Patent · US Expired

Customer self-ordering system using information displayed on a screen

US5235509A · kind A · utility

344Cited by
34References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 15, 1989
Grant dateAug 10, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 15, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07G1/00
  • WIPO fieldIT methods for management
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating self-ordering of items, particularly in a fast food environment. The apparatus includes a customer terminal having a display screen that is preferably a touch screen used by the customer during the self-ordering operation. The screen displays information that assists the customer in becoming acquainted with the self-ordering process. Subsequent screens display information relating to the selection of food items. Indicia on the display screen represents food items for selection. Such food items are arranged according to food categories. In accordance with one display, indicia representing primary category food items, such as sandwiches, are shown on the screen. One or more of such food items can be selected by the customer using the displayed indicia, such as by touching the screen. This same display includes indicia representing a number of menus for secondary food items, such as salads, desserts and drinks. Touching of indicia representing a particular menu causes another display screen to be shown that illustrates predetermined food items associated with that particular menu. The display screen with the primary category food ite…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.