Patent Description:
It is known for food and drink to be sold in various outlets, such as in cafes, restaurants, public houses, hotels, nightclubs, shopping arcades, market places, food and drink vans and stalls, cinemas and other entertainment venues, and at service stations and tourist attractions. Beverages may be served hot or cold, and may be non-alcoholic or contain some alcohol. Often, retail environments offering such refreshments provide seating or bar areas for persons to consume purchased products. Different places may provide a more formal, or a more informal, setting for eating and drinking.

Licensed premises typically have a bar, from which drinks and other goods can be ordered, and an area in which furniture such as tables, chairs, ledges and stools are provided for patrons to use at their leisure. Information about products available for purchase may be presented in different formats, for example in a menu, which may be available on request or already set out for customer use, displayed on a notice board, such as a chalkboard, or in advertising materials, such as pump clips. Some functional items found in such establishments that display advertising and/or information include bar towels and beer mats, which have a purpose of absorbing drips and protecting surfaces.

In modern times, business operators have been looking at ways to improve customer experience. Approaches include making existing service functions more seamless, for example streamlining ordering and payment processes, and introducing new ways to engage with the consumer, for example through promotional activities and loyalty schemes. Beer mats are commonly fabricated from paperboard, which may be plastic-laminated, although other materials may be used. A beer mat typically carries branding and/or promotional messages. These may be associated with the particular establishment and/or a product available from the establishment and/or a product of service that may be of interest to people visiting the establishment.

United Kingdom Patent No. <CIT> discloses a point-of-sale display system for use by a beverage vendor, comprising: at least one draught beverage dispenser, a plurality of point-of-sale display apparatus, each comprising an electronic device that comprises a display screen and a data processor with access to data storage for controlling content presented by the display screen, a wireless communicator configured to communicate with a wireless communication network, and a user terminal configured to communicate with each individual electronic device via said wireless communication network. The point-of-sale display system is designed to allow a retail outlet operative to change the content presented by the display screen quickly and easily. <CIT> discloses a drinks coaster comprising a housing which is so designed that a drinking vessel can be placed thereon, and a wireless electronic communication device arranged in the housing, wherein the communication device is of such a configuration and design that a first wireless communication connection with an interface arranged outside the drinks coaster can be provided by the communication device in operation of the drinks coaster, wherein data can be transmitted at least from the communication device to the interface.

It is an object of the present invention to present content to a person within an establishment in which products are served to consumers at the point at which the product will be consumed by the person rather than at the point from which the product is supplied. By way of a specific example, with reference to public houses, it is an object to present content to a person at the location they have settled to drink a beverage rather than at the bar from which the beverage was despatched.

The present invention provides an ordering system as claimed in independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are covered by the appended dependent claims. The ordering system comprises a plurality of electronic table mats, such as a plurality of beverage coasters, and a user terminal comprising a wireless communication device for communicating with a wireless communication network; each of the electronic table mats comprises: a body having a first face, for placing onto a support surface, and a second face, onto which an item can be placed; and an electronic system supported by the body, the electronic system comprising: a display device comprising at least one display output element, a data processor with access to data storage and for controlling a visual output displayed by the display device; a wireless communication device for communicating with a wireless communication network; an input device comprising at least one input element; and a power device; and each of the electronic table mats is configured for two-way communication with said user terminal via said wireless network, with each said electronic table mat being associated with a unique identifier. The ordering system is configured to allow each electronic table mat to be managed from the user terminal, the ordering system allowing remote content management of each electronic table mat, wherein the remote content management allows content to be presented by each electronic table mat to be added, modified or deleted using the user terminal.

The display device of each electronic table mat may comprise a display panel having touchscreen functionality. The user terminal may comprise a display panel having touchscreen functionality. A display panel of the electronic table mat and/or the user terminal may have multiple input regions.

The electronic system of each electronic table mat may further comprise a sensing device comprising at least one sensing element. The sensing device may be a weight sensor. The weight sensor may be usable to detect the presence of a drinking vessel, such as a glass, on the electronic table mat and may be useable to detect an extent of fullness/emptiness thereof.

The electronic system of each electronic table mat may comprise an audio output device.

The power device of each electronic table mat may comprise a rechargeable battery. The ordering system may then further comprise an electronic table mat charging device, which may be configured for charging two or more of the electronic table mats simultaneously.

Each electronic table mat may have a shape that is generally square or generally circular.

Each electronic table mat may comprise at least one illumination arrangement. The illumination arrangement may comprise a plurality of LED lamps.

In an example. at least a first of the plurality of electronic table mats and a second of the plurality of second electronic table mats are configured to communicate by means of a wireless connection between them.

In an example, at least one electronic table mat is configured to communicate with the user terminal via a communication hub device that comprises a wireless communication device for communicating with a wireless communication network.

In an example, the ordering system is usable in a method that comprises the steps of: associating a payment card with an individual one of the plurality of electronic table mats, via the user terminal; wirelessly communicating data relating to an input received by the said individual electronic table mat from that said electronic table mat to the user terminal; and wirelessly communicating data from the user terminal to that said electronic table mat.

An electronic table mat usable in the ordering system and/or the method is also provided.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Examples are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the apparatus, systems and/or processes described herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise examples described and/or shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only. In addition, features referred to herein in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has" and/or "having" when used herein, specify the presence of the stated feature or features and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

An electronic table mat will now be described. In a specific example, the electronic table mat is a beverage coaster. In an alternative example, the electronic table mat is a place mat. In an embodiment, a digital beer mat is provided.

An electronic table mat <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The electronic table mat <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> has a first face <NUM>, for placing onto a support surface (not shown in this Figure), and a second face <NUM>, onto which an item (not shown in this Figure) can be placed. As will be described in further detail below, the electronic table mat <NUM> comprises an electronic system, indicated generally at <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electronic table mat <NUM> is usable a beverage coaster. The electronic table mat <NUM> has been placed on a support surface <NUM>, in the shown scenario the top of a table <NUM>, and a beverage receptable <NUM>, in the shown scenario a drinking glass, has been placed upon the electronic mat <NUM>. As also shown, the first side <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM> is facing downwards, towards the table <NUM>, and the second side <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM> is facing upwards, away from the table <NUM>. The beverage receptable <NUM> is shown upon the second side <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM>.

The scenario shown in <FIG> is that of a public house, in which there is a bar <NUM> with at least one draught beverage dispenser, such as hand-pump dispenser <NUM>. As is customary in the trade, hand-pump dispenser <NUM> supports a pump clip <NUM> that presents a visual display <NUM> containing product/brand information relating to the beverage currently associated with the hand-pump dispenser <NUM>. Typically, a person will go to the bar <NUM> to place an order, and will then either wait at the bar <NUM> while the order is being fulfilled, or will wait somewhere away from the bar <NUM>, such as table <NUM>, for the order to be brought to them. As will be described in further detail, the electronic table mat <NUM> provides benefits to a person in such an establishment.

A schematic of electronic table mat <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The body <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM> may take any suitable form. In an example, the body <NUM> comprises a housing, preferably a waterproof housing. The electronic table mat <NUM> comprises a display device <NUM>. The display device <NUM> comprises at least one display output element, for example first display output element <NUM>. In this shown example, the display device <NUM> comprises a plurality of display output elements, and therefore also comprises second display output element <NUM>. The display device <NUM> may however comprise further display output elements or may comprise only one display output element.

The or each display output element may comprise any suitable type of display output element. In examples in which the display device comprises a plurality of display output elements, the plurality of display output elements may comprise different types of display output element. A display output element of the display device may comprise any suitable type of display panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or electronic paper (e-Ink) display. A display panel of a display output element of the display device may have touchscreen functionality. A display panel of a display output element of the display device may have any suitable size and shape, and may be capable of displaying different display zones, each of which may cover any suitable proportion of the available display area. A display panel may have the capability of presenting static and/or moving text and images. A display output element of the display device may alternatively comprise a lamp, for example an LED lamp, which is capable of emitting at least one colour of light, for example, white, red, blue and/or green, and is capable of emitting light in accordance with at least one pattern, for example continuous or flashing.

The electronic table mat <NUM> comprises a data processor <NUM> with access to data storage <NUM>. The data processor <NUM> is suitably arranged for controlling a visual output displayed by the display device <NUM>. The data processor <NUM> and data storage <NUM> may take any suitable form, such as a micro-processor. In addition to primary storage (internal memory), the electronic table mat <NUM> may comprise one or more removable data storage device ports for secondary storage (expandable memory), such as a USB flash drive or a memory card.

The electronic table mat <NUM> comprises a wireless communication device <NUM>. The wireless communication device <NUM> is suitably arranged for communicating with a wireless communication network. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication device <NUM> provides the capability of two-way data communication between the electronic table mat <NUM> and a wireless network. The wireless communication device <NUM> may be arranged to communicate with any suitable wireless network, for example a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network, using any suitable communication protocol. In an example, the wireless communication device comprises an NFC chip.

The electronic table mat <NUM> comprises an input device <NUM>. The input device <NUM> comprises at least one input element, for example first input element <NUM>. In this shown example, the input device <NUM> comprises a plurality of input elements, and therefore also comprises second input element <NUM>. The input device <NUM> may however comprise further input elements or may comprise only one input element. The or each input element may comprise any suitable type of input element. In examples in which the input device comprises a plurality of input elements, the plurality of input elements may comprise different types of input element. In an example, at least one input element in the form of a button is provided. In an example, the display device comprises a display panel having touchscreen functionality, and an input element of the input device is provided by a touch-sensitive region of the display panel.

The electronic table mat <NUM> comprises a power device <NUM>. The power device <NUM> is suitably arranged for providing power to one or more of the other devices of the electronic system <NUM> (which include the display device <NUM>, data processor <NUM>, data storage <NUM>, wireless communication device <NUM>, and input device). The power device <NUM> may be any suitable type. Preferably, the power device <NUM> comprises a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be configured for wired and/or wireless (inductive) charging. In an example, the power device <NUM> comprise a power supply socket for use in charging the rechargeable battery. The power supply socket may also provide data transfer capability. It is to be appreciated that the electronic table mat device <NUM>, in particular the electronic system <NUM>, may be capable of one-way and/or two-way wired communication with another device and/or network. It is to be understood also that the electronic table mat device <NUM>, in particular the electronic system <NUM>, may comprise further devices, for example an audio output device, such as a speaker.

In an embodiment, the devices of the electronic system <NUM>, including the display device <NUM>, data processor <NUM> with access to data storage <NUM>, wireless communication device <NUM> and power device <NUM>, are all supported by the body <NUM> of the electronic table mat device <NUM>. In an example, each device of the electronic system <NUM> is at least partially housed within an interior of the body <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM>. It is further to be understood that the electronic table mat device <NUM> may comprise one or more additional electronic systems, which may provide other functionality, which may be complementary to the functionality provided by electronic system <NUM>.

Optionally, and in this illustrated embodiment, the electronic system <NUM> comprises a sensing device <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> comprises at least one sensing element, for example first sensing element <NUM>. In this shown example, the sensing device <NUM> comprises a plurality of sensing elements, and therefore also comprises second sensing element <NUM><NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> may however comprise further sensing elements or may comprise only one sensing element. The or each sensing element may comprise any suitable type of sensing element. In examples in which the sensing device comprises a plurality of input elements, the plurality of sensing elements may comprise different types of sensing element. In an example, at least one sensing element in the form of a weight sensor is provided. This may be used, for example, to monitor when a beverage receptable is nearly, or is, empty. This information may be used to prompt a change in content displayed by the electronic table mat. In the same or in an alternative example, at least one sensing element in the form of an accelerometer is provided. In the same or in an alternative example, at least one sensing element in the form of a gyroscope is provided.

<FIG> illustrates the electronic table mat <NUM> in communication with a wireless network <NUM>. As shown, communication between the electronic table mat <NUM> and another electronic device <NUM> may be made via wireless network <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be associated with an ordering and/or payment system of a retail outlet (described further below). The electronic device <NUM> may be a user terminal of a content management system (described further below). An ordering and/or payment system of a retail outlet may be provided within, or for co-operation with a content management system.

Wireless communication may be made via a public network, or dedicated wireless connection (for increased security). In this arrangement, the electronic table mat <NUM> is connected directly to the wireless network <NUM>. For the purpose of illustrating connection possibilities, <FIG> also shows a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth electronic table mat 101B, 101C, 101D, 101E and 101F respectively, each of which is like electronic table mat <NUM>.

Illustrated is second electronic table mat 101B in wireless communication with a second electronic device <NUM>, such as a mobile telephone, using near field communication (NFC). The second electronic device <NUM> is shown in communication with wireless network <NUM>. In this arrangement, the second electronic table mat 101B can communicate with the wireless network <NUM> via its NFC connection with the second electronic device <NUM>. Using this set-up, a communication path between second electronic table mat 101B and electronic device <NUM> can be established. Thus, in this arrangement, the second electronic table mat 101B is connected indirectly to the wireless network <NUM>.

Also illustrated is third electronic table mat 101C in communication with fourth electronic table mat 101D, via a Bluetooth connection, and the fourth electronic table mat 101D in communication with wireless network <NUM>. Thus, in this arrangement, the third electronic table mat 101C is connected indirectly to the wireless network <NUM> and the fourth electronic table mat 101D in connected directly to the wireless network <NUM>.

Further illustrated is fifth and sixth electronic table mats 101E, 101F in communication with a third electronic device <NUM>, such as a communication hub device comprising a wireless communication device for communicating with a wireless communication network. In this example, the fifth and sixth electronic table mats 101E, 101F are in communication with a third electronic device <NUM>, via an NFC connection, for example, and the third electronic device <NUM> in communication with wireless network <NUM>. In this arrangement, both the fifth and the sixth electronic table mats 101E, 101F are connected indirectly to the wireless network <NUM>.

Hence, it is to be appreciated that, depending on the connectivity capability that an electronic table mat as described herein is provided with, the electronic table mat may be able to connect wirelessly to a communications network directly or indirectly.

Turning now to <FIG>, example uses of an electronic table mat as described herein will be illustrated with reference to the scenario of a pub <NUM> having a bar B and tables T1, T2.

Associated with the pub <NUM> is an ordering and payment system, indicated generally at <NUM>. The pub <NUM> also has an electronic table mat system, indicated generally at <NUM>, which comprises a plurality of electronic table mats as described herein, including electronic table mats <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. In this illustrated scenario, the electronic table mat system <NUM> also comprises at least one docking station, such as docking station <NUM>, at which the electronic table mats can normally be kept and charged as required. In this illustrated scenario also, the electronic table mat system <NUM> further comprises at least one communication hub device, such as communication hub devices <NUM> and <NUM>. The pub <NUM> has access to a wireless network <NUM>. The electronic table mat system <NUM> is designed to interact with the ordering and payment system <NUM>.

To use the electronic table mat system <NUM> a user is first associated with a particular electronic table mat. This may be achieved in one of a number of possible different ways. According to one option, a person approaches the bar B, their payment details are registered within the ordering and payment system <NUM>, and those registered payment details are linked to an electronic table mat <NUM> and/or communication hub device <NUM> that the person can use at table T1. With this option, a bar person may hand over an electronic table mat to the customer. This enables the bar person to check that the electronic table mat is clean and in good working order before being used by the customer. Alternatively, a person can effect registration of their payment details within the ordering and payment system <NUM> while at a table T1, using the electronic table mat <NUM> and/or communication hub device <NUM>. A possibility involves the user accessing an app via their smartphone <NUM>, within which their payment details are already registered, and linking their account with that app to the electronic table mat <NUM> and/or communication hub device <NUM>.

Following association of the user with a particular electronic table mat system <NUM>, the user is offered access to one or more interaction opportunities, which include (but are not limited to): the opportunity to place an order remotely (without visiting the bar or interacting with bar staff), the opportunity to receive promotions (for example, happy hour offers or cross-selling/up-selling offers), the opportunity to take part in competitions and activities (for example, to enter into a raffle within the pub), the opportunity to receive information about upcoming events and offers, the opportunity to monitor spend and/or items ordered.

Referring in particular now to table T2, as user device <NUM> is associated with electronic table mat <NUM> and user device <NUM> is associated with electronic table mat <NUM>, although both electronic table mats <NUM> and <NUM> communicate with the ordering and payment system <NUM> via a common communication hub device <NUM>, orders can be allocated to different registered payment details. It is also possible for different people to be sat at the same table (whether as part of the same of different groups) and order using the communication hub device but the order to be identified to a particular one of the electronic table mats on that table. For example, an order is received at bar B from table T2. At this point, a bar person may not know which person at that table the order is for, as several electronic table mats <NUM>, <NUM> are communication with the ordering and payment system <NUM> the same communication hub device <NUM>. However, after the order has been placed or, for example, when a function within the ordering and payment system <NUM> is activated to signal that an order is ready to be delivered/collected, the electronic table mat <NUM> can display a visual indication that an order associated with that electronic table mat <NUM> is awaited/has yet to be fulfilled. Such an indication may take any of various suitable forms, for example a flashing light, an alphanumeric message, or a static or moving image.

A person may interact an electronic table mat as described herein by any one or more of a variety of ways made possible, for example: pushing a button, moving a switch, rotating a dial, operating a touchscreen that is capable of recognising one or more different gestures (press, swipe etc.), speaking, operating another electronic device that can communicate with the electronic table mat.

In example, an electronic table mat as described herein has the capability to communicate with a point-of-sale display system for use by a beverage vendor as disclosed in United Kingdom Patent No. <CIT>. In such an example, the electronic table mat may communicate with a point-of-sale display apparatus at a draught beverage dispenser directly, or indirectly via a wireless network.

<FIG> show different examples of an electronic table mat.

In the example of <FIG>, the electronic table mat <NUM> is generally square, and has a region <NUM> of a front face <NUM> thereof that is an electronic paper panel having touchscreen functionality; this allows both for a visual output to be displayed to a user and for a user to input selections/confirmation of selections. The electronic table mat <NUM> features an illumination arrangement <NUM>, comprising a plurality of LED lamps. One side <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM> has a docking station charging point <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the electronic table mat <NUM> is again generally square. Compared to the electronic table mat <NUM> of <FIG>, a region <NUM> covering almost all of the front face <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM> is an electronic paper panel having touchscreen functionality. The electronic table mat <NUM> features an illumination arrangement <NUM>, comprising a plurality of LED lamps, which extends around the periphery of the front face <NUM>. A docking station charging point <NUM> is provided along one side <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM>.

The example electronic table mat <NUM> of <FIG>, is again generally square. A first region <NUM> of the front face <NUM> is a touchpad, and a second region <NUM> of the front face <NUM> is an electronic paper panel. Two opposite sides <NUM>, <NUM> are each provided with an illumination arrangement, such as illumination arrangement <NUM> of side <NUM>, and a third side <NUM> is provided with a docking station charging point <NUM>.

The example electronic table mat <NUM> of <FIG>, is once again generally square. A first region <NUM> of the front face <NUM> is a display panel, for showing a visual output, and first and second buttons <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the front face <NUM> for enabling user input. An illumination arrangement <NUM> is provided for lighting the display panel. A docking station charging point <NUM> is provided for enabling charging of the electronic table mat <NUM>, and optionally data transfer to and/or from the electronic table mat <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the electronic table mat <NUM> is generally circular. A region <NUM> covering almost all of the front face <NUM> of the electronic table mat <NUM> is a display panel, and another region <NUM> is a touchpad. An illumination arrangement comprising a plurality of LED lamps, such as LED <NUM> is provided for lighting the front face <NUM>. Pins for connecting the electronic table mat <NUM> to a docking station are also incorporated (but not shown in this Figure).

The design of an electronic table mat as disclosed herein may thus vary between examples.

One or more display output elements of the display device may be used to provide various different indications, which may or may not require a menu to be navigated to access, including (but not limited to):.

As previously mentioned, an electronic table mat as described herein may communicate with a user terminal of a content management system. While an electronic table mat as described herein can be associated with a unique device identifier, the electronic table mat can be associated with a group identifier that one of more other electronic table mats can be associated with. Thus, within an establishment in which there are a plurality of the electronic table mats, content to be displayed by the electronic table mats may be distributed to the electronic table mats on an individual or group basis.

It is also envisaged that a plurality of electronic table mats as described herein could be distributed across different outlets, rather than all being in the same outlet. However, by means of associating each electronic table mats with the same content management system, whether individually and/or in groups, content to be displayed by electronic table mats in different outlets, as well as those in the same outlet, can be updated wirelessly at the same time.

A content management system with which a plurality of electronic table mats as described herein can be associated, can be setup to allocate different permission levels to different users of an account within the content management system, with each different permission level granting different access to available functions.

For example, a company could own a chain of retail outlets distributed across a country, with the retail outlets being divided into different geographical areas, and with a retail outlet manager being associated with each of the retail outlets and a regional manager being associated with each of the geographical areas. Each retail outlet manager could be granted a first permission level that allows them to control the content and functionality of only the electronic table mats associated with their retail outlet, and each regional manager could be granted a second permission level that allows them to control the content and functionality of all the electronic table mats associated with geographical area only. A third permission level could then be granted to allow a manager to control the content and functionality of all the electronic table mats in all the geographical areas. Thus, electronic table mats may be controlled by a manager having authority that equates to a "local", "regional", "national" or "global" permission level, a "venue" or "organisation" permission level, or an "individual", "sub-group" or "group" permission level, for example.

As appropriate, a manager may have the option to select a display template for the display device of an electronic table mat. In an example, the data processor is programmable to define a plurality of display regions of a display panel of the display device. The content of the different display regions of the display panel can be managed individually. For example, a display template may be selected that includes top and bottom regions of the display panel, or top, middle and bottom regions of the display panel. For each display region, a manager may have the option to select a display item. The display item content may be a static presentation or a dynamic presentation. The display item may include textual content and/or graphical content. The display item may include any type of moving imagery, for example motion graphics, motion picture, computer generated animation, stop-frame animation, digital or video recordings. The manager may select for the display panel to continuously display one display item. Alternatively, the manager may select for the display panel to display a sequence of two or more display items.

For a sequence of display items, the manager may have the option to select the order of display items. The manager may have the option to select a transition type. This may allow the user to select such properties of the transition from one display item to another as transition effect and transition duration. The manager may have the option to select timings. This may allow the manager to select such timing properties of display item duration or display item change transition. A manager may have the option to select a schedule for content presentation. This may allow the manager to select particular content to be displayed only between certain hours on certain days. Alternatively, the manager may select for the display screen of one or more electronic devices to be updated immediately.

A content management system may allow a manager to set a schedule for the display of layouts on the display device of an electronic mat, with reference to one or more of the following time conditions, either alone or in any combination: a duration of time (seconds, minutes, hours), a time of day, a day of the week, a week of the month, a month of the year. Thus, the electronic table mat may be programmable to control such content display parameters as display item content, display item presentation duration, display item transition type, display item presentation schedule. The electronic table mat may be programmable to control other content display parameters not specifically described. Further the electronic table mat may be programmable to control device operation or behaviour parameters, for example display illumination and colour settings, volume settings, power management settings, data transfer settings.

It is to be appreciated that content can be added, modified or deleted, and can be managed in real time. A software application screen for device content management may be accessible from an internet-connected device. The content management facility can allow a manager to control the content of each device independently and/or in linked groups.

It is to be appreciated that the content presented by an electronic table mat as described herein may be used to:.

The display device may define any number of display regions, of any size and shape and in any arrangement, and each display region may show any kind of content or combinations of types of content. A sequence of display items may include any number of different display items, which may be shown in a pre-determined order or at random. Displayed content may include lights, text, artwork, static and/or moving images. Displayed content may include information and/or advertising and may, for example, show a QR code for providing a link to a web site, social network, or playback video/audio material.

An electronic table mat as described herein may have any suitable shape, may have any suitable dimensions, and may have any desired appearance. The electronic table mat, in particular the body, may be made from any suitable material or materials, using any suitable process or processes. One or more devices and/or components and/or accessories not described herein may be used with the electronic table mat. In addition, the electronic table mat may have additional functionality to that specifically described herein. An electronic table mat as described herein may be used in any suitable applications in any suitable place.

A communication hub device as described herein may have any suitable shape, may have any suitable dimensions, may have any desired appearance, and may be made from any suitable material or materials, using any suitable process or processes. A communication hub device may be capable of connecting any suitable number of electronic table mats as described herein to any suitable network, using any suitable communication means. A communication hub device as described herein may be fixedly positioned with an environment in which it is to be used, for example mounted to a table or a wall.

Features of an example ordering system will now be described with reference to <FIG>, and with reference to a typical scenario of use in a retail premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.

Referring now to <FIG>, an ordering system <NUM> comprises a user terminal <NUM> ("hub") and a plurality of electronic table mats <NUM>, <NUM> ("beer mats"). In this specific example, the ordering system <NUM> further comprises an electronic table mat charging device <NUM> ("docking station"). The beer mats <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged for two-way communication with the hub <NUM>, via a wireless network <NUM>, and via a wireless communication device thereof, such as wireless communication device <NUM> of beer mat <NUM>, and a wireless communication device <NUM> of the hub <NUM>, with each beer mat <NUM>, <NUM> being associated with a unique identifier. Preferably, and in this example, the docking station <NUM> is configured for charging two or more of the beer mats <NUM>, <NUM> simultaneously.

In a specific example, the hub has a touch screen display for controlling media messages to be pushed to the beer mats, for controlling illumination patterns of the beer mats (via smart LEDs contained in them), for controlling notifications, and for displaying order quantities and bills, and the beer mats have a touch screen display (or display screen and buttons) for enabling ordering information to be presented and orders to be placed.

Stages and steps in a method <NUM> of using the ordering system <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>. The method <NUM> generally comprises a tab opening stage <NUM>, an ordering stage <NUM>, and a tab closing stage <NUM>. Thus, in this specific example, the ordering system <NUM> incorporates a payment function.

The tab opening stage <NUM> comprises a step <NUM> during which a customer hands over a payment card, such as a credit card, to a member of staff, a step <NUM> during which the member of staff activates a pre-authorisation on the credit card for a predetermined amount, and a step <NUM> during which a beer mat is handed over to the customer. The predetermined amount may notionally include a deposit amount for the beer mat in addition to an amount for orders placed. The payment card handed over by the customer is held by the retailer until the beer mat is returned. The payment card may be stored in a card safe or other suitable device for temporarily securely housing such items. The payment card is linked to the beer mat and a location in safe storage prior to the beer mat being passed to the customer. In some applications, the beer mat is handed to the customer with their first ordered drink.

The ordering stage <NUM> comprises a step <NUM> during which the customer places an order for a drink, which they can do via the beer mat when in possession of this, a step <NUM> during which the customer is handed the drink ordered, and a step <NUM> during which the open tab is updated.

The tab closing stage <NUM> comprises a step <NUM> during which the customer hands the beer mat back to the retailer, a step <NUM> during which a member of staff ensures that payment is taken to settle the tab, and a step <NUM> during which the customer's payment card is handed back to them. After the beer mat has been handed back, the member of staff can place it back in the docking station for charging.

Features of a specific example of beer mat <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>.

In this Figure, a glass <NUM> is shown placed upon an upper side of <NUM> of the beer mat <NUM>, more specifically upon a substantially central region <NUM> in which the glass <NUM> can be illuminated by the beer mat <NUM>. Illumination of the glass <NUM> is indicated generally at <NUM> ("glass illumination"), and a backlight illumination is indicated generally at <NUM> ("ambient illumination"). The upper side of <NUM> of the beer mat <NUM> also includes a touch screen display <NUM>. Further, the beer mat <NUM> incorporates a weight sensor, indicated at <NUM> (this would typically be positioned beneath the region <NUM>). The glass illumination and ambient illumination are each provided by a smart LED arrangement, containing LED lamps that can change colour (for example, between white and red) and change pattern (for example, between continuous and pulsing). The beer mat <NUM> may further be provided with a docking station charging point or other device (not visible in this Figure) to enable the beer mat <NUM> to be charged by the docking station <NUM>.

Features of a specific example routine that can be performed by the beer mat <NUM> are outlined below.

Initially, the customer has a new drink <NUM>, in glass <NUM> that is placed on the beer mat <NUM>. The glass illumination <NUM> is white, continuous, the ambient illumination <NUM> is red, continuous, and the touch screen display <NUM> shows a logo associated with the brand of the drink <NUM> ("default display").

After some time of the customer supping the drink <NUM>, the weight sensor <NUM> registers that the glass <NUM> is nearing empty. At that point, the glass illumination <NUM> changes to red, continuous, and the ambient illumination <NUM> changes to red, slow pulse. Also, the touch screen display <NUM> changes to showing a message ("prompt") asking the drinker if they would like to order another drink (of the same type and quantity) and displaying a region ("yes button") that the drinker can touch to place an order for another drink.

When the customer presses the yes button, thus responding to the prompt in the affirmative, this initiates the sending of a message from the beer mat <NUM> to the hub <NUM> that another drink has been ordered to be placed on the associated tab. Also, both the glass illumination <NUM> and the ambient illumination <NUM> change to blue, continuous, and the touch screen display <NUM> changes to showing a message ("order confirmation") informing that another drink is on its way. A member of staff will pick up the message sent to the hub <NUM>, prepare the drink ordered, and add it to the tab associated with the beer mat <NUM>. In response, both the glass illumination <NUM> and the ambient illumination <NUM> change to green, continuous, to indicate to a member of staff that the beer mat <NUM> is waiting for another drink to be delivered to it and to reinforce to the customer that the order is being dealt with.

When the new drink is placed on the beer mat <NUM>, the weight sensor <NUM> registers the presence of a full glass. At this point, the glass illumination <NUM> changes to white, continuous, and the ambient illumination <NUM> changes to red, continuous. Also, the touch screen display <NUM> changes to showing a message ("wish") inviting the drinker to enjoy their drink. When the drinker lifts the glass from the beer mat <NUM>, the absence of a glass is registered and this causes the touch screen display <NUM> to change back showing the logo associated with the brand of the drink again, thus completing a return to the default display.

It is to be appreciated that different light changes from those specifically described above, from one colour (red, blue, green, white etc.) to another (which may be a change back to a previous colour) and/or from one pattern (continuous, pulsating, flashing etc.) to another (which may be a change back to a previous pattern) may be incorporated in a routine.

The ordering system <NUM> is thus usable in a method comprising the steps of: associating a payment card with an individual one of said plurality of electronic table mats, via said user terminal; wirelessly communicating data relating to an input received by said individual one of said plurality of electronic table mats from said individual one of said plurality of electronic table mats to said user terminal; and wirelessly communicating data from said user terminal to said selected one of said plurality of electronic table mats. These steps allow a tab to set up that is associated with the payment card and a selected electronic table mat, allow an order to be placed using that electronic table mat, and allow information to be transmitted to that electronic table mat regarding the status of the order. Other data may be transmitted to the electronic table mat, for example relating to the status of the tab (such as expenditure nearing the pre-authorisation amount), an offer or promotion, or other information for educational or entertainment purposes.

Claim 1:
An ordering system (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of electronic table mats (<NUM>), such as a plurality of beverage coasters, and
a user terminal (<NUM>) comprising a wireless communication device (<NUM>) for communicating with a wireless communication network (<NUM>);
each said electronic table mat (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having a first face (<NUM>), for placing onto a support surface (<NUM>), and a second face (<NUM>), onto which an item can be placed; and
an electronic system (<NUM>) supported by the body (<NUM>), the electronic system (<NUM>) comprising:
a display device (<NUM>) comprising at least one display output element (<NUM>),
a data processor (<NUM>) with access to data storage (<NUM>) and for controlling a visual output displayed by the display device (<NUM>);
a wireless communication device (<NUM>) for communicating with a wireless communication network (<NUM>);
an input device (<NUM>) comprising at least one input element (<NUM>); and
a power device (<NUM>);
each said electronic table mat (<NUM>) configured for two-way communication with said user terminal (<NUM>) via said wireless network (<NUM>), with each said electronic table mat (<NUM>) being associated with a unique identifier;
the ordering system (<NUM>) being characterized in that it is configured to allow each said electronic table mat (<NUM>) to be managed from the user terminal (<NUM>), the ordering system (<NUM>) allowing remote content management of each said electronic table mat (<NUM>), wherein said remote content management allows content to be presented by each said electronic table mat (<NUM>) to be added, modified or deleted using said user terminal (<NUM>) and said unique identifier.