Method and system for automated support of a restaurant experience for a vehicle

Abstract

A method includes detecting, by a vehicle system, at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger cabin of the vehicle and establishing a communication link, by the vehicle system, with a restaurant identified as the restaurant to be visited by the at least one passenger. The method further includes transmitting, by the vehicle system over the communication link, a message to the restaurant to: schedule a reservation at the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger will be dining at the restaurant; or place a pickup order with the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking up food from the restaurant.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates to systems and / or methods for vehicle assistance for a restaurant experience.BACKGROUNDThe statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute the prior art.Advances in vehicle technology include not only enhancement of a user's driving experience, but also the provision of an overall sustained and comfortable user experience. In particular, a vehicle infotainment system may be configured to include additional features that assist passengers (e.g., the driver and / or other persons in the vehicle) in tasks such as responding to incoming communication and / or identifying nearby points of view and / or operations (restaurant).SUMMARYThe statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute the prior art.In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a method comprising detecting, by a vehicle system, at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger cabin of the vehicle and establishing, by the vehicle system, a communication link with a restaurant identified as the restaurant to be visited by the at least one passenger. The method further includes transmitting, by the vehicle system over the communication link, a message to the restaurant to: schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is eating in the restaurant, or to place a pickup order at the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking eating at the restaurant.In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle system including one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to: detect at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger compartment of the vehicle; establish a communication link with a restaurant identified as being visited by the at least one passenger; and transmit a message to the restaurant. The message transmitted to the restaurant is to schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger will eat in the restaurant to which the vehicle is traveling, or to place a pickup order at the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking food at the restaurant.In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle system that includes a telematics control unit that includes a transceiver and is configured to communicate with a restaurant. The vehicle system further includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to: detect at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger cabin of the vehicle; establish, via the TCU, a communication link with a restaurant identified as to be visited by the at least one passenger; detecting whether the at least one passenger in the restaurant will eat or pick up food from the restaurant based on at least one of a restaurant type of the restaurant, history data of the at least one passenger, or an input from the at least one passenger indicating that the at least one passenger wants to eat in the house; and transmitting a message to the restaurant. The message transmitted to the restaurant is to schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger will eat in the restaurant to which the vehicle is traveling, or in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is getting eating from the restaurant, give a pickup order to the restaurant for the at least one passenger when a preparation time of the pickup order received from the restaurant is greater than or equal to an estimated travel time of the vehicle. The arrival time is based on the estimated travel time of the vehicle, an estimated parking time, and an estimated walking time to the restaurant.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a thorough understanding of the disclosure, various forms thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle having a restaurant assistance module in communication with a restaurant in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an example block diagram of a vehicle system of the vehicle of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure; and FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example restaurant assistance routine in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAs required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be greatly exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.Routine experiences, such as entering a restaurant, may require different tasks, such as making reservations when eating in the house or placing a pickup order. Often people go into the same restaurant and even have the same order. Sometimes a person may have to wait in a queue before releasing their order, and if ordered in advance, he has to time the order so that the eating is made fresh and not cold. Moreover, it may be difficult to time and manage such tasks, particularly when it is difficult to assess reservation arrival time and / or order preparation time.In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle having a restaurant assistance module to assist passengers in their restaurant experience. In particular, when the vehicle is in communication with the restaurant and devices are used in the vehicle, the restaurant assistance module is configured to detect whether the passenger will eat in or pick up something from the restaurant. If at home, the restaurant assistance module is configured to plan a reservation in the restaurant for the passenger based on an arrival time, and if picked up, the restaurant assistance module is configured to issue a pickup order for the passenger with a pickup order based on the travel time of the vehicle 100. The restaurant support module automates routine tasks for the passenger to provide an improved restaurant experience.Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a restaurant support module 102 configured to automate various tasks related to a restaurant experience. In particular, the vehicle 100 is configured to communicate with a restaurant 104A and 104B (collectively "restaurant 104"), and more particularly, a service system 106 of the restaurant 104.In one form, the service system 106 of the restaurant 104 is configured to manage in-house eating and pickup experiences, such as, but not limited to, managing reservations, placing orders for eating in the house, accepting and executing orders for pickup, and notifying customers of the status / completion of an order. Additionally, using infrastructure-to-everything communication (I2X), the service system 106 is configured to communicate with external devices such as, but not limited to, the vehicle 100 via a communication link. The service system 106 may include a server (local and / or cloud-based server), one or more computing devices configured to connect to a user (e.g., a restaurant staffer) to access data / functions supported by the server and / or communication devices (e.g., modems, transceivers, and / or one or more controllers configured to execute one or more communication protocols (e.g., transmission control protocol (TCP), cellular protocols, I2X protocol, among others)).Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle system 200 including a navigation system 202, a communication system 204, an occupant detection system 206, and an infotainment system 208. While specific systems are provided, the vehicle system 200 may include other systems, such as, but not limited to, a climate control system, a powertrain system, and / or an adaptive driving system. In one form, the navigation system 202, communication system 204, occupant detection system 206, and infotainment system 208 are in communication with each other via a vehicle network 209 (e.g., a controlled access network).In one form, the communication (comm.) system 204 is configured to communicate with various external devices / systems, such as, but not limited to, the service system 106 of the restaurant 104, a cellular network, other vehicles. The communication system 204 may also communicate with devices within the vehicle 100, such as, but not limited to, a portable computing device (PCD) (e.g., a smartphone and / or tablet), via wireless or wired communication links. Accordingly, the communication system 204 includes, among other components, a telematics control unit (TCU) 210 configured to establish communication according to the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocol, a BLUETOOTH transceiver for communicating with devices using the BLUETOOTH protocol, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, and / or an ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver.In one form, the navigation system 202 is configured to track a location of the vehicle 100, define a travel route based on a desired destination, provide a directions to the desired destination based on the defined travel route, and / or estimate the travel time of the vehicle 100 to the desired destination. Among other components, the navigation system 202 includes a GNSS receiver, a map library, and / or navigation algorithms to define the travel route. In some variations, the navigation system 202 is supported by the PCD provided in the vehicle 100 instead of or in addition to a separate dedicated navigation system 202 installed in the vehicle 100. In particular, the PCD is configured to include one or more routing software applications that the passenger may employ to arrive at a desired destination. When the PCD is in communication with the vehicle 100 via the communication system 204, various modules / systems may access information related to the guide software, such as, but not limited to, the infotainment system 208. Accordingly, the navigation system 202 of the vehicle system 200 may be supported and implemented by the PCD.The occupant detection system 206 is configured to detect a passenger(s) within the vehicle 100 using data from an occupant detection sensor, such as a camera 211, and known image processing techniques. For example, the occupant detection system 206 obtains images of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100 and determines whether a passenger is in the passenger compartment using known image processing techniques. In a non-limiting example, the image processing software application includes face detection algorithms to detect the passenger and obtain face characteristics of the passenger. The occupant detection system 206 may also track the number of detected passengers and the facial feature data associated with each passenger. In some variations, a passenger may be identified based on the presence of a PCD coupled to the vehicle 100 instead of or in addition to the image data.The infotainment system 208 is configured to provide information and access to various auxiliary features, such as, but not limited to, the navigation system 202 and the restaurant support module 102. In one form, the infotainment system 208 includes one or more user interface (UI) devices 212 and an infotainment control (IC) module 214 configured to exchange information with the passenger and control a selected assistance feature based on input from the passenger received via the UI devices 212. In one form, the UI devices 212 include audio devices (e.g., microphone 212A and / or speaker 212B), display device 212C (e.g., a head-up display and / or a liquid crystal display with touchscreen), and / or suitable input devices (e.g., buttons, buttons).The IC module 214 is configured to provide information to the passenger via the UI devices 212, such as, but not limited to, a menu of available auxiliary features that can be accessed and controlled using the UI devices 212. In a non-limiting example, the IC module 214 is configured to include a voice-activated controller that employs the audio devices to communicate with the passenger and / or display graphical interfaces on the display device 212C. Based on the received inputs, the IC module 214 may provide information regarding the input to a corresponding system of the vehicle 100. For example, and as described herein, the IC module 214 provides requests or information associated with the restaurant support module 102 to the passenger via the UI devices 212 and provides information to the restaurant support module 102 based on the inputs from the passenger.In one form, the restaurant support module 102 is configured to include a user preference module 220, a restaurant detection module 222, and an experience support module 224. The user preference module 220 is configured to generate and store data regarding one or more users of the restaurant assistance module 102. The data is stored as a user record in a user profile data store 226. In particular, using the IC module 214, the user preference module 220 is configured to request information from the user (e.g., to ask audio devices and / or display devices) using the UI devices 212. In a non-limiting example, the requested information may include a user identifier (e.g., name); image data employed by the restaurant support module 102 to identify the user when the user is a passenger in the vehicle 100; information regarding the PCD (e.g., PCD brand / model, unique alphanumeric identifier) associated with the passenger; and / or information regarding restaurant 104 (e.g., names and / or addresses of preferred restaurant 104 that the user previously identified, restaurant 104 that the user visited in the vehicle 100, and / or preferred kitchens). The user preference module 220 may also store information regarding restaurant 104 that the passenger visited based on desired destinations tracked by the navigation system 202. In some forms, the user profile datastore 226 that stores the user data set(s) may be provided in the vehicle 100, or even on a cloud-based server that the vehicle 100 can access.The user preference module 220 is further configured to identify the passenger in response to the occupant detection system 206 detecting the passenger. In a non-limiting example, the user preference module 220 receives facial feature data pertaining to the passenger from the occupant detection system 206 and compares the data to prestored facial feature data of one or more users provided in the user dataset(s) in the user profile datastore 226. If multiple passengers are detected, the user preference module 220 identifies each fagast. If the facial feature data matches one of the prestored facial feature data, the user preference module 220 identifies the passenger and retrieves the user record for the identified passenger. If the facial feature data does not match one of the prestored facial feature data, the passenger is not identified, and the user preference module 220 may present options to the passenger for setting up a user dataset using the IC module 214.In some applications, instead of having a dedicated user preference module 220, the restaurant assistance module 102 may employ an already-existing user / passenger identification system in the vehicle 100 that stores information regarding the user. The already existing user identification system may be modified to include information regarding restaurant 104. Such an already existing user / passenger identification system may also be provided in a cloud-based server that may be accessed by the vehicle 100.In one form, the restaurant detection module 222 is configured to detect whether the vehicle 100 is travelling to the restaurant 104, and if so, whether the experience in the restaurant 104 is a home meal or pickup meal. In particular, restaurant detection module 222 may present a request to the passenger using IC module 214 in which it asks whether he / she is going to restaurant 104. If so, the restaurant detection module 222 requests information regarding the restaurant 104, such as, but not limited to, the name and / or the address. In another example, the restaurant detection module 222 is configured to detect that the passenger is walking to the restaurant 104 based on the desired destination that the passenger provided to the navigation system 202.If the vehicle 100 travels to the restaurant 104, the restaurant detection module 222 determines whether the passenger intends to eat or pick up food in the house. In a non-limiting example, the restaurant detection module 222 determines whether the experience in the restaurant 104 is a home meal or food pick-up based on at least one of: a restaurant type of the restaurant 104 (e.g., a fast food restaurant may be derived as a pick-up operation); history data of the passenger, if available in the user dataset that indicates a pattern of the passenger (e.g., whether the passenger in the past basses in the determined restaurant 104 or picked up food there whether the passenger has a pattern to eat in the restaurant 104 only or pick up food only); and / or presenting a request whether the passenger intends to eat or pick up food in the house.In some variations, if the restaurant detection module 222 determines that the destination is not the restaurant 104, the restaurant detection module 222 may determine whether the destination is longer than a defined travel duration that indicates a long trip that may require one or more stops. For example, if the desired destination is more than 3 hours away, the restaurant detection module 222 is configured to recommend restaurant 104 that are on the route to the selected destination after the vehicle 100 has elapsed a predefined time (e.g., 1.5 hours) or a predefined distance without stopping. In one form, the recommended restaurant 104 is within a selected distance of the vehicle 100 or travel route and may be selected based on information regarding restaurant 104 provided in the user dataset, if available. In some variations, once the restaurant detection module 222 determines that the destination is longer than a defined travel duration, the restaurant detection module 222 may present a request by asking whether the passenger would be interested in restaurant recommendations along the route before providing the recommendations.The experience support module 224 is configured to support the passenger with the restaurant experience regardless of whether it is a house meal or a food pick-up. In particular, in one form, if the passenger schedules to eat in the house, the experience support module 224 is configured to schedule a reservation in the restaurant 104 for the passenger based on an arrival time of the passenger. In a non-limiting example, the experience support module 224 determines the number of people for the reservation based on the number of passengers in the vehicle 100 and / or a request to the passenger requesting or verifying the number of people for the reservation. In some forms, the communication system 204 communicates with the service system 106 of the restaurant 104 using V2X protocols, the experience support module 224 is configured to notify or exchange messages with the restaurant 104 via the communication system 204.In one form, the experience assistance module 224 estimates the arrival time of the passenger at the restaurant 104 based on an estimated travel time of the vehicle 100 and, if available, supplemental data such as, but not limited to, an estimated parking time (e.g., time required to park the vehicle 100) and / or an estimated walking time from the vehicle 100 to the restaurant 104. In some variations, the experience support module 224 receives information regarding whether the restaurant 104 has available parking spaces and / or a service from the restaurant 104 via the communication system 204. In some variations, the desired destination may be a parking structure / space and the experience assistance module 224 estimates the time of arrival based on the estimated travel time to the parking structure / space and the time the passenger needs to walk from the parking structure / space to the restaurant 104.If the restaurant 104 has a service of parking, the experience assistance module 224 is further configured to notify the restaurant 104 that the vehicle 100 is approaching the restaurant 104 to notify the service of parking that the vehicle 100 will arrive. Additionally, when the eating experience ends at home, the passenger may inform the vehicle 100 using the passenger-associated PCD that may communicate with the vehicle 100 using known vehicle service software applications. The experience support module 224 may then inform the restaurant 104 so that the service person may pick up the vehicle 100. In another variation, the experience support module 224 is configured to track a location of the passenger on the PCD using the vehicle service software application, and if the location indicates that the passenger is going off (e.g., going from the table to an entrance), the experience support module 224 provides the notification to the restaurant 104 to allow the service person to pick up the vehicle 100.In some variations, the vehicle 100 may have phone-as-a-key (PAAK) capability in which the vehicle service software application provided on a PCD is configured to provide access to the vehicle 100. With this feature, the experience support module 224 is further configured to provide temporary PAAK access to allow the service person to perform selected functions (e.g., unlock the doors of the vehicle 100, turn on the vehicle 100, and drive the vehicle 100) until the passenger returns to the vehicle 100, and is detected as the authorized owner via, for example, the vehicle service software application.The experience support module 224 is further configured to support the passenger when the passenger intends to place a pickup order at the restaurant 104. In particular, the experience support module 224 is configured to receive a pickup order from the passenger and obtains a preparation time for the pickup order through communication with the restaurant 104. The experience support module 224 then estimates a travel time of the vehicle 100 to the restaurant 104 using information from the navigation system 202 and issues the pickup order when the preparation time is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle 100. This may reduce the amount of time the food waits for the pickup order for the passenger.In one form, the experience support module 224 is configured to obtain the pickup order in various suitable ways. In a non-limiting example, the experience support module 224 performs: using the IC module 214, presenting an order request by displaying a menu from the restaurant 104 and requesting items to be ordered using the IC module 214; and / or displaying a recommended order based on previous orders associated with the passenger, and requesting the passenger to permit / modify the recommended order using the IC module 214. The recommended order may be generated based on history information provided in the user record and / or previous orders in software applications related to food on the PCD associated with the passenger.When at least two passengers are detected, the experience support module 224 is configured to staff the pickup order if one order takes longer than other orders. Specifically, the experience support module 224 obtains a preparation time for each pickup order, estimates a travel time of the vehicle 100 to the restaurant 104, and enters the pickup orders based on the preparation time for the order and the travel time to reduce or minimize the time the pickup order waits for the passenger.In some variations, the experience support module 224 is further configured to determine whether the restaurant 104 is able to satisfy the pickup order. In particular, prior to sending the pickup order, the experience support module 224 queries whether the restaurant 104 is able to condition the food provided in the pickup order. If so, the experience support module 224 provides the official pickup order when the preparation time is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle 100. In response to receiving a message from the restaurant 104 that at least one item of the pickup order cannot be fulfilled, the experience support module 224 is configured to notify the passenger that at least one item of the pickup order is unavailable. The passenger may then be able to change his / her order and / or provide another restaurant 104 at which he / she wishes to order.Referring to FIG. 3, an example restaurant assistance routine 300 is executed by the vehicle system 200 having the restaurant assistance module 102. At operation 302, the vehicle system 200 detects a passenger in the vehicle 100 and determines whether the passenger is associated with a user dataset of the restaurant assistance module 102. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle system 200 detects the presence of a passenger using passenger cabin image data and known image processing techniques. Once detected, the vehicle system 200 compares the passenger's facial feature data to the prestored facial features of a user(s) associated with the restaurant assistance module 102. If the passenger is identified (i.e., a user dataset is associated with the passenger), the vehicle system 200 obtains the user dataset from the data store 226 at operation 306.After obtaining the user dataset or the non-able to identify the passenger, the vehicle system 200 determines whether the destination is the restaurant 104 based on a desired destination input to the navigation system 202, as described above, and / or by providing a request to the passenger, at operation 308. If the target is not restaurant 104, routine 300 ends. If the destination is restaurant 104, vehicle system 200 determines whether the restaurant experience is in-house eating or pickup at operation 310, as described above.If the experience is a home meal, at operation 312, the vehicle system 200 estimates an arrival time of the passenger and schedules a reservation in the restaurant 104 based on the arrival time. That is, the vehicle system 200 communicates with the service system 106 of the restaurant 104 to plan the reservation close to a time when the passenger is to arrive at the restaurant 104. As described above, the arrival time may be determined using the travel time of the vehicle 100, an estimated parking time to park the vehicle 100, and an estimated walking time from the vehicle 100 to the restaurant 104.If the experience is a pickup, at operation 314 and as described above, the vehicle system 200 estimates a travel time of the vehicle 100 to the restaurant 104, obtains a pickup order, and issues the pickup order based on the travel time and the preparation time of pickup order. If multiple orders are posted, the vehicle system 200 is configured to staff pickup to reduce or minimize the time that eating is waiting for the passenger.Restaurant assistance routine 300 may be configured to perform other operations within the scope of the present disclosure, and should not be limited to the example described herein. For example, after determining that the destination is not the restaurant 104, the vehicle system 200 is configured to recommend restaurant 104 to the passenger upon detecting that the vehicle 100 has a predefined time or distance has elapsed. In another example, the vehicle system 200 is configured to notify a service of parking of the restaurant 104 to obtain the vehicle 100 when it is assumed that the passenger is finished with his / her eating.Among other improvements / features, the vehicle system 200 including the restaurant support module 102 enhances automated systems used by persons and the restaurant to plan reservations and even place food orders. In particular, the restaurant assistance module 102 is configured to use the occupant detection system 206 to detect and identify a passenger in the vehicle 100 and obtain a user profile dataset for the passenger if available. By automatically detecting passengers and using the information in the associated user profile record, the restaurant assistance module 102 may reduce the time required for the passenger and existing automated system to plan a reservation or place a pickup order. In some forms, the restaurant assistance module 102 is capable of presenting recommendations to the passenger based on the information in the user profile record, which may include history data of the visited restaurant and / or the food items ordered / preferred by the user / passenger.Additionally, the restaurant assistance module 102 is configured to use the navigation system 202 to monitor the travel time of the vehicle 100 to the restaurant. This may improve the accuracy of the actual time of arrival / travel time used to plan reservations and / or pick-up orders, and thus improve the accuracy of reservation planning systems to limit waiting time or loss of reservations and / or improve pick-up ordering systems in restaurant settings by planning food preparation with more realistic annunciation / pick-up orders.In some forms, the restaurant assistance module 102 is also configured to provide automated service parking by detecting when a passenger currently being a customer in the restaurant leaves the restaurant and transmitting a message to the restaurant to retrieve the vehicle 100 from a parking spot from the restaurant. This can increase the efficiency of the parking service and reduce the passenger's waiting time.While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the terms used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.Unless expressly stated otherwise herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical / thermal properties, percentages of compositions, dimensions and / or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word "about" or "about" when describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desirable for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacture and assembly tolerances, and testability.In this application, the term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinable logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-chip.The term memory is a subset of the term computer readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not include transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as via a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium include non-transitory memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read only memory circuit, or a mask read only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in computer programs. The above-described function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements serve as software specifications that can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of an skilled technician or programmer.According to the present invention, a method includes: detecting, by a vehicle system, at least one passenger in a vehicle; establishing, by the vehicle system, a communication link with a restaurant identified as being visited by the at least one passenger; and transmitting, by the vehicle system, via the communication link, a message to the restaurant to: schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is being eated in the restaurant, or to give a pickup order at the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking food from the restaurant.In one aspect of the invention, the method includes detecting, by the vehicle system, that the at least one passenger in the restaurant will eat based on at least one of a restaurant type of the restaurant, historical data of the at least one passenger, or input from the at least one passenger indicating that the at least one passenger will eat in the house.In one aspect of the invention, the method includes estimating, by the vehicle system, the arrival time based on the estimated travel time of the vehicle, an estimated parking time, and an estimated walking time to the restaurant.In an aspect of the invention, the pickup order issuing method further includes: obtaining, by the vehicle system, a preparation time for the pickup order via the communication link; and estimating, by the vehicle system, a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the pickup order issuing message is transmitted when the preparation time of the pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.In an aspect of the invention, when two passengers are detected, the method further includes: obtaining, by the vehicle system, a preparation time for the pickup order for each of the at least two passengers from the restaurant; and estimating, by the vehicle system, a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message for issuing each pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of the corresponding pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: identifying, by the vehicle system, at least one user among the at least one passenger based on one or more user datasets stored in data stores of the at least one passenger, wherein characteristics of at least one of a portable computing device associated with the passenger include facial features identified from image data, or a combination thereof; and recommending, by the vehicle system, a food item for pickup ordering based on a user dataset associated with the at least one identified user.In one aspect of the invention, the method includes providing, by the vehicle system, a recommendation from one or more restaurant provided within a selected distance from the vehicle upon detecting that the vehicle has a predefined time or distance elapsed without stopping.In one aspect of the invention, the method includes notifying, by the vehicle system, the at least one passenger that at least one item of the pickup order is unavailable in response to receiving a message from the restaurant that the at least one item cannot be met.In one aspect of the invention, the method includes notifying, by the vehicle system, the restaurant that it should request a service parking associated with the restaurant to pick up the vehicle in response to detecting that a customer in the restaurant is ready to leave, wherein the customer is the detected passenger.According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle system comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to: detect at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger compartment of the vehicle; establish a communication link with a restaurant identified as being visited by the at least one passenger; transmitting a message to the restaurant to: plan a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is going to eat in the restaurant to which the farm implement is traveling, or to place a pickup order at the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking food from the restaurant.According to one embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to detect that the at least one passenger is eating in the restaurant based on at least one of a restaurant type of the restaurant, historical data of the at least one passenger, or an input from the at least one passenger indicating that the at least one passenger is eating in the house.According to an embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to estimate the time of arrival based on the estimated travel time of the vehicle, an estimated parking time, and an estimated walking time to the restaurant.According to an embodiment for placing the pickup order, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: obtain a preparation time for the pickup order; and estimate a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message for placing the pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of the pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.According to an embodiment, when at least two passengers are detected, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: obtain a preparation time for the pickup order for each of the two passengers; and estimate at least one travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message for issuing each pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of the corresponding pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.According to one embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: identify at least one user among the at least one detected passenger based on one or more user datasets stored in a data store and facial features identified from the image data, and recommend a food item for pickup order based on a user dataset associated with the at least one identified user.According to an embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to provide a recommendation from one or more restaurant provided within a selected distance from the vehicle upon detecting that the vehicle has elapsed a predefined time or distance without stopping.According to one embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to notify the at least one passenger that at least one item of the pickup order is unavailable in response to receiving a message from the restaurant that the at least one item cannot be fulfilled.According to one embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to notify the restaurant to request a service park associated with the restaurant to pick up the vehicle in response to detecting that a customer in the restaurant is ready to leave, wherein the customer is the detected passenger.According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle system comprising: a telematics control unit including a transceiver and configured to communicate with a restaurant; one or more processors; a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to: detect at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger compartment of the vehicle; establish a communication link with a restaurant identified as being visited by the at least one passenger; detecting whether the at least one passenger in the house will eat or pick up food from the restaurant based on at least one of a restaurant type of a restaurant, history data of the at least one passenger, or an input from the at least one passenger indicating that the at least one passenger in the house will eat; and transmitting a message to the restaurant to: schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger in the restaurant will eat to which the vehicle is traveling, the arrival time based on an estimated travel time of the vehicle, an estimated parking time and an estimated walking time to the restaurant, or in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is collecting food from the restaurant, issuing a pickup order to the restaurant for the at least one passenger when a preparation time of the pickup order received by the restaurant is greater than or equal to the estimated travel time of the vehicle.According to an embodiment, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to provide a recommendation from one or more restaurant provided within a selected distance from the vehicle upon detecting that the vehicle has elapsed a predefined time or distance without stopping.

Claims

A method, comprising: detecting, by a vehicle system, at least one passenger in a vehicle; establishing, by the vehicle system, a communication link with a restaurant identified as being visited by the at least one passenger; and transmitting, by the vehicle system, a message, by the vehicle system, to the restaurant over the communication link to: schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is eating in the restaurant, or placing a pickup order at the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking food from the restaurant.The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting, by the vehicle system, that the at least one passenger in the restaurant will eat based on at least one of a restaurant type of the restaurant, historical data of the at least one passenger, or an input from the at least one passenger indicating that the at least one passenger will eat in the house.The method of claim 1, further comprising estimating, by the vehicle system, the time of arrival based on the estimated travel time of the vehicle, an estimated parking time, and an estimated walking time to the restaurant.The method of claim 1, wherein, to place the pickup order, the method further comprises: obtaining, by the vehicle system, a preparation time for the pickup order via the communication link; and estimating, by the vehicle system, a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message to place the pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of the pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.The method of claim 1, wherein when at least two passengers are detected, the method further comprises: obtaining, by the vehicle system, a preparation time for the pickup order for each of the at least two passengers from the restaurant; and estimating, by the vehicle system, a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message for issuing each pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of a corresponding pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying, by the vehicle system, at least one user among the at least one passenger based on one or more user datasets stored in data storage properties of the at least one passenger including at least one of a portable computing device associated with the passenger, facial features identified from image data, or a combination thereof; and recommending, by the vehicle system, a food item for pickup order based on a user dataset associated with the at least one identified user.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, by the vehicle system, a recommendation from one or more restaurant provided within a selected distance from the vehicle upon detecting that the vehicle has a predefined time or distance expired without stopping.The method of claim 1, further comprising notifying, by the vehicle system, the at least one passenger that at least one item of the pickup order is unavailable in response to receiving a message from the restaurant that the at least one item cannot be fulfilled.The method of claim 1, further comprising notifying, by the vehicle system, the restaurant that it should request a service park associated with the restaurant to pick up the vehicle in response to detecting that a customer in the restaurant is ready to leave, wherein the customer is the detected passenger.A vehicle system, comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to: detect at least one passenger in a vehicle using image data of a passenger cabin of the vehicle; establish a communication link with a restaurant identified as being visited by the at least one passenger; Transmitting a message to the restaurant to: schedule a reservation in the restaurant for the at least one passenger based on an arrival time at the restaurant in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is eating in the restaurant to which the vehicle is travelling, or placing a pickup order at the restaurant for the at least one passenger in response to detecting that the at least one passenger is picking food from the restaurant.The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to detect that the at least one passenger is eating in the restaurant based on at least one of a restaurant type of the restaurant, historical data of the at least one passenger, or an input from the at least one passenger indicating that the at least one passenger is eating in the house.The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to estimate the time of arrival based on the estimated travel time of the vehicle, an estimated parking time, and an estimated walking time to the restaurant.The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein, to place the pickup order, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: obtain a preparation time for the pickup order; and estimate a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message to place the pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of the pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein when at least two passengers are detected, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: obtain a preparation time for the pickup order for each of the at least two passengers; and estimate a travel time of the vehicle to the restaurant, wherein the message for issuing each pickup order is transmitted when the preparation time of a corresponding pickup order is greater than or equal to the travel time of the vehicle.The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to provide a recommendation from one or more restaurant provided within a selected distance from the vehicle upon detecting that the vehicle has a predefined time or distance elapsed without stopping.

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