Forbes.com is reporting on an interesting patent application filed by Apple. The patent is for a process that would allow customers to avoid long queues at places like Starbucks by placing drink orders ahead of time using their iPhone. You would be notified on your iPhone when your mocha or latte was ready so that you wouldn't have to spend any time waiting in line.
Apple's application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes a process for placing an order and then notifying customers when an order is ready to grab at a pick-up station. One goal, the patent application notes, is to avoid an "annoying wait in a long queue if the purchaser arrives before completion of the order."
U.S. Patent Application #20070291710 describes a device that also would keep tabs on where a user shops and what he or she likes to buy. Computers at participating stores would keep track of regular customers and their favorite orders.
Customers might tap a button to order their favorite drink, say a double-shot mocha, as they stroll up to the nearest coffee shop. When the drink is ready go to, the device--such as an iPhone--would chime or blink to let the thirsty one know it's time to scoop up the order at the counter.
This sounds like a consumer friendly service - no one likes waiting in line. So far it is only a patent but it sounds like something that may happen in the future.
