Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present principles relate generally to wireless payment terminals, and more specifically, to a device with an integrated wireless reader (e.g., RFID) for presenting and allowing payment of bills in a hospitality setting. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    It is a widespread practice in the hospitality industry to provide guests with services, present the guest with a bill, retrieve payment from the guest, and manually handle rectifying payment. 
         [0005]    Recently, it has become a practice of vendors to allow their users to link a credit card or banking account to a Radio Frequency Identification device to allow quick and easy payment for purchases. Generally, this RFID device is a keychain fob, and is used in place of a credit card to make small purchases without a signature. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,483 to Ghaffari, et al., (hereinafter Ghaffari) describes a system for allowing a consumer self-checkout of articles via RFID tags disposed upon articles to be purchased. There, the consumer passes the articles with RFID tags through an RFID reader, which reads the RFID tags, the reader locating the item in a database, and totaling the consumer&#39;s bill. 
         [0007]    Ghaffari does not disclose a convenient method for electronically presenting a guest check and handling payment via an RFID payment device. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, a need exists for a device which allows the payment of bills through a wireless (e.g., RFID) device in a hospitality environment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The problems stated above, as well as other related problems of the prior art are solved by the present principles, an electronic guest check presentation device capable of handling payments via an RFID payment device. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of the present principles, there is provided an RFID enabled guest check presentation device. The check presentation device includes a case within which is disposed an RFID antenna, a processor, input buttons, and a display screen. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the present principles, the check presentation device further includes a communication device capable of communicating wirelessly to a base station. 
         [0012]    According to yet another aspect of the present principles, the check presentation device further includes a socket-type communication device capable of being plugged into a base station and communicating to the base station. 
         [0013]    These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present principles will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    In the drawings where like reference numerals depict similar elements throughout the views: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the interconnectivity of the active devices comprising an exemplary embodiment of a guest check presentation device with RFID payment capabilities. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an interactive guest check presentation tray with RFID payment capabilities. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a isometric view of the top surface of the RFID check tray of  FIG. 1  showing additional features; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a exemplary embodiment of a check presentation device with RFID payment capabilities in book form; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an completely electronic check presentation device with RFID payment capabilities; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating the process of presenting and electronically handling payment of a guest check using RFID payment device in a hospitality environment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating the process of electronically presenting and handling payment of a guest check using RFID payment device in a hospitality environment; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Referring now to the Figures, where like numbers indicate like features, the illustration of  FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary layout and interconnectivity of electronic devices comprising a guest check presentation device with RFID payment receiving capabilities  100  (hereinafter, RFID Device). 
         [0023]    The RFID device  100  may include a wireless (e.g. RFID) antenna/receiver  101 , and a dedicated RFID processor  102 . In exemplary embodiments of the RFID device, the RFID antenna may be used to read information from an RFID payment token, such as, but not limited to, an RFID keychain fob, an RFID enabled credit card or RFID enabled hotel key. In particularly useful embodiments, the RFID antenna  101  may be integrated into the RFID processor. 
         [0024]    The RFID processor  102  is also connected to a processor  105  in a manner that allows communication with the RFID processor  102 . In one exemplary embodiment, the RFID processor may be connected to the processor  105  via a pin-to-pin multi-line data bus, a bi-directional bus, such as the Inter-Integrated Bus ( 12 C), or via a serial connection. In another particularly useful embodiment, the RFID processor  102  may be integrated into the processor  105 . 
         [0025]    The processor  105  may also be connected to a communication device  103 . In some exemplary embodiments, this communications device  103  may be a device capable of communicating with a base station wirelessly using RF transmissions. In one particularly useful embodiment, the communication device  103  may be an 802.11x receiver/transmitter, communicating using any supported RF transmission protocol. In another useful embodiment, the communication device  103  may be an infra-red transmitter/receiver capable of communicating with a base station in a wireless fashion using transmissions in the Infrared (IR) range. 
         [0026]    Another exemplary embodiment of the communication device  103  may be where the communication device  103  is a contact socket connector which may be physically plugged into a docking station, where communication with a server and transmission of data may occur via the communications device  103 . In one useful embodiment, the communications device  103  may be, but is not limited to, a serial socket such a USB plug, RS232 socket, or DB9 socket. In yet another particularly useful embodiment, the communications device  103  may be a multi-line bus socket similar to, but not limited to, a PCMCIA socket, 22-pin sync socket, IDE plug, or the like. 
         [0027]    According to one implementation, the communication device  103  may be used to load information regarding a guest check onto the RFID device  100 . In another exemplary embodiment, the communications device  103  may be used to transmit information regarding payment, such as verifying the account represented by an RFID payment device used to pay a guest check. The RFID payment device and be any known device, such as, for example, a credit card with RFID capability, a keychain or other compact RFID payment device, a cell phone having an RFID payment capability, a personal digital assistant (PDA) having RFID payment capability, etc. 
         [0028]    For example, after a customer pays a guest check using the RFID payment device of their choice, the processor  105  may transmit the guest account information via a wireless communication device  103  to a base station or account server, where the account information is verified, and the account properly debited, after which the account server may transmit an acknowledgement back the communication device  103  residing within the RFID Device  100 . Alternatively, the guest account information may be stored within system memory  106  until the RFID device  100  is returned to a dock or base station, where, upon the RFID device  100  being plugged into the dock, the communication device  103  then transmits the guest account information to a server where the appropriate guest account is debited. In another useful implementation, the communication device  103  may take the form of a physical socket which including one or more physical electrical connections used to charge batteries powering the RFID Device  100 . 
         [0029]    The processor  105  may also be connected in a bidirectional manner to some form of system memory  106 . The system memory  106  may be any known or unforeseen class of digital memory such as EEPROM, EPROM, RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, removable digital storage such as a memory card or any combination thereof. The processor  105  may store and retrieve from the system memory  106  data such as, but not limited to, information regarding the guest check. Additionally, the system memory  106  may be used to store an operating system or computer code for execution by the processor  105  controlling the operation of the RFID device  100  and for controlling any specific applications that may be appropriate for the device and the establishment within which it is used (e.g., customer reward programs, customer reward redemption, etc.). 
         [0030]    In some exemplary embodiments, the system memory  106  may be removably disposed within a socket to facilitate upgrades of memory. In another exemplary embodiment, the system memory  106  may be integrated into the processor  105 , e.g. as with a microcontroller such as exhibited by the 80Cx51 microcontroller architecture. 
         [0031]    One or more keypad inputs  104  may also be connected to the processor  105  to collect user input to be communicated to the processor  105 . The keypad inputs  104  may include a numeric keypad for manually entering numeric data, buttons allowing a user to respond to prompts given on the graphic display  107 , other buttons used to interact with the RFID device  100 , or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the keypad inputs  104  may be comprised of buttons representing individual digits for entering data, e.g. manually entering a numerical value representing a gratuity when a bill or guest check is presented to a guest in a hospitality setting such as a restaurant, hotel, or tavern. In another useful embodiment, the keypad inputs  104  may include one or more buttons to automatically add a fixed percentage of the presented bill as a gratuity before payment is tendered via an RFID payment token or device. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the keypad inputs  104  may also be comprised of one or more buttons for interacting with the RFID device  100 . For example, a guest presented with a bill or check in a hospitality environment may be given the opportunity to press a Keypad Input  104  button indicating a standard gratuity percentage prior to payment via an RFID payment token. Additionally, a guest presented with a bill may be prompted to approve the amount to be charged by pressing a keypad Input  104  button indicating acceptance of the charge before using an RFID payment token to provide payment information. 
         [0032]    Those of skill in the art will recognize that keypad  104  can be in the form of buttons (as shown), or could be integrated into the graphic display  107  as a touch sensitive display screen. 
         [0033]    The processor  105  may also be connected to a Graphic Display  107 , via which the processor  105  may display information regarding the current transaction to a guest or customer. The graphic display  107  may be any known or unforeseen device allowing the electronic display of text or pictorial information such as an LCD, active or passive matrix TFT screen, LED or OLED screen, etc. In an exemplary implementation, after the RFID device  100  is loaded with information regarding the guest check and presented to the guest, the graphic display  107  may show the total of the guest check, and prompt the user to enter a gratuity using the keypad input  104 , or prompt the guest to make payment bringing the RFID payment device within range of the RFID antenna  101  disposed within the RFID device  100 . 
         [0034]    The RFID device  108  may also include one or more indicator lights  108  connected to the processor  105 , and which may be used to signal the status of the RFID device  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, the RFID device may include three indicator lights which may be of different color, wherein one indicator light  108  may be used to indicate that RFID device is ready for payment, one indicator light may indicated that the RFID device has received payment or that the RFID payment device was properly read and recognized by the RFID antenna  101  and RFID processor  102 , and one indicator light  108  used to indicate that the payment approved and that the transaction is complete. In another exemplary embodiment, one of the Indicator Lights  108  may be used to indicate the charge status of batteries powering the RFID device  100 . 
         [0035]    The illustration of  FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of a guest check presentation device with RFID payment capabilities (hereinafter, the RFID Device). 
         [0036]    The RFID device  200  includes an enclosure, or housing  201 , with a display screen  203  for displaying data to a user. The housing  201  may be made of any suitably rigid material (e.g. plastic, metal, etc.). In one exemplary implementation, the housing  201  may be used to house electronic components, such as those shown if  FIG. 1 , which may be needed to handle display, reading the RFID payment tokens, and communication. In another implementation, the housing  201  of the RFID device may include a recessed area  206  for disposition of a paper receipt for presentation to a guest. 
         [0037]    The display screen  203  may be of any type suitable for displaying text, graphics, or a combination thereof, to a guest, as exemplified in  FIG. 1 . The display screen  203  may be used to show the total amount for a guest check, or provide instructions for use of the RFID device to the user. In another useful embodiment, the display screen  203  may be used to display responses to prompts on the display screen, which responses may be selected using keypad inputs of the keypad  204 . 
         [0038]    Response buttons  202  may be disposed adjacent to the display screen. In one preferred implementation, one or more response buttons  202  may each be labeled with a percentage for adding a tip or gratuity to the total check amount. In another useful implementation, the display screen  203  may show responses to a question or prompt shown on the display screen  203 , with the response buttons  202  allowing a user to select a response button corresponding to one of the provided responses. For example, a guest may be presented with an RFID device  200  where the information regarding the guest&#39;s bill has been loaded. In this example, the device  200  may display possible responses on the display screen  203  directly above each response button  202 , with a different possible response being associated with each response button  202 . The RFID device  200  may display the total of the check, and the prompt the user to input a gratuity using the response buttons  202 , if desired. In such a situation, prompts allowing a user to automatically add their choice of a predetermined or recommended gratuity amount may be provided, or alternatively, various options such as 10%, 15% or 20% gratuity may be displayed over the response buttons  202 . After a gratuity, if any, is entered, the RFID may recalculate the guest check, including the gratuity, and prompt the guest to press a response button  202  to accept the totality of the charges. 
         [0039]    Keypad input buttons  205  may also be disposed on the face of the RFID device  200 . The keypad input buttons  205  may be used to manually enter numbers when more customized entry is required than provided by the response buttons  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, the keypad input buttons  205  may be used to enter a gratuity or tip amount that does not correspond to the standard and automatically calculated amounts allowed entry by the response buttons  202 . For example, a guest that feels he received excellent service may wish to give an extraordinary gratuity of 30%, and would be able to key that amount in via the keypad input buttons  205 . In another embodiment, the keypad input buttons  205  may be used to enter a total charge amount including gratuity for a guest that prefers to charge a rounded amount when gratuity is added to the check. For example, a guest presented with an RFID device with a bill of $42.37 may wish to add gratuity such that the total charge is $50.00 instead of automatically adding a percentage that result in a charge that does not total an easily accountable amount. As mentioned above, keypad input buttons  205  could alternatively be integrated into the display  203  as a touch sensitive display. 
         [0040]    Indicator lights  204  may be disposed on the housing  201  of the RFID device  200 . One or more of the indicator lights  204  may be used to display the status of the RFID  200  device to the guest, the server handling the transaction, or others. In an exemplary implementation, one indicator light  204  may be used to show that the RFID device is functioning properly, and is ready to receive payment. In this embodiment, a server may load information regarding the guest check into the RFID device, after which the indicator light  204  may illuminated indicating the RFID device is ready to be presented to the guest. In another exemplary embodiment, one indicator light  204  may be used to show that payment has been made by the guest, and that the RFID device may be retrieved by the server. In yet another embodiment, one indicator light may be used to show that the RFID device  200  was unable to read the guest&#39;s RFID payment device, or that the guest payment was not accepted due to the guest account being invalid or having insufficient funds. 
         [0041]    Additionally, in one useful embodiment, the indicator lights  204  may be disposed on the face of the RFID device  200  as exemplified in  FIG. 2 , or the indicator lights  204  may located elsewhere, such as the upper end face of the RFID device  200 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the upper face  300  of the RFID device as shown in  FIG. 2  is displayed in isometric detail. In this Figure, the RFID device includes an opening  301  allowing access to a communications socket or device  103  disposed within the opening  301 . In the embodiment exemplified in  FIG. 3 , socket and opening  301  may be disposed within the upper end surface or face of the RFID device  200 . In other useful implementations, the socket and opening  301  may be disposed within the lower end or face, or any other portion of the RFID device  200  housing  201 . The disposition of the socket and opening  301  may allow multiple RFID devices  200  to be plugged into a single base station parallel to one another, allowing for a compact storage arrangement. 
         [0043]    The illustration of  FIG. 4  depicts an isometric view of an alternative exemplary embodiment  400  of the RFID Device  200  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, a cover  401  is hingedly attached to the housing  201  of the RFID device via a spine  402 . The cover  401  may be opened and closed in order to insert a guest check, or to access the interactive features of the RFID device. 
         [0044]    The illustration of  FIG. 5  depicts an isometric view of another alternative implementation  500  of guest check presentation device with RFID payment capabilities. 
         [0045]    In this implementation, response buttons  202 , a display screen  203 , indicator lights  204 , and keypad input buttons  205  may be disposed within a housing or case  501 . According to one particularly useful implementation, the display screen  203  may be of a size suitable for displaying multiple lines of a guest check. Additionally, navigation buttons  503  may be disposed within the case  501 . In some embodiments, the navigation buttons may be used to scroll the text shown on the display screen  501 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating the process of presenting and electronically handling payment of a guest check using RFID payment device in a hospitality environment. 
         [0047]    In this process  600 , after hospitality service  601  such as a meal is completed, the guest check is totaled or finalized  602 . The totaled guest check is then printed, if necessary, and loaded  603  into the RFID Device system memory  106 . The RFID Device  100  with the guest check loaded into system memory  106  is then presented to the customer  604 . The customer then has the opportunity to review the check  605 , ensuring that the check conforms to their expectations. The customer may then be prompted by the RFID device  100  to enter a tip or gratuity  606  if the customer desires. After the customer enters a tip or gratuity  606 , the customer then swipes an RFID payment device  607  by bringing the RFID payment device into such proximity to the RFID antenna  101  that the RFID antenna  101  and RFID processor  102  disposed within the RFID device  100  may read the RFID payment device. The RFID device  100  then determines whether the RFID payment device was read properly  608 . 
         [0048]    Where the RFID payment device was properly read, the RFID device  100  indicates RFID payment device acceptance  610 , and stores payment information  611  in the RFID device  100  system memory  106 . The payment information may next be verified  612 , after which the customer account is debited  613 . 
         [0049]    Where the RFID device determines that the payment device was not properly read, the RFID device then indicates the RFID Device failed to read the payment device  609 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of a process for presenting and electronically handling payment of a guest check using RFID payment device in a hospitality environment. 
         [0051]    In this exemplary embodiment  700 , after hospitality service  701  is completed, the guest check is totaled or finalized  702 . The guest check is then printed, if necessary, and loaded  703  into the RFID device  100  system memory  106 . The RFID device loaded with the guest check is then presented to the customer  704 . The customer then reviews the check  705 , and enters a tip, if desired  706 . The customer then swipes an RFID payment device  707  to make payment. The RFID payment device information is then wirelessly transmitted to a base station  708  via a communication device  103 , where a payment is verified  709 . The base station then determines whether payment was accepted  710 . 
         [0052]    The customer RFID device that is used for swiping may be any type of RFID payment device. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, RFID enabled credit cards; RFID enabled wireless telephones; RFID enabled personal digital assistants (PDAs), RFID Keychain type devices; RFID USB keys, and any other known, or not yet known device that contains and RFID type device or Radio tag that contains and/or stores customer payment information that can be interrogated and obtained during an RFID payment transaction. 
         [0053]    When the payment via RFID payment device is accepted, acceptance of the payment is transmitted  713  wirelessly to the RFID device  100 . The RFID device  100  then indicates payment acceptance  714 , and the customer account is debited  715  accordingly. 
         [0054]    Where the base station determines that the payment was not accepted, declination of the payment is transmitted  711  to the RFID device  100 , which then indicated that the payment was declined  712 . 
         [0055]    Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the examples given herein are for exemplary purposes and may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0056]    Although illustrative embodiments of the present principles have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present principles are not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other alterations, modifications and improvements may be affected therein by one skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present principles. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. This present principles should be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Technology Category: 3