JP2008217794A - Method and apparatus for requesting to reserve service - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of reserving various meal services provided in a restaurant via a computer network. <P>SOLUTION: This method includes steps of: determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available for bidding, the service being provided for a particular time and a particular date; receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, in which the bid is associated with a first amount; storing the bid with a plurality of other bids in a storage device; and comparing the bid with at least one other bid that is submitted for reserving the service, where the at least one other bid is made associated with a second amount; determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount; and outputting an indication that grants the request to reserve the service provided by the restaurant to a highest bidder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for requesting a service reservation.

(Interrelationship with related applications)
This application
U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 681,675, filed March 2, 2007, entitled "Bidding for a Request to Reserve a Service"
U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 681,663, filed March 2, 2007 entitled "Receiving a Request to Reserve a Service", and filed March 2, 2007, entitled "Submitting for a Request to Reserve a Service" Claims the benefit of the priority of US patent application No. 11 / 681,666.
Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification and claims.

  Systems and methods are provided that allow various dining services provided by restaurants to be booked via an interconnected computer network.

(the term)
The word “product” in this specification and the claims refers to the composition of a machine, product and / or substance unless otherwise stated.
The word “process” in this specification and claims refers to a process, algorithm, method, or the like, unless otherwise specified.
Each of the above “processes” inherently includes one or more steps (whether methods, algorithms, or other names), and thus the process “as described in the text of this specification and claims. All references to “step” inherently have a preceding basis in the mere description of the word “process” or similar words. Therefore, the description of the “step” of the “process” in the claims has a sufficient prior foundation.
The word “invention” in the specification and claims means “one or more inventions disclosed in this application” unless expressly stated otherwise.
The words “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “certain” in the present specification and claims. “Embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “another embodiments” and the like mean “one or more embodiments (but not all) of the invention (s) described herein”, unless expressly stated otherwise.
The word “variation” in the specification and claims refers to examples of the invention, unless expressly stated otherwise.
References to “another embodiment” in the text of the description of an embodiment refer to a reference embodiment to another embodiment (eg, the embodiment described before the referenced embodiment) unless otherwise stated. Exclusive.
The word “including”, “comprising”, and variations thereof, as used in the specification and claims, mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The words “a”, “an”, and “the” in the specification and claims refer to “one or more” unless stated otherwise.
The word “plurality” in the present specification and claims means “two or more” unless otherwise specified.
The word “herein” herein and in the claims means “in this application, including the contents of which can be incorporated,” unless stated otherwise.
The phrase “at least one of” in the specification and claims refers to any one or more of the foregoing if the preceding phrase modifies more than one (such as an enumerated list of things). Means a combination. For example, the phrase `` at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel '' in the specification and claims is: (i) a tool, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) Means tools and vehicles, (v) tools and vehicles, (vi) vehicles and wheels, or (vii) tools, vehicles and wheels. The phrase “at least one of” in the specification and claims does not mean “one of each” of the plurality if the preceding phrase modifies more than one. .
In the present specification and claims textual numbers such as “one”, “two”, etc., when used as a radix to indicate the quantity of something (eg, one tool, two tools) It means the quantity indicated by the number word, but at least does not mean the quantity indicated by the number word. For example, the phrase “one widget” in the specification and claims does not mean “at least one tool”, and thus the phrase “one widget” includes, for example, two tools. It does not cover.
The phrase “based on” in the specification and claims does not mean “based only on,” unless expressly specified otherwise. That is, the phrase “based on” represents “based only on it” and “based at least on it”. The phrase “based at least on” in this specification and the claims is equivalent to the phrase “at least partially based on it”.
The word “represent” and like terms in this specification and the claims are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the word “represents” in the present specification and claims, unless stated otherwise. It does not mean “represent only it”. That is, the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” described in the text of this specification and claims includes “data representing only a credit card number” and “data representing a credit card number, , Also represents other things ". The word “whereby” as used herein in the specification and in the claims precedes a section or other group of words that express only the intended result, purpose, or consequence of something previously specified. Used only as Thus, when the word “whereby” is used in the claims, clauses and other words that are modified by the word “whereby” are intended to delimit the meaning or scope of the claims, even if they define further specific limitations of the claims. It is not something that can be restricted in this way.
The word “eg” and like words in the specification and claims refers to “for example” and thus does not limit the words or phrases described. For example, in the sentence “the computer sends data (eg, instructions, a data structure) over the Internet” described in the specification and claims, the word “eg” is transmitted by the computer via the Internet. It will be explained that it is an example of “data” that can be performed, and that “a data structure” is also an example of “data” that can be transmitted by a computer via the Internet. However, “instruction” and “data structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other than “instruction” and “data structure” may be “data”.

The word “respective” and similar terms in the specification and claims refer to “understood individually”. Thus, if two or more have “individual” characteristics, each of the foregoing has its own characteristics, and the aforementioned characteristics can be different from each other, but need not be different. For example, the text “each of two machines has a respective function” in the specification and claims states that a first such machine has one function and a second such machine has one function. means. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine.
The word “ie” and similar terms in the present specification and claims mean “that is” and thus limit the word or phrase being described. For example, in the sentence “the computer sends data (ie, instructions) over the Internet” described in the specification and claims, the word “ie” means that the “instructions” are transmitted via the Internet. Explain that it is “data” to be sent.
Any particular numerical range includes all numbers and fractions within that range. For example, the range “1-10” specifically includes all numbers between 1 and 10 (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4,... 9) and non-total numbers (eg, 1.1, 1.2,... 1.9). It shall be understood.
Where two or more words or phrases are synonymous (eg, because it is specified that the words or phrases are synonymous), one instance of the preceding term / phrase is It does not mean that it must have a different meaning. For example, if the meaning of “include it in one sentence” is synonymous with “including but not limited to”, simply using the phrase “including but not limited to” means “ The word “comprising” is not meant to mean anything other than “including but not limited to”.
(Judgment)
The word “determining” in this specification and the claims, and grammatical variations thereof (eg, price determination, value determination, determination of objects that meet certain criteria) are used in a very broad sense. ing. The term “determining” encompasses a wide range of actions, so “determining” is a calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, search, lookup (eg, in a table, in a database, or in another data structure). Lookup), confirmation, etc. Further, “determining” may include receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in a memory), and the like. Further, “determining” may include resolution, selection, selection, setting, and the like.
The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute accuracy, and therefore “determining” may include estimation, extrapolation, prediction, guessing, and the like. The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing must be performed, does not imply that numerical computation must be used, nor does it imply that an algorithm or processing is used.
The term “determining” does not imply that a particular device must be used. For example, the computer does not necessarily have to make a determination.
(Sentence format)
The limitations of claim 1 include one configuration, as well as two or more configurations (eg, a limitation such as “at least one tool”, and two or more tools, etc.) and claim 2 dependent on claim 1. In claim 2, when claim 2 uses the definite article “the” to represent the limitation (eg, “the tool”), this suggests that claim 1 includes only one of the configurations. This does not imply that claim 2 includes only one of the configurations (eg, “the tool” may include one tool and two or more tools).
When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc.) is used as an adjective before a word, the ordinal number indicates a particular configuration (unless stated otherwise) It is only used for purposes such as distinguishing a particular configuration from another configuration represented by the same or similar words. For example, a “first tool” is simply named that way, for example, to distinguish it from a “second tool”. Thus, simply using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” in front of the word “tool” does not indicate any other relationship between the two tools; It does not exhibit either other characteristic of either or both. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the word “tool” means that (1) any tool is before or after in any other order or position. (2) does not indicate that any tool occurs or operates in time before or after any other, and (3) any tool's It does not indicate that the rank is higher or lower in importance or quality than any other. Furthermore, the mere use of order numbers does not define numerical limits for configurations identified by order numbers. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the word “tool” does not indicate that there must be no more than two tools.
Where a single device, article or other product is described in this specification and in the claims, more than one device / article (whether or not they work together) is described. It can alternatively be used instead of a single device / article. Similarly, if more than one device, article or other product (whether or not they work together) is described herein and in the claims, a single device / article Alternatively, it can be used in place of the two or more devices or articles described. For example, multiple computer-based devices can be replaced with a single computer-based device. Thus, various functions described as having more than one device or article can alternatively be possessed by a single device / article.
The functions and / or configurations of a single device described may alternatively be performed by one or more other devices that are described as having the aforementioned functions / configuration but are not explicitly specified. it can. Thus, other embodiments may not include the described device itself, but other embodiments may include one or more other devices having the functions / configurations described above.
(Non-limiting, disclosed examples and terms)
Neither the name (which appears at the beginning of the first page of the original text of this application) nor the abstract (which appears at the end of the original text of this application) shall be construed as being limited in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention. To do. The original text of this application includes abstracts because 37CFR §1.72 (b) requires abstracts within the 150 word range.

  The original text of this application and the chapter headings mentioned in this application are for convenience only and are provided for illustrative purposes only.

A number of examples are described in this application and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The invention described in this application is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as will be readily apparent from the specification and claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention described in this application can be implemented with various modifications and alterations such as structural modifications, logical modifications, software modifications and electrical modifications. Although specific configurations of the invention described in this application may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, the foregoing configurations are not described unless otherwise specified. It is to be understood that the above-described configurations are not limited to usage in the specific example or drawings or drawings referenced.
Except as otherwise provided in the specification of this application or in the claims, any embodiment of a method step or product element described in this application is intended to It does not constitute the described invention, or is not essential to the claimed invention of the present application, or does not represent the same object as the claimed invention.
The preamble of the claims describes only the object, effect, and availability of the claimed invention, and does not limit the claimed invention.
The specification and claims are not a complete description of all embodiments of the invention. Further, the specification and claims are not an enumeration of the configurations of the invention which must be present in all examples.

Devices described as communicating with each other need not communicate with each other unless otherwise specified. On the other hand, the aforementioned devices need only transmit to each other as needed or only as desired, and in fact, most of the time can refrain from exchanging data. For example, a machine that communicates with another machine over the Internet may not send data to another machine for a long period of time (eg, several weeks at a time). Furthermore, devices that communicate with each other can communicate directly or indirectly via one or more means.
The description of embodiments with several components or configurations does not imply that all or any of the aforementioned components / configurations are required. On the other hand, various optional components are described to illustrate a wide range of possible embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, a component / configuration is not required or required.
Although the process steps, algorithms, etc. are described in the specification or the claims in a specific order, the processes described above can be configured to be performed in various orders. That is, any sequence or order of steps that may be specified in the specification or in the claims does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The process steps described herein and in the claims can be performed in any conceivable order. In addition, certain steps can be performed simultaneously, even though they are described or suggested as not occurring simultaneously (eg, one step is described after another). Further, the illustration of the process by its depiction in the drawings does not imply that the illustrated process excludes its variations and modifications, and either the illustrated process or its steps are necessary for the present invention. It does not imply that it is, nor does it imply that the illustrated treatment is preferred.
Although a process is described as including multiple steps, it does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred, essential, or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention (s) include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified, no steps are required or required.
Although the process may be described singly or without reference to other products or methods, in one example, the process may interact with other products or methods. For example, the aforementioned interaction may include linking one business model to another business model. The aforementioned interactions can be provided to increase processing flexibility or desirability.
A product may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, attributes, properties, and / or characteristics, whether any or all of the plurality is preferred or essential, It does not imply that it is necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention (s) include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.
An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive unless specified otherwise. Similarly, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) indicates that any or all of the items encompass any category unless otherwise specified. It is not a suggestion. For example, the enumerated list “Computer, Laptop, PDA” has any or all of the three items in the list being mutually exclusive, and any or all of the three items in the list are in any category. It does not suggest inclusion.
An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other or easily replaced with each other.
All examples are illustrative and do not imply that the invention or any embodiment was implemented, as the case may be.
(Computer processing)
Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various processes described herein and the claims can be implemented by, for example, a suitably programmed general purpose computer, an application specific computer, and a computing device. Typically, a processor (eg, one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (eg, from a memory or similar device) Thereby performing one or more processes defined by the aforementioned instructions. The instructions can be implemented, for example, in a computer program.

  “Processor” represents one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or similar devices, or any combination.

Therefore, the description of the process is also the description of the apparatus that performs the process. Devices that perform processing may include, for example, a processor suitable for performing the processing, and input and output devices.
Furthermore, programs that implement the methods described above (as well as other types of data) can be stored and transmitted using various media (eg, computer readable media). In particular embodiments, wired circuitry or custom hardware can be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processing of the various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software can be used instead of software alone.
The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, plural form of the medium, or any medium involved in providing data (eg, instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, processor, or similar device. Represents a combination of various media. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memory. Volatile media typically includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which constitutes main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cable, copper wire, and optical fiber including wiring with a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media can include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic radiation, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, DVD, etc. Other optical media, punch card, paper tape, any other physical media with perforation pattern, RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, described below There may be a carrier wave or any other medium that can be read by a computer.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data (eg, a series of instructions) to the processor. For example, data is (i) supplied to the processor from RAM, (ii) carried via a wireless transmission medium, (iii) a number of formats, standards or protocols (Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth ™, and TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA and 3G, etc.) and / or (iv) in any of a variety of ways well known in the art It can be secreted or encrypted to prevent fraud.
Therefore, the description of the process is the same as the description of the computer-readable medium storing the program for performing the process. The computer readable medium can store (in any suitable form) program elements suitable for performing the method.
Just as the description of the various steps in the process does not indicate that all of the described steps are necessary, the apparatus embodiment operates to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described processes. Includes possible computer / computer equipment.
Similarly, examples of computer readable media storing a program or data structure may describe the process described, just as the description of the various steps in the process does not indicate that all the steps described are required. A portion (but not necessarily all) of a computer-readable medium that stores a program that, when executed, can be executed by a processor.
If the database is described, (i) the database structure different from the one described can be used easily, and (ii) other memory structures other than the database can be used easily. Those skilled in the art will understand. Any illustration or description of any of the sample databases set forth in this specification and the claims is an illustrative arrangement of a stored representation of information. Any number of other configurations can be used other than those suggested by the tables shown in the drawings or elsewhere, for example. Similarly, any illustrated entry in the database represents exemplary information only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and content of entries may differ from those described in this specification and the claims. Furthermore, despite any depiction of the database as a table, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models, and / or distributed databases) may be used to describe the present specification and claims. Data types can be stored and manipulated. Similarly, various processes such as those described in the present invention and the claims can be implemented using database object methods or behaviors. Further, the database can be stored in a device that accesses the data in the database, either locally or remotely in a known manner.
Various embodiments can be configured to be implemented in a network environment including a computer in communication with one or more devices (eg, a communication network). Computers can be directly or indirectly connected to any wired or wireless medium (eg Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, token ring, telephone line, cable line, wireless channel, optical communication line, commercial line It can communicate with the device via an online service provider, bulletin board system, satellite communication link, any combination of the above. Each device itself may include a computer or other computing device, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino ™ processor, adapted to communicate with the computer. Any number and type of devices can communicate with the computer.
In one embodiment, a server computer, or centralized authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present invention can be implemented in one embodiment on one or more devices without a central authority. In the foregoing embodiments, any function described in this specification and claims as being executed by a server computer, or data described as being stored on a server, is instead described above. Can be performed by or stored on one or more devices.
Where a process is described, in one embodiment, the process can be performed without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processing includes some human intervention (eg, the process is performed with or with human assistance).

(Continuation application)
The specification and claims provide one of ordinary skill in the art with several examples and / or possible descriptions of the invention. Some of the foregoing embodiments and / or inventions may not be recited in the claims of this application, but may be a continuity claim that claims the benefit of priority of this application. It can be described in the claims of several applications.
Applicant intends to file a further application to obtain a patent on subject matter that is described and enabled in the present application but that is not described in the claims.
(35 USC § 112 (6))
In the original claims of a claim, a claim limitation that includes the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 USC §112 (6) falls under that limitation.
In the original claims of a claim, a claim limitation that does not include the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” is defined as a function that does not describe the structure, material, or operation for performing that function. Means that 35 USC § 112 (6) does not fall under that limitation. For example, a claim simply uses the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” that refer to one or more steps of the claim or one or more steps of another claim Does not mean that 35 USC § 112 (6) falls under that process.
With respect to means or steps for performing a specific function according to 35 USC § 112 (6), the corresponding structure, material or operation described in the specification and claims, and equivalents thereof, are further defined as well The function can be performed.
Computers, processors, computing devices and similar products are structures that can perform a wide range of functions. The aforementioned product is operable to perform a specified function by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a memory device of the product or in a memory device accessed by the product. obtain. Unless stated otherwise, the programs described above may not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any particular algorithm that may be described in this application. It is well known to those skilled in the art that the identified functions can be implemented by various algorithms, some of which are merely design choices for carrying out the defined invention. .
Thus, with respect to means or steps for performing a specified function according to 35 USC §112 (6), the structure corresponding to the specified function includes any product programmed to perform the specified function. The structure described above is programmed by either (i) the described algorithm to perform the function, (ii) an algorithm similar to the described algorithm, or (iii) another algorithm to perform the function. Includes programmed products that perform functions whether or not
When describing means for performing a function that is a method, one structure for performing the method includes a computing device (eg, a general purpose computer) programmed and / or configured with appropriate hardware to perform the function. .
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a computer device (eg, a general purpose computer) programmed and / or configured with appropriate hardware to perform its functions through other algorithms is also included.
(Disclaimer)
Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not indicate disclaimers or denials of further separate embodiments, and similarly, references to descriptions of embodiments that all include a particular configuration refer to that particular configuration. It does not indicate disclaimers or denials of examples not included. Apparent disclaimers or denials in this application shall be preceded by the phrase “not included” or “not possible to do”.
(Quoted by reference)
Patents, patent applications and other documents referred to herein in the specification and claims are only for the purposes of the description requirements according to 35 USC § 112 (1) and the enablement requirements according to 35 USC § 112 (1). The content of which is incorporated herein by reference as part of the specification and claims, and is used in any way to limit, define or otherwise interpret the terms of this application. Should not do. This application would not have been able to provide a identifiable meaning without citation by the aforementioned reference, but would have been able to provide a identifiable meaning for the aforementioned term . Thus, this application should not be limited in any manner by those skilled in the art according to any of the embodiments described in the foregoing references.

Unless expressly stated otherwise in this patent application, any citation by reference implies any support, approval or toleration in any expression, idea, gist or description contained in the cited patent, patent application or other document. Not.
(Application progress)
In interpreting this application (including claims), whether or not there are other patent applications deemed to be relevant to this application and sharing the priority claim with this invention Regardless of whether other patent applications exist, those skilled in the art refer to the application history of this application, but not to any other patents or patent applications.

[Example]
(Outline of various embodiments)
Embodiments include systems and methods that allow various dining services provided by restaurants to be booked via an interconnected computer network. The term “customer” is intended to be broadly understood to include any user of the system, such as an actual customer or an agent ordering on behalf of another entity.
Some dining services include restaurant table seat reservations, consumable menu products offered to customers who eat at restaurant facilities, menu / product delivery to customer locations, or restaurant locations It may include cooking of menu items available for receipt. Each of the aforementioned meal options can be reserved by specifying a specific date and time.

(System hardware)
Please refer to FIG. The system 100 according to at least one embodiment of the presently described and claimed system includes at least one computing device, such as a remote computer 102 (eg, a server computer), a client computer 104, or a combination thereof. Including. The term remote means only in this environment that at least one of the remote computer 102 and the client computer 104 is a separate device. Thus, the device can be remote even in the same room. In at least one embodiment, the system includes at least one remote computer 102 connected via a communication network 106 to one or more of the client computers 104. One or more of the client computers 104 can be connected to the remote computer 102 through a firewall. In another embodiment, at least one remote computer 102 is connected to at least one other remote computer 108 via a communication network 106.

The system 100 includes a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephone network (POTS), a wireless network (including cellular networks, WiFi networks, and WiMax networks), wired networks, and It can be implemented via any type of communication network 106, such as a combination of wireless networks. In certain cases, the communication network 106 is of a type that is independent of the Internet or transmitted over the Internet (information that has little or no security risk if used for unauthorized purposes, encryption, etc. Information, etc.) may be limited.
In the networked embodiment, the client computer 104 is preferably configured to send and receive information to and from the remote computers 102, 108, or otherwise provide information to and from the remote computers 102, 108. Can be sent and received. Remote computers 102, 108 are similarly configured to send and receive information between themselves, or information can be sent and received in another manner between themselves. It communicates with similarly equipped remote computers 102, 108, such as modems, Ethernet interfaces, transmitters / receivers, etc., enabling wireless, wired, or combinations thereof. Can be achieved by element. Such functionality described herein can be provided by the remote computer 102, 108, by the client computer 104, or both, and thus is described in the present specification and claims. It is not limited to any particular implementation. In at least one embodiment, client computer 104 generally has:
Front end functions are provided, and remote computers 102, 108 provide back end functions.
Although various embodiments may be described with respect to financial instruments in the present specification and claims, the methods and systems described herein may be used for goods, money (one or more). (Currency), goods, etc. can be similarly applied. The term “financial instrument” refers to any product issued by a corporation, government or any other entity representing debt or equity (equity, stock, fixed income, bonds, bonds, certificates of deposit (certificate of interest or deposit), warrants, options, futures, forwards, swaps, or generally any security) and their derivatives.
A computing device (eg, client computer 104 and / or remote computer 102, 108) typically has at least one processor and memory such as ROM, RAM, flash, etc. (hard drive, flash drive, optical or magnetic disk). Computer readable memory etc.). The memory, or computer readable medium, preferably includes one or more steps of the methods as described herein, including the step of communicating data and commands back and forth between the computers. , Including stored software that performs when executed. The computer further includes one or more databases 110 for retrieving and / or storing various data as described herein, including identification and verification data such as IDs and passwords, biometric data, and the like. , 112 or may have access to one or more databases 110, 112 as described above.
The client computer 104 may include, without limitation, a mobile phone, PDA, pocket PC, personal computer, and any application computer device or other general purpose computer device. As such, the client computer 104 preferably has a processor, memory, a display (such as a CRT or LCD monitor) that displays information and / or graphics associated with the functions provided by the system 100, and system functions. At least one input device (mouse, touch-sensitive pad, pointer, stylus, trackball, one or more buttons (eg, alphanumeric, scroll wheel) for the user to input appropriate commands and / or information , Touch sensitive monitors, etc.) and combinations thereof. In the case of a general purpose client computer 104 (such as a PC or PDA), the user may add functionality provided by the system 100 to a browser application, or any other general purpose application, or to the specification and claims. Can be accessed by application specific software that is specifically intended to access the functions described in this scope.
In at least one embodiment, client computer 104 includes at least one biometric sensor 114 or is otherwise associated with at least one biometric sensor 114. Biometric sensor 114 determines directly from the user at least one item of biometric data associated with the user, such as a fingerprint reader, iris scanner, retinal scanner, blood vessel pattern reader, face recognition camera, etc. Any device used in Biometric sensor 114 can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The biometric sensor 114 may further share resources with other components of the client computer 104, such as a processor, memory, camera, microphone, speaker, and the like. A single biometric sensor 114 can be used to read more than one type of biometric data. For example, a digital camera can be used to acquire an image of the user's eye for iris scanning and an image of the user's face for facial recognition. In this case, a single image capture of the user's face can provide data for face recognition as well as data for iris or retina comparison.
Biometric data is generally acquired by biometric sensor 114 and is used to authenticate the user's identity, at least as a gateway that allows the user to access system functionality. In this regard, the biometric data can preferably be compared with previously acquired / stored biometric data that has been verified as being associated with a particular user, Access can be given based on that positive match.
(Management of actual table and virtual table schedules)
According to at least one embodiment of the methods and systems described herein and in the claims, a customer can subscribe (eg, in advance) to various dining services provided by a restaurant. Reservation can include reserving a table seat in a restaurant, specifying a specific date and time. Reservation can also include scheduling the receipt or delivery of consumable goods offered by a restaurant.
FIG. 2 illustrates a schedule 200 that, in one embodiment, can be used for scheduling various reservations. In the example of FIG. 2, the schedule 200 can track the availability of “actual tables” that represent seating arrangements available in a dining area at a restaurant site. The schedule 200 may also track the availability of a “virtual table” that represents the availability of a restaurant for providing take-out services. The embodiments described below describe using a virtual table to manage a restaurant take-out service, but the virtual table is provided by a restaurant other than a delivery service or on-site dining. It is equally applicable in any dining service environment. In certain embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 2, the schedule 200 treats the virtual table like an actual table. The customer can reserve a virtual table by specifying a specific date and time (as is possible with an actual table). In certain embodiments, a customer can place an order for a consumable menu item at the same time as making a reservation for a virtual table. In the case described above, the restaurant may be able to prepare the menu item in advance and receive it at the scheduled time.
In other examples, the customer may not include orders for menu items in the reservation. Instead, you may arrive at the restaurant during the booking date. Sometimes you order products from a menu while in a restaurant. In the case described above, the restaurant cooks the menu items in the order received.
In the example of FIG. 2, schedule 200 represents a restaurant as having four existing tables available for on-site dining. The above four existing tables are represented on the schedule 200 as columns 202 to 208 (for example, tables 1 to 4). Each of the columns 202 to 208 of the table is divided into units (for example, one hour unit) of times 210 to 232 of a specific date 234 (for example, Monday). The time units described above will hereinafter be represented as “time slots” 210 through 232 that can be updated (eg, in real time) to reflect their status (eg, reserved, available, not available). .
In addition, FIG. 2 represents a restaurant as having two virtual tables (represented as columns 236, 238 in FIG. 2) that can be used to provide a restaurant take-out dining service.
The integration of the virtual table into the schedule 200 can help the restaurant manage its take-out service. In certain embodiments, the restaurant can customize the quantity of virtual tables made available according to business needs. For example, a restaurant may face a large number of on-site dining guests during lunch rush hours. As such, the restaurant may want to be able to remove the take-out dining service from the schedule 200 during this busy hour and concentrate on providing service to customers on site. To do so, the restaurant can change its virtual table status to be available during busy lunch hours.

In another example, a restaurant may try to reduce but not lose its take-out service for a period of time. In this example, the restaurant changes the status of some of the virtual tables to “not available”, but may leave the status of other virtual tables “available”.
In another example, a restaurant may attempt to increase its take-out dining service for a period of time when on-site dining guests are interrupted. For example, a restaurant may face a low number of on-site eateries during the late night hours, but at the same time may face a surge in take-out requests. As such, in one embodiment, the restaurant can add one or more virtual tables to the schedule 200 to meet an increased number of takeout requests. In another example, the restaurant replaces one or more of the actual tables on the schedule 100 with virtual tables to accommodate the shifting business needs.
(Automatic schedule management)
The foregoing embodiment provides an example where a restaurant voluntarily manages the schedule 200 according to its business needs. However, in at least one embodiment, the schedule 200 can be structured or programmed to automatically adjust the ratio of actual tables to virtual tables according to various rules and threshold requirements.
In certain cases, the restaurant can provide a set of rules that determine the number of virtual tables that are made available on the schedule 200. An example of a rule may be a threshold that measures the maximum number of eaters at a restaurant site. For example, a restaurant may not provide a take-out service every time 80% of on-site dining facilities are booked. In this case, when 80% of on-site dining facilities for a particular time slot are reserved, the status of the virtual table associated with that time slot is changed to “not available”.
In one embodiment, the actual number of tables may vary for different days of the week. For example, in one embodiment, the restaurant may configure rules such that the schedule 200 has more on-site tables (and less virtual tables) on weekends than on weekdays. In another embodiment, the actual number of tables can vary for different time zones. For example, in another embodiment, the rules can be configured such that schedule 200 has more on-site tables (and less virtual tables) available during lunch and dinner rush hours.
In another embodiment, a sliding scale relationship may exist between the actual table and the virtual table. In this embodiment, each time a reservation is made for an actual table or virtual table, the schedule automatically adjusts the status of the remaining actual and virtual tables.
(Restaurant profile generation)
In a particular embodiment, a customer who wishes to make a reservation for a dining service at a restaurant searches a database of restaurant profiles. The restaurant profile includes, among other things, a description of the restaurant, a menu of consumable products offered by the restaurant, a price list associated with each consumable product, ratings of the restaurant by past customers, and actual tables and It may include a schedule (which can be updated in real time) that represents the availability of the virtual table.
In order to generate a restaurant profile, in certain embodiments, the restaurant can send information over a network to a server that houses the reservation system. Examples of advance information include the type of cuisine offered by the restaurant, the price of the menu item, acceptable payment formats, restaurant contact information and address (address), and the number of tables that actually exist in the dining facility on the spot obtain. The restaurant can also send out a menu that includes a list of consumable items offered by the restaurant. The menu may also include a description of the consumable items provided and the corresponding price for each consumable item. In addition, the restaurant can send a reservation schedule that represents the number of actual tables and virtual tables available per time slot. In certain embodiments, the restaurant can add multimedia elements (eg, pictures, videos, sound clips, web blogs, promotions, etc.) to the restaurant profile.
After receiving and confirming the information, the reservation system generates a restaurant profile that stores personalized data information (eg, reservation schedule, food menu, price list) for each participating restaurant.
In one embodiment, the profile is updated automatically (eg, in real time) each time the restaurant modifies the contents of the restaurant profile (eg, excludes menu items, removes virtual tables). In another embodiment, the restaurant can log into the reservation system and modify the contents of the restaurant profile to update the profile with the latest changes.
It is possible to save the generated profile in a database. In certain embodiments, the profiles can be categorized into searchable categories (eg, cuisine type, restaurant location, price range). Thus, potential customers can search the aforementioned categories to find a specific restaurant that places an order request. For example, a customer
You can search the database for Japanese restaurants that offer major dishes at prices between $ 30 and $ 50.
In certain embodiments, restaurant locations are mapped to customer addresses so that customers can search for restaurants that are within a radial distance (eg, 5 miles) from the customer location.
(Reservation request)
After the customer selects a restaurant from the database, the reservation system can receive a reservation request sent by the customer. In the request, the customer can indicate, among other things, the restaurant that they wish to receive a dining service and the type of dining service desired (eg, on-site dining, take-out service, delivery service, etc.).

In the request, the customer can also indicate the type of table desired (eg, actual table or virtual table) and the specific date and time that they want to make a reservation. In certain embodiments, the customer does not indicate the type of table. This is because the system automatically associates the type of dining service with the type of table.
In certain embodiments, the customer can view the restaurant schedule to know the available time slots (eg, prior to sending a reservation request). In other embodiments, the customer does not see the restaurant schedule. Instead, the system presents the customer with available dates and times that the customer can select.
After a customer submits a dining service reservation request with a specific date and time,
The reservation can confirm whether the requested date and time is available in the restaurant schedule. The system can send a message to the customer confirming or rejecting the requested appointment time.
If the reservation determines that the requested date and time is not available for reservation, in a particular embodiment, the customer can modify the original request to reserve and submit a new request. This new request may include another restaurant, another time slot, and / or another date. In other embodiments, the system may allow a customer to bid for a specific appointment time. This bid process will be described in detail below.
However, if the customer successfully secures a reservation for the virtual table, the system can prompt the customer to send a menu order with the reservation. Menu orders include, among other things, the items that the customer wants to order, the quantity from each menu item, and special instructions for cooking the items in the menu (eg low salt, salad dressing, medium layer Cooking).
After the menu order is submitted by the customer (and received by the system), the system calculates the total cost of the item. The customer may pay the total amount using any number of payment methods (eg, online payment by system via credit card, payment by any financial means upon receipt of menu item) it can.
The system can transfer selected menu items to the restaurant so that the restaurant can cook (e.g., in advance) menu items that are available for customer receipt at the scheduled date and time. It is.
(Bid function)
In certain embodiments, a reservation made by a customer may remain unverified for a period of time. For example, the reservation may remain in the confirmed state up to 24 hours before the reserved time slot (and may be subject to a bid). During the above period, one or more other customers interested in the same reservation time can participate in the auction during the reservation time.
In one embodiment, the system can contact the customer with an unconfirmed appointment and notify the customer that another person wants to bid in the same time slot. The system can include where and when the bid processing takes place. Any customer can log into the system and bid into a time slot during a given time frame.
In one example, the website can solicit bids from interested interested parties. At the end of the period, the system can compare all the sent bids to determine the customer who sent the maximum bid. In this embodiment, a reservation time is given to the customer who sent the bit at the maximum amount, and the bid amount is recorded as a reservation fee.
In another embodiment, the interested party emails the bid to the reservation system. The reservation system can notify the customer if a previously sent bid is replaced by another bid. In response, the customer can send a counter bid that is larger than the other bids. At the expiration of the above period, the system will give a reserved time to the bidder who sent the largest bid.
In certain embodiments, the customer may decide to pay a premium fee (eg, generally higher) to secure a specific reservation time. In this example, the premium fee may represent a booking fee that is paid in advance to prevent others from bidding for the booking time. For example, a customer may want to take an important business partner to a popular restaurant in the city. As such, the customer may pay a premium for the guaranteed booking, and as such, the customer may attempt to pay a premium fee to ensure that the booking time is guaranteed.
In other embodiments, the system may not charge the customer a booking fee if there are no other interested parties bid on the reserved time slot. Conversely, a customer may have to pay a booking fee that is greater than the premium if the bid process is lifted to a high amount.
In certain embodiments, the system can also participate in the reverse bid process. In this case, the customer may indicate that he wants to eat at a specific date and time. The customer may not have restaurant priority, but may define the type of dish or price range. Various restaurants can compete in business by offering customer promotions or discounts for customer gathering and any other offers for customer trafficking.
(Further examples)
(1) A method for determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available to a bid, wherein the service is provided at a specific time and a specific date; Receiving a bid for the service provided by a restaurant, wherein the bid is associated with a first amount, storing the bid in a storage device along with a plurality of other bids, and the bid The at least one other bid sent to book the service, the at least one other bid being associated with a second amount; and the first amount Determining that is greater than the second amount; and requesting to reserve the service provided by the restaurant, the highest bidder And a step of outputting the display to provide a method comprising said first amount is delivered by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount.
(2) The method according to (1), wherein the service provided by the restaurant is a step of cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location, a consumable product received at the restaurant location. And at least one of the steps of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location.

(3) The method according to (1), wherein the bid is available during a period in which a bid received after a certain period is rejected.
(4) The method according to (1), wherein the step of receiving the bid for the service is a step of outputting an indication of the bid to a customer, wherein the customer is provided by the restaurant. Where the customer has booked in advance.
(5) The method according to (1), wherein the first amount and the second amount represent an amount charged for reservation of the service.
(6) The method according to (1), wherein the restaurant is (i) a schedule indicating the restaurant's ability to provide at least one service during a plurality of periods; and (ii) provided by the restaurant. A description of a consumable product, (iii) a price associated with the consumable product, and (iv) a rating of the restaurant, wherein the rating comprises a rating comprising at least one thought of a past customer. The method associated with the.
(7) The method according to (1), wherein the method receives a request to reserve the service;
Comparing the requested specific time with a schedule associated with the restaurant, the schedule comprising a list of times available for reservation; and the request to reserve the service is rejected. And a step of outputting an indication of being performed.
(8) A method comprising receiving a bid for a service provided by a restaurant, wherein the service is provided for a specific time and a specific date; and A method comprising: a service is not available to a bid, and the bid is available for a period of time and outputting an indication to reject the request to reserve the service.
(9) The method according to (8), wherein the service provided by the restaurant is a step of cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location, and a consumable product received at the restaurant location. And at least one of the steps of cooking a consumable product delivered outside the restaurant location.
(10) The method according to (8), wherein a bid received after the predetermined period is rejected.
(11) The method according to (8), wherein the step of determining that the service is not available to the bid comprises the step of determining that the period has expired.
(12) The method of (8), wherein the step of determining that the service is not available to the bid is a step of receiving a surcharge associated with the requested specific time, A premium fee is a method of preventing bids for the specific time.
(13) A storage medium containing machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of (1).
(14) The computer system according to (13) configured to perform the method according to (2).
(15) The computer system according to (13) configured to perform the method according to (3).
(16) The computer system according to (13) configured to perform the method according to (4).
(17) The computer system according to (13) configured to perform the method according to (5).
(18) The computer system according to (13) configured to perform the method according to (6).
(19) The computer system according to (13) configured to perform the method according to (7).
(20) A storage medium containing machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of (8).
(21) The computer system according to (20), configured to perform the method according to (9).
(22) The computer system according to (20) configured to perform the method according to (10).

  (23) The computer system according to (20), configured to perform the method according to (11).

(24) The computer system according to (20), configured to perform the method according to (12).
(25) A method for receiving a request to reserve a service provided by a restaurant, wherein the reservation request is for a specific time and a specific date, and the service is (i) Cooking a consumable product consumed at a restaurant location; (ii) cooking a consumable product received at the restaurant location; and (iii) delivered to a location outside the restaurant location. Cooking at least one of the steps of cooking a consumable product and comparing the requested specific time with a schedule associated with the restaurant, wherein the schedule is available for reservation A list of the request, a step of determining availability of the request to reserve, and the request to reserve the service How and a step of outputting an indication that is or rejected are accepted.

(26) The method according to (25), further comprising receiving information associated with the restaurant, the information comprising: (i) the restaurant providing at least one service for a plurality of periods. A schedule indicating capability; (ii) a description of consumable goods provided by the restaurant; (iii) a price associated with the consumable goods; and (iv) a rating of the restaurant, wherein the rating is A method comprising an evaluation comprising at least one idea of a past customer.
(27) The method according to (25), wherein a step of confirming that the requested specific time is available and outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service is accepted The method of further comprising.
(28) The method according to (27), wherein a request for at least one consumable product is received, wherein the at least one consumable product is provided by the restaurant; and at least the consumable product Receiving a quantity of one product; and calculating a price of the at least one consumable product, wherein the price comprises an amount paid by a customer in exchange for the requested consumable product. A method of further comprising.
(29) The method according to (25), wherein the step of determining that the specific time requested is not available and outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service has been rejected A method further comprising the step.
(30) The method according to (29), wherein the modified request is received, wherein the modified request is the requested service, the requested specific time, and the requested request. The method further comprises the step of correcting at least one of the updated dates.

(31) The method according to (29), wherein the step of determining that the specific time is available for a bid, wherein the bid is available for a certain period of time, and Receiving a bid sent for a particular time; comparing the bid to at least one other bid; and outputting an indication giving the highest bidder the request to book. The method in which the highest bidder is delivering the bid at an amount greater than the amount associated with the at least one other bid.
(32) The method according to (29), wherein the first bid for the specific time is received, and the specific time is determined in advance as not available, The first bid is a step issued by a first customer, and a step of outputting a display of the first bid to a second customer, wherein the second customer A step of making a reservation in advance, a step of determining that the first bid is larger than a second bid, and a step of outputting a display to the first customer, the display Further comprising indicating that the request to reserve the service for the requested specific time is approved.
(33) The method according to (29), wherein the first bid for the specific time is received, and the specific time is determined in advance as not available, The first bid is a step issued by a first customer, and a step of outputting a display of the first bid to a second customer, wherein the second customer A step of making a reservation in advance, a step of determining that the second bid is larger than the first bid, and a step of outputting a display for the first customer, The method further comprising: indicating that the request to reserve the service for the requested specific time is rejected.
(34) The method of (25), wherein a premium fee associated with the requested specific time is received, wherein the premium fee prevents a bid for the specific time; The method further comprising: determining that the specific time is not available for a bid; and rejecting the bid sent for the specific time.
(35) The method according to (25), further comprising the step of updating the schedule according to the request to reserve the service.
(36) The method according to (25), wherein the step of updating the schedule is a step of determining a quantity of on-site dining requests, wherein the on-site dining request is performed by the restaurant. Providing the request to reserve the service for cooking consumable goods consumed at a location; determining that the quantity of on-site dining requests exceeds a threshold; and on the schedule Reducing the number of available take-out dining requests, the take-out dining request comprising the request to reserve the service for cooking consumable goods received at the restaurant location A method further comprising the step.

(37) The method according to (25), wherein the step of updating the schedule is a step of determining a quantity of on-site dining requests, wherein the on-site dining request is performed by the restaurant. Providing the request to reserve the service for cooking consumable goods consumed at a location, and determining the quantity of take-out dining requests, wherein the take-out dining is a location of the restaurant Calculating the ratio between the step of booking the service to cook the consumable goods received at the request, the number of on-site dining requests and the number of take-out dining requests A step of determining that the ratio exceeds a threshold, and the schedule Reducing the number of available take-out dining requests on the table.
(38) A storage medium containing machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of (25).
(39) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (26).
(40) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (27).
(41) The computer system according to (40) configured to perform the method according to (28).
(42) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (29).
(43) The computer system according to (42) configured to perform the method according to (30).
(44) The computer system according to (42) configured to perform the method according to (31).
(45) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (34).
(46) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (35).
(47) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (36).
(48) The computer system according to (38) configured to perform the method according to (37).
(49) A device comprising a storage device and a processor connected to the storage device, wherein the storage device stores a program for controlling the processor, and the processor operates according to the program. A function of receiving a request to reserve a service provided by a restaurant, wherein the request for reservation is for a specific time and a specific date, and the service is (i) consumed at the restaurant location The ability to cook consumable goods, (ii) the ability to cook consumable goods received at the restaurant location, and (iii) the ability to cook consumable goods delivered to locations outside the restaurant location And a schedule associated with the restaurant for the requested specific time. The schedule comprises a function comprising a list of times available for reservation, a function for determining the availability of the request for reservation, and the request for reservation for the service being accepted. Or a device that outputs a display indicating that it has been rejected.
(50) A method comprising: selecting a restaurant from a plurality of restaurants; and transmitting a request to reserve a service provided by the restaurant, wherein the reservation request has a specific time and a specific For a date, the service comprises: (i) cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location; (ii) cooking a consumable product received at the restaurant location; and (iii) ) Comprising at least one of the steps of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location, and an indication that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or rejected Receiving the method.
(51) The method according to (50), wherein the step of selecting the restaurant comprises a step of reviewing information associated with the restaurant.

(52) The method according to (51), wherein the information includes a schedule indicating the ability of the restaurant to provide at least one service during a plurality of periods.
(53) The method according to (51), wherein the information includes a description of a consumable product provided by the restaurant and a price associated with the consumable product.
(54) The method according to (50), wherein the information includes an evaluation of the restaurant, and the evaluation includes at least one idea of a past customer.
(55) The method according to (50), the method including receiving an indication that the request to reserve the service is accepted, and transmitting a request for at least one product that can be consumed. At least one product that can be consumed is provided by the restaurant; sending a quantity of the at least one product that can be consumed; and receiving a price of the at least one product that can be consumed, the price comprising: And a step of providing an amount to be paid in exchange for the consumable product.
(56) The method according to (50), comprising the step of receiving an indication that the request to reserve the service has been rejected.

(57) The method according to (56), wherein the modified request is a step of transmitting the modified request, wherein the modified request includes the requested service, the requested specific time, and the request. The method further comprises the step of correcting at least one of the dated.
(58) The method according to (56), wherein the method includes receiving an indication that the requested specific time is available to the bid, and the bid is available for a certain period of time. .
(59) The method according to (58), wherein the method includes a step of transmitting a bid for the specific time, the step of associating the bid with an amount, and that the request for reservation is accepted. Receiving an indication, wherein the amount associated with the bid is greater than an amount associated with at least one other bid.
(60) The method according to (58), wherein a step of transmitting a bid for the specific time, wherein the bid is associated with an amount, and the request for reservation is rejected. Receiving an indication, further comprising: an amount associated with at least one other bid greater than the amount associated with the bid.

(61) The method according to (50), further comprising a step of transmitting an additional fee together with the request for reservation, wherein the additional fee further includes a step of preventing a bid for the specific time.
(62) A storage medium comprising machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method according to (50).
(63) The computer system according to (62) configured to perform the method according to (51).
(64) The computer system according to (63) configured to perform the method according to (52).
(65) The computer system according to (63), configured to perform the method according to (53).
(66) The computer system according to (62) configured to perform the method according to (54).
(67) The computer system according to (62) configured to perform the method according to (55).
(68) The computer system according to (62) configured to perform the method according to (56).
(69) The computer system according to (19) configured to perform the method according to (57).
(70) The computer system according to (19) configured to perform the method according to (58).
(71) The computer system according to (21) configured to perform the method according to (59).
(72) The computer system according to (21) configured to perform the method according to (60).
(73) The computer system according to (62) configured to perform the method according to (61).
(74) A device comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, wherein the storage device stores a program for controlling the processor, and the processor operates according to the program. A function of selecting a restaurant from a plurality of restaurants and a function of transmitting a request to reserve a service provided by the restaurant, wherein the reservation request targets a specific time and a specific date, (I) a function to cook consumable goods consumed at the restaurant location; (ii) a function to cook consumable goods received at the restaurant location; and (iii) outside the restaurant location. A function comprising at least one of the functions of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location and reserving the service An apparatus that performs a function of receiving an indication that the request has been accepted or rejected.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system according to at least one embodiment of the system described herein and in the claims. It is a figure which shows one Example of a schedule.

Explanation of symbols

100 system 102 remote computer 104 client computer 106 communication network 108 remote computer 110 database 112 database

Claims (74)

A method,
Determining that the service provided by the restaurant is available to the bid, the service being provided at a specific time and on a specific date;
Receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, wherein the bid is associated with a first amount;
Storing the bid in a storage device together with a plurality of other bids;
Comparing the bid to at least one other bid sent to book the service, wherein the at least one other bid is associated with a second amount;
Determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount;
Outputting an indication to the highest bidder that requests to reserve the service provided by the restaurant, wherein the first amount sent by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount A method comprising that. The method of claim 1, wherein the service provided by the restaurant is:
Cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location;
A method comprising: cooking a consumable product received at the restaurant location; and cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location.   The method of claim 1, wherein the bid is available during a period in which a bid received after a period of time is rejected. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the bid for the service comprises:
Outputting the bid display to a customer, wherein the customer has pre-booked the service provided by the restaurant.   The method of claim 1, wherein the first amount and the second amount represent an amount charged for the reservation of the service. The method of claim 1, wherein the restaurant is
(i) a schedule indicating the ability of the restaurant to provide at least one service during a plurality of periods;
(ii) a description of the consumable goods provided by the restaurant;
(iii) a price associated with the consumable product;
(iv) A method in which the restaurant is associated with information comprising an evaluation comprising an evaluation comprising at least one idea of a past customer. The method of claim 1, wherein
Receiving a request to reserve the service;
Comparing the requested specific time with a schedule associated with the restaurant, the schedule comprising a list of times available for reservation;
Outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service has been rejected. A method,
Receiving a bid for a service provided by a restaurant, wherein the service is provided for a specific time and a specific date;
The service provided by the restaurant is not available to the bid and the bid is available for a period of time;
Outputting a display rejecting the request to reserve the service. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the service provided by the restaurant is
Cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location;
A method comprising at least one of: cooking a consumable product received at the restaurant location; and cooking a consumable product delivered outside the restaurant location.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein a bid received after the period of time is rejected. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that the service is not available to a bid comprises:
A method comprising determining that the period has expired. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that the service is not available to a bid comprises:
Receiving a premium fee associated with the requested particular time, wherein the premium fee is prevented from bidding for the particular time.   A storage medium comprising machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of claim 1.   14. A computer system according to claim 13 configured to perform the method of claim 2.   14. A computer system as claimed in claim 13 configured to perform the method of claim 3.   The computer system of claim 13, configured to perform the method of claim 4.   The computer system of claim 13, configured to perform the method of claim 5.   The computer system of claim 13, configured to perform the method of claim 6.   The computer system of claim 13, configured to perform the method of claim 7.   A storage medium comprising machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of claim 8.   21. The computer system of claim 20, configured to perform the method of claim 9.   21. The computer system of claim 20, configured to perform the method of claim 10.   21. The computer system of claim 20, configured to perform the method of claim 11.   21. The computer system of claim 20, configured to perform the method of claim 12. A method,
Receiving a request to book a service provided by a restaurant, wherein the booking request is for a specific time and a specific date;
(i) cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location;
(ii) cooking a consumable product received at the restaurant location; and
(iii) comprising at least one of the steps of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location;
Comparing the requested specific time with a schedule associated with the restaurant, the schedule comprising a list of times available for reservation;
Determining the availability of the reservation request;
Outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or rejected. The method of claim 25, comprising:
Receiving information associated with the restaurant, the information comprising:
(i) a schedule indicating the ability of the restaurant to provide at least one service during a plurality of periods;
(ii) a description of the consumable goods provided by the restaurant;
(iii) a price associated with the consumable product;
(iv) a rating of the restaurant, the rating comprising a rating comprising at least one idea of a past customer. 26. The method of claim 25, comprising:
Confirming that the requested specific time is available;
Outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service is accepted. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein
Receiving a request for at least one product that can be consumed, wherein the at least one product that can be consumed is provided by the restaurant;
Receiving a quantity of at least one commodity that can be consumed;
Calculating the price of the at least one consumable product, wherein the price comprises an amount paid by a customer in exchange for the requested consumable product. 26. The method of claim 25, comprising:
Determining that the requested specific time is not available;
Outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service has been rejected. 30. The method of claim 29, comprising:
Receiving a modified request, the modified request further comprising modifying at least one of the requested service, the requested specific time, and the requested date; . 30. The method of claim 29, comprising:
Determining that the specific time is available for a bid, wherein the bid is available for a period of time;
Receiving a bid sent for said specific time;
Comparing the bid with at least one other bid;
Outputting an indication giving the highest bidder the request to reserve, wherein the highest bidder receives the bid by the highest bidder in an amount greater than the amount associated with the at least one other bid. The sending method. 30. The method of claim 29, comprising:
Receiving a first bid for the specified time, wherein the specified time has been previously determined not to be available and the first bid is being issued by a first customer When,
Outputting the display of the first bid to a second customer, wherein the second customer reserves the specific time in advance;
Determining that the first bid is larger than the second bid;
Outputting a display to the first customer, the display further comprising indicating that the request to reserve the service for the requested specific time is approved. . 30. The method of claim 29, comprising:
Receiving a first bid for the specified time, wherein the specified time has been previously determined not to be available and the first bid is being issued by a first customer When,
Outputting the display of the first bid to a second customer, wherein the second customer reserves the specific time in advance;
Determining that the second bid is larger than the first bid;
Outputting a display to the first customer, the display further comprising indicating that the request to reserve the service for the requested specific time is rejected . 26. The method of claim 25, comprising:
Receiving a premium fee associated with the requested specific time, wherein the premium fee prevents a bid for the specific time;
Determining that the specific time is not available to the bid;
Rejecting bids sent for said specific time. The method of claim 25, comprising:
Updating the schedule with the request to reserve the service. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein updating the schedule comprises
Determining the quantity of on-site dining requests, wherein the on-site dining request comprises the request to reserve the service for cooking consumable goods consumed at the restaurant location. Process,
Determining that the quantity of on-site dining requests exceeds a threshold;
Reducing the number of available take-out dining requests on the schedule, wherein the take-out dining request reserves the service for cooking consumable goods received at the restaurant location And providing the request. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein updating the schedule comprises
Determining the quantity of on-site dining requests, wherein the on-site dining request comprises the request to reserve the service for cooking consumable goods consumed at the restaurant location. Process,
Determining the quantity of take-out dining requests, the take-out dining comprising the request to reserve the service for cooking consumable goods received at the restaurant location;
Calculating a ratio between the number of on-site dining requests and the number of take-out dining requests;
Determining that the ratio has exceeded a threshold;
Reducing the number of available take-out dining requests on the schedule.   26. A storage medium comprising machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of claim 25.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 26.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 27.   42. The computer system of claim 40, configured to perform the method of claim 28.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 29.   43. The computer system of claim 42, configured to perform the method of claim 30.   43. The computer system of claim 42, configured to perform the method of claim 31.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 34.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 35.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 36.   40. The computer system of claim 38, configured to perform the method of claim 37. A device,
A storage device;
A processor connected to the storage device,
The storage device stores a program for controlling the processor,
The processor is operated by the program,
A function of receiving a request to reserve a service provided by a restaurant, wherein the reservation request is for a specific time and a specific date,
(i) the ability to cook consumable goods consumed at the restaurant location;
(ii) the ability to cook consumable goods received at the restaurant location; and
(iii) a function comprising at least one function of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location;
A function for comparing the requested specific time with a schedule associated with the restaurant, the schedule comprising a list of times available for reservation;
A function to determine the availability of the request to reserve;
An apparatus for performing a function of outputting an indication that the request to reserve the service is accepted or rejected. A method,
Selecting a restaurant from a plurality of restaurants;
Sending a request to reserve a service provided by the restaurant, wherein the reservation request is for a specific time and a specific date;
(i) cooking a consumable product consumed at the restaurant location;
(ii) cooking a consumable product received at the restaurant location;
(iii) comprising at least one of the steps of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location;
Receiving an indication that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or rejected.   51. The method of claim 50, wherein selecting the restaurant comprises reviewing information associated with the restaurant.   52. The method of claim 51, wherein the information comprises a schedule indicating the restaurant's ability to provide at least one service during a plurality of periods. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the information is
A description of the consumable goods provided by the restaurant;
And a price associated with the consumable product.   51. The method of claim 50, wherein the information comprises a rating of the restaurant, and the rating comprises at least one idea of a past customer. The method of claim 50, comprising:
Receiving an indication that the request to reserve the service is accepted;
Sending a request for at least one consumable product, wherein the at least one consumable product is provided by the restaurant;
Transmitting the quantity of at least one commodity that can be consumed;
Receiving a price of the at least one consumable product, wherein the price comprises an amount paid in exchange for the consumable product. The method of claim 50, comprising:
Receiving an indication that the request to reserve the service has been rejected. 57. The method of claim 56, comprising:
Sending a modified request, the modified request further comprising modifying at least one of the requested service, the requested specific time, and the requested date. Method. 57. The method of claim 56, comprising:
Receiving an indication that the requested specific time is available for a bid, wherein the bid is available for a period of time. 59. The method of claim 58, comprising:
Sending a bid for the particular time, wherein the bid is associated with a forehead;
Receiving an indication that the request to make a reservation has been received, wherein the amount associated with the bid is greater than an amount associated with at least one other bid. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein
Sending a bid for the particular time, wherein the bid is associated with a forehead;
Receiving an indication that the request to book has been rejected, further comprising: an amount associated with at least one other bid greater than the amount associated with the bid. The method of claim 50, comprising:
A method of sending a premium fee with the request to make a reservation, the premium fee further comprising blocking a bid for the specific time.   51. A storage medium comprising machine instructions readable by a computer system including a data storage device for configuring the computer system to perform the method of claim 50.   64. The computer system of claim 62, configured to perform the method of claim 51.   64. The computer system of claim 63, configured to perform the method of claim 52.   64. The computer system of claim 63, configured to perform the method of claim 53.   64. The computer system of claim 62, configured to perform the method of claim 54.   64. The computer system of claim 62, configured to perform the method of claim 55.   63. The computer system of claim 62, configured to perform the method of claim 56.   The computer system of claim 19 configured to perform the method of claim 57.   The computer system of claim 19, configured to perform the method of claim 58.   The computer system of claim 21, configured to perform the method of claim 59.   The computer system of claim 21, wherein the computer system is configured to perform the method of claim 60.   64. The computer system of claim 62, configured to perform the method of claim 61. A device,
A storage device;
A processor connected to the storage device,
The storage device stores a program for controlling the processor,
The processor is operated by the program,
The ability to select a restaurant from multiple restaurants,
A function for transmitting a request to reserve a service provided by the restaurant, wherein the reservation request is for a specific time and a specific date;
(i) the ability to cook consumable goods consumed at the restaurant location;
(ii) the ability to cook consumable goods received at the restaurant location; and
(iii) a function comprising at least one function of cooking a consumable product delivered to a location outside the restaurant location;
An apparatus for performing a function of receiving an indication that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or rejected;

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