Patent Publication Number: US-2013238371-A1

Title: Self-service apparatus for hotel room selection and check-in

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to electronic devices having a touch-sensitive screen as a user interface and, more particularly, a self-service apparatus for hotel room check-in. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With the advent of automated teller machines (ATM) and systems for making purchases via Internet websites, consumers have become accustomed to making transactions without the aid of a person on the other side of a counter or service desk. There is now increasing consumer demand for self-service options in the hospitality industry which have traditionally focused on personal contact and service. 
     What is needed is an apparatus that can provide people a user friendly way to select a hotel room, check-in, pay, and obtain a room key. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for hotel room selection and check in. In aspects of the invention, the apparatus comprises a database, a user interface including a display screen, a room key dispenser, and at least on computer processor configured to execute instructions stored in database for controlling the user interface and the room key dispenser. 
     In aspects of the invention, the database stores images and descriptions of a hotel or parts of a hotel, which can be displayed on the user interface. 
     In aspects of the invention, the database stores instructions executable by the at least one computer processor for setting filter parameters for hotel room selection. 
     In aspects of the invention, the display screen is a touch screen controlled by the at least one computer processor to display touch-sensitive graphical buttons for setting the filter parameters. 
     In aspects of the invention, the apparatus comprises a payment device reader. In other aspects, the payment device reader can be controlled by the at least one computer processor to obtain data from a payment device. In other aspects, the at least one computer processor is configured to execute instructions, stored in the database, to transmit the data obtained from the payment device to an external system. 
     In aspects of the invention, the room key dispenser is configured to store a plurality of room keys. In other aspects, the room key dispenser is configured to activate a room key. In other aspects, the room key dispenser is controlled by the at least one computer processor to obtain a room key serial number from a room key stored within the room key dispenser. In other aspects, the at least one computer processor communicates the room key serial number to an external system. In other aspects, the room key dispenser is controlled by the at least one computer processor to program a code to a room key stored within the room key dispenser. In other aspects, the at least one computer processor obtains the code from an external system. 
     The features and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an exemplary automated system having an apparatus configured to allow a user to select a hotel room, check in, pay, and/or obtain a room key. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary automated system similar to that of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary tablet computer in an apparatus configured to allow a user to select a hotel room, check in, pay, and/or obtain a room key. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of exemplary software stored in a computer of an apparatus configured to allow a user to select a hotel room, check in, pay, and/or obtain a room key. 
         FIG. 5  is a table showing exemplary specifications for a tablet computer in an apparatus configured to allow a user to select a hotel room, check in, pay, and/or obtain a room key. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for selecting a hotel room, checking in, paying, and obtaining room key. 
         FIG. 7  is screen layout showing an exemplary room selection graphical interface displayed on a touch screen. 
         FIG. 8  is a screen layout similar to that of  FIG. 7 , showing an exemplary image of a room meeting selection criteria or filter parameters set by person using the room selection graphical interface. 
         FIG. 9  is a screen layout showing an exemplary confirmation graphical interface displayed on a touch screen. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     As used herein, the word “hotel” encompasses any lodging establishment having rooms available for stay, including without limitation a motel, inn, hostel, resort, single building, and multiple building complex. 
     The phrases “touch sensitive display screen,” “touch sensitive screen,” and “touch screen” are used interchangeably herein. With finger taps and movements on the touch screen, users are able to interact with a computer system without a conventional push-button keyboard and mouse input device. As used herein, a “touch screen” is an electronic visual display configured to detect the presence, location, and movement of a physical object within the display area of the touch screen. The physical object can be a finger, a stylus, or other utensil manipulated by a person. Object detection can be performed according to various technologies. Object detection can be accomplished with resistive, acoustic, infrared, near-infrared, vibratory, optical, surface capacitance, projected capacitance, mutual capacitance, and self-capacitance screen technologies. For example, detecting the presence, location, and movement of a physical object within the display area can include sensing a distortion of an electrostatic field of the screen, measurable as a change in capacitance due to physical contact with a finger or other electrical conductor. As a further example, object detection can include sensing disruption of a pattern or grid of electromagnetic beams without any need for actual physical contact with or touching of the display area. 
     Referring now in more detail to the exemplary drawings for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or like elements among the several views, there is shown in  FIG. 1  an exemplary automated system  100  for selecting a hotel room, checking in, paying, and/or obtaining a room key. Exemplary self-service apparatus  102  helps people to select a room and provides a means for selecting a hotel room, checking in, paying, and obtaining a room key without the direct aid of or personal contact with another person. Apparatus  102  can be located at a hotel or away from a hotel, such as a tourist center, airport, train or subway station, bus terminals, or other location where people need lodging information. Apparatus  102  can be in the form of a kiosk or a stand-alone terminal. 
     Apparatus  102  is in two-way communication via communications network  103  with hotel reservation system  104  and payment card transaction system  106 . Network  103  can include any combination of conventional wire and wireless communication platforms, including but not limited to the Internet, local area networks, wide area networks, telephone networks, cable television networks, and satellite communication networks. 
     Hotel reservation system  105  is a computerized system used by a hotel or agency to keep track of, manage, record, and make changes to data for room availability, room rates, and other hospitality services. Payment card transaction system  107  is a computerized system used by a financial institution or agency to keep track of, manage, record payments for financial transactions such as payments and credits for a hotel room and other hospitality services. 
     Hotel reservation system  105  and payment card transaction system  107  are referred to as external systems with which apparatus  102  communicate to perform the functions described below. In other embodiments, apparatus  102  communicates with other external systems when performing the functions described below. 
     Apparatus  102  includes computer  104  having one or more processors configured to communicate with, operate, control, drive, and/or receive and send data from/to communication interface  106 , database  108 , user interface  110 , payment card reader  112 , room key dispenser  114 , and receipt dispenser  116 . The one or more processors of computer  104  are configured to execute instructions stored in database  108 . 
     Communication interface  106  is configured to send and receive data to/from network  106 . 
     Database  108  includes one or more volatile (transitory) and non-volatile (non-transitory) memory components for storing data. Data stored in volatile and/or non-volatile memory components of database  108  include without limitation images and descriptions of rooms, restaurants, bars, meeting rooms, amenities, and services provide by one or more hotels. Stored data can include information received from hotel reservation system  105 , such as room availability, room rates, and electronic codes for room keys. Stored data can further include information received from payment card transaction system  107  and information conventionally used for making electronic payment transactions. Stored data can include instructions, executable by computer  104 , for controlling user interface  114 , payment card reader  116 , room key dispenser  118 , and receipt dispenser  120 . The instructions can be parts or modules of software application programs stored in volatile and/or non-volatile memory components of in database  108 . 
     User interface  110  includes a touch screen. 
     Payment card reader  112  includes any one or a variety of devices for receiving and/or transferring data from/to a payment device. Non-limiting examples of a payment device include a credit card, debit card, smart phone, and objects having a computer readable medium, such as a magnetic strip, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, near field communication (NFC) tag, and/or an electronic chip for making a financial transaction. 
     Room key dispenser  114  includes a receptacle for holding a plurality of room keys, a device for receiving and/or transferring data from/to a room key, and a device for dispensing a room key from the receptacle. The room key can be a device having a computer readable medium, such as a magnetic strip, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, near field communication (NFC) tag, and/or an electronic chip storing data that uniquely identifies the room key. 
     Receipt dispenser  116  includes a device configured to print a record of a transaction, such as a payment or credit for a hotel room and other hospitality services. 
     Tablet computer  118  can be used in apparatus  102 . Computer  104 , database  108 , and user interface  110  can form integral parts of tablet computer  118 . 
     In other embodiments as shown in  FIG. 2 , a second computer  120  can be used. Second computer  120  includes one or more processors configured to communicate with, operate, control, drive, and/or receive and send data to communication interface  106 , payment card reader  112 , room key dispenser  114 , and receipt dispenser  116 . The one or more processors of second computer  120  are configured to execute instructions stored in a non-volatile (non-transitory) memory device coupled to computer  120 . It will be appreciated that modifications can be made to the apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary configuration for tablet computer  118  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Computer  104  includes memory controller  11 , processor (CPU)  12 , and peripheral interface  13 . Database  108  is a single or multiple coupled volatile (transitory) and non-volatile (non-transitory) memory devices/components, including without limitation magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, and other non-volatile solid-state memory. Software programs and image data  25  are stored in database  108 . Software programs include operating system  21 , communication module  22 , control modules  23 , image display module  24 , and hotel check-in module  26 . Control modules  23  include payment card reader module  23 A, room key dispenser module  23 B, and receipt dispenser module  23 C for controlling payment card reader  112 , room key dispenser  114 , and receipt dispenser  116  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Software programs stored in database  108  may include a hotel reservation system module for interacting with and communicating (transmitting and receiving) data from hotel reservation system  105  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and a payment card transaction system module for interacting with and communicating (transmitting and receiving) data from payment card transaction system  107  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
     Input/output (I/O) subsystem  3  includes touch screen controller  31  and other input controller  32  for other devices, such as payment card reader  112 , room key dispenser  114 , and receipt dispenser  116 . Computer  104  is connected to RF circuit  5 , external interface  6  and audio circuit  7 . External interface  6  can be coupled to or be an integral part of communication interface  106  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Connections through signal bus  10  allow each of the above components to communicate with each other through any combination of a physical electrical connection and a wireless communication connection. 
     It will be appreciated that modifications can be made to tablet computer  118  without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, any one or a combination of memory controller  11 , processor  12 , and peripheral interface  13  can be implemented in a single chip or multiple chips. In some embodiments, some or all of the memory components of database  108  can be implemented on a single chip with any one or a combination of memory controller  11 , processor  12 , and peripheral interface  13 . As a further example, control modules for payment card reader  112 , room key dispenser  114 , and receipt dispenser  116  can be omitted from tablet computer  118 A of  FIG. 2  and stored in a non-volatile (non-transitory) memory device coupled to computer  120  ( FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic view of exemplary software stored in computer  104 . Computer  104  is equipped with hotel check-in module  26 , an Android operating system  21 , SQLite relational database management system, and FreeType software library for rendering.  FIG. 5  shows exemplary specifications for tablet computer  118 ,  118 A containing computer  104 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method. Although the method is described according to functions of hotel check-in module  26  of apparatus  100 , it will be appreciated that the method is not limited to apparatus  100 . The functions described below can be implemented by instructions executed by one or processors of computer  104  and/or computer  120  of apparatus  100 . The instructions can be part of software modules described above in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
     Apparatus  100  displays hotel information on touch screen  41  (Block B 1 ). Hotel information can be a graphics slide show or animation showing images and text descriptions of the hotel exterior, local and nearby attractions, location and map, room accommodations, amenities, restaurants, bars, meeting facilities, and other services offered by one or more hotels. A touch-sensitive graphical button, for choosing a room, is simultaneously displayed on touch screen  41 . Computer  104  detects when a person touches the graphical button and, in response, causes room selection graphical interface to be displayed on touch screen  41  (Block B 2 ). 
     If the person has made a prior reservation, the person may be prompted on touch screen  41  to enter an identification number, which can be a passport number, social security number, or credit card number. The identification number is one which was previously associated with the prior reservation. Entry of the identification number, made by the person on touch screen  41 , initiates the process by which the person checks into the hotel. The identification number is communicated by apparatus  102  to hotel reservation system  105  in order to match the identification number to a prior reservation. 
       FIG. 7  shows exemplary room selection graphical interface  200  having multiple touch-sensitive graphical buttons that allow a person to specify a desired type of room and other details. Room selection graphical interface  200  has a plurality of touch-sensitive graphical buttons that allow a person to select the floor level on which the room is located, select a room in which smoking is permitted, select a comfort level for the room (such as standard, commercial, or luxury), select or change dates and/or a number of nights the person wishes to occupy the room, and select whether the room receives direct sunlight. There can also be a touch-sensitive graphical button to select or change an occupancy number (such as the number of beds in the room). The touch-sensitive graphical buttons, when touched by a person, result in a touch-sensitive options menu  202 . The touch-sensitive graphical buttons and menu allow the person to set parameters for a filter that is applied to hotel room data set. The parameters are, in effect, the person&#39;s room selection criteria. 
     In some embodiments, hotel room data set is obtained by computer  104  from hotel reservation system  105  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) before any of Block  1  and Block  2 . Hotel room data set includes information for all possible rooms and options. Hotel room data set is stored in database  108 . Next, after filter parameters have been set by the person from room selection graphical interface  200 , computer  104  applies the filter to hotel room data set to obtain information (e.g., room number, images, price, etc.) about the rooms that meet the filter parameters. 
     In alternative embodiments, the hotel room data set is not obtained by computer  104  from hotel reservation system  105  or other external system. After filter parameters have been set by the person from room selection graphical interface  200 , computer  104  sends the filter parameters to hotel reservation system  105 . Hotel reservation system  105  applies the filter to the hotel room data set, then sends to computer  104  only the information (e.g., room number, images, price, etc.) about the rooms that meet the filter parameters. 
     The information about the rooms that meet the filter parameters is displayed on touch screen  41 , as shown for example in  FIG. 8  (Block B 3 ). If more than one room meets the filter parameters, the person may select a particular room using a touch-sensitive graphical button on touch screen  41 . 
     After making the room selection, computer  104  causes a confirmation graphical interface to be displayed on touch screen  41  (Block B 4 ). Exemplary confirmation graphical interface  204  is shown in  FIG. 9 . Confirmation graphical interface  204  includes touch-sensitive graphical buttons  206 ,  208  to allow the person to verify or confirm the prior room selection or to go back to Block B 2  to change the room selection. 
     After receiving confirmation from the person of the room selection, computer  104  causes a payment graphical interface to be displayed on touch screen  41  (Block B 5 ) for processing of a payment transaction. Payment graphical interface may include a message for the person to place a payment card or payment device in or adjacent payment card reader  112  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to allow data to be obtained from the payment card/payment device, and may include touch-sensitive graphical buttons to allow the person to enter a personal identification number (PIN) or other verification code associated with the payment card/payment device. 
     Based on data obtained from the payment card/payment device and the room selection, computer  104  communicates with payment card transaction system  107  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to initiate or record a payment transaction. In some embodiments, computer  104  does not communicate with payment card transaction system  107  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) until after check out. In some embodiments, the payment transaction is not completed until after the check-out. 
     After processing the payment transaction (which may only be recorded but not completed), computer  104  causes a room key dispensing graphical interface to be displayed on touch screen  41  (Block B 6 ). Room key dispensing graphical interface may include touch-sensitive graphical buttons to allow the person to select the number of keys the person desires and may include a message informing the person to wait to obtain a room key from apparatus  100 . Computer  104  also causes room key dispenser  114  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to select and eject a room key from the plurality of room keys stored in room key dispenser  114 . Before the room key is ejected, room key dispenser  114  may activate a room key. Room key activation may include sending a room key serial number to hotel reservation system  105  and/or programming the room key with a code obtained from hotel reservation system  105 . 
     After the room key is dispensed, computer  104  causes information to be displayed on touch screen  41  and printed out of receipt dispenser  116  (Block B 7 ). The information may include any combination of the hotel address, map, room number, dates and times for room check in and check out, and telephone number for assistance. 
     In alternative embodiments, apparatus  102  does not include a payment card reader. A payment module is stored in a non-volatile component of database  108 . The payment module includes instructions executable by one or more processors of computer  104  which causes a payment graphical interface to be displayed on touch screen  41 . The payment graphical interface prompts a person to enter payment information, such as a credit card number, debit card number, PIN, other codes, and/or billing information used for payment which are transmitted to an external system, such as payment card transaction system  107 . 
     In alternative embodiments, user interface  110  includes a display screen and keyboard and/or touch pad located outside of the display area of the display screen. The touch-sensitive graphical buttons described above are replaced by pushbuttons on the keyboard. 
     While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.