Transaction device

Abstract

A transaction device preferably includes communication device (preferably a wireless two-way communication device) for receiving information relevant to one or more items / services available for purchase and a display displaying the information. The transaction device may include an input device allowing a user to generate an order. The order is then preferably transmitted from the transaction device for processing. The transaction device preferably includes point of sale capabilities such that the user can complete the transaction remotely and enter the necessary financial information on the transaction device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which is incorporated fully herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to an illuminated transaction tray, and more particularly, to a transaction tray that includes the ability to facilitate a point of sale transaction. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Tip trays are quite common in restaurants and bars. The waiter or waitress usually delivers the check to the customer directly at the table for the customer's review. The customer then leaves cash or a credit card in the tip tray. The server then collects the tip tray, brings it to the cashier to complete the transaction or to process the credit card, and then returns the tip tray to the customer. The customer reviews the transaction sheet, leaves a tip, or signs the credit card transaction slip. The customer has had access to the tray at least t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a transaction device that allows consumers to order items or services from a remote database using a communication device and display. The device receives data from the database and displays it on the screen for the consumer to view. The device also has an input device that allows the consumer to interact with it, such as selecting items or services to order. The device can also transmit the consumer's order to the remote database for processing. The invention provides a convenient and efficient way for consumers to order items or services from restaurants or other businesses."

Problems solved by technology

A further problem with the traditional method is that the customer must wait for the waitress / waiter to pick up the tray and process the transaction with the cashier (for example, generate the correct amount of change or generate the credit card receipt).

This is problematic when the customer is in a particular rush or when the waiter / waitress is particularly busy, and is a generally inefficient process.

A further problem exists with the traditional method of ordering products / services from a catalogue or menu.

One such problem with traditional ordering process is that the waitress / waiter to come back to take their order.

This is particularly problematic if the establishment is very busy, the waitress / waiter is very busy, or if the waiter / waitress is inattentive.

Moreover, this is also problematic for waitress / waiter's because they must guess at when the customers are ready to order.

If they are too early, then they often annoy the customers.

If they are too late, then the customers often because annoyed because they must wait.

Yet another problem is that the waiter / waitress must either write down the order or memorize it.

When a waiter / waitress writes down the order, it is often difficult for the cooks to determine what is written.

This process is fraught with problems.

A further problem with the current ordering method stems from the use of paper menus / catalogues.

Not only does this waste considerable amount of paper, it is also quite expensive and time consuming.

This problem has forced many establishments to not utilize menus / catalogues, particularly when the items to be ordered change on a daily basis, and have instead relied on the waitress / waiter to memorize the menu / catalogue and recite it to the customers.

Unfortunately, many people are less likely to order a particular item if they cannot read the description of it prior to ordering it.

Additionally, many customer find it bothersome to have listen to the waitress / waiter recite the entire menu, and find it difficult to remember / consider everything in order to make their choice.

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