Interactive Drive-Through Menu System with Gesture Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive-through ordering systems rely on static menu boards that require frequent manual changes, are costly to maintain, and occupy a large land footprint, making them inefficient and expensive for displaying dynamic menu items and promotions.
Innovation Solution
An interactive drive-through ordering system featuring a digital video display unit with a 3D gesture-enabled input pad, allowing customers to navigate and select menu screens using hand gestures, which can be easily updated remotely, reducing the need for multiple static signs and minimizing land usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static menu boards are used to display menu items, then menu information can be presented to customers, but frequent manual changes are required when menu items are added or removed, increasing maintenance costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static menu boards with a dynamic digital display system that can be updated remotely and frequently without manual intervention. The electronic menu board allows real-time changes to menu items, prices, and promotions through wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical signage replacement and reducing maintenance time while increasing adaptability to menu changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical menu boards with an electronic display system. Instead of manually changing physical signs, the system uses digital screens controlled by a processor that receives menu data wirelessly, automatically updates the display, and manages menu content without human intervention, thereby reducing maintenance time and improving flexibility.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple static signs are used to display a large number of menu items, then all menu options can be presented, but the land footprint at the drive-through lane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional physical space occupied by multiple static signs to a digital display dimension where numerous menu items can be presented on a single electronic screen. The processor-controlled display can show multiple menu categories, images, and descriptions in an organized digital layout, accommodating large menu inventories without requiring additional physical space at the drive-through lane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent consolidates multiple static signs into a single integrated electronic menu board. The display system combines various menu categories, promotions, and item details into one unified digital interface, reducing the number of separate physical signs needed while maintaining comprehensive menu item presentation capability.
3Loss of information
If multiple static signs are deployed to display comprehensive menu information, then all menu details can be shown, but the system becomes expensive to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic menu board system that can display various types of menu information including item names, descriptions, prices, promotions, and images through a single device. The processor-controlled display adapts to show different menu categories and information formats, eliminating the need for multiple specialized signs while maintaining complete menu information presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying and reproduction of menu information on an electronic display rather than physical signs. Menu data is stored digitally and can be copied, updated, and displayed without requiring physical reproduction or manual reconfiguration, reducing system complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An ordering system includes a video display unit operable for displaying contents of a plurality of selectable menu screens and an input pad operable for capturing at least one gesture of a user in at least one direction over the input pad. The gestures are used to select from a plurality of selectable menu screens for display by the video display unit.