Abstract:
There is disclosed a system in which the patron&#39;s own telephone, or other wireless device, is used to inform the patron that a service for which the patron is waiting has become available. Once the patron&#39;s wireless device becomes registered with the service provider, informational messages of interest to that patron can be provided to the patron. These informational messages can be displayed on the screen of the wireless device or can be delivered to the patron audibly. In some situations, the patron&#39;s wireless device can be used for two-way communication with the service provider in order to, for example, answer a question or place an order. In one embodiment, the calling number of the patron&#39;s wireless device is entered into the system electronically, for example, using RFID or NF communication.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/646,579, filed Aug. 22, 2003, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INTEGRATING LOYALTY/REWARD PROGRAMS WITH PAYMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS,” and Ser. No. 10/877,276, filed Jun. 25, 2004, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING PAYMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates to notification systems and more particularly to such systems and methods in which a patron registers the patron&#39;s own wireless device pending a commercial transaction in which the patron receives messages while awaiting the pending transaction to be completed.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     It has become commonplace when waiting for a table at a restaurant for the host/hostess to hand the patron a wireless device. When the wireless device begins to pulsate/flash the patron knows his/her table is ready. Such systems have obviated the need for loudspeakers to announce the names of patrons.  
         [0004]     While such systems have proven to be popular, both with patrons and with restaurants and other establishments where such systems are employed, they are expensive to maintain due primarily to maintenance of the wireless receivers as well as the fact that they tend to disappear. One solution to this problem has been addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,542,751 dated Apr. 1, 2003 which patent is hereby incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0005]     The &#39;751 patent is directed to a dual system (called multi-mode) in which the establishment can use either a local pager system or the patron&#39;s own wireless device, such as a pager, cellular telephone, PDA, computer, etc. to page the patron. While the &#39;751 patent helps reduce the problems inherent with local pager systems, it still relies on the local system for its foundation. In addition, the system described in the &#39;751 patent does not address all of the issues associated with patrons waiting in queues for service.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     There is disclosed a system in which the patron&#39;s own telephone, or other wireless device, is used to inform the patron that a service for which the patron is waiting is now available. Once the patron&#39;s wireless device becomes registered with the service provider informational messages of interest to that patron are provided to the patron. These informational messages can be displayed on the screen of the wireless device or can be delivered to the patron audibly via the patron&#39;s device. In some situations, the patron&#39;s wireless device can be used for two-way communication with the service provider in order to, for example, answer a question or place an order.  
         [0007]     In one embodiment, the patron provides the calling number of his/her wireless device to the host/hostess who then enters the number into the service provider&#39;s pager system. The system provides the host/hostess with a control identification and when the table (or other service) is ready the host/hostess then enters the control identification into the system and the system dials the wireless device of the patron and provides an oral, text or graphics message to the patron, using either a paging mode, a call placement mode, or a data transfer mode.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment, the calling number of a patron&#39;s wireless device is entered by bringing the wireless device into proximity to a service provider registration point. Registration of the wireless number can also serve to place the patron in the queue. If a reservation had been made that had been keyed to the patron&#39;s calling number, the registration of the calling number could then serve to notify the service provider that the party has arrived.  
         [0009]     In a still further embodiment, the calling number can be linked to a payment system such that the patron can have the cost of the dinner (or other product) charged to a credit facility under control of inputs from the patron&#39;s wireless device.  
         [0010]     In a still further embodiment, the patron can be remotely located from the service provider and the wireless message used to inform the patron that a service is now available to the patron.  
         [0011]     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0013]      FIGS. 1, 2A  and  2 B show embodiments of the invention used in different environments;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of a process illustrating number registration;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of a process illustrating patron message control. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment  10  of a system in which patron  102  with a wireless device, such as cellular telephone  12 , approaches podium  11  of a restaurant where host/hostess  101  is positioned. Not shown are the plurality of other patrons mingling around awaiting a table to become available. In the embodiment shown, host/hostess  101  enters an identification number (such as the calling number) of wireless device  12  into controller  15  in any one of a number of ways. The identification number could be spoken or it could be Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near-Field (NF) transferred via wireless device  12  via receiving device  14 . Controller  15  is essentially the same as controller  25  as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter with respect to  FIG. 2B .  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, control number is provided to host/hostess  101  by controller  15  or alternatively host/hostess  101  provides the control number for use by controller  15 . This control number is then stored in a memory in association with the calling identification number of the patron&#39;s wireless device.  
         [0018]     When the table for patron  102  becomes available, host/hostess  101  inputs the control number of patron  102  into controller  15  which then establishes a communication link via either the public switch network, a wireless communication network, or a pager network (not shown) to wireless device  12  which then provides a signal or a message to patron  102  indicating the availability of a table. This message, if desired, could also provide other information pertaining to the table, such as its location, etc.  
         [0019]     While the patron is waiting for a table, messages can be sent to device  12  from the business establishment. These messages can be, for example, specials of the day, menus, coupons for special pricing, music or other entertainment. One or more of these messages could be a bidirectional communication. For example, a message could say, “We are featuring a certain drink or hors d&#39;oeuvre today. The price is $4.95. Do you wish to order?”Patron  102  then could choose to answer “yes,” “no” or ignore the message. Any reply message would be communicated over a bidirectional link back through the network to controller  15  which would then take the necessary action to insure that the request of patron  102  is performed.  
         [0020]     While the system is shown in conjunction with a restaurant setting, any merchandise (or service) that a patron is waiting for can be the subject of the system.  FIG. 2A  shows, for example, an embodiment  20 , in which pharmacy  21  has drive-up window  201 . Patron  202  is in his/her vehicle waiting for service. Patron  202  has wireless device  22  which can communicate via RFID or NF communication via input device  24  to register an identification number, such as the calling number of wireless device  22 . Alternatively, the calling number can be registered verbally with a person located at pharmacy  21 , or the calling number could be registered from a remotely located patron by having that patron call in and verbally present the calling number. If desired, a caller ID or other device could provide the identification of the wireless device of the remote patron.  
         [0021]     In on embodiment, the calling identification could be from memory  204  of controller  25  ( FIG. 2B ) or from a remote system, such as remote system  220  which can be, for example, the system shown in the above identified copending application entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING PAYMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS.”  
         [0022]     In operation, using system  20  a prescription (Rx) or other merchandise desired from pharmacy  21  would be entered into controller  25  as well as into the normal pharmaceutical system (not shown) of establishment  21 . The Rx can be called in by a physician and attached to the prescription would be the patron identification number. Controller  25  operates in conjunction with the pharmacy system, to cross-link the patron identification, as obtained from the doctor, with the patron&#39;s calling identification number and with a code number (if desired). An alternate method of delivering a Rx to establishment  21  is, of course, by physically hand carrying the Rx to an attendant, who would then register the patron&#39;s calling identification in association with a code number.  
         [0023]     The patron then is free to leave the establishment or do other shopping in the establishment or elsewhere and from time to time messages can be delivered to the patron using, for example, the code number, with respect to other services available, such as specials, coupons, rebates, etc.  
         [0024]     At the time when the Rx becomes available, the code number associated with the Rx is communicated to controller  25  ( FIG. 2B ) which, in one embodiment, has computer  203 , memory  204 , message store  26 , voice-to-text device  27  and text-to-speech device  28  operating in association therewith. When the code number of the available Rx arrives at controller  25 , controller  25  then retrieves from memory the patron&#39;s calling number, such as the calling number of wireless device  23  for patron  203 . A proper message is then selected from message store  206  for communication via a communication link to patron device  23 . This communication link can be established locally from establishment  21  or it can be established from remote system  220 .  
         [0025]     In some instances during the filling process of the Rx the pharmacist may require additional information about the patient or a clarification of the patient&#39;s birth date or other information. If the information is available, for example, in memory  204  then upon initiation of a request for the information the information can be provided from memory. In some situations, the request for additional information will be sent from controller  25  to the patron; such as patron  203  via wireless device  23  on a bidirectional link under control of the assigned control code. The patron could be asked for a birth date, an address, or other information. The patron then can communicate the information, either using a touch pad or verbally back to the pharmacist. The verbal communications could be, if desired, translated by voice-to-text device  27 .  
         [0026]     When patron  203 &#39;s Rx is ready, a communication is sent from message store  26  through the system to wireless device  23  so that patron  203  can drive up to window  201  to retrieve his/her filled Rx. As the patron is approaching window  201 , wireless device  203  could identify itself, for example, via RFID or NF detector  24 , and the proper Rx would be ready when patron  203  arrives at window  201 . If desired, when patron  203  is notified that the Rx (or other merchandise) is available a price could be included in the message and the patron given the opportunity to authorize payment for the merchandise at that time. This authorization could be under control of the system and method discussed in the above-identified U.S. Patent Application, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING PAYMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS.”  
         [0027]     Again, it should be pointed out that while the inventive concepts have been discussed with respect to a pharmacy, any type of establishment can utilize the concepts discussed herein so that a patron can register (or have registered) his/her calling identification and when the merchandise is ready the patron will be notified. While the patron is waiting for such notification, other messages can be delivered to the patron pertaining to services available, either at the establishment or in conjunction with the desires of the patron.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of flow chart  30  illustrating the processes of the inventive concepts. Process  301  determines whether a patron has signed in with a service provider. The service provider can be a restaurant, a pharmacy, or any other type of commercial environment where notification of an event is important. Process  302  determines whether the system already has a calling phone or pager number of the wireless device used by the patron. If the system does not already have that information, then process  303  controls the input of that calling information number. This could be by RFID or NF communication, caller ID, verbal with a voice-to-text conversion, (such as speech-to-text converter  27 ,  FIG. 2B ).  
         [0029]     Process  304  assigns a local control number (LCN) to the phone number. Note that process  304  is not necessary and the system could, if desired, use the actual phone number or caller identification number of the wireless device. For ease of discussion herein it will be assumed that an LCN is utilized. The LCN is stored in association with the phone number via process  305 . This storage could be, for example, in memory  204 ,  FIG. 2B , of controller  25  under control of PC  203 , but any other system, either local to the physical location of the patron or the place of establishment or in a remote system, such as system  220 ,  FIG. 2A  could be used.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment  40  of a process for receiving messages and notifications and communicating those messages to a patron from time to time. Process  401  is the message control which determines which messages are to be sent at a given time. These messages can be prerecorded and selected by identification number or they could be input into the system live by a host/hostess, pharmacist, or other establishment member and converted if desired to speech via text-to-speech device  28 ,  FIG. 2B .  
         [0031]     Process  402  determines if it is time to send a message to a patron. This determination can be, for example, based on the fact that an Rx is filled or that other merchandise or service is available. The time of the message can be controlled such that, for example, if an Rx is filled in the middle of the night, the notification will not go out until morning.  
         [0032]     Process  403 , in conjunction with process  404 , generates the message and/or retrieves it from a data store and sets up a link to the wireless device via process  405  under control of controller  25 ,  FIG. 2B . The message is then sent via process  406  via either the public switched network, internet connection, packed switched network or otherwise, in accordance with the calling identification number provided during the initial registration period (process  30 ,  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0033]     Process  407  determines if a reply is expected, i.e., bidirectional communication has been set up. If not, then the original message link is terminated via process  408 . However, if a reply is expected, then process  409 , in conjunction with process  410 , determines if a reply has been generated and if so then the reply is sent (process  411 ) and the link is ended (process  412 ). Note that process  410  can be established such that if a reply is not generated within a certain time a repeat message is sent to the patron to try to establish a bidirectional communication so as to obtain a reply message under control of process  415 .  
         [0034]     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.