Positionable Drive-Through Interface for Driver Window Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drive-through ordering systems lack automation, making it difficult for users to interact with the interface efficiently and safely, especially when vehicles are in motion, which can lead to user input errors and potential injuries or device damage.

Innovation Solution

A positionable user interface mounted on a telescoping, hinged, or contractable arm that moves along three axes (X, Y, Z) to align with a vehicle's window frame, using cameras for position determination and motorized control units to extend the interface within reach of the driver for touch or voice operations, while preventing operation during vehicle movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed user interface is used in drive-through ordering, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot efficiently interact with the interface when vehicles are in motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction efficiencyVSAvoidinterface positioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is mounted on a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its position along the vehicle's path. The system transitions from a static fixed interface to a dynamic movable interface that tracks and positions itself relative to the moving vehicle, enabling efficient user interaction while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A camera system and control unit act as intermediaries between the user interface and the vehicle. The camera captures vehicle position data, the control unit processes this information, and automatically positions the interface, eliminating the need for manual positioning while improving interaction efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the user interface is positioned close to the vehicle for better accessibility, then user interaction is improved, but the risk of injury and device damage increases when vehicles move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface accessibilityVSAvoidinjury and device damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors vehicle motion through camera tracking and provides feedback to the control unit. When vehicle movement is detected, the system automatically adjusts the interface position or disables interaction, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that prevents injury and damage while maintaining accessibility when safe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The interface positioning system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time vehicle motion detection. The system transitions between accessible and protected states, moving the interface closer when the vehicle is stationary and retracting or disabling when motion is detected, thereby balancing accessibility with safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual positioning of the user interface is used, then the system is simple to control, but user input errors increase and interaction efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveordering process efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning by automatically tracking the vehicle's location using camera data and adjusting its own position accordingly. The interface autonomously navigates to the correct position without human intervention, eliminating manual positioning errors and improving ordering efficiency while the complexity is managed through automated control algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the user interface operates during vehicle movement, then continuous service is maintained, but safety risks and input errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidinput accuracy and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system operates in periodic cycles, enabling interaction only when the vehicle is stationary and pausing or retracting when movement is detected. This periodic enablement/disabling pattern maintains service continuity over time while ensuring safety and input accuracy during each interaction window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10489050B2User interface with automatic movement to driver window

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 BARAKAT SALLEH M

AI summary

A drive through window has a user interface allowing one to place an order using a touch screen, voice commands, or combination thereof. The user interface can have a display screen and can accept payment via a magnetic strip reader, wireless transmission of data, or other payment mechanisms used. When a vehicle approaches a drive through, the vehicle is instructed to stop (based on signage, a gate, or other indicator) and cameras (are used to) determine the location of a driver of the vehicle and/or window associated with the driver. Once the location is determined, the user interface is put into position by moving a support structure for the interface along a horizontal axis, vertical axis, and finally along a depth axis until the interface is within reach of the driver and in some embodiments, passes through a window and into a cabin of the vehicle.