Hybrid Database Food Ordering for Fast Vendor Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing online food ordering systems require multiple iterations and manual exploration across different vendor websites to gather order details, leading to inefficiency and complexity, especially when selecting vendors based on factors like price, delivery time, and availability.
Innovation Solution
A unified Gateway menu system where items are preloaded with unique identifiers, allowing users to select desired items and address information, which is then matched with vendors capable of fulfilling the order, providing a list of vendors with detailed information for direct selection and checkout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users browse through multiple vendor websites sequentially to gather order details, then users can compare vendor options, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vendor websites into a single unified platform where users can browse and compare vendors from different restaurants in one interface. The system consolidates vendor listings, menu items, and order details into a centralized database that can be queried simultaneously, eliminating the need to visit each vendor's website separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third-party ordering system that acts as an intermediary between users and multiple vendor websites. This intermediary system provides a unified interface that aggregates vendor information and enables users to place orders across multiple vendors without directly navigating to each vendor's site, thereby reducing time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually explore each vendor's menu to locate desired items, then users can find specific items, but the search process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal search function that works across all vendors simultaneously. Users can search for items using a single query interface that searches through the combined menus of multiple vendors, eliminating the need to manually explore each vendor's menu separately. The system provides consistent search functionality regardless of which vendor is currently displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-organizes vendor menus into a standardized database structure with uniform item categorization and indexing. This preliminary organization allows the search function to operate efficiently across all vendors without requiring users to adapt to different menu formats. The system pre-processes menu data to enable rapid retrieval and comparison of items across multiple vendors.
3Reliability
If users iterate through multiple vendors to check availability and details, then users can make informed decisions, but the overhead of exploration exceeds the benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms that display vendor availability, delivery time estimates, and item availability status directly in the unified interface. Users receive immediate feedback about whether vendors can fulfill their orders and how long delivery will take, allowing them to make informed decisions without having to manually check each vendor's current status. The system continuously updates availability information as vendors add or remove items from their menus.
Data Source
AI summary
A food order is placed by a purchaser at a client prior to selecting the vendor. A server receives the order along with the purchaser information. The server matches the items with available vendors that offer the selected food order. The server sends a document to the client, including a list of vendors matching the order, along with other details that are specific to each vendor. The client receives the document. In response to selection of the vendor, the client sends the server a request to proceed. Upon receiving a finalized order, the server sends a checkout page to the client to finish the order. The client sends information needed to finish the order. The server receives the requested information and generates the order.