Artificial Intelligence for Vehicular Drive-Through Based Exchanges

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application introduces an artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to enhance drive-through transactions. The system utilizes digital image capturing devices to identify individuals in vehicles as they enter a drive-through. By analyzing these images with computer vision operations, the system retrieves user profiles corresponding to the vehicle occupants. Based on this information, a customized menu is generated, which is further refined using contextual data from audio or images captured during the transaction.

Background and Purpose

Drive-through services are widely used in various commercial settings such as fast-food restaurants, banks, and pharmacies. These services aim to provide convenience by allowing customers to obtain goods or services without leaving their vehicles. However, the speed and efficiency of these transactions significantly affect customer satisfaction and business profitability. The proposed AI system seeks to optimize these interactions by offering personalized service, thereby enhancing customer experience and increasing transaction speed.

System Functionality

The AI-based drive-through system operates by first capturing digital images of incoming vehicles. It executes computer vision tasks to identify occupants and retrieve their user profiles from a registry. This enables the system to tailor a menu of products or services based on past preferences and current contextual data like time of day or special requests. The system then pre-selects items from this menu and displays them via a drive-through menu device, streamlining the order process.

Technological Advancements

By integrating AI models ranging from simple rule-based engines to complex deep learning networks, the system can handle diverse input data efficiently. This approach allows for faster decision-making compared to human operators, thereby reducing wait times and improving service throughput. The AI's ability to predict customer preferences based on historical data further personalizes the experience, potentially directing vehicles to specific lanes for expedited service.

Implementation and Benefits

The AI drive-through system can be implemented through software that runs on computing devices equipped with processors and memory. It enhances transaction efficiency by predicting customer needs using stored profiles and contextual information. This not only speeds up service but also creates a more engaging interaction through dynamic menu presentations and synthetic voice communications. Moreover, it supports planning stages by gathering transaction data during initial interactions, continually refining its service offerings.