Abstract:
A method using enabling technology and communications to facilitate and capture an individual&#39;s menu selections from a merchant within a group to form a consolidated group order which is to be presented to a merchant where the method implements dynamic routines influenced by personal preferences, location based services and other commonalities between the individuals forming the group.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 35 USC §119(e) 
       [0001]    Priority is claimed from U.S. provisional application for patent 62/298999, filed on Feb. 24, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application may be related to the present application, or may have some drawings and/or disclosure in common. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention details a computer application and computer methods that allow users to create succinct and complete group order lists for placing consolidated orders with merchants while maintaining the integrity of the individual order within the group list with minimal effort. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The current state of the art allows for some ordering functionality at specific and individual locations (proprietary restaurants or chains using a proprietary application for ordering). However, these applications lack group ordering functionality, and often times a proprietary application is needed to order at each different restaurant. In other words, if you want to order from restaurant A, you need restaurant A&#39;s application or follow their methods. The same goes for every other restaurant or merchant. 
         [0004]    The food industry is quickly moving into application-driven and computerized ordering platforms. Larger restaurant chains are making changes that allow customers to place an order at their restaurant using kiosks or computer applications, and this service comes in several different ways depending on the application. However, with so many different applications and ways to order, it can become confusing for the customer who may have to go through a number of different applications and ordering platforms depending on the number of restaurants or merchants which they frequent. 
         [0005]    In addition, these applications only offer support for single-customer ordering; which makes ordering for a group particularly difficult. The proposed invention seeks to enable a centralized and convenient application that utilizes several databases and methods that give the user a quick and accurate way to create group order lists; and, which allows their friends and colleagues to place orders embedded within the group order, and will recall the orders at any given time. Additionally, users can save order information by signing up for an optional account. 
         [0006]    The present embodiment is an answer to the problem of the current convolution of the modern “food run.” This invention seeks to remedy the issue of complexity in group ordering by creating an application that empowers the user to create a group order list, populate it however they like, and empower the user to select the best way to order their food or merchandise. It accomplishes these tasks effectively and with a manner that is minimalistic, efficient, and convenient. The present embodiment presents a richer food-ordering landscape that allows multiple users to coordinate orders while eliminating the frustration out of having to work with a fragmented market of applications who serve a single purpose for a single restaurant. 
         [0007]    The present embodiment is useful towards restaurants, merchandise retailers, admission by ticket venues and other hosted events where a group order might originate. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0009]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a web based application utilizing multiple databases provides users functionality to create group order lists, place orders in those group order lists, recall all orders within the order list, and to save favorite orders for later use while utilizing account features that users can opt into by providing certain information reflecting their individual preferences. 
         [0010]    The present embodiment would be accessible on multiple devices and utilize different user experiences and interfaces that are more accessible for the given device. This allows for the preferred embodiment to be used on a range of web enabled devices without the need for a standalone application written in the device&#39;s native language or application framework. Other embodiments of the invention may include specific applications for different devices and frameworks. 
         [0011]    In one feature of the present invention, the user can create a group order list for a restaurant they desire and allow others to place additional orders in that list. A specific feature of the present embodiment allows users to create orders in another user&#39;s order list; provided they have the group order list&#39;s unique number and enter it into the application. 
         [0012]    Still another feature of the present embodiment allows users to recall all orders that are tied to one group order list by entering that particular group order&#39;s unique number. And yet another feature of the present embodiment enables users to save their favorite orders for recall; and, when desired, insert their order into a group order list at a later point in time. 
         [0013]    The present embodiment also enables merchant participation and provides benefits to merchants as well. Through implementation of advanced analytics and location based services, merchants can provide loyal customers improved customer experiences to reward loyalty, offer promotions and provide alerts to help the user plan their visit. The present embodiment enhances locating services using modified search methods which are utilized to categorize and index merchants based on multiple criteria utilized during the preference routine in the logic. 
         [0014]    This feature also provides methodology to generate and enable “short cuts” presented to the user to enhance the user experience. These features can benefit both the consumer and the merchant which can enhance the perception of the merchant in the eyes of the market it serves. 
         [0015]    Other specific consumer benefits are enabled through the present embodiment. One feature in particular, supports the consumers desire to eat healthy. When the user enters a profile, a “healthy” menu option may be offered. The analytics and features elements of the present embodiment can high light menu selections which fit the profile of the user&#39;s preferences. Merchant can offer ingredient substitutions as well; which, allow the individual to be selective about the individual order, even though a group order is being prepared. Other features can utilize the embedded analytics to “reward” the healthy consumer by informing them that “it&#39;s ok for a treat” based on a rolling tally as to when the last time the consumer splurged on a brownie or scoop of ice cream. 
         [0016]    Consumers can also use the application to track a spending budget, and use cumulative spending tallies to assist the consumer to stay on budget each time a menu is analyzed. 
         [0017]    And for those users with severe medical concerns or simple allergies, additional messages can be attached to the order for when the merchant processes the order to avoid use of individually dangerous ingredients like peanut oil or nuts. The merchant can also add such alerts to the menu that the user is viewing to let the consumer know if such ingredients are present in the facility or in the food being prepared. 
         [0018]    Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, regarding the following figures. 
           [0020]    The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1 : Creating a Group Order List—This drawing outlines a simple process and typical use for a user wanting to start new group order list. The steps detailed are the minimum steps needed to accomplish the task, making the method both a typical use and the optimal use of this particular feature of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2 : Placing an Order in A Group Order List—This drawing outlines the steps and typical use case for a user who wishes to place an order in a group order list. The steps outlined are the shortest and are thus the most optimal while still being the typical use for this particular feature of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3 : Recalling All Orders in a Given Order List—This drawing outlines the typical steps taken to recall all orders in a given group order list. The steps detailed are the minimal number of steps to accomplish this task, thus making these steps the optimal steps as well as the typical use case. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4 : Saving a Favorite Order Using Optional Features Introduced Using an Account System—This drawing outlines the steps that are required of a user to save their order as a favorite order for later use. The drawing assumes the user has signed up for an optional account feature and opts to using these features. Assuming the user has an account, the steps detailed are the quickest and most intuitive way to accomplish this task. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident; however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims. 
         [0027]    Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates the process to create  100  a group order list  520 . To begin, the user initiates  110  the application  115  and navigates  111  using screen selections to create  112  the new group order page  113 . Once the new group order page  113  is created, the user proceeds to the input sequence  120  where the uses inputs  121  the user&#39;s identity and inputs  122  the merchant identification and establishes  123  an open period, also called the addendum duration, for others to join the group order list  520 . The other users can also input  124  their orders to be added to the group order list  520 . The addendum duration  123  is set which defines the interval of time during which additional inputs  121 ,  122 , and  124  to the group order list  520  will be accepted. The user can add additional details, such as the merchant address  125  to assist other users in locating the merchant. Alternatively, logic stored in the computer database system  500  will append location information in the form of the merchant address  125  to the group order list  520  for all users to see. 
         [0029]    Each user can store their inputs  113 ,  121 ,  122  and  124  to the order list information database  510  within the computer database system  500  by saving  130  the data using the application  115 . Once saved  130 , the order list information database  510  will assign a unique tracking number  140  for recall the group order list  520 . The present embodiment also can allow additional users who choose to join their inputs  113 ,  121 ,  122  and  124  to the existing group order list  520  may do so by selecting to save  130  their order to the group order list  520  with the same unique tracking number  140 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates the process to place  200  an order in the group order list  520 . First, the user initiates  210  the application  215  and navigates  211  using screen selection to the place order lookup page  212 . Next, the application outputs a user editable field wherein the user enters a unique tracking number  140 . The unique tracking number  140  is used as an index for searching within the computer database system  500  and the order list info database  510  therein, which contains the group order list tracking number  140  along with information about who created the order list  520 . Once validated by means of search in the computer database system  500  and the order list info database  510 , the sequence proceeds to the search function  230 . In the search function  230 , the application  231  invokes methods of search on the computer database system  500  and the order list info database  510 . The results  232  of this search method to retrieve the group order list  520  is returned for further use in reviewing, submitting or revising the order. 
         [0031]    Once the group order list  520  is retrieved  232 , the user has the option to enter specific details using the application  241  to navigate to the place order page  245 . On the place order page  245 , the application  241  outputs user editable fields  242  where the user inputs what they would like to order, including any special requests  243  they have, and any payment notes  244  that are relevant. Once the user submits this form  240  by means of screen selection, the application invokes the means of storing  250  the information provided  242 ,  243 ,  244  in  530  the orders database, and invoking the method of retrieving  232  the unique tracking number  140  for the group order list  520  and binding  252  this number  140  along with the user inputs  242 ,  243 ,  244 , in the order database  530 ; which effectively concatenates the multiple individual order data to the group order list  520 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates the process to  300  recall all orders in a given  520  group order list. Initially the user utilizes  310  the application  315  and navigates  311  using screen selections to the  312  pick-up group order lookup page. The application then invokes  320  by outputting a user editable field where users inputs their unique tracking number  140  into the field  321  generated by the page  320  which then uses the unique tracking number  140  as an index for searching in  510  the order list info database. The application then invokes  330  methods of search in  510  for information  331  regarding the group order list  520 . 
         [0033]    Once validated by means of searching  331  the order list info database  510  for the existence of an order list  520  identified by  140  the unique order list tracking number, the application invokes the means of retrieval and search  340  within the orders database  530  and retrieves  342  all orders in  530  the orders database that belong to  520  the order list by means of being bound with the unique order list identifier number  140 . The application then navigates the user to the order list order output page  350  where the application  351  outputs all order information found in  530  the orders database that is bound to  520  the order list which is identified by the unique order list identifier number  140 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates the process of saving an order as a favorite  400  given that the user has enrolled  410  for a user account for use within the application. The user registers for a free user account  411  and inputs some certain and basic information  412  which is stored and allows them to sign up for a user account  411  and  413  activate that account  411  for use within the application. Once registered, the user initiates  210 , by navigating  211  the application  215  to the place an order lookup page  212  by means of screen selection. On the page, the user inputs  221  the unique order list tracking number  140  into the page  220  and submits the form by means of screen selection. The application then invokes  230 , means of searching  232  the order list info database  510  for information about the group order list  520  based on the unique tracking number  140  provided. The application  241  then navigates to  240  and outputs the place order page where the user inputs  242  what they would like to order, any special requests  243  that they have, and optional payment notes  244  that they deem pertinent. The application then invokes  250  which stores  251  the user provided information  241 ,  242 ,  243 ,  244  in the orders database  530  along with the unique order list identifier number  140  which effectively binds the order to the group order list  520 . 
         [0035]    The application then invokes  470  wherein the user is presented with the option  471  to save the order  251  they just placed by means of screen selection so that the order  251  can be recalled  472  for used by other features of the application at a later time. If the user chooses to save their order  251 , the application invokes  480  methods of storage of the favorite designation  481  in the user favorites database  540  wherein the information supplied by the user  241 ,  242 ,  243 ,  244  is  481  stored in  540  the favorites database. From there the application can recall the favorite designation  481  and associated data by means of search in  540  the favorites database the user supplied information  241 ,  242 ,  243  and  244  for use by the application and its various features at a later time. 
         [0036]    Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0037]    It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
         [0038]    What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
         [0039]    While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.