Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a drive-thru driver assistance system, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on August 4th, 2021, published on February 9th, 2023, and assigned serial number 0041498.
The Ford Authority Take
Aside from exploring geofencing – virtual geographic boundaries – Ford also recently filed a patent for dynamic control of hybrid vehicle modes, both of which aim to use connected vehicle tech to improve efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Now, this new Ford patent somewhat continues that trend by introducing an idea for a drive-thru driver assistance system that would autonomously navigate a vehicle for a short period of time, and for one specific task.
The drive-thru lane is an undoubtedly convenient option that many drivers use to withdraw or deposit money at the bank, or just pick up a quick meal from their favorite fast food establishment. However, sitting in a long line at a drive-thru can be a bit of a time waster, particularly since we have to pay attention every time a vehicle finishes up and the line inches forward.
That’s precisely where this new Ford patent comes into play – it aims to take care of that tedious task for us, so that we can do other things while we wait for our breakfast. The system would be able to determine when a vehicle is moving through a drive-thru by using GPS or geofencing, and activate it automatically, at which point the driver can do more important things – like read emails and peruse social media, perhaps.
It’s an interesting idea for certain, and one that frequent drive-thru customers may appreciate. But on a larger scale, this is yet another potential use for geofencing, a technology that’s been in the works for some years now.
We’ll have more on this and all Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford patent news, Ford business news, and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
All right, now this patent nonsense is TOTALLY out of control.
This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of. Have we become so lazy that we can’t even navigate ourselves through a simple drive-through lane? This is a solution in search of a non-existent problem. It’s a classic Rube Goldberg machine. Pure idiocy.
Just start building the 2023 super dutys already
…like read emails and peruse social media…
Because if I miss out on one cat post, my day just won’t be complete.
This company now officially frightens me. It’s hard to believe that, if things don’t change, we will see it as a shadow of what it used to be, and what its potential was.