Abstract:
A system and process for a network appliance ( 12 ) at a point-of-sale location and adapted to provide information and other services to customers. The system and process are particularly well suited for offering individual entertainment to kiosks. Examples of services include music, video, games, internet access ( 20 ), electronic mail, commercial advertising, menus, and ordering. Customers can purchase services with debit or credit cards.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional application S.N.  60 / 240 , 664  filed Oct. 16, 2000 entitled Digital Interactive Network Appliance and incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    A. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    This invention pertains to a network appliance at a point-of-sale location and adapted to provide information and other services to customers. More particularly the present invention pertains to a network appliance and associated system that provides Internet access and other services to the patrons or customers in a restaurant.  
           [0004]    B. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Many times people go to a restaurant and other similar establishments (i.e. diners, bars, etc) not only to eat but also to be entertained. Therefore some restaurants provide entertainment means including canned music, juke boxes, and so on, in order to attract customers and obtain additional revenue.  
           [0006]    However, the choice available to patrons tend to be limited. For example, juke boxes only offer at most a few dozen audio selections. Game machines, such as pin ball, have limited offerings. And at popular restaurants, customers must either wait in line to order or wait for a waiter to come and take down an order. That is, ordering is done at the convenience of the restaurant staff, and not at the convenience of the customer.  
           [0007]    There is a need to automate and deliver entertainment and ordering services. That is, unlike the present system, customers need to choose from a large number of audio and video selections, pick from any number of games, and have automated menu order entry and payment at their convenience.  
         OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    An objective of the present invention is to provide an interactive network device that can play musical audio and video selections, video games and other similar entertainment programs.  
           [0009]    A further objective is to provide an interactive network device that can play entertainment programs using a fee based system, i.e., a system in which the customer pays for the entertainment programs.  
           [0010]    A further objective is to provide an interactive network device that is also adapted to provide TV quality advertising to customers.  
           [0011]    A further objective is to provide a fee based network device that may be used to provide information to customers such as news, business, and financial information.  
           [0012]    Yet another objective is to provide an interactive network device that may also be used to place orders and to pay for the orders.  
           [0013]    Briefly, the present invention encompasses a system that provides fee-based entertainment, advertisements and provides other services to the customers of a restaurant. The system includes a server and a plurality of interactive network appliances, each appliance being arranged positioned and constructed so that it is easily accessible to the customers. For example, the device may be positioned on a table, a wall adjacent to the table, a pedestal and so on. The device includes a screen for displaying images, an input device for receiving commands from the customers (such as a touchscreen) and other elements normally associated with PCs. The device is connected by a wired or wireless connection to the server. Importantly, each device is also provided with a card reader/writer adapted to read a card provided to each customer.  
           [0014]    The customer may use the card to pay for the entertainment programs, as well as food and other services received from the restaurant. Upon inserting the card into the card reader, the screen may display the card balance. The card is not necessarily restricted to use in the restaurant; it may be used as a telephone, credit, debit, bank, and ID card. One example of a card use is to purchase movie, theater, and concert tickets from home. In this use, a file on the home computer knows the card number. The patron goes online and selects the show and orders tickets. When the patron goes to the show, he presents the card, the price of the show is debited, and he is allowed in.  
           [0015]    The customer may also engage in video gaming using game pads which optionally flip-up and stow away when not in use. Speakers, and volume control, may be provided for audio entertainment. Speakers may be arranged to restrict sound to patrons in the immediate vicinity. If music is played at two adjacent locations, the volume at each location may be adjusted so that it will not interfere with the users at the other location. Centralized or local printers may be provided to enable patrons to print out email, news, menus, specials, and coupons, for example. The server may permit multiple tasks to performed at the same time. For example, music may be played at the same time that a game is being played.  
           [0016]    The server may be located in a back room.  
           [0017]    Several servers at different locations may be connected by either a standard Internet connection or a secure private connection to a central location for receiving inventory, sales and other data from the servers, distribute entertainment programs and so on.  
           [0018]    The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with this invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1A-1X show flow charts for various operations that can be performed on the system of FIG. 1;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 shows a user configuration for the system of FIG. 1;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 3A and 3B shows a first embodiment of the screen for the system of FIG. 1;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a second embodiment of the screen for the system of FIG. 1; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the screen for the system of FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    The following description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not to be taken in a limiting sense.  
         [0026]    It is anticipated that the invention will positively alter the experience of dining, especially at a fast food restaurant. Upon entering a restaurant, a patron does not need to wait on a line to order or wait for a waiter; the patron takes a seat at a table. On, to adjacent to, the table is a system with a touch screen which will present menu choices, daily specials, coupons, and advertising. Pictures of menu items can be displayed. The patron makes selections and orders through the touch screen.  
         [0027]    When the patron places an order, the restaurant can build a database of items ordered by the customer. This database may be tied into suppliers who sell items (e.g., soft drinks) and advertising content can be tailored to the patron. In addition, once the patron returns home, promotional items may be forwarded to him and he may download coupons.  
         [0028]    In addition to the menu and order system, there may be a selection of free and“pay for play” entertainment. That is, entertainment options including audio and video selections may be presented to a patron. Because the table system may be linked to a back room server, which in turn may be linked to other servers, the potential number of selections can be large (much more than any juke box could ever present). The server permits simultaneous play of a selection through any number of techniques (file download to network device, file copy and streaming download, and file multiple access).  
         [0029]    The free entertainment may be supported by advertising. In addition to specific messages delivered to the patron, the price of the system may be in part or whole offset by a supplier. In return, the restaurant may agree to use exclusively the supplier.  
         [0030]    Not only multimedia entertainment, but video games may be available through the touch screen. Optional joystick, keypad, and game paddles can allow a patron to pick from any number of online games. The patron may reach, say, level  2  in the game, then return home, log onto the internet, and continue the same game starting at the same level.  
         [0031]    Because the system and back room server can be networked, the patron may request email, news, and financial reports through the system.  
         [0032]    To pay for the meal, entertainment, and information services, the system can present a patron with several choices. First, the system can feed invoicing information to the server which tallies a bill and can be presented to the patron, who pays in a traditional manner (i.e., cash, check, or credit card). Second, the system can have a card reader so the patron can use a credit or bank debit card to pay. Or, the patron may use a frequent diner or prepaid card. This option, through specials, discounts, and rebates, can encourage repeat business.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 shows a system  10  constructed in accordance with this invention. It is contemplated that the system  10  is disposed at a single location, such as a restaurant, however the system may also be distributed over several locations with the components being interconnected by a suitable network. The system  10  includes one or more interactive network devices (or devices for short)  12  and  12   a , for example, and a server  14 . The server is associated with a data base  16 . The devices  12  and  12   a  are connected to the server  14  via standard wired or wireless network  18 . In addition, the server has access to the Internet  20  through an Internet connection  21 . The server  14  may also be connected to a central server  22  disposed at a different location. This latter connection may be implemented through the Internet or via a secure or private network  24 .  
         [0034]    Each device  12  includes a screen  30 , one or more speakers  32 , a CPU  34 , a card reader  36 , an input means  38  and a network connection means  39 . Thus input means  38  can be implemented using standard components used for a PC.  
         [0035]    A user can pay for charges related to the services by inserting a card  40  (or swiping the card) in card reader  36 . Card  40  can be either a preferred card (e.g., a card issued for the specific purpose of using the system  10 ) or a generic (credit or debit) card issued by a third party.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 2 is a user configuration  2500  for system  10 . The user is presented with a screen  2502  (preferably a touch input screen), input buttons  2506 , card reader  2508 , and speakers  2504 .  
         [0037]    The operation of the system is now described in conjunction with the flow charts of FIGS. 1A-1W.  
         [0038]    Starting with FIG. 1A, in step  100  a particular device  12  is in an idle mode. In this mode, device  12  displays welcome message, advertisements, a menu, or specials from the respective restaurant or other merchants. In step  102 , an action from a customer is detected that may be either the introduction of a card into the card reader  36  or through the input means  38 .  
         [0039]    If a preferred card is sensed, then in step  104  the customer (or at least his/her card) is identified, and the current balance on the preferred card is retrieved from the data base  16 . In step  106 , a statement is shown on screen  30  (and/or played on the speakers  32 ) indicating the balance. If this balance is below a threshold, in step  108  the customer is given the opportunity to add more funds to the balance. This process is described in more detail below in conjunction with the flow chart of FIG. 1C. If the balance is sufficient, then in step  109  a set of choices are retrieved based on the customer&#39;s preferences stored in the data base. These preferences are updated regularly from the central server. If no references are found, or if in step  102  the input means is activated, then in step  110  a whole set of choices are displayed. The customer then picks one of these choices thereby activating a respective feature or operation of the invention.  
         [0040]    The following are some of the choices that may be presented to the customer or a visitor:  
         [0041]    Sign up and get preferred card (step  112 )-see FIG. 1B;  
         [0042]    Add money to preferred card (step  114 )-see FIG. 1C;  
         [0043]    Select and Play music (audio or video)(step  116 )-see FIG. 1F and FIG. 1G;  
         [0044]    Select a Game (Step  118 )-see FIG. 1H;  
         [0045]    Browse the Internet (step  120 )-see FIG. 1D;  
         [0046]    Access an e-mail program (step  122 )-see FIG. 1E and FIG. 1X;  
         [0047]    Get restaurant menu (step  124 );  
         [0048]    Get Help (step  126 )-See FIG. 1J;  
         [0049]    Get rewards (Step  128 )-See FIG. 1I.  
         [0050]    The sign up process is shown in FIG. 1B. The process is initiated in step  200 . In step  202 , information is displayed regarding the preferred card offered to customers, its advantages, costs, and so on. In step  204 , the user enters his e-mail address. In step  206 , the user provides additional information as requested. This information is stored in the data base  16 . In step  208 , the collected information is displayed to the user so that he can check it for accuracy. The information may be transmitted to the user via an e-mail message as well.  
         [0051]    The preferred card may be set up as credit or debit card. If it is a debit card, it needs to be recharged if it has been depleted. The process for adding funds to a preferred (debit) card is shown in FIG. 1C. The process is initiated in step  300 .  
         [0052]    The sign up process for email is shown in FIG. 1X. The process is initiated in step  2400 . In step  2402 , information is displayed regarding general information including terms and conditions. Then sign-up screens are presented to the user in step  2404 . A username is selected in step  2406 . If the selected username is not available, step  2410  prompts the user to select another username. If however, step  2408  determines that the username is available, the user is prompted to select a password at step  2412 . Step  2414  determines if the email account can be created; if so, the user is returned to the point of origin, step  2416 . If not, an error message is displayed to the user, step  2418 , and the user is returned to the main menu, step  2420 .  
         [0053]    The process that allows a customer to access the Internet is shown in FIG. 1D. The process is initiated in step  400 . In step  402 , a standard browser is launched. The browser is initially set up so that it does not show any pop-ups, and cannot initiate any downloads or programs. In step  404 , a menu of approved sites is displayed. These are the sites that are available for selection by the user. In step  406 , a check is performed to determine if this is the first visit by the user. If it is not, then the user is allowed to view the selected site through the Internet. If this is the user&#39;s first time, then in step  408  a fee schedule is displayed. If the user agrees, then the payment processed is initiated in step  410 . If the user decides not to pursue this feature, then he is returned to the main menu (FIG. 1A, step  110 ). Any time the user stops browsing, he is returned to the main menu as well.  
         [0054]    The activities of the user during browsing are monitored through step  412 . If a prohibited activity (such as executing programs, downloading files, or accessing non-approved web sites), then in step  414  a message is displayed to indicated that the respective activity is not allowed, browsing is terminated, and the user is returned to the main menu. Because of the public and family oriented locations of the network devices, restricted access to specific web pages may be necessary.  
         [0055]    It should be emphasized that network device locations are not restricted to restaurants; they may be located anywhere people may have to wait. Examples include hospitals, nursing homes, beauty parlors, laundromats, airports and airplanes, and all types of waiting rooms.  
         [0056]    The process for sending/receiving e-mail is shown in FIG. 1E. The process is initiated in step  500 . In step  502 , a check is performed to determine if the user is a new user. If a new user is detected, then in step  504  he is given a choice of getting e-mail from a favorite provider. For example, the system  10  itself may be set up to provide e-mail service. If the new user selects this option, then a new e-mail account is set up for him in step  506 . This process is described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 1F. Otherwise, the user can select a different e-mail provider (i.e., YAHOO, MSN, AOL) (step  508 ). In step  510 , the new user is then provided with a price schedule for the e-mail service. If he selects to proceed, then his account is charged in step  512 . In step  514 , the user enters his name and address. In step  516 , the user is logged to the respective remote e-mail server. In step  518 , the user is logged on to the remote e-mail and can view his e-mail messages. Preferably, the user cannot send messages in this mode. When user logs off, he is returned to the main menu.  
         [0057]    Back to step  508 , if the user selects the preferred e-mail server, then in step  520  he can send or receive e-mail messages. After he is finished, he is returned to the main menu.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 1F shows the process for playing music. The process is initiated in step  600 . As part of step  600 , a menu is displayed with various choices, including making a selection from a preferred list, selecting a pay audio or video channel, playing a free audio or video channel, etc.  
         [0059]    Step  602  allows the user to play a selection from a predetermined list of favorite selections. This process is described in detail below in conjunction with FIG,  1 G.  
         [0060]    Step  604  allows the user to choose from several pay music channels. Once a selection is made, in step  606  payment is collected. In step  608 , the selected music channel is played. Not only is the selected music played, but there is the option for a free song (say one that a publisher wants to promote) to be paired with it. In step  610 , the selected channel may be stored in the data base as part of the user&#39;s favorite list.  
         [0061]    Step  612  allows a user to select from a plurality of pay video channels. Not only may this include music videos and local programming, but it also may include television broadcast shows. In step  614 , payment for the selected video channel is collected. In step  616  the selected video is played.  
         [0062]    In step  618 , the user is presented with selections of free audio and video channels. When the user makes a selection, the appropriate channel is played in step  620 .  
         [0063]    The process for playing selections from a user&#39;s favorite list is shown in FIG. 1G. The process is initiated in step  700 . In step  702 , the user&#39;s favorite list (if any) is retrieved from the data base. In step  704 , the list of favorites is displayed for the user and the user can decide to either search through the list for particular selection(s) or can browse through a general list of selections.  
         [0064]    If he decides to search his favorites list, then in step  706  the user selects his search criteria (i.e., title, artist, instrument, etc.). In step  708 , the list is searched using the selected search criteria. If selections are found matching the search criteria, then these selections are displayed in step  710 . In step  712 , the user can chose to pay for the selections already made or continue searching for more selections. If he decides that he has finished choosing, then in step  714  payment for the selections is collected and in step the selections are played. In step  718 , music plays in the background while the patron is browsing.  
         [0065]    If in step  710  no selections are found, an error message is displayed and the user can enter more search criteria.  
         [0066]    If the user elects to browse through the general list, he may do so in step  720 , using such criteria as the name of an artist, composer, genre, etc. The selections found by browsing the general list are handled in step  712  in the same manner as described above.  
         [0067]    Optionally, whenever the user selects one or more selections from the general list, he is given an option to add these selections to his favorites list and to generate such a list if he does not already have one. For this purpose, in step  722  a determination is made as to whether the user has a favorite list. If he does not, then in step  724  a favorite list is established and named. In step  726 , the name of the new favorite list is entered into the data base. In step  728 , the new selection(s) is entered into the favorite list of the user. The user may access the play list from any location that is a participant in the subject system.  
         [0068]    The process for playing a game is shown in FIG. 1H. The process is initiated in step  800 . In step  802 , the user is shown a plurality of games that are available for playing. After the user makes a selection, payment is collected in step  804  and the game is then played in step  806 . At the end of the game the user can chose (and pay for) another game or can return to the main menu.  
         [0069]    The process for displaying rewards to the user is shown in FIG. 1I. The process is initiated in step  900 . In step  902 , a determination is made as to whether this is a new user. If he is, then the rules governing the rewards program and the current items or services available through the program are shown. If the user is not a new user, then in step  906  the number of points or other rewards awarded as part of the program are retrieved from the data base and shown. In step  908 , other information is shown to the user. For example, if the user has requested to exchange some of his points for items or services, the status of this order is shown to the user in step  908 .  
         [0070]    The help process is shown in FIG. 1J. The process is initialized in step  1000 . In step  1002 , instructions specific to the last activity by the user is retrieved from the data base and displayed in step  1004 . If no such instructions are found, then in step  1006  the user is provided with general instructions for using the system. Alternatively from step  1004  or  1006  the user may choose to look for further, more specific help instructions using search tools in step  1008 . The list instructions found by the search tools are displayed in step  1010 . The user can then select one of these instructions and the selected instruction is displayed in step  1012 .  
         [0071]    The payment process is shown in FIG. 1K. The process is initiated in step  1100 . In step  1102 , a message is shown to the user indicating that the user can recharge his card at home as well. This process is described below in conjunction with the flow chart of FIG. 1N. In step  1104 , the user is asked to swipe his card through the card reader  36 . If the user has swiped his card previously, or if the user has authorized a different mode of payment, for example by charging his generic card, then this step is omitted.  
         [0072]    In step  1106 , the user is given the choice of paying for the current charges (for the use of the device  12 ) either directly by debiting his card  40  or by adding the charges to his restaurant bill. If the user selects to add the charges to his bill, then in step  1108  the charges associated with device  12  are monitored and added to the user&#39;s regular bill. The user&#39;s regular bill (which covers the food, drinks, etc.) is managed using standard processes which are not described further but which can be handled manually, by the system  10  or by an independent computerized system.  
         [0073]    If in step  1106 , the user decides to pay for charges with his card, then in step  1110  a check is performed to determine if the user has swiped a preferred card and if the user is identified in the database as having a preferred card. If the user did not provide a preferred card, then in step  1112  a check is performed in the database to determine if the user has previously identified a generic card as a means of payment. This information is found in the database  16 . If the user has made such an authorization, then in step  1114  the information regarding this generic card is retrieved from the database. In step  1116 , a check is made to determine if the user wants to pursue an activity with a fixed fee or whether preauthorization is required for the transaction. Preauthorization is obtain in step  1118  as described in more detail in the flow chart of FIG. 1L. Fixed charges are added to the generic card in step  1120  as described in more detail in FIG. 1M.  
         [0074]    Back to step  1112 , if the user has not designated a generic card previously he may still use a generic card in step  1122 . Details of this process are provided in the flow chart of FIG. 1L.  
         [0075]    Back to step  1110 , if the user has a preferred card, then in step  1124  a check is performed to determine if the respective preferred card has enough points or other credit to pay for the respective services. If it does, then in step  1126  the user is allowed to proceed with the requested activity and his card is debited accordingly.  
         [0076]    If the preferred card does not have sufficient points or credits, then in step  1128  the user may be asked if he would like to add points or credit to his preferred card. If he does, the preferred card is credited in step  1130 . This step is described more fully above in conjunction with the flow chart of FIG. 1C.  
         [0077]    In step  1128 , if the user elects not to credit his preferred card, then in step  1132  the user is given the choice of having the charges of using the device  12  added to his regular bill. If the user agrees, the charges are added to the regular bill as described above in step  1108 . If the user does not agree, the user is not allowed access to the services provided by the device  12 .  
         [0078]    The payment process is continued in FIG. 1L which concentrates on the steps required to charge a generic card. This portion of the process is initiated in step  1200 . In step  1202 , the generic card is swiped by the user (unless it was swiped previously). In step  1204 , a check is performed to determine if the card is a preferred or a generic card. Instead of reading a card, in step  1204 , the user may be asked whether he wants to use a preferred or a generic card. If he chooses a preferred card, the processing associated with it is performed in step  1206  as described in detail above in conjunction with the flow chart of FIG. 1K.  
         [0079]    If he user selects a generic card (but has not swiped it yet), then in step  1208  a list of acceptable (credit or debit) cards are shown to the user. In step  1210 , the user swipes his generic card (if he has not done so before). If the generic card is recognized, then in step  1212  a determination is made as to whether the generic card is credit or debit card. If it is a debit card then the user is asked for a PIN number. For credit cards step  1214  may be omitted.  
         [0080]    In step  1216 , a determination is made regarding the particular activity for which payment is being collected. A fixed fee transaction is processed in step  1218  as described in more detail in FIG. 1M. Payment for pre-authorized transactions is initiated in step  1220 . In step  1222 , an attempt is made to obtain authorization from the bank or other institution associated with the respective generic card. If in step  1224  authorization is obtained to charge the generic card. As part of this step a small initial fee may also be charged to the generic card. In step  1226 , the user is alerted to the fact that his generic card will be charged. A schedule of fees may also be provided to the user.  
         [0081]    In step  1228 , the user is allowed to engage in the desired activity and the device  12  is monitored for accrued charges. At the end of the activity, the generic card is charged with the respective total amount.  
         [0082]    If in step  1222  authorization is not obtained, then in step  1230  the user is alerted that the generic card was refused (e.g., declined, it was invalid, expired, etc.) and the user is given the choice of trying the card again or providing another card. If another card is selected, then the process continues with step  1202 . If the user selects to try again, then in step  1232  a check is performed to determine whether this is the user&#39;s third try. If it is not, then processing continues with step  1202 . If this is the third try, then in step  1234  the user is alerted that the current card cannot be authorized. The user then has the option of providing another card, or terminating the process.  
         [0083]    The process for charging a fixed fee is shown in FIG. 1M. The process is initiated in step  1300 . In step  1302 , an attempt is made (similar to step  1222  in FIG. 1L) to obtain authorization, but this time for a fixed fee. If authorization is received, then in step  1304  the fixed fee is charged to the card in step  1304 . In step  1306 , an electronic receipt is shown to the user of the actual charge on his card.  
         [0084]    If in step  1302  no authorization is received, then in step  1308  the user is alerted that the card was rejected. He can then elect to provide another card, in which the process of FIG. 1L is initiated in step  1310 . Alternatively the user may elect to try his current card a second time. If a card fails twice, the user can provide a new card in step  1312  or can elect to try the current card again. If the current card fails three times, the user is notified that the card has failed and can elect to provide another card or terminate the process.  
         [0085]    An advantage of the present invention is that any user can manage his account and take advantage of some of the services provided by the system  10  without actually being at the restaurant or similar facility because a web site is provided which is associated with the system and which is available through an Internet connection. For example, as shown in FIG. 14N, a user in step  1400  the user can access the home page of the system  10  through the Internet. The home page may provide hot links to other sites of interest, including sites of partners providing services associated with system  10 . At the home page web site, a user or a potential is provided with a menu defining several options. Selecting one of these options results in the activation of a respective step.  
         [0086]    For example, a potential user can sign up for services. When he selects this option, step  1402  is activated. The step is used to display a sign-up form that allows the system to collect the required information from the user and store the information on the database(see FIG. 1B).  
         [0087]    If the user elects to use the e-mail feature, then step  1404  is activated and the user is prompted to log into the e-mail server. If the user is a new user, then in step  1406  additional information relevant to the e-mail service is collected. In step  1406 , new users are assigned an e-mail account. If the user made a mistake and does not want an e-mail account, the process is terminated in step  1409 . Otherwise a standard e-mail service is provided in step  1410 .  
         [0088]    In step  1412 , the user can select to access the reward system. In step  1414 , the user can recharge his reward system card. Details of these last two steps are provided in FIG. 10.  
         [0089]    In step  1416 , the user can find a location that is participating in the reward system or a restaurant (or other similar establishment) that includes devices  12 . When this option is selected, in step  1418  the user is requested for his current location, for example, by city, state, or zip code. In step  1420 , a database (which may but need not be the same as database  16 ) is checked for the nearest location. In step  1422 , the nearest location found in the database is displayed to the user.  
         [0090]    In step  1424 , the user can get more information about system  10  as described in FIG. 10. In step  1426 , the user can get information about the company that owns or operates the system  10 .  
         [0091]    Back to step  1402 , if potential user decides to sign up and get a preferred card, then he is requested to provide various information such as name, address, generic credit card, and the initial amount of money that is to be put on the preferred card. Information for a reward card may also be collected at the same time. In step  1428 , the collected information and the terms of service including the associated costs are displayed to the user for review. If the user confirms that he wants to go ahead, in step  1430  the generic credit card is charged as discussed above for FIG. 1N. In step  1432 , a master database is updated with the name and information received from the user. In step  1434 , a message is sent to the user confirming that he has been registered.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 10 shows the process for accessing the reward program. If the user accesses the program through step  1432  in FIG. 14N, then the program is initiated at step  1500 . In step  1502 , information is displayed to the user indicating the various features of the program, details of goods, services and/or promotional literature and discounts available from various programs, etc. The user is also given the opportunity to sign up or to confirm that he is a member. If the user wants to sign up, he is directed to a sign screen in step  1504 . The sign up process is disclosed in FIG. 1N.  
         [0093]    If the user indicates that he is a member (and, preferably he is confirmed as a member), then in step  1506  the user is provided with listings of which goods, services, etc, were available from the reward program and how many points were required for each. If the user selects any of these services, then in step  1508  the pay process is instituted as discussed above and described in FIGS. 1M and 1N.  
         [0094]    After payment is confirmed, in step  1510  a transaction database is updated and user is debited for the points used.  
         [0095]    If step  1414  of FIG. 1N is selected, then a recharging process is initiated with step  1512 .  
         [0096]    In step  1514 , the user logs his reward card in. In step  1516 , the balance of points associated with the respective card is retrieved. In step  1518 , the balance is displayed for the user and the user can select how many additional points he wants to buy. In step  1520 , the pay process is activated to charge the user for the additional points. In step  1522 , the new balance is displayed for the user.  
         [0097]    In step  1502 , the user may also elect to recharge his reward card. In this case recharging begins at step  1514 .  
         [0098]    If in step  1424  FIG. N, the user elects to see more information about the services and other information about the specific system  10 , then an informational process is initiated in FIG. 1P in step  1600  by displaying specific information about the system  10 , including locations, menus, etc. The user may also be provided with a survey in step  1602  regarding the services provided, the quality of food, etc. In step  1604 , the user may review the responses from other users and send suggestions for improved service.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 1Q illustrates the process used for administering he operation of each device  12  at a particular location. The process is initiated in step  1700 . In step  1702 , a local supervisor signs into the system. In step  1704 , his identity is checked. If it is not accepted, an error message is generated in step  1706 . If the login is accepted, then in step  1708  a local control menu is displayed at a local control PC  42 . This local menu can be used to control and edit the various information displayed on screens  30  while the respective devices  12  are in an idle mode. For example, in step  1710  a current daily special selection is designated for all the devices  12  at a particular location. In step  1712 , the database  16  is updated accordingly.  
         [0100]    In step  1714 , the status of each device  12  is checked. If any of these devices is frozen or otherwise malfunctioning, it can be reset in step  1716 . In step  1718 , a status report is printed for future use.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 1R shows a process for administering the system  10  at a higher level. This process is used by a higher level manager to set prices and other functions. The process is initiated in step  1800 . In step  1802 , the manager logs into by entering his ID. In step  1804 , the manager&#39;s ID is checked. If it is not correct, then an error message is generated in step  1806 . If the ID is accepted, then in step  1808  a global administration menu is displayed with several selections. These selections include: managing the content and ads shown on screens  30  in step  1810  (FIG. 1S), managing the reward program, step  1812  (FIG. 1T), managing the accounts, step  1814  (FIG. 1U), managing pricing, step  1816  (FIG. 1V), synchronizing kiosks, step  1818  and viewing reports, step  1820 , (FIG. 1W).  
         [0102]    Managing kiosks? 
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 1S illustrates managing the content and ads to be shown on screen  30 . The process is initiated at step  1900 . A menu is displayed to an administrator at step  1902 . One choice, adding, editing, or removing a file or URL, prompts for file name at step  1904 . If the file exists, step  1906 , then the administrator is prompted to edit existing data, step  1908 . If the file does not exist, then a blank form is presented, step  1910 , and the data base is updated step  1912 .  
         [0104]    Another menu choice, adding, editing, or removing a channel, prompts for a file name at step  1914 . If the file exists, step  1916 , the administrator is prompted to edit existing data for channel, step  1922 . If the file does not exist, the administrator is presented with a blank form and channel attributes are set at step  1918 . Then, at step  1920 , the channel is added, updated or removed from a data base.  
         [0105]    Another menu choice, editing a distribution list by kiosk, prompts the administrator at step  1924 . The administrator has the option of selecting individual kiosks, groups of kiosks, or all kiosks. Then, at step  1926 , a form is displayed with data for the selected kiosks. The administrator views and edits master media and URL distribution table for selected kiosks at step  1928 . Then the administrator may edit existing data for a file, step  1908 , or may edit existing data for a channel, step  1922 .  
         [0106]    Yet another menu choice, editing a distribution list by file name, prompts for a file name at step  1930 . Then, at step  1932 , a form is displayed with data for a selected file name. The administrator may view and edit a master kiosk distribution list for the selected file. Then the administrator may edit existing data for a file, step  1908 , or may edit existing data for a channel, step  1922 .  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 1T illustrates managing the reward program, which is initiated at step  2000 . One choice presented to the administrator is to add, edit, or delete a promotion. At step  2002 , the administrator views a list of promotions and is prompted to choose a promotion to edit. If it is a new promotion, then the administrator sets attributes, step  2004 . Then, at step  2006 , a file, which may contain a graphic or coupon, is uploaded. If the promotion is not new, then promotion information is pulled from a database, step  2008 . Then the administrator edits the promotion form, step  2010 , and a file, which may contain a graphic or coupon is uploaded at step  2006 .  
         [0108]    Another choice, after the initiation step  2000 , is to distribute coupons and other promotions. The administrator, at step  2004 , selects a kiosk, a group of kiosks, or all kiosks, or selects an individual promotion. A data base form is displayed at step  2012  with kiosk data or promotion data. Then the administrator may view or edit a master promotion table at step  2014 . If the administrator chooses to edit a promotion, then promotion information is pulled from a database, step  2008 . Then the administrator edits the promotion form, step  2010 , and a file, which may contain a graphic or coupon is uploaded at step  2006 .  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 1U illustrates managing the accounts and is initiated at step  2100 . The administrator, at step  2112 , searches for a user account. The account is retrieved at step  2116  if found. If not found, the administrator has the option of trying again, step  2114 , or returning to step  1808 , the global administration menu. Upon retrieving the account, the account is displayed, the administrator may edit attributes, and attributes may be activated ro deactivated, step  2118 . If a refund is requested, then an amount is entered, step  2120 . Any changes are written to the data base, step  2122 . Then the administrator has the option to recurse at step  2116 .  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 1V illustrates managing pricing and is initiated at step  2200 . Kiosks, individually, by group, or in the entirety, are selected at step  2202 . Then a pricing table for the kiosks is displayed, step  2204 . The administrator has the option of editing the pricing table, step  2206 . Any changes are saved in the data base at step  2208 .  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 1W illustrates viewing reports and is initiated at step  2300 . The administrator selects which type of report to view and which kiosks to review at step  2302 . Based on the selected criteria, a report is built, step  2304 . Reports to be displayed include kiosk usage (step  2306 ), advertising impressions (step  2308 ) and ad detail (step  2310 ), financial statistics (step  2312 ) and content usage (step  2314 ).  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 3 a  is an exterior of a table top network appliance as presented to a patron. It has a touch sensitive screen, several selection buttons, and a speaker. FIG. 3 b  is another embodiment of the network appliance. It is a wall mounted system, also including a touch sensitive screen, several selection buttons, and a speaker. In addition, it has a slot for a card reader. FIG. 4 a  is a table top network appliance configured to resemble a juke box. It includes a touch sensitive screen and a speaker. The embodiment of FIG. 4 b  is a wall mounted system which includes a touch sensitive screen and a speaker. In addition it has a slot for a card reader.  
         [0113]    Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.