System and method for lane merge sequencing in drive-thru restaurant applications
US10387945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30248
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to exemplary methods, automated image processing of images from order locations of a multi-lane drive-thru system is continually performed using an automated ordering system. It is automatically determined if a vehicle is present at any of the order locations based on the automated image processing. It is automatically determined if an order has been initiated into the automated ordering system. When the order has been initiated while the vehicle is present at any of the order locations, an automated sequencing processing is automatically begun. The automated sequencing processing determines an order pick-up sequence for picking up orders at pickup windows of the multi-lane drive-thru system. When the order has been initiated while the vehicle is not present at any of the order locations, a potential out-of-sequence warning is automatically associated with the order and output from the automated ordering system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.