Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a customer serving system for restaurants that is capable of automating the food dispensing operation, enhancing hygiene, enabling user interaction, and accurately responding to user commands, thereby improving service efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and providing a seamless dining experience for customers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the restaurant industry, efficient and hygienic customer serving is crucial for enhancing dining experience and operational productivity. Traditional serving methods often involve direct human interaction, which leads to delays, errors, and inconsistencies in service. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and preventing contamination of tableware and food remains a significant challenge, especially in high-traffic environments. Customers also seek personalized and timely service, which is difficult to achieve manually. Furthermore, the increasing demand for automation and contactless solutions, driven by health concerns and technological improvement, has highlighted the need for innovative systems that streamline food delivery, ensure accurate order fulfillment, and maintain hygiene standards, all while improving overall customer satisfaction and reducing the workload on restaurant staff.

[0003] Traditional customer serving systems in restaurants typically rely on manual service by waitstaff, conveyor belts, or simple automated food delivery trays. While conveyor belt sushi or food delivery systems offer some automation, they lack precise control over order accuracy and hygiene, often leading to contamination risks. Manual serving depends heavily on staff efficiency, which results in slow service, human errors, and inconsistent customer experiences during busy hours. Some automated trays do not integrate smart technologies like voice commands or real-time tracking, limiting customization and interaction. Moreover, these systems generally do not provide effective sterilization or user identification, making challenging to maintain cleanliness and personalized service, which are increasingly important in modern dining environments.

[0004] US6088681A discloses about a restaurant management system is provided. The restaurant management system includes an inventory system. Also included are a supplier and a user. Orders are sent from the user to the supplier. The orders have associated therewith time information. Each item in the order has associated therewith an inherent minimum time until the order may be delivered. Also included is a remuneration system to collect money in response to the receipt of an order. An alarm system having a plurality of threshold alarms with each of the threshold alarms associated with a predetermined duration of time from the receipt of the order is also provided.

[0005] US20030088469A1 discloses about a restaurant management system that enables the customer to be in direct contact with the server or a fulfillment source at all times, in addition to allowing the restaurant management to monitor service and maintenance throughout the establishment. Keypads are disposed at customer locations and/or service/maintenance locations within the restaurant. The customer keypads are adapted to receive item requests from the customer, while the service/maintenance keypads are adapted to receive information from the service/maintenance personnel to indicate the status of the service or maintenance. The keypads are in wireless communication with a central station and thereby allow a centralized system to monitor and evaluate service efficiency, in addition to controlling service within the establishment. Timers are associated with respective tasks and the fulfillment of the incoming requests from the customers (i.e., directly via keypad or indirectly via service personnel). The timers are checked and determinations as to the efficiency and service of the establishment can be easily made and revised as needed by management.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems are available in market for restaurant service automation, focusing on order management, inventory control, and customer interaction. However, these existing systems often lack integrated solutions for hygienic food serving, real-time user identification, and seamless automation of both food delivery and tableware handling.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of automating food serving with enhanced hygiene, accurate user identification, seamless interaction, and efficient management of tableware and food delivery to improve service quality and customer satisfaction.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that automates food serving by accurately managing orders and delivering dishes efficiently, reducing manual effort and improving customer experience.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of maintaining hygiene by disinfecting serving items before use, ensuring safe and clean food service for customers.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enabling user-friendly interaction through voice commands and position detection, allowing precise and personalized food serving.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of holding and controlling serving items during use, preventing spills and ensuring organized and smooth food delivery.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a customer serving system for restaurants that is capable of automating food serving, maintaining hygiene, allowing user interaction via voice and location detection, and managing serving items securely for accurate, efficient, and personalized customer service.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a customer serving system for restaurants, comprising a platform raised by a plurality of legs disposed underneath the platform, to provide a serving surface for customers, a plurality of bowls and plates for serving food, each of the bowls and plates provided with a unique identifier, a plurality of scanners arranged over the surface of the platform to detect presence of each of the bowls and plates on the platform, a plurality of suction ports arranged over the platform to secure food plates and bowls, a chamber mounted along a lateral portion of the platform, containing stack of the plates to be provided to the users, a pusher provided at a bottom portion of the chamber to push the plates upwards towards an opening at an upper end of the chamber, for user’s access, a hinged door is provided at the upper end of the chamber, a UV (ultraviolet) lamp is attached with the upper end of the chamber for disinfecting the plates being dispensed, a rotating multi-section cabinet mounted over the platform for storing food to be stored, the cabinet is integrated over the platform by means of a removable disk configured with a stepper motor, a motorised iris lid crafted over a surface of each section of the cabinet to facilitate access to the tableware, an array of directional microphones installed over the cabinet to receive a voice command from a user regarding opening the cabinet to cause the cabinet to face the user and the lid to open, a determination module configured with a control unit to receive data from the microphones to uniquely identify the user and determine position of the user at the platform, by NLP (natural language processing) and triangulation, respectively, for an accurate serving of food.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of an articulated extendable arm mounted on a central region of the cabinet, having a concave tray as an end effector to serve food from the cabinet into plates of the users, one or more positional encoders installed with the arm to facilitate a regulated movement of the tray and the tongs for fetching and serving food, a hinged flap attached with the tray to cover the picked food prior to serving to prevent spilling, a weight sensor is embedded in the tray to cause detection and regulation of the food carried in the tray during serving food, a motorised tong attached with the arm in a articulated manner to pick and serve solid food, a cover unit is provided at an edge of the platform for deploying and retracting a cover over the platform, the cover unit comprises an elongated receptacle at the edge of the platform, a first roller containing a spool of fresh covers, uncoiled and carried across the platform by means of a series of rotating cylindrical structure provided along edges in front of the platform, the cover unit further comprises an elongated recess underneath the receptacle provided with a plurality of extendable friction wheels provided within the recess to retract used cover into the receptacle, the wheels are connected within the recess by means of a telescopic links, to cause the wheels to extend and grip for fabric for retraction, a torque sensor integrated with the wheels detects a torque applied by the wheels to pull the cover to cause a regulation of rotation of the wheel, a touch enabled display panel provided over the platform to enable users to browse a menu.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a customer serving system for restaurants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a customer serving system for restaurants that is capable of automatically managing and dispensing clean plates, securely storing a variety of food items, and precisely serving meals directly to the customer.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a customer serving system for restaurants is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 raised by a plurality of legs 102 disposed underneath the platform 101, a plurality of scanners 103 arranged over the surface of the platform 101, a plurality of suction ports 104 arranged over the platform 101, a chamber 105 mounted along a lateral portion of the platform 101, a pusher 106 provided at a bottom portion of the chamber 105, an opening 107 at an upper end of the chamber 105, a hinged door 108 is provided at the upper end of the chamber 105, a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 109 is attached with the upper end of the chamber 105, a rotating multi-section cabinet 110 mounted over the platform 101, the cabinet 110 is integrated over the platform 101 by means of a removable disk 111 configured with a stepper motor 112, a motorised iris lid 113 crafted over a surface of each section of the cabinet 110, an array of directional microphones 114 installed over the cabinet 110, an articulated extendable arm 115 mounted on a central region of the cabinet 110, having a concave tray 116 as an end effector, a hinged flap 117 attached with the tray 116, a motorised tong 118 attached with the arm 115.

[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates a cover unit 119 is provided at an edge of the platform 101, the cover unit 119 comprises an elongated receptacle 119a at the edge of the platform 101, a first roller 119b containing a spool of fresh covers, a series of rotating cylindrical structure 119c provided along edges in front of the platform 101, an elongated recess 119d underneath the receptacle 119a provided with a plurality of extendable friction wheels 119e provided within the recess 119d, the wheels 119e are connected within the recess 119d by means of a telescopic links 119f, a touch enabled display panel 120 provided over the platform 101, a plurality of bowls and plates 121 for serving food, each of the bowls and plates 121 provided with a unique identifier 122.

[0025] The system disclosed herein includes a platform 101 elevated by multiple legs 102 installed beneath the platform 101 for providing a serving surface for customers. The platform 101 herein includes all component of the system for assisting users in serving the customers.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user must activate the system by pressing a push button, installed underneath the platform 101. The push button is accessed by the user for activating the system. When the user presses the push button, the electrical circuit is completed, which in response turns the system on. The push button is integrated with an actuator and a spring, which are automatically activated when pressed. They work together to move the internal contact, completing the circuit and allowing electrical current to flow, thereby activating the system.

[0027] When the push button is pressed, the button sends a signal (usually a change in voltage or current) to a control unit associated with the system, which is preferably a microcontroller to either power up or shut down the control unit. Conversely, releasing the button allows the spring to return to its original position, breaking the circuit and sending the signal to deactivate the system. The control unit is pre-fed to detect this signal and respond accordingly. The control unit used herein is pre-fed using artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols to coordinate the working of the system.

[0028] The platform 101 having a plurality of bowls and plates 121 for serving food, each of the bowls and plates 121 provided with a unique identifier 122 such as RFID tags, etc. The RFID tag (Radio-Frequency Identification tag) is a small electronic component used for wireless identification and tracking of objects. The tag consists of a microchip that stores data, such as a unique identification number, and an antenna that transmits this data to an RFID reader using radio waves. The RFID tags are wirelessly connected to the control unit via a plurality of scanners 103 positioned over or within the platform 101 surface to uniquely identify each bowl, and plate, and associate them with specific food items for automated serving control.

[0029] At the start of service, the user such as restaurant staff pre-fed the system with the content details corresponding to each RFID-tagged bowl or plate. This data is stored in a database linked with the control unit. After each customer use, the system updates the bowl contents dynamically based on new orders, ensuring real-time synchronization. When a serving request is made—either by touch interface or voice command—the control unit uses RFID tracking to identify which bowl contains the requested item.

[0030] The scanners 103 function by using RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) to detect the presence and identity of each bowl and plate placed on the platform 101. These scanners 103 are typically embedded within or positioned just beneath the surface of the platform 101, forming a network of RFID readers. Each bowl or plate is fitted with a unique RFID tag that stores a digital identifier. When a tagged bowl or plate is placed on the platform 101, the scanner emits a low-power radio signal that activates the RFID tag, prompting it to transmit its stored information. The scanner’s antenna and receiver circuit then capture this response and relay the data to the control unit. This process allows the system to identify the exact position and identity of each item in real time.

[0031] A plurality of suction ports 104 is distributed across the platform 101 surface to securely hold food plates and bowls in place. The suction ports 104 work by creating a controlled vacuum force to securely hold food plates and bowls in place during serving operations. These ports 104 are strategically distributed across the surface of the platform 101 and are connected to a central vacuum pump or individual micro suction units controlled by the system’s control unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, when the plate or bowl is placed over a suction port, pressure sensors detect its presence and automatically activate the vacuum beneath that specific port. This vacuum creates a low-pressure area under the dish, causing atmospheric pressure above the plate to push it down, effectively holding it in position. The suction is gentle enough to avoid damaging the tableware but strong enough to prevent slipping, tilting, or movement, especially during serving or while food is being dispensed. Once the serving process is complete or when the system is deactivated, the vacuum is released, allowing the user to easily lift the dish.

[0032] A chamber 105 is mounted on a lateral side of the platform 101 and is designed to house a vertical stack of plates intended for user access. A pusher 106 is positioned at the bottom of the chamber 105 to elevate the plates upward toward an opening 107 carved at the top of the chamber 105, enabling convenient retrieval by users. The extension and retraction of the pusher 106 is powered pneumatically by the control unit through a pneumatic unit associated with the plate dispensing chamber 105. This unit includes an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and a piston, which work in coordination to enable smooth upward and downward motion of the pusher 106. The pneumatic unit is operated by the control unit, which actuates the valves to control the flow of compressed air from the compressor into the air cylinder. As compressed air enters the cylinder, it builds pressure against the piston, pushing it upward. The piston is mechanically linked to the pusher 106 platform that supports the stack of plates. As pressure is applied, the piston extends, thereby elevating the plate stack toward the upper opening 107 for user access. To retract the pusher 106 or reduce the height, the control unit signals the valve to close or redirect the airflow, causing the piston to retract as the pressure is released. This allows the stack to move downward when needed. In this way, the control unit precisely regulates the extension and retraction of the pusher 106, ensuring that plates are consistently and reliably positioned for hygienic and convenient user access.

[0033] A hinged door 108 is positioned at the upper end of the chamber 105 to allow controlled access to the plates. The hinged door 108 consists of a pair of leaves, each securely fastened to the adjoining surfaces of the chamber 105 and the door 108. These leaves are connected by a cylindrical pin integrated with a shaft, which is coupled to a DC (Direct Current) motor responsible for driving the hinge movement. The shaft’s rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions facilitates the opening 107 and closing of the door 108, respectively. The control unit actuates the DC motor to control the hinge, enabling precise and automated movement of the door 108 for secure and hygienic dispensing of plates.

[0034] A UV (ultraviolet) lamp 109 is mounted at the upper end of the chamber 105 to disinfect the plates as they are dispensed. The UV (ultraviolet) lamp 109 emits UV-C light, a specific wavelength known for its germicidal properties that effectively destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by damaging their DNA or RNA. When a plate is pushed upward by the pusher 106 toward the chamber’s opening 107, it passes beneath the UV lamp 109, exposing its surface to the disinfecting radiation. The UV lamp 109 is controlled by the control unit, which activates the lamp 109 only during the dispensing process to conserve energy and ensure safety.

[0035] A rotating multi-section cabinet 110 is mounted on the platform 101 to store food items. The cabinet 110 is mounted on the platform 101 via a removable disk 111 connected to a stepper motor 112 for controlled rotation. The stepper motor 112 receives precise electrical pulses from the control unit, which dictate the direction, speed, and angle of rotation. When activated, the motor’s rotor turns in discrete steps, causing the attached removable disk 111—and consequently the cabinet 110 mounted on the disk 111—to rotate accurately to the desired position. This stepwise movement allows the cabinet 110 to align specific compartments with the serving area for easy access. The removable disk 111 provides a stable yet detachable mounting point, enabling maintenance or replacement of the cabinet 110 as needed.

[0036] A motorized iris lid 113 is installed on the surface of each cabinet 110 section to enable controlled access to the tableware. The iris lid 113 operates via a motor connected to an iris arrangement composed of overlapping, hinged blades that open and close in a circular motion. When triggered by the control unit, the motor drives a gear that rotates the iris blades, adjusting the size of the opening. The movement of the iris lid 113 is precise, enabling accurate control over the serving quantity. The control unit continuously monitors the dispensing process and dynamically adjusts the iris lid 113 to maintain consistent opening.

[0037] An array of directional microphones 114 is installed above the cabinet 110 to receive voice commands from customers, enabling the cabinet 110 to rotate to face the user and open the lid accordingly. Each microphone 114 contains a small diaphragm attached to a moving coil. When sound waves from the user strike the diaphragm, the coil vibrates within a magnetic field, generating an electrical signal. This signal is transmitted to the control unit, which processes the input voice command related to the user’s request.

[0038] A determination module, integrated with the control unit, receives data from the microphones 114 to uniquely identify the user through natural language processing (NLP) and to determine the user’s position on the platform 101 using triangulation, thereby enabling accurate food serving.

[0039] The determination module operates by processing audio data captured from the array of directional microphones 114. To uniquely identify the user, the module employs natural language processing (NLP) techniques that analyze the voice command’s linguistic features, such as speech patterns, vocabulary, and voice biometrics. This analysis enables the system to distinguish between different users based on their unique vocal signatures and command context. Simultaneously, the system uses triangulation to determine the user’s precise location on the platform 101. This is achieved by measuring the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the user’s voice signals at multiple microphones 114, calculating the angles and distances relative to each microphone’s position. By combining these measurements, the system computes the user’s exact position with high accuracy. The determination module uses this information to coordinate the cabinet’s rotation and lid opening to serve the user efficiently.

[0040] An articulated extendable arm 115 is mounted at the central region of the cabinet 110 to serve food from the cabinet 110 into the users’ plates. The articulated extendable arm 115 consists of multiple joints that allow for a wide range of controlled movements, mimicking the motion of a human arm. The end effector of the arm 115 is a concave tray 116, specifically shaped to hold and transport food securely without spillage. The arm 115 is powered by motors at each joint, which are controlled by the control unit. One or more positional encoders installed on the joints continuously monitor the arm’s exact position and movement, ensuring accurate alignment with the food compartments and the user’s plates. When the food item is selected, the control unit directs the arm 115 to extend toward the appropriate section of the cabinet 110, scoop the food onto the concave tray 116, and then retract and maneuver to the user’s plate location.

[0041] The positional encoders are sensors typically mounted on the motor shafts or joints of the arm 115, and they work by converting the mechanical position or rotation into electrical signals. There are two common types of encoders used: optical and magnetic. As the arm’s motors move the joints, the encoders generate pulses or signals corresponding to the angle or linear position of each joint. These signals are sent to the control unit, which continuously monitors the arm’s position in real time. By processing this feedback, the control unit accurately controls the speed, direction, and extent of movement of the tray 116.

[0042] A hinged flap 117 is attached to the tray 116 to cover the food after it is picked, preventing spillage prior to serving. The hinged flap 117 work in same manner as the hinged door 108 disclosed above, for covering the picked food before serving.

[0043] A weight sensor embedded in the tray 116 detects and regulates the amount of food carried during serving. The weight sensor is typically a load cell or strain gauge that converts the mechanical force exerted by the food’s weight into an electrical signal. When food is placed on the tray 116, the sensor measures the force applied and generates a corresponding voltage output proportional to the weight. This electrical signal is sent to the control unit, which continuously monitors the load in real time. Using this data, the control unit determines if the quantity of food meets a predefined serving parameters stored in the database by comparing the detected weight with the predefined serving parameters. If the detected weight exceeds or falls short of the desired amount, the control unit adjusts the serving process accordingly—either by commanding the articulated arm to add or remove food or by halting the serving action to prevent overloading or under-serving.

[0044] A motorized tong 118 is articulately attached to the arm 115 to grasp and serve solid food items. The motorized tong 118 is an end-effector mounted in an articulated manner on the serving arm 115, designed specifically to grasp and serve solid food items with precision and control. The motorized tong 118 typically consists of two gripping jaws operated by a small DC or servo motor connected through a gear or linkage. When a user selects a solid food item via the interface or voice command, the control unit activates the tong's motor, causing the jaws to open. The articulated arm then positions the tong 118 over the desired food compartment, using data from the positional encoders to ensure accuracy. Once in position, the motor rotates in the opposite direction to close the jaws, securely gripping the food item. In an embodiment of the present invention, a force or pressure sensors is integrated to ensure the grip is firm enough to hold the item without crushing it. The force or pressure sensor converts mechanical force or pressure applied to the item into a measurable electrical signal. After gripping, the tong 118 retracts with the arm 115 and moves to the user’s plate location. Upon reaching the target, the control unit signals the motor to release the grip, allowing the food to be placed gently onto the plate.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the articulated extendable arm 115, motorized iris lid 113, microphones 114, hinged flap 117 and motorized tong 118 are controlled by the control unit via a wireless communication module, such as Wi-Fi, etc. eliminating the need for physical wiring connections between the platform 101 and the disk 111. The communication module used herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module used herein is preferably a Wi-Fi module that is a hardware component that enables the control unit to connect wirelessly with the computing unit. The Wi-Fi module works by utilizing radio waves to transmit and receive data over short distances. The core functionality relies on the IEEE 802.11 standards, which define the protocols for wireless local area networking (WLAN). Once connected, the module allows the control unit to send commands through data packets.

[0046] During normal operation, the control unit communicates with the arm’s actuators and sensors wirelessly, sending commands to motors and pneumatic valves responsible for arm 115 movements, while receiving real-time positional feedback from embedded encoders and switches.

[0047] The removable disk 111 incorporates a coupler assembly designed primarily for mechanical mounting and power transfer, while all control signals and feedback between the control unit and the arm’s actuators and sensors are transmitted wirelessly.

[0048] A cover unit 119 is positioned at the edge of the platform 101 to deploy and retract a protective cover over the surface. The cover unit 119 includes an elongated receptacle 119a mounted at the platform’s edge, housing a first roller 119b that holds a spool of fresh cover material. The cover is unrolled and extended across the platform 101 with the help of a series of rotating cylindrical structures 119c positioned along the front edges of the platform 101.

[0049] The first roller 119b is typically a cylindrical drum connected to a motorized drive arrangement, which include a DC motor or stepper motor, controlled by the control unit. The spool of cover material is mounted on the roller 119b, and when deployment is triggered—either manually by the user or automatically by the system—the control unit activates the motor to rotate the roller 119b in a controlled manner. As the roller 119b turns, it unwinds the cover material from the spool and feeds it forward. The cover is guided across the platform 101 by the set of rotating cylindrical structure 119c, ensuring smooth and even distribution.

[0050] The set of rotating cylindrical structure 119c are strategically positioned along the edges of the platform 101 and are typically free-spinning or motor-assisted, depending on the system design. As the cover material is unrolled from the first roller 119b, it passes over and through these structures 119c, which help maintain proper alignment, tension, and surface contact. Each structure 119c is mounted on a rotating shaft supported by bearings, allowing it to spin freely with minimal friction. Some rollers are fitted with friction-enhancing surfaces or tension-adjustment to apply gentle resistance, preventing wrinkles, slack, or skewing of the material. In motorized configurations, the rollers are linked to synchronized motors controlled by the control unit to coordinate movement with the unrolling process.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the speed and tension of the unrolling process are regulated using tension sensors, which prevent jamming or tearing of the material. The tension sensor measures the force exerted by the material (such as film or fabric) under tension and converting it into an electrical signal for monitoring and control.

[0052] The cover unit 119 also includes an elongated recess 119d located beneath the receptacle 119a, which houses a set of extendable friction wheels 119e designed to retract the used cover material back into the receptacle 119a after use. These wheels 119e are mounted on telescopic links 119f that allow them to extend outward and make contact with the used fabric. When retraction is initiated—either automatically after a user session or via a command from the control unit—the telescopic links 119f extend the friction wheels 119e toward the cover material. The wheels 119e, typically coated with a high-friction surface, grip the fabric securely. They are connected to a motorized drive means, such as a DC motor, which rotates the wheels 119e in reverse to pull the material back into the recess 119d. The control unit regulates this process by controlling motor speed and direction, ensuring the fabric is retracted smoothly and without tearing.

[0053] The extension/retraction of the links 119f is regulated by the control unit by in the same manner as the arm 115, by employing the pneumatic unit, for extending and positioning the wheels 119e towards the cover.

[0054] A torque sensor integrated with the wheels 119e detects the torque applied during the cover retraction process, enabling regulation of the wheels 119e’ rotational speed and force. The torque sensor operates by measuring the rotational force (torque) applied to the wheel shaft as it pulls the fabric back into the receptacle 119a. Typically, the torque sensor consists of a strain gauge or rotary torque transducer mounted on the wheel's drive shaft. As the motor drives the wheels 119e to retract the cover, resistance from the fabric—such as tension, bunching, or misalignment—creates varying torque loads on the shaft. These loads cause slight mechanical deformation, which the strain gauge detects and converts into an electrical signal proportional to the torque. This signal is sent to the control unit, which analyzes it in real time. If the detected torque exceeds predefined limits stored in the database, indicating potential issues like excessive tension or obstruction, the control unit adjusts the motor speed or direction accordingly to prevent damage or slippage.

[0055] A touch-enabled display panel 120 is mounted on the platform 101 to allow users to browse and interact with the menu. The touch-enabled display panel 120, commonly referred to as a touchscreen, is an electronic visual interface designed to detect and respond to user touch inputs within the display area. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the touchscreen is composed of multiple integrated layers, including a display panel, a touch sensor, and a controller.

[0056] The display panel 120, typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), serves as the outermost layer and is responsible for rendering visual information to the user. Positioned beneath the display panel 120 is the touch sensor, usually made from a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). This sensor is structured as a grid of intersecting rows and columns, where each intersection represents a unique touch point.

[0057] When the user interacts with the screen, their touch alters the electrical properties at a specific point on the sensor grid, creating a measurable change in electrical signal. This change is detected by the touch sensor and transmitted to the controller, which processes the data to determine the exact coordinates of the touch. The controller also filters out electrical noise or interference to ensure accurate detection.

[0058] Once the touch location is identified, the controller relays this information to the control unit. The control unit interprets the user’s input—such as selecting a food item from the menu or issuing a serving command—and triggers the corresponding functions.

[0059] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the invention is elevated by the plurality of legs 102 to provide the serving surface. The plurality of bowls and plates 121, each embedded with the unique identifier 122, are detected on the platform 101 using the plurality of scanners 103. The plurality of suction ports 104 secures the bowls and plates 121 in place. The chamber 105 mounted along the lateral side of the platform 101 houses the stack of plates, with the pusher 106 at its bottom pushing the plates upward for access via the hinged door 108. The UV lamp 109 mounted near the upper opening 107 disinfects plates before use. The rotating multi-section cabinet 110 is mounted over the platform 101 through the removable disk 111 configured with the stepper motor 112. Each cabinet 110 section is enclosed by the motorized iris lid 113.

[0060] In continuation, the array of directional microphones 114 receives voice commands to rotate the cabinet 110 and open the appropriate lid. The determination module with the control unit processes audio data using NLP to identify the user and employs triangulation to determine the user's position. The articulated extendable arm 115, mounted centrally on the cabinet 110, has the concave tray 116 as its end effector. The arm 115 integrates the positional encoders for precise motion, the hinged flap 117 to prevent spillage, the weight sensor to regulate food quantity, and the motorized tong 118 to serve solid food. The cover unit 119 deploys and retracts the protective cover using the first roller 119b, rotating cylindrical structures 119c, extendable friction wheels 119e mounted via telescopic links 119f, and the torque sensor for regulating wheel motion. The touch-enabled display panel 120 allows users to browse and interact with the menu.

[0061] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A customer serving system for restaurants, comprising:

i) a platform 101 raised by a plurality of legs 102 disposed underneath the platform 101, to provide a serving surface for customers;
ii) a plurality of bowls and plates 121 for serving food, each of the bowls and plates 121 provided with a unique identifier 122;
iii) a plurality of scanners 103 arranged over the surface of the platform 101 to detect presence of each of the bowls and plates 121 on the platform 101;
iv) the unique identifiers 122 are RFID (radio frequency identification) identifiers and the scanners 103 are RFID scanners;
v) a chamber 105 mounted along a lateral portion of the platform 101, containing stack of the plates to be provided to the users;
vi) a pusher 106 provided at a bottom portion of the chamber 105 to push the plates upwards towards an opening 107 at an upper end of the chamber 105, for user’s access;
vii) a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 109 is attached with the upper end of the chamber 105 for disinfecting the plates being dispensed;
viii) a rotating multi-section cabinet 110 mounted over the platform 101 for storing food to be stored;
ix) an array of directional microphones 114 installed over the cabinet 110 to receive a voice command from a user regarding opening the cabinet 110 to cause the cabinet 110 to face the user and the lid to open;
x) an articulated extendable arm 115 mounted on a central region of the cabinet 110, having a concave tray 116 as an end effector to serve food from the cabinet 110 into plates of the users;
xi) a hinged flap 117 attached with the tray 116 to cover the picked food prior to serving to prevent spilling;
xii) a motorised tong 118 attached with the arm 115 in an articulated manner to pick and serve solid food; and
xiii) a cover unit 119 is provided at an edge of the platform 101 for deploying and retracting a cover over the platform 101.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of suction ports 104 is arranged over the platform 101 to secure food plates and bowls.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cabinet 110 is integrated over the platform 101 by means of a removable disk 111 configured with a stepper motor 112.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorised iris lid 113 is crafted over a surface of each section of the cabinet 110 to facilitate access to the tableware.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a determination module is configured with a control unit to receive data from the microphones 114 to uniquely identify the user and determine position of the user at the platform 101, by NLP (natural language processing) and triangulation, respectively, for an accurate serving of food.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more positional encoders is installed with the arm 115 to facilitate a regulated movement of the tray 116 and the tongs 118 for fetching and serving food.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in the tray 116 to cause detection and regulation of the food carried in the tray 116 during serving food.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover unit 119 comprises an elongated receptacle 119a at the edge of the platform 101, a first roller 119b containing a spool of fresh covers, uncoiled and carried across the platform 101 by means of a series of rotating cylindrical structure 119c provided along edges in front of the platform 101.

9) The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover unit 119 further comprises an elongated recess 119d underneath the receptacle 119a provided with a plurality of extendable friction wheels 119e provided within the recess 119d to retract used cover into the receptacle 119a.

10) The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the wheels 119e are connected within the recess 119d by means of a telescopic links 119f, to cause the wheels 119e to extend and grip for fabric for retraction.