GB2410813A

GB2410813A - Interactive multi media touch screen terminal system

Info

Publication number: GB2410813A
Application number: GB0402441A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heath Anthony Clay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-04
Filing date: 2004-02-04
Publication date: 2005-08-10
Also published as: GB0402441D0

Abstract

A system comprises touch screen terminals connected to each other to facilitate an interactive link and an exchange of information between 2 or more parties. The terminals are connected to a computer system to allow information that is exchanged on the terminals to be analysed. The computer system is utilised to update, revise and amend the information contained on the terminals in a quick and efficient manner. The terminals are operated by touching an option on a menu displayed on the terminal. Options may include a request for information, television, Internet, games, ordering food and drinks etc. Once an option is selected the facility requested is either activated i.e. the television is switched on or further detailed information is displayed on the screen, in cases such as ordering food, until sufficient information is provided to allow the user to make their particular selection. An order summary screen may then be displayed which allows the user to check the selections they have made prior to transmitting their order to the provider. The provider may acknowledge the order and transmits a message back to the user confirming that the goods or services requested will be provided within a specified period of time. The system may facilitate the user paying a bill for goods or services ordered.

Description

beach PT,o 2410813 Interactive' Multi Media Touch Screen Terminal System

1.0 Introduction. Background and General Concept

l.l The system shall be used where 2 or more people wish to communicate in a written electronic form and maintain a record of the communication that has taken place. It shall generally be ublised in the service industry where 1 party (user) wishes to request or order goods or services from another party (provider).

1.2 The system comprises touch screen terminals connected to each other and a remote computer system to form an interactive link and allow the user operating the touch screen terminal to communicate with the provider and vice versa.

1.3 The user utilises the touch screen terminal for ordering goods or services, sending instructions or messages and receiving information from the provider etc. The provider is able to communicate with the user on their terminal by acknowledging the messages sent, providing the information requested and forwarding any information or messages they would like the user to receive.

1.4 The system would be utilised in a hotel, restaurant or other retail environment where the user wishes to order goods or services or request information etc and the provider is able to acknowledge the order and advise that the goods or services will be provided in a specified time i. e. in approximately 10 minutes time.

2.0 Touch Screen T,,erminals 2.1 The touch screen terminals would range in screen size from 200mm to 600 mm (diagonal dimension) with a depth of approximately 100mm. The screens would display a menu detailing the facilities available. The user would select the option they require by touching the relevant heading on the screen. The screen would then either activate the facility requested or display the various options available under the respective heading. As each selection is made farther information appears adjacent to the highlighted selection until the user selects the option they require and confirms they wish to order the selected goods or services. The user may add their comments to the order by utilising the keyboard on the terminal.

The user may select as many options as they require by returning to the main menu or confirming they wish to make another selection.

2.] A selection summary screen is then displayed with the total cost of the order, where applicable, where the user is able to check the selections made prior to transmitting the order. Acknowledgement would be transmitted back to the users terminal stating when the goods or services will be provided. This would be generated by an automated message with the provider simply inserting a number representing the minutes required to prepare the order. The provider would have the facility to include their comments with the acknowledgement. r

2.2 The facilities available from the menu could include amongst others hotel information, food, drinks, T.V, music, games, Internet etc. The facilities would be tailored to the environment in which it is used and the requirements of the Client.

A typical layout of the screen menu display is appended hereto as attachment I. 2.3 The terminal would include the facility to connect a keyboard, printer, joystick etc. if required. When the terminal is not being used to communicate with the provider, it may be utilised as a television, a P. C, a games console and for accessing the Internet etc. The terminals shall include a help facility and a demonstration mode detailing how the touch screen terminal functions.

2.4 Information provided to the user is saved on the terminal and may be accessed in the future if required.

2.5 Bespoke software shall be developed in order to operate the system. The terminals shall be manufactured to accommodate the environment and the operational requirements in which they are used. They shall be capable of being mounted on a wall or supported within a housing.

3.0 Hotel Environment 3.1 In a hotel environment the touch screen terminals would be located in the customers' room. Each terminal would be connected to various locations within the hotel i.e. reception, kitchen, bar, concierge etc. The message or request is automatically directed to the appropriate location for processing. The message or request is acknowledged on a terminal in the respective location and the provider responds accordingly i.e. the information you requested will be provided in 5 minutes.

3.2 All of the information that is traditionally located in various places within the hotel room would be located in one place on the terminal. The hotel is able to electronically update the information on the terminal quickly and easily. The hotel also avoids paper in the rooms and a separate P.C, T.V and games console etc. The hotel is able to monitor the selections made by the users and update the facilities or menu for items that are not popular etc. The terminals would also reduce the scope for fraud as each order is recorded on the computer system 3.3 The hotel would charge the user for the facilities as they deemed appropriate. The terminal would contain the option of receiving the hotel bill, which can be paid via the terminal by inputting the users card details. The user could print out their own receipt and a message would be transmitted acknowledging payment had been made. The user can then avoid queuing at reception to pay their bill.

4.0 Restaurant Environment 4.1 In a restaurant environment the same principles would apply. The touch screen terminals would be located on the customers tables, see attachment 2 for a typical layout. The user would select the food, drinks or other services from the menu displayed and transmit their order which would be received on a terminal in either the bar or kitchen area.

4.2 The provider acknowledges the order and responds for example stating that the drinks will be served within 10 minutes. The order is provided with waiter service. The user has the option to switch the screen to the TV or operate other facilities whilst they are waiting for their order.

4.3 The terminals shall contain the function for receiving and paying the bill by inputting the users card details. Payment is acknowledged at the bar terminal.

5.0 Conclusion

5.1 The system is intended to offer the user the ability to communicate electronically with the provider with a greater degree of flexibility and select goods or services at their leisure. Orders may be made for delivery at a later time or date. A record of the orders would be stored on the terminal and allow the user to check their orders against the final bill. Information provided would be available for the user to access at any time until they depart the premises.

5.2 The user would be able to operate several facilities from a single place (the terminal) rather than searching in various places. The terminals could provide significantly increased levels of information compared with traditional sources i.e. information leaflets, brochures etc. This information could be accessed much quicker and easier through search facilities etc. 5.3 The terminals would offer the user an increased number of business and leisure facilities from a single source.

5.4 The payment facility would offer the user a greater degree of flexibility to check and pay the bill at leisure. Users would also avoid the necessity to queue at reception or wait for a waiter to pay their bill.

5.5 The system is intended to offer the provider the ability to communicate electronically with the user and offer goods, services and information in a more efficient and effective manner. The provider is able to offer a wider range of services due to the level of information that the system is capable of managing.

5.6 The provider is able to monitor the level of service provided to the users by analyzing the order details i.e. the time specified on the acknowledgement to provide the order. Orders can be monitored and analysed to determine customer preferences. Orders are recorded on the system and can therefore be checked against receipts to prevent fraud.

5.7 The provider is able to update and amend the information contained on the terminals in a quick and efficient manner. Costs are reduced as the requirements for menu's etc are omitted.

5.8 The provider is benefiting from utilising one terminal which offers the facilities of several traditional products i.e. T.V, P.C and games console thereby reducing costs and space requirements.

5.9 The system may be used as a marketing tool to attract customers i.e. the establishment is utilising new technology.

Claims

Claims 1. A system comprising touch screen terminals connected to each

other to facilitate an interactive link and an exchange of information between 2 or more parties (hereinafter referred to as the user and the provider) The terminals are connected to a computer system to allow information that is exchanged on the terminals to be analysed. The computer system will be utilised to update, revise and amend the information contained on the terminals in a quick and efficient manner.
2. The terminals are operated by touching an option on a menu displayed on the temminal. Options may include amongst others television, Intemet, games, ordering food and drinks etc. Once an option is selected the facility requested is either activated i.e. the television is switched on or further detailed information is displayed on the screen in cases such as ordering food until sufficient infonnation is provided to allow the user to make their selection. An order summary screen is then displayed which allows the user to check the selections they have made prior to transmitting their order to the provider.
3. The provider acknowledges the order and transmits a message back to the user confirming that the goods or services requested will be provided within a specified period of time i.e. 10 minutes.
4. The touch screen terminals would range in screen size from 200mm to 600 mm (diagonal dimension) with a depth of approximately 100mm. Bespoke software shall be developed in order to operate the system. The terminals shall be manufactured to accommodate the environment and the operational requirements in which they are used. They shall be capable of being mounted on a wall or supported within a housing.
5. Terminals would be installed at locations where they could be operated by Me user and provider he. in customers' rooms or on their table and in kitchens, bars, reception areas etc
6. The terminals would include the facility for paying for the ordered goods or services by inputting the users card details. Payment would be acknowledged by the provider. s