RF tag based system and method for drive-through applications
US6366220B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G1/017
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method are provided that allow a customer to order drive-through menu items using an RF tag (104). A customer vehicle (102) is equipped with a radio-frequency (RF) tag (104). Prior to placing an order, the customer opens an account and creates a default menu using a food vendor's web site. To order items from the default menu, the customer approaches a drive-through order station (312) at a fast food vendor location (318). As vehicle 102 passes order station (312) a first transponder (110A) queries RF tag (104) and processes a return signal (114). Identification information is extracted from return signal (114) such that the customer's order, consisting of the default menu items, is prepared. The customer's vehicle 102 then approaches pick-up station (316) and a second transponder (110B) queries RF tag (104) and subsequently bills the customer's account for the ordered items.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.