Adaptable Electronic Menu Filtering for Dietary Preferences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional restaurant ordering systems are inefficient and prone to errors, particularly in accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, leading to unsatisfactory experiences for patrons and increased costs for both customers and establishments.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows patrons to create a personalized adaptable menu using a mobile device, which interacts with a server to filter menu items based on user preferences, including dietary requirements, nutritional goals, and financial constraints, and integrates real-time GPS for accurate delivery timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-size-fits-all menu approach is used, then the menu system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot accommodate individual dietary restrictions and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting user dietary preferences, restrictions, and nutritional goals before menu presentation. The server pre-processes this information and automatically filters menu items to match user requirements, eliminating the need for manual customization during ordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the user's dietary requirements and the menu system. It receives user preference data, processes it against the full menu database, and generates a customized subset of appropriate menu items, mediating between the general menu and individual needs.
2Reliability
If hard copy menus are used for multiple patrons, then the system is simple and low-cost, but it creates health and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of the menu delivered to individual user devices via URLs. Each patron receives their own electronic menu copy on a personal device, eliminating the need for shared physical menus while maintaining menu accessibility and reducing health risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical menu distribution with an electronic/digital system. Menus are delivered through URLs accessed on mobile devices, substituting physical handling and sharing with digital transmission and display.
3Loss of time
If conventional ordering processes are used, then the ordering system is simple to implement, but conversations regarding dietary restrictions are time-consuming and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by collecting and processing dietary restriction information before the ordering conversation begins. Users input their preferences in advance, and the system pre-filters menu items, so that during ordering, no time is spent discussing dietary requirements - the filtered menu already shows only appropriate items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by automatically comparing user dietary requirements against menu item compositions and providing real-time filtering. The menu dynamically updates based on user inputs, providing immediate feedback about which items are suitable without requiring verbal communication about restrictions.
4Reliability
If electronic menus are used without personalization, then the system is simple to implement, but patrons cannot be confident their dietary instructions will be followed
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a trusted intermediary that objectively processes user dietary instructions against menu data. It automatically filters and flags items based on verified nutritional information and user requirements, providing a reliable mechanism that removes human error and ensures instructions are followed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual verification of dietary instructions with automated computational processing. The server uses algorithms to compare user requirements against menu item compositions, eliminating reliance on human staff to interpret and follow dietary instructions accurately.
5Loss of time
If delivery ordering is used without real-time tracking, then the system is simple to implement, but wait times are unsatisfactory and interrupt patron schedules
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously tracking GPS location data of delivery personnel and providing updates to patrons. This feedback loop allows patrons to monitor delivery progress and receive accurate arrival time predictions, reducing uncertainty and schedule disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating estimated delivery times based on real-time GPS data and route optimization before the patron needs to know the arrival time. This allows the system to proactively provide accurate timing information rather than reacting to patron inquiries.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of ordering from an adaptable menu are provided. The system includes a server to store an adaptable menu of an establishment, an interactive menu request element, a mobile device with a user interface, wherein the mobile device is configured to interact with the interactive menu request element to request and receive a URL for the adaptable menu from the server, a policy file created by a user which includes at least one menu preference of the user, wherein the mobile device is configured to send the policy file to the server to create an adjusted adaptable menu from the adaptable menu based on the at least one menu preference of the policy file, the mobile device configured to receive the adjusted adaptable menu from the server and receive input from the user to place an order, and an establishment device configured to receive the order.