| 摘要 |
A service request system (10) for use in e.g. a restaurant to request a service from waiting staff comprises several service request devices (22) and at least one service request reception device (24). A service request device (22) comprises service request means e.g. buttons, acknowledgement indication means e.g. lights, and transceiver means. The transceiver means is operable as part of a wireless communication network preferably operating in a license-free area of a communications spectrum. The network has a plurality of request nodes (12) and at least one reception node (14), each request node (12) comprising an associated service request device (22), and the or each reception node (14) comprising an associated service request reception device (24). The reception device (24) includes service request reception means, request acknowledgement means, and transceiver means operable as part of the network. The reception device (24) may be a personal digital assistant (PDA). The wireless transmission protocol may be configured to use a minimum number of bits. Each request device may be configured so as to relay requests from other devices in the network. A request for service is placed using a service request device (22), is transmitted via the wireless network to a service request reception device (24), is acknowledged either automatically or by a user of the reception device (24), and the acknowledgement is transmitted back to the requesting device (22), which indicates acknowledgement of the request accordingly. An ID of the request device (22) and of the service requested may form part of the request signal. Data regarding requested services may be sent for processing by local (16) or remote (18) processing means via a network (26).
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