GB2507593A - Method of defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, comprises using a mobile communication device, e.g. mobile phone, and a specification processing apparatus. The mobile communications device comprises means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol, such as a wireless communication protocol; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol. The processing apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification; and means for transmitting, to the mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information. The specification of at least one product may be a product customization and the further information may be price information, discount information, loyalty information or marketing information.

Description

Near field communication customisation

Field of invention

This invention relates to short range communication methods, more specifically the customisation of orders placed using near field communication.

Background

It is a desire and indeed an expectation of consumers to be served quickly and accurately, particularly in environments such as coffee shops. Here, a customer may have a highly customised order, which could get easily confused in telling the cashier, and the cashier telling the barista. Further confusion can occur when the drink has been prepared and the customer has to collect it. Similar problems are common in a wide variety of other retail environments.

Known techniques involve bits of paper/receipts, and in some cases vocal transfer of the order information between 2-3 staff, including high levels of detail. Some detail is missed and the consumer gets the wrong product or doesn't get it to their exact specification.

Some retailers have an improved system where the order detail is marked in checkboxes on an item such as the cup; however this is expensive to update when new offerings are defined, and prone to user error.

An improved system is therefore needed.

Summary

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the system comprising a mobile communication device and specification processing apparatus, wherein: the mobile communications device comprises: means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol; and the processing apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and means for transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile communications device comprising: means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

The first communication protocol may be a communication protocol of a wireless network.

The first communication protocol may be a communication protocol of a wireless network comprising at least one of a: WiFi, Bluetooth, General packet radio service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) based wireless network.

The means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service may comprise an application on the mobile communications device.

The mobile communications device may comprise means for storing the specification of at least one selected product or service prior to NFC transmission. The specification of at least one selected product or service may comprise order customisation information. The specification of at least one selected product or service may comprise a user identifier.

The means for defining the specification may comprise a user interface.

The mobile communications device may comprise means for receiving further information relating to the specification of at least one selected product or service. The means for receiving further information may be operable to receive the further information using said

near field communication protocol.

The further information may comprise information relating to at least one of: price information, discount information, loyalty information, marketing information.

The mobile communications device may further comprise means for identifying the product or service using a different communication protocol to the first communication protocol and wherein the information retrieving means may be operable to retrieve said information based on a product or service identified by said identifying means.

The communication protocol used by said identifying means may be a near field communication protocol.

The identifying means may be operable to identify said product by means of scanning an identifier provided on said product.

The mobile communications device may further comprise means for providing payment for the product or service using said NFC protocol.

The mobile communications device may comprise a mobile telephone.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from a mobile communication device using a near field communication (NFC) protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and means for transmitting, to a mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.

The apparatus may comprise means for outputting an indication of said identified specification of at least one selected product or service for use in providing said selected product or service as specified. The means for outputting an indication may be operable to output said indication audibly, visually, and/or as a printed specification. The means for outputting an indication may be operable to provide said indication as an instruction for a further device.

The means for retrieving further information may be operable to retrieve said further information from memory.

The received information identifying said specification may comprise an identifier associated with said specification, and the means for identifying may be operable to retrieve said specification from memory based on said identifier.

The means for identifying may be operable to retrieve said specification from a database stored in said memory.

The memory may be local to said apparatus. The memory may be external to said apparatus and optionally may be accessible via a network connection.

The received information identifying said specification may comprise information encoding said specification, and wherein the means for identifying may be operable to decode said specification from said received information identifying said specification.

The retrieved further information may comprise information relating to at least one of: price information, discount information, loyalty information, marketing information.

The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving payment for said product or service using said NFC protocol.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the system may comprise a mobile communication device and specification processing apparatus, wherein: the mobile communications device may comprise: means for communicating with at least one other such mobile communication device using a first communication protocol; means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a communication protocol comprising a near field communication protocol (NEC); and the processing apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; means for transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile communications device comprising: means for communicating with at least one other such mobile communication devices using a first communication protocol; means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

The means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service may be operable to retrieve said information using said first communication protocol.

The means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service may be operable to retrieve said information using a further communication protocol which may be different to said first communication protocol.

The means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service may be operable to retrieve said information using said NFC communication protocol.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, performed in a system comprising a mobile communication device and specification processing apparatus, the method comprising: the mobile communications device: retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NEC) protocol; and the processing apparatus: receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method performed by a communications device, the method comprising: retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the method comprising: receiving, from a mobile communication device using a near field communication (NFC) protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and transmitting, to a mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, performed in a system comprising a mobile communication device that is operable to communicate with at least one other such mobile communication device using a first communication protocol, and specification processing apparatus, the method comprising: the mobile communications device: retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a communication protocol comprising a near field communication protocol (NFC); and the processing apparatus: receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.

According to one aspect of the invention there is be provided a method performed by a mobile communications device, the method comprising: communicating with at least one other such mobile communication devices using a first communication protocol; retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

Further features of the invention are characterised by the other independent and dependent claims Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

In this specification the word or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an example flow diagram of the system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device adapted for use in the system as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a receiver adapted for use in the system as shown in Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a process diagram of the system with various additional optional features.

Detailed description

Consumers often have a wide choice of customising a product before purchase, most notably in (but not limited to) coffee and sandwich shops. The spectrum of choice often results in mistakes in the order, and often takes a long time. The system herein aims to solve at least some of these problems.

In the system described below, a user has a smartphone or other mobile device which has means for customising an order. This is preferably an application (app) on the mobile device. At any time prior to entering, or whilst browsing within, a shop the user selects their desired product using the application and customises it to their specific requirements.

The user then taps' a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader, at a Point of Sale (P05) within the shop, which receives the details of the order and takes payment. This reader then passes the details of the order to a retail device which processes the order in accordance with the user's requirements. Prior art NFC payment devices just take payment; they are dumb' insofar as they can not receive other information. Further detail about each of the steps in the process and the various apparatus involved is provided below with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of a simplified example method performed by a consumer in using the system described herein to order an item. A more detailed flow diagram is shown in Figure 4 and described below.

The process starts at step Si where the user customises their order. This is preferably performed on a user device 100 with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The order customisation, in one example, involves the user choosing and/or customising a desired product. This occurs prior to the user placing an order, and could be at a separate geographic location to the point of sale. The user then places the order at step S2. This is performed by tapping' a receiver 102, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) receiver, which receives the order. This information is sent to the retail device 104 in step S3. The retail device 104 processes the order in step S4. This step may comprise, for example, alerting a member of staff to the order (e.g. by printing the order onto a ticket), or ordering a machine such as a chip-fryer to activate.

Optionally, the retail device 104 may send additional information to the user device 100 in step S4A, and the user device receives this additional information in step S4B. This additional information could be, for example, confirmation of the order, prompts to amend the order (e.g. it is only 20p extra for an upgrade'), or special offers. This may occur via the NFC receiver 102, or over other means such as Wi-Fi or other wireless transmission.

At this point, the user has to opportunity to amend their order using their user device 100, shown by feedback to step Si. The user taps the NEC reader 102 again to submit the amended order. Such an opportunity to amend can be provided multiple times.

Once the order has been submitted, the user submits payment in step S5. This is performed by tapping' a receiver 102, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) receiver, which takes the payment in a manner as is known in the art. This involves transferring the payment information to the retail device in step 56, which then takes the payment in step S7.

The order is completed in step SB and the customer is alerted. This could be automatically via wireless transmission of information to the user device 100, or manually by a member of staff alerting the customer. In one example, the customised information includes the name (or nickname) of the user so that they can be easily alerted. The customer then collects their order in step S9 and the process ends in step Sb.

The system described herein gives control of the level of detail to the consumer -they decide when they are happy with the level of detail stored in their app -in this way picky' users can spend a lot of their own time getting things exactly right, without holding up the queue.

The ordering process is very smooth for the consumer, and the digital transfer to the order system (and even to the dispensers themselves) reduces ordering and payment errors.

In one example, a user pre-stores their preferences on their mobile device 100 and digitally uploads them to the retailer via receiver 102 using the same communications technology as the payment (i.e. NFC). The system is advantageous for process flow for the retailer (the coffee starts being made as soon as the customer walks in, the barista can say Joe, here's your coffee' rather than passing receipts and saying who ordered the tall hot extra shot Americano'). This system is particularly advantageous for the consumer in a hurry, the regular, or the geek (time is saved at the outlet because the user can set up prior to entering the retail environment, the user can find out which barista is making their drink, and she can feel smug when she beats the queue by using her app/phone). The consumer can effectively start their purchase (start constructing exactly what they want) ahead of time.

In a preferred example, the user uses an app' on their phone for interaction during the ordering process, but can also prepare and store preferences/orders/payment settings on their phone (using an app or any other customisation interface such as a web browser session) before arriving at the purchase terminal, in preparation for the next time they are at the store.

The added interaction with the consumer is an opportunity for the retailer to push marketing info, coupons, any other loyalty card type functionality. Such customised marketing info is sent straight to the phone via the same (NFC) medium. There is further opportunity for the retailer to customise after the first tap' when they pick up the ID. This might be fast (NFC at point of sale is already prepped' with information such as default offers or fast lookups), resulting in two taps overall. Alternatively a process can be used in which the user ID is looked up at the back end' in store or in the cloud. This results in the user performing three taps overall (one to place order, one to receive the extra information and a third to submit payment). This method may be slower but more detailed and relevant additional information may be delivered to the user. Such examples are show in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

The system described herein is best suited, but not limited to coffee and sandwich shops (as a customer generally spends the most time explaining their order in these environments). This system could also be applied to any retailer who would like to move some of the functionality of their till' or loyalty scheme into a reader terminal that can interact with a consumer's mobile phone. In this invention the reader terminal (point of sale) does not need to be geographically located at the point of dispense' of the product or service.

This system is not limited to NFC communications -any payment technology where 1) the phone UI can be used to extend the existing UI options at a payment terminal, or 2) the phone can be used to associate with the user, or 3) the phone can be used to prepare ahead of time is valid. For instance a purchase over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, General packet radio service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), using a mobile operator Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, using a secure element Secure Digital (SD) card, or using another secure element (contact or contactless) such as a bank card could potentially use this invention. An example of another secure element is an embedded secure element', such as a chip on the circuit board of the mobile device 100. Any of the above communication technologies are able to integrate into any number -10-of wireless standards (e.g. Near Field Communication (NFC), WiFi, Bluetooth, General packet radio service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) etc.). A secure element on the mobile device 100 coupled with wireless transmission capabilities (specifically NFC) provides the advantages described herein. An NFC Secure Element' can be, for example, any of: embedded NFC SE on circuit board, NFC SIM, or NFC Micro or Nano SD card.

The consumer preferably either has a branded application (app) on their phone (e.g. Starbucks ® app, Subway® app) which is acting as a loyalty card, as in current state of the art, or has a gateway' app which forwards data on to a branded shop app'. Such an app could serve as the interface for customising the order and also a means for the shop to push marketing and/or sales information to the user over the cellular network or Wi-Fi.

In one example, the consumer app knows about the consumer's preferences and their most regular order'.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device 100 adapted for use in the system as described above.

The mobile device 100 comprises a mobile (cellular) telephone such as smartphone' or a tablet computer or the like. The mobile device 100 includes a network communication section 45, a Wi-Fi communication section 50 and a NFC section 55. Each of the sections 45, 50, 55 comprise respective transceiver circuits 23, 51, 57 and respective antennae 25, 52, 56. It will be appreciated that whilst the different sections 45, 50, 55 have been shown separately for clarity they may use common components including, for example, a single antenna.

The mobile device 100 also includes a mobile device controller 30 which controls the operation of the mobile device 100 and which is connected to the Wi-Fi communication section 50, network communication section 45, NFC section 55, a plurality of output devices 27, and a plurality of user input devices 32.

The output devices 27 include an audio output device 29 having a loudspeaker, a display output device 33 comprising a screen and other output devices 28 (such as a vibrating device or a printer). The input devices 32 include an audio input device 31 (a microphone), a physical keypad, camera, touch screen etc. The controller 30 operates in accordance with software instructions stored within memory 37. As shown, these software instructions include, amongst other things, an operating system 39 which governs the operation of the components of the mobile device 100 and provides a user interface. The software instructions also comprise a NFC management module 40. The memory 39 optionally further comprises user/order preferences 41.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a receiver 102 adapted for use in the system as described above. The receiver 102 comprises a controller 60 connected to an NFC diction 80 and a network connection section 70. The NFC section comprises an antenna 81 and a transceiver circuit 82 and is adapted to communicate with the NFC section of the mobile device 100. The network connection 70 is included to pass information relating to the order to a retail device 104 (such as a till, a user interface, or receipt printer) and also facilitate payment. This comprises a processor 72 and associated memory 74 and also an encoder/decoder 76 adapted to encode/decode information passed to/received from the retail device 104 or other network device.

A receiver 102, such as a NFC reader station in the outlet is accessible to customers (preferably near the entrance of the retail environment).

The receiver 102 (NFC reader) is connected to a payment system in a manner which is known to a person skilled in the art.

When consumer first touches to NFC reader, the system takes either their preferences directly from the phone, or an ID relating to the loyalty card/ID on their phone and looks up their preferences on a server based system. Taking the order directly from the mobile device 100 means that the user can be assured of their order and that they do not need a wireless connection to customise their order. This is advantageous as the user can pre-select their order, or change their mind at any point without the need for a wireless connection. Taking only the ID and associating it with an order is quicker and less liable to transmission errors but may not be suitable for places where last-minute orders are placed or where there is limited wireless connection. The ID may be sent alongside the order and looked up in either scenario to perform additional functionality such as interacting with loyalty services or providing targeted marketing information. -12-

If the user has opted for one tap order and pay' the NEC reader also takes payment at the same time as telling the local system what order the customer has made. Optionally the customer has chosen to have more control, and so their app asks them if they would like to order their regular, or make up a new order, either on the app on the phone, or on a display at the reader (preferably on the phone for cost reasons). When the customer has chosen what they want to order, they tap again, the NFC payment is registered, and the outlet is alerted to the new order. The retailer uses modifications to their ordering systems to register the order from the NFC reader (such as the till being adapted to register orders without input from an operative).

Figure 4 shows a detailed process diagram of an example ordering process. A number of alternative steps are shown which may be provided as separate options to the user.

Alternatively, the retailer may provide just a single or limited number of these steps.

Figure 4 shows the messages between and processes performed by the various parts of the system. These are split into optional' and core' sections. It will be appreciated that certain aspects which are optional may be considered core for certain examples and vice versa. A simple process is shown by just the core' steps. This involves the user tapping 420 the NEC controller 408. The NEC secure element 404 in the mobile device 100 triggers the opening of the mobile phone app 402. The mobile device 100 then sends a message to indicate its presence (an I'm here' message), which could, for example, comprise the user ID and/or other information, to the NEC element 404 for transmission to the NFC controller and point of sale device 408.

The order is then confirmed by the user in step 432 and another tap 433 is performed to negotiate the NFC connection 430 to pass the final order 432 to the NFC controller and PoS device 408. The confirmation of the final order 432 may occur before or during the final tap 433. During final tap 433, payment 436 is taken.

The various optional' steps will now be described in detail. Prior to placing an order (or transmitting the ID to the NFC controller 408) the user can customise their order and retrieve pricing information 416 using app 402 and a wireless connection. Similarly, this can be performed by scanning in-store passive NFC tags 406. Furthermore, when sending the I'm here' message 422, the NFC element 404 can request pricing information. This may be particularly advantageous where pricing changes regularly or when there is limited wireless connection at the point of sale. -13-

The app 402 may also send (via NFC element 404) information about the default' order during this first tap 420 to the NFC controller 408 in the absence of any other order.

Following this information, the NFC controller 408 can send information such as the user ID to the retail back-end system (which can comprise in-store servers 410 or external servers 412). These look up information related to the order or customer ID such as loyalty offers and targeted marketing information 426 and pass these back to the NFC controller 408 which transmits this extra information to the user via the NFC secure element 404. This could be performed during the initial tap 420, or during a second tap 431 (shown by offers 428). If the processing time to retrieve the extra information is significant, a second tap 431 is preferable.

The user may then customise their order (e.g. select a relevant offer or upgrade their order) and tap again 433 to place their order 432. This is then passed to the NFC controller 408 which then takes payment. This may involve passing information to the retail back-end system 410, 412. The mobile payment transaction 436 then occurs with the NFC element 404 passing payment information to the NFC controller 408.

During the final tap 433, the NFC secure element 404 sends a confirmation 438 to the app 402 confirming that the order has been completed and payment successfully made.

Alternatives and Modifications A skilled person will appreciate the above description is by way of example only and many of the features described may be modified, removed or replaced without deviating from the overall inventive concept as set out in the claims. Further, additional features may also be added.

In one example, the consumer is pushed' information about the order by the outlet (e.g. your barista today will be X', either before or after the order is actually placed), helping with the bond between barista/server and consumer. This is particularly advantageous for regulars/picky consumers.

Similarly, the consumer may be pushed' marketing information by the outlet (it's only X more to get a meal deal, tap again to add it to your order) or a voucher/coupon to get a free product or service, or information about vouchers/coupons designed to influence -14-their behaviour (for example Come to this store again tomorrow for a voucher/reduced price meal').

In one example the consumer is able to announce to their friends' via social media the type of order they have made.

In one example the barista/server is notified of the consumer's full name, first name, or pseudonym so they can call them when their order is ready.

In one example the improved visibility of incoming orders is used to automate more of the dispensing process, for instance the milk machine or chip fryer has a digital connection into the ordering system to decide when to run (Machine-to-Machine, M2M) and uses the improved information available with this invention to optimise the process.

It will be appreciated that the system described herein also provides advantages where there is less customisation' time, for example when choosing a number of predefined items e.g. ordering a starter, main course, drink and dessert, or for selecting and purchasing goods from a typical retailer such as a department store or supermarket.

The invention may have applications anywhere there is an NFC transaction, for example ticketing. This system can be used to sign-in' to events with some level of customisation from the user (e.g. I would like to sit in area X for the show, which way do I go, I'd like to buy a programme, I'd like to pay for these interval drinks now).

Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims (12)

1. Claims 1. A system for defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the system comprising a mobile communication device and specification processing apparatus, wherein: the mobile communications device comprises: means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol; and the processing apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and means for transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.
2. 2. A mobile communications device comprising: means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.
3. 3. The mobile communications device of claim 2 wherein the first communication protocol is a communication protocol of a wireless network. -16-
4. 4. The mobile communications device of claim 3 wherein the first communication protocol is a communication protocol of a wireless network comprising at least one of a: WiFi, Bluetooth, General packet radio service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (OSM), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) based
5. 5. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service comprises an application on the mobile communications device.
6. 6. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 5 comprising means for storing the specification of at least one selected product or service prior to NFC transmission.
7. 7. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the specification of at least one selected product or service comprises order customisation information.
8. 8. The mobile communications device of any of Glairns 2 to 7 wherein the speGification of at least one selected product or service comprises a user identifier.
9. 9. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the means for defining the specification comprises a user interface.
10. 10. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 9 further comprising means for receiving further information relating to said specification of at least one selected product or service.
11. 11. The mobile communications device of claim 10 wherein the means for receiving further information is operable to receive said further information using said near field communication protocol.
12. 12. The mobile communications device of claim 10cr 11 wherein the further information comprises information relating to at least one of: price information, discount information, loyalty information, marketing information. -17-13. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 12 further comprising means for identifying said product or service using a different communication protocol to said first communication protocol and wherein the information retrieving means is operable to retrieve said information based on a product or service identified by said identifying means.14. The mobile communications device of claim 13 wherein said communication protocol used by said identifying means is a near field communication protocol.15. The mobile communications device of claim 13 or 14 wherein said identifying means is operable to identify said product by means of scanning an identifier provided on said product.16. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 15 further comprising means for providing payment for said product or service using said N FC protocol.17. The mobile communications device of any of claims 2 to 16 comprising a mobile telephone.18. Apparatus for processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a mobile communication device using a near field communication (NEC) protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and means for transmitting, to a mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.19. The apparatus of claim 18 comprising means for outputting an indication of said identified specification of at least one selected product or service for use in providing said selected product or service as specified.20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the means for outputting an indication is operable to output said indication audibly, visually, and/or as a printed specification.21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the means for outputting an indication is operable to provide said indication as an instruction for a further device.22. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 21 wherein the means for retrieving further information is operable to retrieve said further information from memory.23. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 22 wherein the received information identifying said specification comprises an identifier associated with said specification, and wherein the means for identifying is operable to retrieve said specification from memory based on said identifier.24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the means for identifying is operable to retrieve said specification from a database stored in said memory.25. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 24 wherein said memory is local to said apparatus.26. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 24 wherein said memory is external to said apparatus and optionally is accessible via a network connection.27. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 22 wherein the received information identifying said specification comprises information encoding said specification, and wherein the means for identifying is operable to decode said specification from said receivedinformation identifying said specification.28. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 26 wherein the retrieved further information comprises information relating to at least one of: price information, discount information, loyalty information, marketing information.29. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 20 further comprising means for receiving payment for said product or service using said NFC protocol.30. A system for defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the system comprising a mobile communication device and specification processing apparatus, wherein: the mobile communications device comprises: means for communicating with at least one other such mobile communication device using a first communication protocol; means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and -19-means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a communication protocol comprising a near field communication protocol (NFC); and the processing apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; means for retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; means for transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.31. A mobile communications device comprising: means for communicating with at least one other such mobile communication devices using a first communication protocol; means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; means for defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and means for transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.32. The mobile communications device of claim 31 wherein the means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service is operable to retrieve said information using said first communication protocol.33. The mobile communications device of claim 31 or 32 wherein the means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service is operable to retrieve said information using a further communication protocol different to said first communication protocol.34. The mobile communications device of any of claims 31 to 33 wherein the means for retrieving information relating to at least one product or service is operable to retrieve said information using said NFC communication protocol.-20 - 35. A method of defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, performed in a system comprising a mobile communication device and specification processing apparatus, the method comprising: the mobile communications device: retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol; and the processing apparatus: receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.36. A method performed by a communications device, the method comprising: retrieving information relating to at least one product or service using a first communication protocol; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.37. A method of processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, the method comprising: receiving, from a mobile communication device using a near field communication (NEC) protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; -21 -identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and transmitting, to a mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.38. A method of defining and processing a specification of at least one selected product or service, performed in a system comprising a mobile communication device that is operable to communicate with at least one other such mobile communication device using a first communication protocol, and specification processing apparatus, the method comprising: the mobile communications device: retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a communication protocol comprising a near field communication protocol (NFC); and the processing apparatus: receiving, from the mobile communication device using a near field communication protocol, information identifying said specification of at least one selected product or service; identifying, based on said received information said specification of at least one selected product or service; retrieving further information relating to said identified specification of at least one selected product or service; and transmitting, to a mobile communication device using the near field communication protocol, said retrieved further information.39. A method performed by a mobile communications device, the method comprising: communicating with at least one other such mobile communication devices using a first communication protocol; retrieving information relating to at least one product or service; defining a specification of at least one selected product or service based on said retrieved information; and transmitting information for identifying said specification using a second communications protocol, different to said first communication protocol, said -22 -second communication protocol comprising a near field communication (NFC) protocol.-23 -