CA2248440A1 - Service request communication system - Google Patents
Service request communication system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2248440A1 CA2248440A1 CA002248440A CA2248440A CA2248440A1 CA 2248440 A1 CA2248440 A1 CA 2248440A1 CA 002248440 A CA002248440 A CA 002248440A CA 2248440 A CA2248440 A CA 2248440A CA 2248440 A1 CA2248440 A1 CA 2248440A1
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- transmitter
- service
- service request
- communication system
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/32—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using wireless devices
- G06Q20/327—Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
- G06Q20/3272—Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices using an audio code
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Audible And Visible Signals (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A service request communication system for use in a restaurant or the like includes a plurality of transmitter units for sending requests, and a plurality of portable receiver units carried by service providers. The transmitter units include a keypad whereby a variety of service requests can be selected by a customer. On operating the keypad, a transmitter in the transmitter unit is activated, generating wireless signals which identify the transmitter unit and the type of service requested. The signals are received by the receiver units.
In addition to a receiver, a typical receiver unit includes at least a microcontroller and a display. On regenerating the transmitter unit identification and the type of service request from the received signals, the microcontroller creates a list of requests according to a priority scheme.
The list of requests is displayed on the display. The receiver units may include transmitters, allowing service providers to transfer service requests between receiver units.
In addition to a receiver, a typical receiver unit includes at least a microcontroller and a display. On regenerating the transmitter unit identification and the type of service request from the received signals, the microcontroller creates a list of requests according to a priority scheme.
The list of requests is displayed on the display. The receiver units may include transmitters, allowing service providers to transfer service requests between receiver units.
Description
SERVICE REQUEST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to signalling systems and in particular to a communication system for signalling service requests in restaurants, bars, stores, nursing centres, police stations, classrooms or similar facilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In restaurants, stores and similar facilities, service providers must answer customers' requests in a prompt fashion. The ability to respond quickly to immediate customer needs is an important aspect of the quality of service offered by a particular business. Prompt response may also influence the number of goods ordered by the customers.
In most environments, the service request signalling method is a wave of a hand, a concentrated glance, or a click of fingers by the customer. Such signals must be noticed by the service provider. A major drawback of this method is that some people may go unnoticed for a while, particularly if they are out of the immediate line of sight of a service provider.
Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to respond in sequence and to prioritize needs until each customer has been visited and the nature and urgency of their requirements has been made known.
Various communication devices utilized for facilitating the communication and service of customer requests in these environments are also known in the art. For example, hard-wired annunciator systems have been used for communicating a simple request for service from restaurant customers to a central location. Such systems are notably used in commercial aircraft cabins. However, these approaches are cost effective only when fitted into the infrastructure at the time of construction and are inflexible to changes in the environment.
Such systems are a poor solution in the case of service facilities such as restaurants.
Several wireless communication annunciator systems are also known in the art.
United States Patent 4,701,849 to Elden discloses a wireless system for summoning service personnel to a particular table in a restaurant or similar facility. Each table includes a transmitter selectively activated by a switch at the table, operated by a customer requiring service. When activated, each transmitter generates a signal. A central station includes a display panel having a plurality of individual sections, each section relating to one of the tables. Each individual section includes a visual indicator, an audible annunciator, and a digital timer. The central station also includes a plurality of receivers, each responsive to one of the table transmitters. When a transmitter is activated by a customer, the corresponding receiver activates the appropriate visual indicator to alert service personnel that service is required at that table. Simultaneously, the receiver causes the digital timer to count at one count per second. If the count reaches a predetermined amount, indicating the customer has waited too long, the audible annunciator is activated to alert service personnel of their failure to respond to the customer. When service personnel respond to the customer's signal at the table, the transmitter is deactivated, which in turn deactivates the visual indicator, audible annunciator, and timer. A disadvantage presented by this prior art system is that signals generated by the transmitters are processed at a central station and divided into sections, one for each transmitter. Thus, in the case of a restaurant, waiters must pass by a fixed location in order to acknowledge the requests. This may slow down the serving process, especially in large facilities. Furthermore, the system provides only a visual or audible indication that service is required by a certain customer. Customers may not be answered in the sequence of their requests or according to the nature and urgency of their needs. The type of service required, e.g., "bill" or "order", cannot be specified to the service provider by means of this system.
United States Patent 4,777 488 to Carlman discloses a service request communication system in which a plurality of battery powered table units communicate a variety of service requests to a central server or master unit by a bi-directional wireless radio frequency data link. The table units remain in a low-power "sleep" state until any one of a plurality of switches is actuated by a customer to denote a corresponding service request.
A transceiver is controlled by a microprocessor to transmit a coded signal identifying the request and then to receive and indicate to the customer an acknowledgment signal transmitted from the server or master station. At a server station a display is operated to identify the table unit/request combination, the display being cancelled when a corresponding switch at the server unit is actuated, e.g., by the service provider. The system presented allows the service provider to distinguish among different types of service requests from the same table unit. Thus, one can answer these requests according to their nature. However, the communication process disclosed in Carlman is coordinated through a central station, leading to the same disadvantage as mentioned above, namely, that service providers must pass by a fixed location in order to inform themselves on the existent requests. Another important feature of this prior art system is that it incorporates two-way communication and requires handshaking between the transceiver and the remote transmitter units at the tables. Each table-top unit is interrogated by the central station microprocessor to see what its state is.
United States Patent 5, 594, 409 to Shank discloses a device in which service requests are received by service providers on portable devices. This patent discloses a proximity actuated signalling apparatus, for use in restaurants and the like, permitting a customer to inform service personnel that service is desired. A local unit is actuated by the customer touching the unit to turn on a light emitting indicator. A pager transmitter can be actuated to turn on a local indicator and optionally one or more portable annunciators carried by the service providers. A power source and the proximity actuated circuit are mounted in an enclosure comprising a simulated beverage bottle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved service request communication system.
A second obj ect of the invention is to provide a service request communication system which is simple and economical to construct and operate.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to signalling systems and in particular to a communication system for signalling service requests in restaurants, bars, stores, nursing centres, police stations, classrooms or similar facilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In restaurants, stores and similar facilities, service providers must answer customers' requests in a prompt fashion. The ability to respond quickly to immediate customer needs is an important aspect of the quality of service offered by a particular business. Prompt response may also influence the number of goods ordered by the customers.
In most environments, the service request signalling method is a wave of a hand, a concentrated glance, or a click of fingers by the customer. Such signals must be noticed by the service provider. A major drawback of this method is that some people may go unnoticed for a while, particularly if they are out of the immediate line of sight of a service provider.
Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to respond in sequence and to prioritize needs until each customer has been visited and the nature and urgency of their requirements has been made known.
Various communication devices utilized for facilitating the communication and service of customer requests in these environments are also known in the art. For example, hard-wired annunciator systems have been used for communicating a simple request for service from restaurant customers to a central location. Such systems are notably used in commercial aircraft cabins. However, these approaches are cost effective only when fitted into the infrastructure at the time of construction and are inflexible to changes in the environment.
Such systems are a poor solution in the case of service facilities such as restaurants.
Several wireless communication annunciator systems are also known in the art.
United States Patent 4,701,849 to Elden discloses a wireless system for summoning service personnel to a particular table in a restaurant or similar facility. Each table includes a transmitter selectively activated by a switch at the table, operated by a customer requiring service. When activated, each transmitter generates a signal. A central station includes a display panel having a plurality of individual sections, each section relating to one of the tables. Each individual section includes a visual indicator, an audible annunciator, and a digital timer. The central station also includes a plurality of receivers, each responsive to one of the table transmitters. When a transmitter is activated by a customer, the corresponding receiver activates the appropriate visual indicator to alert service personnel that service is required at that table. Simultaneously, the receiver causes the digital timer to count at one count per second. If the count reaches a predetermined amount, indicating the customer has waited too long, the audible annunciator is activated to alert service personnel of their failure to respond to the customer. When service personnel respond to the customer's signal at the table, the transmitter is deactivated, which in turn deactivates the visual indicator, audible annunciator, and timer. A disadvantage presented by this prior art system is that signals generated by the transmitters are processed at a central station and divided into sections, one for each transmitter. Thus, in the case of a restaurant, waiters must pass by a fixed location in order to acknowledge the requests. This may slow down the serving process, especially in large facilities. Furthermore, the system provides only a visual or audible indication that service is required by a certain customer. Customers may not be answered in the sequence of their requests or according to the nature and urgency of their needs. The type of service required, e.g., "bill" or "order", cannot be specified to the service provider by means of this system.
United States Patent 4,777 488 to Carlman discloses a service request communication system in which a plurality of battery powered table units communicate a variety of service requests to a central server or master unit by a bi-directional wireless radio frequency data link. The table units remain in a low-power "sleep" state until any one of a plurality of switches is actuated by a customer to denote a corresponding service request.
A transceiver is controlled by a microprocessor to transmit a coded signal identifying the request and then to receive and indicate to the customer an acknowledgment signal transmitted from the server or master station. At a server station a display is operated to identify the table unit/request combination, the display being cancelled when a corresponding switch at the server unit is actuated, e.g., by the service provider. The system presented allows the service provider to distinguish among different types of service requests from the same table unit. Thus, one can answer these requests according to their nature. However, the communication process disclosed in Carlman is coordinated through a central station, leading to the same disadvantage as mentioned above, namely, that service providers must pass by a fixed location in order to inform themselves on the existent requests. Another important feature of this prior art system is that it incorporates two-way communication and requires handshaking between the transceiver and the remote transmitter units at the tables. Each table-top unit is interrogated by the central station microprocessor to see what its state is.
United States Patent 5, 594, 409 to Shank discloses a device in which service requests are received by service providers on portable devices. This patent discloses a proximity actuated signalling apparatus, for use in restaurants and the like, permitting a customer to inform service personnel that service is desired. A local unit is actuated by the customer touching the unit to turn on a light emitting indicator. A pager transmitter can be actuated to turn on a local indicator and optionally one or more portable annunciators carried by the service providers. A power source and the proximity actuated circuit are mounted in an enclosure comprising a simulated beverage bottle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved service request communication system.
A second obj ect of the invention is to provide a service request communication system which is simple and economical to construct and operate.
According to the present invention, there is provided a service request communication system comprising: (a) a transmitter unit for use by a customer, the transmitter unit comprising: (i) an input device for inputting request data; and (ii) a transmitter responsive to the input device for generating wireless signals containing the request data;
and (b) a portable receiver unit for use by a service provider, the receiver unit comprising: (i) a receiver for receiving the wireless signals generated by the transmitter; (ii) a microcontroller for storing and processing the request data contained in the wireless signals received by the receiver; and (iii) an output device for outputting the request data.
The present invention relates to a wireless service request communication system for summoning service providers in a restaurant, bar, nursing centre, store, school, police station or the like. The system preferably includes a plurality of transmitter units located at various locations, and a plurality of receiver units for use by the service providers.
Each transmitter unit includes a keypad through which a variety of service requests can be selected by an individual customer. On operating the keypad, a transmitter is activated which generates wireless signals to identify the transmitter unit and the type of service requested. The signals are received by the receiver units. In addition to a receiver, a typical receiver unit includes at least a microcontroller and a display. On regenerating the transmitter unit identification and the type of service request from the received signals, the microcontroller creates a list of requests according to a priority scheme. The list of requests is displayed on the display, so that requests can be acknowledged by the service provider.
Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of a transmitter unit of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the transmitter unit of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a receiver unit of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a priority scheme for the receiver unit of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a block diagram of a receiver unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a service request communication system 1 embodying the invention. The system 1 includes a plurality of customer activated transmitter units 10, positioned at various locations within a facility such as a restaurant, bar, nursing centre, store, school, police station or the like. The system 1 also includes one or more portable receiver units 20 for use by service providers. The transmitter units 10 and the receiver units 20 are operably coupled to each other in a wireless fashion.
For simplicity, the present invention will be described and illustrated in the context of a restaurant having a transmitter unit 10 located at each table, and a plurality of receiver units 20, each carried by a waiter. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention can be utilized in any facility in which individual may request services or assistance from others.
The word "customers" will be used to denote, in the above context, the individuals requiring service.
However, in the context of other facilities, such as nursing centres or schools for example, the individuals requiring service may be nursing or teaching staff.
The transmitter unit 10 includes a transmitter 12 and a keypad 14. The transmitter unit 10 is contained in a case 18 approximately Scm x 2.Scm x 1 cm in size.
When activated by a customer, the transmitter 14 emits wireless signals including request data. The requested data preferably includes a transmitter unit identification (TID), a service request identification (SID) and a transmission time. A unique TID
is associated with each transmitter unit 10. The uniqueness of each TID can be achieved in any one of several known ways. For example, the signals generated from transmitter units 10 can differ from one another in frequency. Alternatively, the signals may be digitized and arranged to include identifying codes.
Referring to Figure 2, a keypad 12 includes one or more service keys 15, each identifying a type of service request. In a restaurant, for example, a customer may ask for the bill, for urgent attention, or for regular service. On each keypad 12 there is a key for each of these types of requests. The keypad 12 also includes a cancel key 16. The service keys 15 and the cancel key 16 on the keypad 12 can be any type of commonly available mechanical or electrical keys which are operable by a customer desiring service. When a service key 1 S is operated, the transmitter 14 is activated and generates wireless signals as described above.
Optionally, the various service keys on the keypad may incorporate visual indicators, such as small light sources (e.g., LED's). These visual indicators would be activated once a service key 15 has been pressed. The indicators would be turned off by hitting the cancel key 16. The cancel key 16 can be pressed either by the customer, if service is no longer desired, or by the service provider, on answering the request.
Figure 3 illustrates the operation scheme of a transmitter unit 10 including a timer, such as a digital timer, and a cancel key 16 on the keypad. The timer is activated every time a service key 15 is pressed or a signal is generated by the transmitter 14. On activation, the timer measures from time zero until either one of the following two events happens: a predetermined amount of time, for example 1 minute, is reached, or the cancel key 16 is pressed. In the case when the predetermined amount of time is reached, the corresponding wireless signal is resent by the transmitter unit 10. On pressing the cancel key 16, the timer is deactivated, i.e. reset to time zero and in standby mode. The predetermined amount of time can be changed by the service provider to any suitable time period, by means of a key on the keypad.
In one embodiment of the invention, the urgent key overrides the other service keys 15. Thus, if a bill request has been sent, on activating the urgent key on the same transmitter unit 10, the bill request will be deleted and replaced by an urgent request.
Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the receiver unit 20 includes a receiver 22, a display 24 and a microcontroller 26. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver unit 20 also includes a keypad 28, alerting means 30 and means for attaching the receiver unit 20 onto a belt. The microcontroller 26 is connected to the receiver, the display, the keypad and the alerting means 30. The receiver unit 20 may also include a transmitter 34. The transmitter 34 would also be connected to the microcontroller 26. The receiver unit 20 is contained in a case 29 approximately Scm x lOcm x 2 cm in size.
The receiver 22 recovers the TID and SID data from the wireless signals generated by the transmitter units 10. The data from the decoded signals is stored by the microcontroller 26.
The microcontroller 26 also compiles the data according to a priority scheme 40 into a list of requests or calls. An example of a priority scheme 40 is illustrated in Figure 5. According to this scheme, the list of requests is created as follows: if any signal other than a cancel signal is received, it is added to the list, noting the transmission time, the request location (i.e. the TID) and the nature of the call (i.e. the SID). If a cancel signal is received, the corresponding item on the list, i.e. the item having the same TID, is removed from the list.
Requests are prioritized, firstly, by giving urgent requests priority over other requests, and secondly, by giving older requests priority over more recent requests.
Other priority schemes 40 may be used. For example, in the same way urgent requests are assigned the highest degree of priority in the scheme in Figure S, various other services may be assigned various degrees of priority. All that is required in a preferred embodiment is that there exist a priority scheme 40 according to which requests are arranged in a waiting list. The priority scheme 40 may be adaptable to the service provider's needs by making it dependent on external parameters which may be changed at any time after manufacturing.
The list of requests is formatted and displayed on the display 24. Generally, the TID, the SID and the initial request time will be displayed, for each request on the list. In a preferred embodiment, various display formats may be made available, and each waiter may choose the format that best suits their needs.
Alerting means 30 can be used to announce various types of requests. The alerting means 30 may, for example, be an audio output means or a mechanical vibrator.
The alerting means 30 may, for example, announce any incoming signal, or incoming urgent requests only. The alerting means 30 may draw attention to requests unanswered for more than a predetermined length of time. The association between the alerting means 30 and various types of requests can also be user defined.
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a receiver unit. 20, including a receiver 22 as well as a transmitter 14. The transmitter 14 would allow a waiter to transfer information from its receiving unit 20 to the receiving unit 20 of another waiter. According to the specifics of the facility, the number of customers, the available staff, and the like, a waiter may choose to transfer their list of requests or part thereof, such as the urgent requests.
A waiter may also choose to transfer a list of codes for identifying the signals from particular transmitter units. A waiter may also choose to transfer information relating to the identity of the transmitter units or tables for which the user of a specific receiver unit is responsible.
Also, the information may be transferred to all other waiters, or only to some of them, such as the waiting staff in the same area of the restaurant.
The keypad 28 on the receiver unit 20 can be used for various purposes. An important function is to enable the programming of the different components of the receiver unit 20, such as receiver 22, display 24, and alerting means 30.
The signalling codes of the transmitter units 10 must be programmed into the receiver unit 20 in order to allow the transmitter units 10 to be operatively coupled to the receiver unit 20. In a facility such as a restaurant, a particular waiter may be in charge of serving all tables or only several tables. That waiter's receiver unit 20 may be programmed to receive signals only from the tables that are the waiter's responsibility. In the case where information can be exchanged among waiters, the keypad 28 on the receiver unit 20 can be used to select the other receiver units 20 with which transfer of information is desired as well as the type of information that is to be transferred. Furthermore, the external parameters of the priority scheme 40, as described above, can be inputted through the keypad 28. The association of the alerting means 30 with various types of requests can be determined by the waiter by using the keypad 28. In addition, the keypad 28 may be used to change the format of the list display into one of several available formats.
The keypad 28 on the receiver unit 20 preferably allows a waiter to scroll through the displayed list of requests.
All the above features and many others can be programmed within the microcontroller 26 of the receiver unit 20.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
and (b) a portable receiver unit for use by a service provider, the receiver unit comprising: (i) a receiver for receiving the wireless signals generated by the transmitter; (ii) a microcontroller for storing and processing the request data contained in the wireless signals received by the receiver; and (iii) an output device for outputting the request data.
The present invention relates to a wireless service request communication system for summoning service providers in a restaurant, bar, nursing centre, store, school, police station or the like. The system preferably includes a plurality of transmitter units located at various locations, and a plurality of receiver units for use by the service providers.
Each transmitter unit includes a keypad through which a variety of service requests can be selected by an individual customer. On operating the keypad, a transmitter is activated which generates wireless signals to identify the transmitter unit and the type of service requested. The signals are received by the receiver units. In addition to a receiver, a typical receiver unit includes at least a microcontroller and a display. On regenerating the transmitter unit identification and the type of service request from the received signals, the microcontroller creates a list of requests according to a priority scheme. The list of requests is displayed on the display, so that requests can be acknowledged by the service provider.
Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of a transmitter unit of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the transmitter unit of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a receiver unit of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a priority scheme for the receiver unit of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a block diagram of a receiver unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a service request communication system 1 embodying the invention. The system 1 includes a plurality of customer activated transmitter units 10, positioned at various locations within a facility such as a restaurant, bar, nursing centre, store, school, police station or the like. The system 1 also includes one or more portable receiver units 20 for use by service providers. The transmitter units 10 and the receiver units 20 are operably coupled to each other in a wireless fashion.
For simplicity, the present invention will be described and illustrated in the context of a restaurant having a transmitter unit 10 located at each table, and a plurality of receiver units 20, each carried by a waiter. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention can be utilized in any facility in which individual may request services or assistance from others.
The word "customers" will be used to denote, in the above context, the individuals requiring service.
However, in the context of other facilities, such as nursing centres or schools for example, the individuals requiring service may be nursing or teaching staff.
The transmitter unit 10 includes a transmitter 12 and a keypad 14. The transmitter unit 10 is contained in a case 18 approximately Scm x 2.Scm x 1 cm in size.
When activated by a customer, the transmitter 14 emits wireless signals including request data. The requested data preferably includes a transmitter unit identification (TID), a service request identification (SID) and a transmission time. A unique TID
is associated with each transmitter unit 10. The uniqueness of each TID can be achieved in any one of several known ways. For example, the signals generated from transmitter units 10 can differ from one another in frequency. Alternatively, the signals may be digitized and arranged to include identifying codes.
Referring to Figure 2, a keypad 12 includes one or more service keys 15, each identifying a type of service request. In a restaurant, for example, a customer may ask for the bill, for urgent attention, or for regular service. On each keypad 12 there is a key for each of these types of requests. The keypad 12 also includes a cancel key 16. The service keys 15 and the cancel key 16 on the keypad 12 can be any type of commonly available mechanical or electrical keys which are operable by a customer desiring service. When a service key 1 S is operated, the transmitter 14 is activated and generates wireless signals as described above.
Optionally, the various service keys on the keypad may incorporate visual indicators, such as small light sources (e.g., LED's). These visual indicators would be activated once a service key 15 has been pressed. The indicators would be turned off by hitting the cancel key 16. The cancel key 16 can be pressed either by the customer, if service is no longer desired, or by the service provider, on answering the request.
Figure 3 illustrates the operation scheme of a transmitter unit 10 including a timer, such as a digital timer, and a cancel key 16 on the keypad. The timer is activated every time a service key 15 is pressed or a signal is generated by the transmitter 14. On activation, the timer measures from time zero until either one of the following two events happens: a predetermined amount of time, for example 1 minute, is reached, or the cancel key 16 is pressed. In the case when the predetermined amount of time is reached, the corresponding wireless signal is resent by the transmitter unit 10. On pressing the cancel key 16, the timer is deactivated, i.e. reset to time zero and in standby mode. The predetermined amount of time can be changed by the service provider to any suitable time period, by means of a key on the keypad.
In one embodiment of the invention, the urgent key overrides the other service keys 15. Thus, if a bill request has been sent, on activating the urgent key on the same transmitter unit 10, the bill request will be deleted and replaced by an urgent request.
Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the receiver unit 20 includes a receiver 22, a display 24 and a microcontroller 26. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver unit 20 also includes a keypad 28, alerting means 30 and means for attaching the receiver unit 20 onto a belt. The microcontroller 26 is connected to the receiver, the display, the keypad and the alerting means 30. The receiver unit 20 may also include a transmitter 34. The transmitter 34 would also be connected to the microcontroller 26. The receiver unit 20 is contained in a case 29 approximately Scm x lOcm x 2 cm in size.
The receiver 22 recovers the TID and SID data from the wireless signals generated by the transmitter units 10. The data from the decoded signals is stored by the microcontroller 26.
The microcontroller 26 also compiles the data according to a priority scheme 40 into a list of requests or calls. An example of a priority scheme 40 is illustrated in Figure 5. According to this scheme, the list of requests is created as follows: if any signal other than a cancel signal is received, it is added to the list, noting the transmission time, the request location (i.e. the TID) and the nature of the call (i.e. the SID). If a cancel signal is received, the corresponding item on the list, i.e. the item having the same TID, is removed from the list.
Requests are prioritized, firstly, by giving urgent requests priority over other requests, and secondly, by giving older requests priority over more recent requests.
Other priority schemes 40 may be used. For example, in the same way urgent requests are assigned the highest degree of priority in the scheme in Figure S, various other services may be assigned various degrees of priority. All that is required in a preferred embodiment is that there exist a priority scheme 40 according to which requests are arranged in a waiting list. The priority scheme 40 may be adaptable to the service provider's needs by making it dependent on external parameters which may be changed at any time after manufacturing.
The list of requests is formatted and displayed on the display 24. Generally, the TID, the SID and the initial request time will be displayed, for each request on the list. In a preferred embodiment, various display formats may be made available, and each waiter may choose the format that best suits their needs.
Alerting means 30 can be used to announce various types of requests. The alerting means 30 may, for example, be an audio output means or a mechanical vibrator.
The alerting means 30 may, for example, announce any incoming signal, or incoming urgent requests only. The alerting means 30 may draw attention to requests unanswered for more than a predetermined length of time. The association between the alerting means 30 and various types of requests can also be user defined.
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a receiver unit. 20, including a receiver 22 as well as a transmitter 14. The transmitter 14 would allow a waiter to transfer information from its receiving unit 20 to the receiving unit 20 of another waiter. According to the specifics of the facility, the number of customers, the available staff, and the like, a waiter may choose to transfer their list of requests or part thereof, such as the urgent requests.
A waiter may also choose to transfer a list of codes for identifying the signals from particular transmitter units. A waiter may also choose to transfer information relating to the identity of the transmitter units or tables for which the user of a specific receiver unit is responsible.
Also, the information may be transferred to all other waiters, or only to some of them, such as the waiting staff in the same area of the restaurant.
The keypad 28 on the receiver unit 20 can be used for various purposes. An important function is to enable the programming of the different components of the receiver unit 20, such as receiver 22, display 24, and alerting means 30.
The signalling codes of the transmitter units 10 must be programmed into the receiver unit 20 in order to allow the transmitter units 10 to be operatively coupled to the receiver unit 20. In a facility such as a restaurant, a particular waiter may be in charge of serving all tables or only several tables. That waiter's receiver unit 20 may be programmed to receive signals only from the tables that are the waiter's responsibility. In the case where information can be exchanged among waiters, the keypad 28 on the receiver unit 20 can be used to select the other receiver units 20 with which transfer of information is desired as well as the type of information that is to be transferred. Furthermore, the external parameters of the priority scheme 40, as described above, can be inputted through the keypad 28. The association of the alerting means 30 with various types of requests can be determined by the waiter by using the keypad 28. In addition, the keypad 28 may be used to change the format of the list display into one of several available formats.
The keypad 28 on the receiver unit 20 preferably allows a waiter to scroll through the displayed list of requests.
All the above features and many others can be programmed within the microcontroller 26 of the receiver unit 20.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Claims (17)
1. A service request communication system comprising:
(a) a transmitter unit for use by a service requester, the transmitter unit comprising:
(i) an input device for inputting request data; and (ii) a transmitter responsive to the input device for generating wireless signals containing the request data; and (b) a portable receiver unit for use by a service provider, the receiver unit comprising:
(i) a receiver for receiving the wireless signals generated by the transmitter;
(ii) a microcontroller for storing and processing the request data contained in the wireless signals received by the receiver; and (iii) an output device for outputting the request data.
(a) a transmitter unit for use by a service requester, the transmitter unit comprising:
(i) an input device for inputting request data; and (ii) a transmitter responsive to the input device for generating wireless signals containing the request data; and (b) a portable receiver unit for use by a service provider, the receiver unit comprising:
(i) a receiver for receiving the wireless signals generated by the transmitter;
(ii) a microcontroller for storing and processing the request data contained in the wireless signals received by the receiver; and (iii) an output device for outputting the request data.
2. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of transmitter units.
3. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of receiver units.
4. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of transmitter units and a plurality of receiver units.
5. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a keypad.
6. A service request communication system as defined in claim 5, wherein the keypad comprises a service key and a cancel key.
7. A service request communication system as defined in claim 6, wherein the keypad comprises a plurality of service keys and a cancel key.
8. A service request communication system as defined in claim 5, wherein the keypad comprises a visual indicator.
9. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, wherein the transmitter is adapted to generate wireless signals containing request data including service request identification data corresponding to a particular service request inputted by way of the input device.
10. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, wherein the transmitter is adapted to generate wireless signals containing request data including transmitter unit identification data unique to the transmitter unit.
11. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, wherein the transmitter is adapted to generate wireless signals containing request data including service request identification data corresponding to a particular service request inputted by way of the input device and transmitter unit identification data unique to the transmitter unit.
12. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, the receiver unit further comprising alerting means for alerting a service provider that a wireless signal has been received.
13. A service request communication system as defined in claim 12, wherein the alerting means is an audio alerting means.
14. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, the microcontroller further comprising means for prioritising request data.
15. A service request communication system as defined in claim 3, the receiver units further comprising means for transferring request data between receiver units.
16. A service request communication system as defined in claim 1, the output device comprising a display screen.
17. A service request communication system comprising:
(a) a plurality of transmitter units for use by service requesters, each transmitter unit comprising:
(i) an input device comprising a keypad for inputting request data; and (ii) a transmitter responsive to the input device for generating wireless signals containing the request data including service request identification data corresponding to a particular service request inputted by way of the input device and transmitter unit identification data unique to the transmitter unit; and (b) a plurality of portable receiver units for use by service providers, each receiver unit comprising:
(i) a receiver for receiving the wireless signals generated by the transmitter;
(ii) a microcontroller for storing and processing request data contained in the wireless signals received by the receiver, the microcontroller comprising means for prioritising request data; and (iii) an output device comprising a visual display for outputting request data.
(a) a plurality of transmitter units for use by service requesters, each transmitter unit comprising:
(i) an input device comprising a keypad for inputting request data; and (ii) a transmitter responsive to the input device for generating wireless signals containing the request data including service request identification data corresponding to a particular service request inputted by way of the input device and transmitter unit identification data unique to the transmitter unit; and (b) a plurality of portable receiver units for use by service providers, each receiver unit comprising:
(i) a receiver for receiving the wireless signals generated by the transmitter;
(ii) a microcontroller for storing and processing request data contained in the wireless signals received by the receiver, the microcontroller comprising means for prioritising request data; and (iii) an output device comprising a visual display for outputting request data.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002248440A CA2248440A1 (en) | 1998-04-09 | 1998-09-25 | Service request communication system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002234501A CA2234501A1 (en) | 1998-04-09 | 1998-04-09 | Radio transmitting device |
| CA2,234,501 | 1998-04-09 | ||
| CA002248440A CA2248440A1 (en) | 1998-04-09 | 1998-09-25 | Service request communication system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2248440A1 true CA2248440A1 (en) | 1999-10-09 |
Family
ID=29421096
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002248440A Abandoned CA2248440A1 (en) | 1998-04-09 | 1998-09-25 | Service request communication system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2248440A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2434474A (en) * | 2006-01-24 | 2007-07-25 | Service Alert Ltd | Wireless service request system |
| WO2007085826A1 (en) * | 2006-01-24 | 2007-08-02 | Service Alert Limited | Service request device, service request reception device, and service request and acknowledgement system |
-
1998
- 1998-09-25 CA CA002248440A patent/CA2248440A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2434474A (en) * | 2006-01-24 | 2007-07-25 | Service Alert Ltd | Wireless service request system |
| WO2007085826A1 (en) * | 2006-01-24 | 2007-08-02 | Service Alert Limited | Service request device, service request reception device, and service request and acknowledgement system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |