Self-service audio communication system with multi-lane support

Abstract

A restaurant communications system includes multiple field communication units, a handheld communication device, and processing circuitry. The field communication units include a speaker and a microphone. The handheld communication device is carried by the restaurant's order taker. The processing circuitry receives user input to switch the handheld communication device between multiple different channels. These multiple channels correspond to one of the multiple field communication units. The processing circuitry switches the handheld communication device to one of the multiple different channels based on the user input.The processing circuit facilitates end-to-end bidirectional audio communication between the order taker and a customer by operating the handheld communications device and one of the multiple field communications units to exchange audio data through one of the multiple different channels.