1. Operating Environment To be used indoors Stored indoors End Product and Deliverables Handheld Device Computer Monitor Wireless Printer Central Computer Model The purpose of the project is to develop a Wireless Handheld Ordering System (WHOS) to be used in a restaurant. The system will accept/send order information to the kitchen while the server is standing at the customer’s table. After notifying the server that the customer has finished their meal, the server will be able to display their bill and print a final receipt for the customer. If paying by credit card, the server will be able to swipe the credit card using the WHOS. The system will be able to keep track of all orders taken each day. The WHOS will consist of a handheld device which will be able to communicate wirelessly to output screens in the kitchen and to a central computer used to record/document all orders. Receipts will be printed from a printer using Bluetooth communications and Microsoft Visual C++ programming will be utilized. Abstract Limitations Wireless and Bluetooth distance Power supply Memory and processing speed Size of the monitor for the kitchen The cost of the items for the project The lack of programming skills of the group Project Requirements Hardware Design Budget and Personal Effort Intended Use(s) and User(s) Uses - To take orders - Payment of orders - View orders to cook Assumptions Products already exist Product will not be state of the art The end product will not be small 12 handhelds to be used at once Bluetooth range is 10m There will be 5 simultaneous transmissions Handhelds recharged throughout the day Central Computer located centrally in the restaurant Model can be developed into a handheld Software - Handheld - Central Computer Database GUI Handheld - Costs - Mobility - Communications Central Computer - Costs - User interfaces - Minimal wireless communications ICOP Technology eBox-II Magtek Mini USB credit card reader NETGEAR 802.11B wireless USB adapter type MA 111 Inputs - Touch screen - Credit card reader User interface Modules - Update/start - Order - Payment Software Design Bluetooth converter IOGEAR Wireless Print Adapter Kit for USB Printers (GBP201KIT) Communications - Socket programming - Between other systems Dell Dimension GX-270 Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Broadband Router Schedule Introduction References "Low-Cost Platform Supports Windows CE Contest." WindowsForDevices.com. 6 Nov. 2006 "Tracks 1, 2, & 3 Credit Card Reader." BarcodesInc. Barcodes Inc. 7 Sept. 2006 "IOGEAR: Expand Your Connectivity." IOGEAR. 6 Nov. 2006 "MA111 - 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter." NETGEAR. 6 Nov. 2006 "Basic Desktops." Dell. Dell Inc. 20 Sept. 2006 "Linksys WRT54G Wireless G-Router." Amazon.Com. Amazon. 20 Sept. 2006 Summary Although this device will not be a marketable product, the concept of the product will be proven. Restaurant server will have a wireless handheld device that will allow the server to place orders, receive payments and print receipts all with one device. Specifically, the device will incorporate an LCD touch screen, a magnetic card swipe, and a Bluetooth printer which will allow restaurants to increase the efficiency of the restaurants order/billing and inventory system and reduce the amount of paper used. Restaurants may find the idea of this device to be an attractive option, therefore such a system has a potential for success in commercial applications. Problem Statement A significant amount of paper and time is wasted during a meal at a restaurant. Handheld - Develop a model of a handheld device - Wireless communications - Bill tabulation and payment methods - Software that allows input of customer’s order - Database that tracks orders - Ease of use Design Constraints Design Objectives Central Computer - Applications must run as smoothly as possible on the computer - Easy to use and understand right from start-up - Needs to run without error at all times - Graphical interfaces must be very simple and professional-looking Handheld - Sending/receiving customers orders to/from the kitchen - Sending order information to “accounting database” - Receive menu customizations - Display all menu information defined by software - Receive credit card information via magnetic card swipe - Send card information to central computer for verification - Send receipt information to printer Functional Requirements Central Computer - Inventory and order history - Graphical user interface - User-created menus - Kitchen-based display - Communication with the handheld Technologies Considered: Platform - Tablet PC, Hardware Development, eBox-II (selected) Programming Language - Java (selected), Visual C++ (selected) Wireless Communications - Bluetooth (selected), WiFi Technical Approach, Considerations and Results Testing Considerations: Ability to create and edit menus Ability to view/edit inventory and order history Effectiveness of graphical user interfaces Wireless communications with the eBox-II Overall practicality of using system in a restaurant environment Team: May07-14, Client: Senior Design, Advisors: Dr. Govindarasu & Dr. Geiger Team Members: Chris Ford - EE, Sean McVeigh - EE, Obioma Ohia - EE, Nichole Taylor - EE, Anthony VanSant - EE Project Definition:09/10 Technology Considerations:10/22 End-Product Design:11/12 Testing Hardware:03/16 Functionality Charts (cont.) Measurable Milestones Testing Communication:03/21 Testing Software:03/28 Writing Code:04/04 Bound Final Report:05/01 Functionality Charts Solution Approach To develop a system that will greatly reduce the amount of paper and time used during a meal at a restaurant. Users - Servers - Cooks - Managers - Customers Approach: To make a presentation to a prospective end-user to receive feedback on the technical, financial, and practical aspects of the system. Estimated Personnel Hours (305) Other Resources ($191.20)