Smart Ordering Device Presence Detection via Wireless Link Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive-thru ordering systems require customers to stop and use intercom systems, which can be inefficient and inconvenient, while online ordering systems do not ensure orders are placed in the sequence of customer arrival.
Innovation Solution
A smart ordering device system using multiple transmitting devices to determine when a customer is at an order point, allowing them to place orders via a smartphone without needing to speak through a microphone, by establishing a wireless link and processing signals to confirm presence and initiate order requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional intercom systems are used for drive-thru ordering, then two-way voice communication between customers and order takers is enabled, but customers must stop and speak through a microphone which is inefficient and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical intercom system with a smartphone-based application that uses wireless communication (WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular data) to transmit orders. The system substitutes physical microphone-speaker interaction with digital communication through a mobile device, allowing customers to order without stopping their vehicle and without using the intercom hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to place their own orders independently using their smartphones. The automated ordering process allows customers to browse menus, select items, and submit orders without direct interaction with order takers, eliminating the need for verbal communication through intercoms and reducing waiting time.
2Ease of operation
If online ordering systems are used, then customers can place orders remotely, but orders are received in a sequence that is not necessarily the same as the sequence of customer arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the smartphone application communicates with the point-of-sale system to provide real-time information about customer arrival at the ordering location. The system receives signals from transmitting devices that indicate when a customer's vehicle has arrived, and this feedback is used to adjust the order processing sequence to match the actual arrival sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Customers can preliminarily place their orders or select their desired items before arriving at the ordering location. The system stores these preliminary orders and automatically processes them in the sequence of arrival when customers reach the ordering point, ensuring both convenience and correct sequencing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmitting devices are positioned at the order point to detect customer presence, then accurate determination of customer arrival is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses smartphone devices that customers already possess, which serve multiple functions: they act as the ordering interface, the arrival detection sensor, and the communication device. By making the customer's smartphone universal to the system, the patent avoids installing specialized detection equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (the smartphone application) that mediates between the customer's vehicle arrival and the point-of-sale system. Instead of directly detecting vehicle presence with complex sensors, the system uses the smartphone's wireless communication capabilities to signal arrival, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for facilitating ordering at an order point using a smart ordering device are disclosed. A primary transmitting device and a secondary transmitting device may be positioned opposite of one another at the order point. A short distance linkage may be established between the primary and secondary transmitting device. A disruption of the linkage may be detected when an object carrying a smart ordering device passes through the order point. Information indicating the disruption may be included in a signal transmitted by the primary transmitting device to the smart ordering device. Based on such information and the signal strength of the signal from the primary transmitting device, the smart ordering device may determine it is at the order point. In response to such determination, the smart ordering device may generate and communicate an order request to a remote server for placing an order.