical objects to trigger one. For example, in the tables shown in
By expanding the use of web-cam detection and tracking, other physical objects can be used to interact with the menu. This enables the replacement of expensive touch-detecting equipment with basic objects (such as a piece of wood) with nothing more than a graphic that the camera can track. For example, in the table in
To aid detection and tracking of the pointer, the pointer can be equipped with a light source (e.g an infrared LED) that a user can activate using a small switch on the pointer. The LED faces upwards and its position can be readily detected and tracked using an IR camera (typically filtered to pick up only IR). Users can move their pointers over the table top menu items, selecting them by clicking the switch, which in turn activates the IR LED, with the IR camera detecting the IR; the x-y location on the table top of the pointer can then be inferred using software that analyses the location of the light source on each frame of the camera's video output. Multiple pointers can be detected and tracked simultaneously on the same table.
Multi-touch functionality is also possible—for example, users could select an item projected onto the tabletop, and then, by keeping the switch activated, and hence the LED emitting IR, multi-touch functions such as pinch, grab and zoom can be performed.
Benefits would be in the enhanced user experience: games (such as air hockey etc.), drawing, manipulation of backgrounds in pleasing and flowing ways, in essence all the things that you can do on a touch screen device, but on a shared table top, with no technology at the table surface level beyond a disposable LED pointer—therefore low cost. Entertainment along with the interactive ordering of food is hence provided.
Unlike the table in
The dashed line in
Relying only on a web cam for interaction allows for increased fluidity in the seating arrangements of people—the palettes can be tracked wherever they are on the table and different palettes associated with different groupings of diners. Furthermore, any surface may be used as an interaction surface.
The dining area belonging to each group of diners can have a unique background colour or image, set by those diners. As the palettes are moved, the boundary between these different areas can automatically change.
Combined Table and Computer-Controlled Projector Unit, and Interactive Food and/or Drink Ordering System
Referring to
For an interactive food and/or drink ordering system implementation (see
Server
Networking
Tables
Tills
The E-table touch screen software is split into three major components: server, client and tills.
Server
Client
Tills
HALIOS 3d Pointer Notes
(www.elmos.de/englisch/about-us/profit/optoelektronic-halios.htmt; http://www.mechaless.eu/eng/halios_e.htm)
There is the HALIOS®-principle in the area of optoelectronics. The coinage is the shortcut for High Ambient Light Independent Optical System. This system consists of optical transmission and reception elements (LEDs and photo diodes) as well as an electronic signal-evaluation system.
The system allows movements to be recognized even through closed, infrared-translucent surfaces. Hereby the incident light is evaluated by using two optical transmitters in such a way that only the required information is evaluated by post-connection hard and software. External influences, such as exposure to strong sunlight, have no effect. HALIOS® works without any mechanical parts whatsoever and is therefore wear-free.
HALIOS® allows input complex and free of interferences input devices for the detection up to three-dimensional movement. Because of its high integration HALIOS® needs only very little space.
HALIOS® (High Ambient Light Independent Optical System) fulfils optical sensor requirements. An advantage of this optical measurement principle, which is able to detect any movement by light reflection in all three dimensions, is its immunity to influences by ambient light, even direct sunlight.
Furthermore, the HALIOS® system is self-regulating, compensating any factors of influence like ageing or extreme variations in temperature.
Due to their absolute ambient light immunity, HALIOS® systems opens up application areas for optical sensors and input devices. Despite their extremely small building size, those sensors and input devices are able to recognize movements in all three dimensions.
Anoto Digital Pen Notes (www.anoto.com)
Digital Pen
Using a Digital Pen—Information Capture at Your Fingertips
From Ink to Digital Data: Quick and Easy
A digital pen looks, feels and writes like a normal ballpoint pen. However, it contains an integrated digital camera, an advanced image microprocessor and a mobile communications device for wireless connection.
Using a digital pen you can capture, store and then securely send the handwriting, enabling you to easily convert ink to digital data—right away.
What Happens when You're Writing
In combination with digital paper, a digital pen starts digitizing handwritten text the moment you put pen to paper. The pen reads and records pen strokes in relation to the digital paper's barely visible pattern of dots.
As you write, the camera built into the pen automatically takes digital snapshots of the dot pattern on the paper at a rate of between 50 and 100 images per second. Every snapshot contains enough data to enable the pen's image microprocessor to determine the exact position of the digital pen and what it writes or draws.
Pen Data Ready for Transfer
In addition to capturing the coordinates that enable accurate recording of the handwriting, the digital pen appends key data about the handwriting context. This includes the exact time it was written and the identity of the writer—every digital pen has a unique pen ID, which is included every time data is sent from the pen. The pen data also includes details on the specific paper form and page.
All this data is then retained in the pen's memory. The digital pen can store up to 50 full A4/Letter size pages of handwritten data. With the handwritten form or document completed and pen data captured and stored, the user is ready to transfer data from the pen.
Atracsys Notes
(www.atracsys.com/_products/tracking_systems.php)
Atracsys proposes two families of optical 3D localizers based on active and passive technologies.
accuTrack
Designed to be used close to the tracking site, accuTrack 500 and accuTrack 250 localizers optimize the working volume versus precision equation. accuTrack active system detects the sub-millimetric position of infrared LEDs at a maximum speed of 4000 Hz guaranteeing to capture moving objects without losing any precision.
infiniTrack
infiniTrack is a real-time 3D/6D optical measurement system specially designed to detect and track the pose of objects in real-time video streams. Being simultaneously an active camera as well as a real passive tracking system, infiniTrack can be used in a large number of applications and is compatible with existing image-guided surgery tools already widespread in the medical field.
Notes
It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.
Concepts
Multiple concepts A to M are presented in this disclosure. The following may be of assistance in defining these concepts.
A. An Interactive Food and/or Drink Ordering System with a Shared Menu Zone
An interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by a second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, wherein the menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected into a zone on the surface that is shared by the first and second users.
A method of ordering food and/or drink in an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by a second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, wherein the menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected into a zone on the surface that is shared by the first and second users, comprising the steps of:
(i) the first user or the second user operating an interface device to select an item of food or drink from the menu projected on the surface, and
(ii) a record of the selection being made in an order record corresponding to the first and second users.
B. An Interactive Food and/or Drink Ordering System with a Plurality of Shared Menu Zones
An interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a first zone on the surface that is shared by first and second users in a first group of users, the images in the first zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the first zone being selectable by the first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, and wherein
images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a second zone on the surface that is shared by third and fourth users in a second group of users, the images in the second zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the second zone being selectable by the third user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the fourth user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer.
A method of ordering food and/or drink in an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a first zone on the surface that is shared by first and second users in a first group of users, the images in the first zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the first zone being selectable by the first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, and wherein
images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a second zone on the surface that is shared by third and fourth users in a second group of users, the images in the second zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the second zone being selectable by the third user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the fourth user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, the method comprising the steps of:
C. Input Palette System
Input palette system comprising an input palette, a camera and a tracking computer, the input palette system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the input palette situated on the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user and also by one or more additional users, the position of the menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a user according to user positioning of the input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the palette through image processing of an image of the palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the positioning of the menu in response to the input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
Input palette system comprising a first input palette and a second input palette, a camera and a tracking computer, the input palette system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a respective menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto a respective input palette situated on the surface, the respective selection options being selectable by a respective user and also by one or more respective additional users, a position of the respective menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a respective user according to user positioning of a respective input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine a respective position of a respective input palette through image processing of an image of the respective palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the position of the respective menu in response to the respective input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
D. Input Palette
Input palette, for use with a camera, a tracking computer and an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the input palette situated on the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user and also by one or more additional users, the position of the menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a user according to user positioning of the input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the palette through image processing of an image of the palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the positioning of the menu in response to the input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
E. Input Pointer System
Input pointer system comprising an input pointer, a camera and a tracking computer, the input pointer system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user holding the input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the pointer through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a menu option in response to the input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
Input pointer system comprising a first input pointer and a second input pointer, a camera and a tracking computer, the input pointer system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a respective user holding a respective input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the positions of the first and second input pointers simultaneously through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a respective menu option in response to a respective input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
F. Input Pointer
Input pointer suitable for use with a camera, a tracking computer, and an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user holding the input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the pointer through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a menu option in response to the input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
G. A Combined Table and Computer-Controlled Projector Unit
A combined table and computer-controlled projector unit, comprising:
(a) at least one table;
(b) a stand connected to the table;
(c) a projector controlled by a computer;
(d) an imaging system mounted on the stand, the imaging system causing an image to be projected onto the table.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the imaging system is the projector, and the table is supported by the stand.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the projector is mounted on the stand and positioned above the table.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the imaging system is a mirror oriented to reflect light from the projector onto the table.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the projector is mounted on the stand and positioned below the table.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the imaging system is surrounded by a shade.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the table includes one or more integrated cursor control devices that are connected to the computer.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the Cursor control devices are trackpads that are wirelessly connected to the computer
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the computer is mounted under the table.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the computer is connected to a remote server.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the computer is connected to an EPOS terminal.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the computer is connected wirelessly or by cable to the remote server and EPOS terminal.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the unit forms part of an interactive food and/or drink ordering system.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the computer controlled projector projects a menu of food and/or drink selection options onto some or all of the table surface.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the selection options are selectable by a user operating an interface device connected to the computer, such as a wireless track pad.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which is portable, in that the unit can be moved to different positions in a room or other space and does not have to be permanently installed.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one which needs only a power source and data connectivity to operate.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the data connectivity is wireless.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the data connectivity is cable-based.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the stand includes one or more rigid members to support the table and the imaging system.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the stand is a single vertical rigid member mounted on a floor panel.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which the stand includes at least one rigid member to support a table and a different rigid member to support the imaging system.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one being modular in that multiple such units can be pushed together to form a larger, combined unit, with flush fitting sides.
The combined table and computer-controlled projector unit may be one in which power cabling is routed through the floor.
Premises including a combined table and computer-controlled projector unit defined under concept G.
H. Management System
A management system, comprising a hub, a set of clients, and a point of sale system, the management system operable to be controlled by management tool software wherein the management tool software provides a user interface.
The management system may be a table management system including tables.
The management system may be such that the management tool software is running on a computer terminal connected to the hub.
The management system may be such that the management tool software is running on the hub.
The table management system may be such that each table is operable to run a client from the set of clients.
The table management system may be such that the management tool software is operable to select a particular client from the set of clients to run on a particular table.
The management system may be such that the hub comprises an ordering process.
The management system may be such that the hub comprises a web service.
The management system may be such that the hub comprises an EPOS Abstraction.
The management system may be such that the hub comprises an ordering process, wherein the ordering process is associated with a client.
The management system may be such that the hub comprises a web service, wherein the web service is associated with a client.
The management system may be such that the hub comprises an EPOS Abstraction, wherein the EPOS Abstraction is associated with a client.
The management system may be such that the point of sale system is selectable from a set of point of sale systems using the management tool software.
The table management system may be such that the hub is an E-Table hub.
The management system may be such that the hub is connected to an EPOS.
The management system may be such that the hub is operable to provide one or more of: an interactive food and/or drink ordering interface, a computer game, a computer software application, a movie, a playstation running game, or a Nintendo Wii playing game.
The management system may be such that the hub is operable to provide one or more of a plurality of client-facing software applications.
The table management system may be such that the management tool software is operable to change a client facing interface at a table.
The management system may be such that the management tool software is operable to change a client facing interface in real time.
The management system may be such that the management tool software requires a username and password, so that only designated staff can operate the management tool software.
The management system may be operable to receive input from a plurality of input technologies.
The management system may be operable to receive input from a games remote control.
The table management system may be such that a receiver associated with a given table may be operable to receive input from a plurality of input technologies.
The table management system may be such that a receiver associated with a given table may be operable to receive input from a games remote control.
Use of the management system in a stadium, a hotel room, a conference centre, an airport, a nightclub, a train, an aeroplane, or an e-learning centre.
The table management system may be such that a given table provides an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer.
The table management system may be such that a given table provides an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by a second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, wherein the menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected into a zone on the surface that is shared by the first and second users.
The table management system may be such that a given table provides an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a first zone on the surface that is shared by first and second users in a first group of users, the images in the first zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the first zone being selectable by the first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, and wherein
images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a second zone on the surface that is shared by third and fourth users in a second group of users, the images in the second zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the second zone being selectable by the third user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the fourth user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer.
The table management system may be such that a given table provides an input palette system comprising an input palette, a camera and a tracking computer, the input palette system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the input palette situated on the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user and also by one or more additional users, the position of the menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a user according to user positioning of the input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the palette through image processing of an image of the palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the positioning of the menu in response to the input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
The table management system may be such that a given table includes an input palette, for use with a camera, a tracking computer and an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the input palette situated on the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user and also by one or more additional users, the position of the menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a user according to user positioning of the input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the palette through image processing of an image of the palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the positioning of the menu in response to the input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
The table management system may be such that a given table provides an input pointer system comprising an input pointer, a camera and a tracking computer, the input pointer system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user holding the input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the pointer through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a menu option in response to the input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
The table management system may be such that a given table includes an input pointer suitable for use with a camera, a tracking computer, and an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user holding the input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the pointer through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a menu option in response to the input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
The table management system may be such that a given table provides a combined table and computer-controlled projector unit, comprising:
(a) at least one table;
(b) a stand connected to the table;
(c) a projector controlled by a computer;
(d) an imaging system mounted on the stand, the imaging system causing an image to be projected onto the table.
I. Table Grouping and Parameter Selection System
A table grouping and parameter selection system comprising tables and a table management system, the table management system comprising a hub and a point of sale system, the table management system operable to be controlled by management tool software wherein the management tool software provides a user interface, the management tool software operable via the user interface to select groups of tables, and to apply a set of selectable parameters to each group of tables.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the management tool software is running on a computer terminal connected to the hub.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the management tool software is running on the hub.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the selectable parameters include a table theme parameter.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the selectable parameters include table menu parameters, or a table menu parameter.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the table menu parameters include a food menu parameter and a drinks menu parameter.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the selectable parameters include a pattern image parameter.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the management tool software is operable to move a selected table into a predefined group of tables.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that the management tool software is operable to enter a reservation comprising a group of tables and a date and time corresponding to the reservation.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table provides an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto some or all of the surface, the images including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options being selectable by a first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by a second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, wherein the menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected into a zone on the surface that is shared by the first and second users.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table provides an interactive food and/or drink ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a first zone on the surface that is shared by first and second users in a first group of users, the images in the first zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the first zone being selectable by the first user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the second user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer, and wherein images from the computer controlled projector apparatus are projected onto a second zone on the surface that is shared by third and fourth users in a second group of users, the images in the second zone including a menu of food and/or drink selection options, the selection options in the second zone being selectable by the third user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer and also by the fourth user operating an interface device operable to provide input to the computer.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table provides an input palette system comprising an input palette, a camera and a tracking computer, the input palette system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the input palette situated on the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user and also by one or more additional users, the position of the menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a user according to user positioning of the input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the palette through image processing of an image of the palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the positioning of the menu in response to the input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table includes an input palette, for use with a camera, a tracking computer and an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the input palette situated on the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user and also by one or more additional users, the position of the menu of food and/or drink selection options projected onto the surface being selectable by a user according to user positioning of the input palette, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the palette through image processing of an image of the palette obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to change the positioning of the menu in response to the input palette position determined by the tracking computer.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table provides an input pointer system comprising an input pointer, a camera and a tracking computer, the input pointer system suitable for use with an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user holding the input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the pointer through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a menu option in response to the input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table includes an input pointer suitable for use with a camera, a tracking computer, and an interactive food and/or drink ordering system, the ordering system comprising a computer controlled projector apparatus and a horizontal surface, wherein a menu of food and/or drink selection options is projected onto the surface, the selection options being selectable by a user holding the input pointer, wherein the tracking computer is operable to determine the position of the pointer through image processing of an image of the surface obtained by the camera, and the computer controlled projector apparatus is operable to provide selection of a menu option in response to the input pointer position determined by the tracking computer.
The table grouping and parameter selection system may be such that a given table provides a combined table and computer-controlled projector unit, comprising:
(a) at least one table;
(b) a stand connected to the table;
(c) a projector controlled by a computer;
(d) an imaging system mounted on the stand, the imaging system causing an image to be projected onto the table.
J. Multi-Establishment Management System
A multi-establishment management system comprising a super-hub operable to be controlled by super-hub management tool software, the super-hub connected to a plurality of sub-management systems, each sub-management system comprising a hub, a set of clients, and a point of sale system, each sub-management system operable to be controlled by respective management tool software.
The multi-establishment management system may be a multi-establishment table management system, wherein the sub-management systems are table management systems, each table management system comprising tables.
The multi-establishment management system wherein the super-hub management tool software provides a user interface.
The multi-establishment management system may be such that the super-hub management tool software is running on a computer terminal connected to the super-hub.
The multi-establishment management system may be such that the super-hub management tool software is running on the super-hub.
The multi-establishment management system may be such that the super-hub management tool software requires a username and password, so that only designated staff can operate the super-hub management tool software.
K. System of Multi-Establishment Management System and Connected Sub-Management Systems
A system comprising:
(i) a multi-establishment management system comprising a super-hub operable to be controlled by super-hub management tool software, and
(ii) a plurality of sub-management systems, each sub-management system comprising a hub, a set of clients, and a point of sale system, each sub-management system operable to be controlled by respective management tool software,
wherein the super-hub is connected to the plurality of sub-management systems.
The system may be one in which the multi-establishment management system is a multi-establishment table management system, wherein the sub-management systems are table management systems, each table management system comprising tables.
The system may be one in which the super-hub is connected to the plurality of sub-management systems via a respective hub in each sub-management system.
The system may be one in which the multi-establishment management system super-hub management tool software provides a user interface.
The system may be such that the super-hub management tool software is running on a computer terminal connected to the super-hub.
The system may be such that the super-hub management tool software is running on the super-hub.
The system may be such that for each table management system, each table is operable to run a client from the respective set of clients.
The system may be such that for each table management system, the respective management tool software is operable to select a particular client from the set of clients to run on a particular table.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub comprises an ordering process.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub comprises a web service.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub comprises an EPOS Abstraction.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub comprises an ordering process, wherein the ordering process is associated with a client.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub comprises a web service, wherein the web service is associated with a client.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub comprises an EPOS Abstraction, wherein the EPOS Abstraction is associated with a client.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the point of sale system is selectable from a set of point of sale systems using the management tool software.
The system may be such that for each table management system, the hub is an E-Table hub.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the hub is connected to an EPOS.
The system may be such that for each table management system, the hub is operable to provide at a table one or more of: an interactive food and/or drink ordering interface, a computer game, a computer software application, a movie, a playstation running game, or a Nintendo Wii playing game.
The system may be such that for each table management system, the hub is operable to provide at a table one or more of a plurality of client-facing software applications.
The system may be such that for each table management system, the management tool software is operable to change a client facing interface at a table.
The system may be such that for each table management system, the management tool software is operable to change a client facing interface at a table in real time.
The system may be such that for each sub-management system, the management tool software requires a username and password, so that only designated staff can operate the management tool software.
The system may be such that each sub-management system is operable to receive input from a plurality of input technologies.
The system may be such that each sub-management system is operable to receive input from a games remote control.
The system may be such that each table management system is such that a receiver associated with a given table may be operable to receive input from a plurality of input technologies.
The system may be such that each table management system is such that a receiver associated with a given table may be operable to receive input from a games remote control.
L. Guest Action Recognition System
Guest Action Recognition System comprising a restaurant computer system and an object, wherein when a group of diners arrive at a restaurant they receive the object that is linked to their group within the restaurant's computer system, where the object is operable to be recognised anywhere within the restaurant as an identifier of that group and their orders which are placed in response to the provision of a menu by the restaurant computer system.
M. Table Drawing Tool System
Table drawing tool system comprising a table, a restaurant computer system, and an optical output system operable to illuminate the table under the control of the restaurant computer system, wherein the table drawing tool is an application that allows customers at tables to create their own tablecloth images.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1005873.3 | Apr 2010 | GB | national |
| PCT/GB2010/051377 | Aug 2010 | GB | national |
| PCT/GB2010/051982 | Nov 2010 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB11/50703 | 4/8/2011 | WO | 00 | 1/4/2013 |
