U.S. patent application number 09/879817 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for vending machine.
Invention is credited to Kozlak, Daniel D., Kozlak, Joel C., Paulucci, Jeno F..
Application Number | 20020077724 09/879817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26855392 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020077724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paulucci, Jeno F. ; et
al. |
June 20, 2002 |
Vending machine
Abstract
The present invention involves various combinations of new and
existing technology to create vending machines with a number of
improvements such as, credit and debit card verification in
real-time, incorporation of CDPD technology, multiple vends per one
payment, vending of large products, bag dispensing, and the
incorporation of food heating units into vending machines.
Inventors: |
Paulucci, Jeno F.; (Duluth,
MN) ; Kozlak, Daniel D.; (Evanston, IL) ;
Kozlak, Joel C.; (Duluth, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS J. NIKOLAI
SUITE 820
900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-3325
US
|
Family ID: |
26855392 |
Appl. No.: |
09/879817 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09879817 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
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PCT/US00/28121 |
Oct 11, 2000 |
|
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60167813 |
Nov 29, 1999 |
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60158782 |
Oct 12, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/231 ;
221/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 7/00 20130101; G07F
7/025 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; G07F 9/02 20130101; G07F
17/0078 20130101; G06Q 20/342 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; H05B
6/808 20130101; G07F 9/105 20130101; G07F 11/24 20130101; G07F
17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/3251 20130101; G07F 11/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/231 ;
221/2 |
International
Class: |
B65H 007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 11, 2000 |
WO |
PCT/US00/28121 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A vending machine, comprising: a housing; a dispensing unit
disposed within the housing; control circuitry operably connected
to the dispensing unit for dispensing one or more food items; and a
heating unit supported by the housing.
2. The heating unit of claim 1, wherein the heating unit is a pizza
oven.
3. The heating unit of claim 1 wherein the heating unit is a
toaster oven.
4. A vending machine, comprising: a housing; a dispensing unit
disposed within the housing and adapted to receive food items
approximately or larger than 16 ounces; control circuitry operably
connected to the dispensing unit for dispensing one or more food
items; a heating unit supported by the housing; and a bag dispenser
supported by the housing.
5. The heating unit of claim 4, wherein the heating unit is a pizza
oven.
6. The heating unit of claim 4 wherein the heating unit is a
toaster oven.
7. The vending machine of claim 4, further comprising a payment
mechanism adapted to accept only cashless modes of payment for the
food items.
8. The vending machine of claim 4, further comprising a card
reader.
9. The vending machine of claim 4, further comprising a
communications unit operably connected to the payment
mechanism.
10. The vending machine of claim 9, wherein the communications unit
enables communication via wireless technology.
11. The vending machine of claim 10, wherein the communications
unit enables wireless communications via CDPD wireless
technology.
12. The vending machine of claim 9, wherein the communications unit
enables communications via telephone lines.
13. The vending machine of claim 9, further comprising a processor
programmed to validate a payment card in real-time, each time a
payment card is used in the vending machine.
14. The vending machine of claim 13, wherein a payment card
comprises at least one of a credit card, a debit card, and a stored
value card.
15. A vending machine, comprising: a housing; a dispensing unit
disposed within the housing and adapted to receive food items
approximately or larger than 16 ounces; control circuitry operably
connected to the dispensing unit for dispensing one or more food
items; and a heating unit disposed within the housing.
16. The heating unit of claim 15, wherein the heating unit is a
pizza oven.
17. The heating unit of claim 15 wherein the heating unit is a
toaster oven.
18. The vending machine of claim 15, further comprising a card
reader.
19. The vending machine of claim 18, further comprising a
communications unit operably connected to the payment
mechanism.
20. The vending machine of claim 19, wherein the communications
unit enables wireless communications via CDPD wireless technology.
Description
PRIOR HISTORY
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of a U.S.
application entitled "VENDING MACHINE", application Ser. No.
______, filed Apr. 25, 2001, which is based on PCT application
PCT/US00/28121, filed on Oct. 11, 2000, which is based on U.S.
provisional application No. 60/167,813 filed on Nov. 29, 1999 and
No. 60/158,782 filed on Oct. 12, 1999.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to vending machines
and payment mechanisms used in vending machines.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vending machines have been around for many years. In the
past, vending machines accepted coin money and/or paper money as
payment before providing a person with a selected item. Recently,
vending machines have incorporated automated technology to process
credit and debit card transactions. While this has provided an
added convenience to the customer, these machines have been limited
to selective real-time processing due to cost considerations. In
these machines, validation is only conducted in real-time if the
card used by the customer has not previously been used in the
machine in a predetermined time period, or if the transaction is
above a predetermined amount. Further, systems such as that
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,382 to Muehlberger rely on local
validation, which includes memory storage of a previously validated
card during a predetermined period, as well as rejection of
previously invalidated cards during another predetermined period.
The disadvantage of a system that does not validate in real-time
each time a card is used is that the risk of vending a product in
error is greatly increased due to increased credit risk. This risk
of error poses a significant problem in vending machines where a
large number of transactions are conducted per day.
[0004] Clearly, a vending machine with credit card and/or debit
card technology that quickly validates in real-time with each
transaction without being cost prohibitive to vending machine
operators, would be highly desirable.
[0005] Further, existing vending machines having some type of
credit or debit card technology have incorporated this technology
in conjunction with cash payment technology. Because these machines
also have cash payment technology, these machines incur significant
traditional operating costs. For instance, operators of this type
of vending machine incur high security costs because of the
vandalism associated with machines having cash-based technology.
Further, these machines have high labor costs because the cash
reserves must be collected, counted, and supplemented when
necessary in order to ensure that the machines carry enough change
for customers using cash to pay for items. Further, a great deal of
labor time is expended insuring that skimming does not occur in the
process of cash collection. A number of personnel must be involved
in the process to ensure that sufficient checks are in place such
that no one person may skim cash from a machine without having
other personnel involved in the process being aware of the
inconsistency.
[0006] Clearly, it would be desirable to greatly reduce these
operating costs by the introduction of cashless vending
machines.
[0007] Also, in existing vending machine systems, one item is
dispensed for each transaction. That is, these machines provide one
item per payment. The vending machine operator incurs transaction
costs for each transaction. Thus, in existing systems, vending
machine operators incur multiple transaction costs for customers
who select more than one item for purchase. Further, making
multiple payments inconveniences the customer.
[0008] Clearly, a payment system that allows for multiple selected
vends for one payment would be desirable.
[0009] Currently, vending machines that dispense non-beverage
items, such as food products, are designed to dispense small items
(i.e., items of 12 ounces or less). These vending machines are
ill-equipped to vend larger items. One reason that current vending
machines are ill-equipped to vend larger items is that the landing
area within the vending machine cannot withstand the force caused
by the impact of a larger item as it lands on the landing area;
and/or the larger non-beverage item is damaged upon impacting the
landing area.
[0010] However, there is a need for a vending machine that
effectively dispenses larger non-beverage items without damaging
the items or the machine. For instance, meal items (e.g., dinner
entrees) are generally 16 ounces or greater. Currently, if a
customer wants to pick up a frozen family style dinner after
work--which is greater than 16 ounces--for feeding his/her family,
then the customer must stop at a store to pick it up. This
additional time-consuming stop inconveniences the customer.
[0011] Clearly, there is a need for a vending machine that
effectively dispenses larger non-beverage items. This type of
vending machine would provide a customer with the meal products
he/she would desire from a small store, without the inconvenience
of having to purchase them there. Placed at the most convenient
locations for customers, a vending machine of the present invention
would provide a significant time-saving service.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention involves various combinations of new
and existing technology to create vending machines with a number of
improvements such as, credit card, debit card, and swipe card
verification in real-time, the incorporation of wireless CDPD
technology, multiple vends per one payment, vending of large
products, vending of frozen products, and the incorporation of
microwaves into vending machines.
[0013] For example, a first embodiment of the present invention
relates to a vending machine that comprises a card payment
mechanism that obtains real-time validation for each credit or
debit card transaction regardless of the amount of payment or
whether the card has been used previously in the system. The card
payment system may include a card acceptor and a processor that
includes a credit verification module. The credit verification
module in conjunction with a communications unit may be adapted to
communicate with a credit verification facility to obtain
verification, which includes validation and authorization for the
amount of a purchase. This communication may be done via land lines
or by wireless systems, such as systems using CDPD wireless
technology.
[0014] A second embodiment of the present invention comprises a
vending machine with a card payment mechanism in which the vending
machine may provide two or more vends for each payment transaction.
The second embodiment of the present invention may comprise two or
more vending machines controlled by a terminal comprising a
processor, a display operably connected to the processor, and
software operable on the processor. The software enables multiple
vends from the two or more machines in exchange for one payment to
cover the cost of all products vended.
[0015] A third embodiment of the present invention comprises a
vending machine for dispensing large products (i.e., approximately
or greater than 16 ounces). This vending machine enables vending
machine operators to provide customers with meal solutions
traditionally available only in stores. Further, the vending
machine operators may place these machines in places that are
convenient to customers yet not practicable locations for
traditional store owners to place stores.
[0016] A fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a
cashless vending machine. This cashless embodiment allows vending
machine operators to reduce a number of significant operating
costs.
[0017] A fifth embodiment of the present invention involves the
incorporation of a bag dispenser into a cashless vending machine.
This bag dispenser affords customers a convenient way to transport
purchased products.
[0018] A sixth embodiment of the present invention involves the
incorporation of heating units into vending machines that store
food products, such that the products may be heated in the heating
units prior to consumption.
[0019] Systems with the ability to incorporate the technology of
the aforementioned embodiments either alone or in combination, i.e.
accepting payment by methods other than coin money or paper money,
accepting one payment for multiple purchases by methods other than
coin money or paper money, dispensing large products, and
dispensing bags to carry the products, are able to vend a wide
range of products. For example, such systems may vend any type of
meal solution food product, such as, but not limited to, frozen
food, refrigerated food, and shelf-stabled food, such as cans or
boxes of product, etc. and may vend a convenient bag in which the
customer may carry the products purchased. Such systems provide
customers with a way to conveniently purchase a wide variety of
products without having to wait in line at a store or having to
worry about arriving at a store during store hours.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a vending machine of the present invention that
is adapted to dispense large products.
[0021] FIG. 2A shows a side view of one embodiment of the driven
gears and the idler gears of the vend mechanism.
[0022] FIG. 2B shows a front view of one embodiment of the driver
gears and the idler gears of the vend mechanism.
[0023] FIG. 3A shows a front view of a control panel.
[0024] FIG. 3B shows a side view of a control panel.
[0025] FIG. 4A shows a front view of a control panel for a vending
machine embodiment with a cashless payment system.
[0026] FIG. 4B shows a side view of a control panel for a vending
machine embodiment with a cashless payment system.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship
between a processor, selection mechanism, vend mechanism, payment
mechanism, and communications unit.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of acts performed to enable use of
credit cards (and debit cards) in vending machines.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a dual vending machine configuration with a
credit payment system.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a vending machine that directly incorporates
two heating units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1
shows a vending machine 10 that includes a product dispensing unit
12 and a control panel 14. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a
housing 36 with a clear panel 38 that allows a customer to see the
products 20 for sale. The vending machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be
used to vend large products.
[0032] Product Dispensing Unit
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the product
dispensing unit 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the
product dispensing unit 12 may include a plurality of vend trays 16
with each vend tray having several vend helixes or vend coils 18
that hold product 20, a first storage compartment 22, a second
storage compartment 24, a vend mechanism 72, and a delivery bin 26
with a cushioned pad 28.
[0034] Vend Trays
[0035] Vending machine 10 may have one or more vend trays 16. Each
vend tray 16 may have coils to vend one or more products. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each vend tray 16 is designed to vend
three products 20. Vend trays 16 are slidably connected to the
housing. That is, the vend trays 16 may be pulled out of the
housing to make loading it with product more convenient. Vend trays
16 are known to those skilled in the art.
[0036] Vend Coils
[0037] As more clearly shown in FIG. 2A, each vend helix 18 is in a
generally spiral form. That is, each vend helix 18 is a coil that
forms a generally cylindrical shape. Each vend helix 18 comprises a
plurality of windings 40. The space between each of a pair of
windings 40 forms a compartment 42 for holding a product 20. As
shown in FIG. 1, each product 20 is held by a dual helix 19. That
is, two vend helixes 18 form a dual helix, whereby compartment 42
of both helixes is used to hold a product 20. This configuration
may be used to vend large products (i.e., approximately or greater
than 16 ounces). Vend helixes or vend coils 18 are known to those
of ordinary skill in this art.
[0038] Dispensing or Vend Mechanism
[0039] To dispense or vend a product 20, a vend mechanism 72 (FIGS.
2A, 5) comprising a motor 44 connected to each vend helix 18 via a
set of gears is used. As more clearly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a
motor 44 is connected to a vend helix 18 via a driven gear 46. That
is, for each dual helix 19 a motor 44 is connected to each vend
helix 18 that forms a portion of the dual helix 19. A driven gear
46 is connected between the motor 44 and the vend helix 18. Between
each of the two driven gears 46 are a pair of idler gears 48. That
is, the driven gears 46 each have a vend motor 44 attached--one
that rotates the vend helix clockwise and one that rotates the vend
helix counterclockwise. The idler gears 48 ensure that the vend
helixes 18 that form the dual helix 19 rotate synchronously. A
standard motor used in vending machines may be used with the
present invention.
[0040] Cushion Pad in Delivery Bin
[0041] A vending machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is one embodiment in
which large food products may be sold. Large food products are
products that are approximately or greater than 16 ounces. In
vending such products, care must be taken such that the food
product is not damaged when it is dropped to the delivery bin 26.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a cushioned pad 28 is
placed on the floor of the delivery bin 26 so that the impact of
the product 20 hitting the delivery bin does not damage the product
20. Moreover, the cushioned pad 28 also serves to protect the
delivery bin 26 from being damaged. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the cushioned pad 28 is formed by using foam
rubber wrapped in a plastic sheet.
[0042] In operation, large products 20 may be placed in each
compartment 42 of a vend tray 16 for purchase by customers. The
customer pays for the product(s) 20 selected with cash, credit
card, or debit card, and upon receiving the payment (or
verification that the credit card account may be charged), the
vending machine vends the product(s) 20 selected by the customer.
The cushion pad 28 absorbs at least a portion of the impact when
the selected product lands in the dispensing bin 26. The customer
then removes the vended product from the dispensing bin 26.
[0043] Bag Dispenser
[0044] While not shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 10 may
include a bag dispenser for dispensing bags. In one embodiment (not
shown), a box with bags for customer used are placed in a cashless
vending machine. In a cashless vending machines, this bag box may
be located where the coin tubes would be located in a machine with
coin technology. See e.g., coin tubes 68 in FIG. 3B. A bag may be
removed by the customer from a bag dispenser and used to carry
product 20 purchased from the vending machine. The same type of
coin return slot used on machines with coin technology may be used
as the outlet for customers to access and take a bag. These coin
return slots are well known in the art. See e.g., coin return slot
86 in FIG. 4A.
[0045] Storage Compartments
[0046] The vending machine shown in FIG. 1 also comprises a first
storage compartment 22 and a second storage compartment 24 which
may be used to store additional product 20 to be vended.
[0047] Refrigeration Unit
[0048] The vending machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be used to
dispense large products that require refrigeration. In order to
incorporate refrigeration technology into a vending machine, a
refrigeration unit may be used. The use of a refrigeration unit is
well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The vend trays 16
would be slidably attached to the interior of this refrigeration
unit. Moreover, the storage compartments 22 and 24 may be formed
within this refrigeration unit. Alternatively, the vending machine
10 would not have storage compartments 22 and 24 for storing
additional product 20. Instead, all product 20 would be displayed.
The refrigeration unit may have a temperature control that would
allow dispensation of either frozen foods or foods that require
refrigeration.
[0049] Heating Units
[0050] The vending machine 10 may also directly incorporate or
support one or more heating units 94 for heating food product upon
purchase. As shown in FIG. 8, the vending machine may incorporate
two heating units so that the vending machine may service two
persons needing to heat a purchased product. The heating units 94
may be supported by the vending machine 10, or it may be integrated
within the vending machine 10.
[0051] The heating unit 94 can be a microwave unit. These microwave
units may have a door accessible to the customer. These microwaves
may be traditional microwaves which are set for a period of time
selected by the customer. Or, the microwaves may be pre-set to heat
food placed into the microwaves for an amount appropriate for the
food product displayed in the vending machine. This microwave may
start upon the user closing the door or pushing a button.
Alternatively, the microwave may have a sensor that senses when
food has been placed in the microwave and the door has been closed.
In this alternative embodiment, the microwave starts once each of
these two events has occurred.
[0052] Heating units 94 with heating elements such as toasters,
pizza ovens, or toaster ovens can also be utilized to heat food
products. Like the microwave units, these heating units can also be
preset to heat for a period of time appropriate for the dispensed
food items or they can be configured to allow for customer
adjustment of the heating period. Since heating units 94 of this
type can generate a significant amount of ambient heat, the vending
machine 10 may also incorporate fans or blowers to provide
increased air circulation.
[0053] The above mentioned heating units 94 are not exclusive to
the subject invention. Other heating units not specifically
mentioned, may also be incorporated without substantially altering
the fundamental design of the subject invention.
[0054] Control Panel
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 1, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6, an
embodiment of a control panel 14 will be described. As shown in
FIG. 1, a control panel 14 may include a payment acceptor 32, a
product selection mechanism 30, and a display 34, each of which may
be operably connected to control circuitry 28.
[0056] Payment Mechanism
[0057] The vending machine 10 may be designed to accept more than
one method of payment via the payment acceptor 32. The vending
machine 10 may have a bill and/or coin payment acceptor 60, 62 (see
FIGS. 3A and 3B) and/or a card payment acceptor 80 (see FIG.
4A).
[0058] Bill and Coin Payment Mechanism
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a payment acceptor 32
that comprises bill and coin money payment acceptors 60, 62 will be
described. The bill acceptor 60 accepts dollar bills. FIG. 3A shows
a front view of a control panel 14 that has a payment acceptor 32
which comprises a bill acceptor 60 and a coin acceptor 62. The
control panel 14 also may include a display 34, a selection
mechanism 30, a coin return button 64, a panel lock 66, and an
indicator light 74. The bill acceptor 60 may be designed to accept
one or more denominations of dollar bills. The bill acceptor 60 can
detect the denomination of the dollar bill that it receives. Bill
acceptor 60 is connected to control circuitry 28. In one
embodiment, the bill acceptor 60 may be designed to accept $1, $5,
and $10 bills. Also, the vending machine 10 may be designed with
coin tubes 68 to provide the customer with change, if necessary.
Bill acceptors 60 are well known in the art, and any bill acceptor
60 may be used with the vending machine of the present
invention.
[0060] The coin acceptor 62 accepts coin money or, if desired, may
accept any type of coin, including tokens. The coin acceptor 62
will determine the value of a deposited coin. The coin acceptor 62
is connected to the control circuitry 28. The coin acceptor may be
designed to accept any coin. In one embodiment, the coin acceptor
mechanism may accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. The coin
acceptor also may have coins in tubes 68 for providing change to a
customer. Coin payment mechanisms are well known for use with
vending machines, and any such coin payment mechanism may be used
with the present invention.
[0061] In operation, with respect to use of the bill and coin
acceptors as the method of payment, the control circuitry 28 (along
with any software used with the circuitry) receives a customer's
payment information via the bill acceptor 60 or the coin acceptor
62. The control circuitry 28 also receives information from the
selection mechanism 30 as to the customer's selection of items. If
the customer pays an amount that covers the cost of the purchase,
then the control circuitry 28 controls the vend mechanism 72 and
causes the selected products 20 to be delivered.
[0062] Card Payment Mechanism
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4A, the payment acceptor 32 on the control
panel 14 of the vending machine 10 may include a card acceptor 80.
The card acceptor 80 may include a card reader 82 and a display.
The card reader 82, of the card acceptor 80, may be a card reader
82 through which a customer swipes his/her payment card or may be a
card reader 82 in which a customer inserts his/her payment card. In
one embodiment, a payment card is one of a credit card, debit card,
and store-valued card. Promotional store-valued cards set to an
amount equal to an item vended by a given vending machine may be
given to customers to encourage customers to try a free item from
the vending machine. In operation, a customer may use a credit,
debit or store-valued card to purchase items from the vending
machine 10.
[0064] In order to implement a credit or debit card payment system
with a vending machine 10, each vending machine 10 may be equipped
with a communication unit 90 that communicates with a processor 70
and a remote credit verification facility to conduct the
transaction. The processor 70 in conjunction with a communication
unit 90 may verify and initiate fund collection from most major
credit cards and debit cards, including, for example, Visa and
MasterCard.
[0065] Also, each vending machine is equipped with a receipt
printer 84 as part of the credit card system. This receipt printer
84 is legally required to be part of the credit card transaction.
That is, the law requires the vending machine operator to provide a
customer using a credit card with a receipt or to provide the
customer with an opportunity to decline the receipt by pressing a
button. Preferably, a thermal printer rather than a cutter printer
is used for the required receipt, thus avoiding the frequent
jamming associated with a cutter printer. The receipt printer 84
may be located on a credit verification module that also has the
ability to print a receipt.
[0066] Selection Mechanism
[0067] The vending machine 10 includes a selection mechanism 30.
This mechanism is used by a customer to select a product 20 for
purchase. In one embodiment, the selection mechanism 30 may be a
keypad. However, any selection mechanism 30 may be used to enable a
user to select the product 20 to be purchased.
[0068] The selection mechanism 30 may also be used to enter a pin
number in the event that a customer is charging a purchase to an
ATM-type of debit card. Alternatively, a separate selection
mechanism (not shown) may be used for the entrance of pin numbers
for ATM cards. For example, if an adapted VeriFone Tranz 330 is
used as a credit verification module, an attached PINpad 1000
available from Diebold may be attached for customer entry of pin
numbers.
[0069] The processor 70 is adapted to receive information from the
selection mechanism 30. In one embodiment, the user may be allowed
to select more than one product 20 to be vended. The processor 70
may vend the selected product(s) 20 based on one payment
transaction via a credit card, debit card, store-valued card and/or
bill or coin money.
[0070] Display
[0071] The vending machine 10 also may have a display 34. The
display may be any display device 34. In one embodiment, the
display 34 is a color monitor. The processor 70 may inform the
customer of the status of the purchase including informing the
customer of when a credit card purchase is being verified by
displaying this information on the display 34.
[0072] Product Drop Sensor
[0073] The vending machine 10 may also include a product drop
sensor (not shown) to inform a processor 70 that the product 20 was
delivered. If the product 20 was not delivered, then the processor
70 may be programmed to not accept or authorize the payment, thus
reducing the customer's fear of losing his/her payment. Moreover,
with the product drop sensor, multiple vends for one payment may be
accomplished. That is, the product drop sensor can determine if the
number of products 20 selected have been vended.
[0074] Communications Unit
[0075] Also, each vending machine 10 may be equipped with a
communications unit 90. The communications unit 90 may be used to
contact a credit verification facility to conduct card validation
and to authorize payment of funds. Also, the communications unit 90
may be used to transmit reports on the status of the vending
machine 10 from the processor 70 to the vending machine operator at
all times. For example, the communications unit 90 may be used to
automatically call the vending machine operator and report if the
machine runs short of product 20 or has mechanical difficulties;
i.e. the compressor stalls or quits or the temperature is not being
maintained. In addition, this communications unit 90, if used in a
vending machine 10 with a coin acceptor 62, may be used to let the
vending machine operator know that additional change needs to be
placed in the machine or that machine tampering is taking place.
Further, the communications unit 90 may be used to transmit
information regarding sales of particular products 20 and current
inventories so that the vending machine operator may continuously
redesign his or her stocking strategy.
[0076] Communication technology, such as a cellular modem, any
other wireless communication system, and/or a landline
communication system may be used. Preferably, a wireless
communication system, such as the CDPD wireless communication
technology offered by Cellgate, is used to transfer information
between the vending machine 10 and a credit verification facility.
In order that wireless technology in remote vending machines
functions optimally, preferably, an antennae is attached to the
back of the vending machine 10 to ensure a better signal for
wireless communications.
[0077] CDPD technology may both receive and transmit data quickly
and efficiently with minimal error. For example, the total
transaction time using CDPD technology is approximately 4-6
seconds, from the time an amount to be validated is sent for
verification to the time a product is vended. CDPD technology uses
unused cellular channels (in the 800- to 900-MHZ range) to transmit
and receive data in packets at a high speed and achieves quicker
call set up than other communications technology and better error
correction than modems or analog cellular channels. CDPD technology
is well suited for short, periodic bursts of information, such as
that needed for validation and authorization of payment collection
from a credit card. CDPD technology is further well suited for use
with vending machines because it is highly secure. CDPD technology
is not only encrypted, but also involves channel hopping of the
transmission. Further, CDPD technology will allow real-time
processing to be less cost prohibitive because pricing plans are
generally based on either low flat rates for the transmission of
unlimited data or on file size of the data transmitted rather than
the duration of the transmission.
[0078] As an alternative to or in addition to a wireless
communications unit, a land-line telephone connection may also be
used with the vending machine.
[0079] Control Unit
[0080] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the
control circuitry 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the control circuitry 28
comprises processor 70 operably connected to payment acceptor 32,
which may include a bill acceptor 60, a coin acceptor 62, a card
acceptor 80, and a selection mechanism 30. The processor 70 is also
operably connected to vend mechanism 72 and a communication unit
90. The processor 70 may further comprise a credit verification
module (not shown). Control circuitry that is manufactured by Coin
Co. may be used for processing coin and bill dependent vending. An
ACT A754 credit card acceptor may be used for multi-drop bus (MDB)
vending, using, for example, a Diebold D5001 MDB Controller.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a flow chart that describes the acts performed by
the processor 70 to enable the vending machine 10 to use a card
payment mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.
Software operable by the processor 70 may be used to control
performance of the acts involved in a card payment transaction. At
block 100, a validation amount is determined. This amount may be
determined in several ways. For example, the validation amount may
be a preset amount. This preset amount may vary depending on
whether the card is a credit card or debit card. Alternatively, the
amount may be determined based on the total cost of one or more
items selected for purchase by a customer. That is, the processor
may receive the information relating to the product(s) 20 selected
for purchase by a customer, calculate the total cost, confirm the
total amount to be charged to the credit card, and then proceed
with the acts to obtain validation.
[0082] At block 102, a credit verification facility is contacted.
The control circuitry may make this call via wireless technology,
such as CDPD technology, or via land lines. At block 104,
validation that the card may be charged with the amount of the
purchase is requested. During validation, a message may be
displayed at block 106 informing the customer that validation that
the credit card may be charged is being obtained. If validation is
not given at block 108, then, at block 110, a message may be
displayed or a receipt printed informing the customer that the card
has been rejected. However, if validation is given, then at block
112, the product(s) 20 selected by the customer are dispensed. In
one embodiment, the total transaction time is approximately or less
than thirty (30) seconds, from the time an amount to be validated
is sent for verification to the time a product is vended. In
another embodiment, the total transaction time is approximately or
less than fifteen (15) seconds, from the time an amount to be
validated is sent for verification to the time a product is vended.
In yet another embodiment, the total transaction time is
approximately or less than ten (10) seconds, from the time an
amount to be validated is sent for verification to the time a
product is vended. In another embodiment, the total transaction
time is approximately or less than six (6) seconds, from the time
an amount to be validated is sent for verification to the time a
product is vended.
[0083] In operation, with respect to use of a credit card as the
method of payment, the processor 70 (along with any software
operable on the processor 70) determines the amount to be charged
to the credit card based on a preset amount of based on the
purchases to be made. The processor 70 then interacts with the
communications unit 90 to contact a credit verification facility to
obtain validation. If validation is obtained, then one or more
products 20 is selected (if not already selected before
verification). As long as the amount of purchase, based on the
product(s) 20 selected, is under or equal to the amount verified,
the processor 70 interacts with a vend mechanism 72, such as the
VMC Dispenser available from Diebold for dispensing the one or more
selected product(s) 20. The customer then removes the vended
product(s) 20 from a product delivery bin 26.
[0084] In one embodiment, the processor 70 comprises a controller
and a credit verification module that interact to process the
overall credit or debit card and vending transaction. For example,
a Diebold D5001MDB Controller may be used in conjunction with a
credit verification module, such as an adapted Diebold VeriFone
Tranz 330, along with software operable by each, in the present
invention.
[0085] In such an embodiment, a customer may enter the desire to
use a credit or ATM card on a selection pad and place his or her
card into or through a card acceptor 80. The credit verification
module in conjunction with the communications unit 90 attempts to
validate the customer's account for the applicable amount. If
validation is achieved, then the credit verification module may
communicate the validated amount of credit to the controller. If
validation is sought and achieved before selections are made, the
controller may start a timer that runs a specified amount of time
during which the customer may make selections and indicate when he
or she is finished. After the customer indicates that no more
selections are to be made, after any transaction limit has been
reached, or after any time-out period has expired, whichever occurs
first, the controller will communicate this information to the
credit verification module. The credit verification module will
then complete the transaction and queue the amounts to be collected
for uploading to a credit verification facility. The processor 70
may then transmit the transaction information, such as amount
charged or that any charge or debit was denied, to a receipt
printer 84 to be printed for the customer. For example, the
Verifone Tranz 330 has the ability to print and cut a receipt using
an external printer, such as an Axiohm printer. The receipt printer
84 may also be used by the vending machine operator to print simple
reports.
[0086] Preferably, real-time validation occurs with each
transaction regardless of the amount of payment or whether the card
has previously been used in the system. Final authorization of
charge or debit to a card may be made at a specified time each day.
Wireless technology, such as CDPD technology, makes it time and
cost efficient to validate in real time with each transaction.
[0087] While several payment mechanisms have been described for use
with a vending machine 10, the present invention contemplates
vending machines 10 that use a credit or debit card payment system
and quickly obtain real-time verification for each card use. Also,
the present invention contemplates cashless vending machines that
may vend more than one product 20 for one payment transaction.
Cashless vending machines offer a number of advantages, including,
a decreased need for security because money is not stored in the
machine itself and decreased operator costs because the level of
change in the machine does not have to be monitored and either
collected or supplemented. Finally, any combination of payment
systems may be implemented on a vending machine 10 of the present
invention.
[0088] Multiple Vending Machines Connected to One Control Unit
[0089] While the vending machine 10 may be a stand-alone machine,
the card payment mechanism may be used on any configuration of a
vending machine 10. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7
shows two vending machines operably connected with one control unit
28. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a first vending machine 200 and a
second vending machine 202. The first vending machine 200 may be
called the "master," and the second vending machine may be called
the "add-on unit." In a preferred embodiment, the master 200 has
one payment acceptor 32, one selection mechanism 30, and one
control unit 28. The payment acceptor 32 may include a bill and/or
coin payment acceptor 60, 62 and a card payment acceptor 80.
Similarly the selection mechanism 30 allows a customer to select
items from both of the interconnected vending machines. The control
unit 28 controls both vending machines. In this embodiment, the
single control unit 28 controls (1) determining if payment for
items selected from either or both machines has been made and/or
authorized; and (2) dispensing of items selected from either or
both vending machines.
[0090] In operation, vending machines of any type may be linked
together. For instance, a two vending machine embodiment may be
used to sell large family style dinners in one vending machine and
sell small single serving dinners in the other vending machine.
Another two vending machine embodiment may be used to sell dinner
items (e.g., family style dinner entrees or single serving dinner
entrees) in one vending machine with beverages being sold in the
other vending machine. A further two vending machine embodiment may
be used to sell a combination of food and non-food products, such
as, food products in one vending machine and memorabilia, such as
shirts and caps, in the other vending machine.
[0091] In another embodiment, the vending machine operator provides
a microwave which is placed adjacent to the vending machines. The
microwave selections may be pre-set to correspond to the product(s)
20 in the machine. For example, if one of the products 20 in a
vending machine is lasagna, the microwave may have a selection that
when chosen, is pre-set with the appropriate time and power level
to cook lasagna. A microwave may be provided with single vending
machine embodiments or with multiple vending machine
embodiments.
[0092] A further embodiment of the present invention comprises one
or more vending machines controlled by a terminal comprising a
processor 70, a display 34 operably connected to the processor 70,
and software operable on the processor 70. The software enables
multiple vends from the two or more machines in exchange for one
payment to cover the cost of all the products 20 vended. One
embodiment of this terminal may be configured similar to an ATM
machine used by banks.
[0093] Any general purpose or specialized processor 70 may be used
with the present invention. The software operable on the processor
70 would enable a customer to purchase one or more products 20 from
the two or more vending machines that are operably connected to the
terminal. The terminal may accept credit or debit cards. Also, such
a terminal may be configured to use stored-value cards. The
terminal would have a communications unit 90, operable by the
processor 70, to contact a credit/debit verification facility to
authorize a charge to the account of the card used in the
terminal.
[0094] The software may be configured to enable the display 34 to
show pictures of the products 20 to be vended as well as any
special deals being offered. Also, the program may be configured to
include tracking of frequent purchasers, and to reward each of
these frequent purchasers.
[0095] Also, modifications may be made remotely to the software.
That is, prices for products 20 or other modifications may be made
remotely to the terminal. The communications unit 90 may be used to
load the software changes or a separate modem may be installed in
the terminal for this purpose.
[0096] In operation, a customer may approach the terminal, and
insert a card (e.g., a credit card or debit card) in a card reader
or swipe a card through a card reader 82. The customer may then
select one or more products 20 to purchase from the one or more
vending machines connected to the terminal. The selections may be
made via a selection mechanism 30, such as a touch screen on the
display 34 or a separate keypad next to the display 34. After the
selections are made, the processor 70 in conjunction with the
communications unit 90 in the terminal initiates a call to a credit
verification facility to obtain verification that the credit card
or debit card may be charged with the amount of the purchase. If
validation is received, then the selected product(s) 20 are vended.
If validation is denied, the customer is notified that the
validation is denied.
[0097] From the foregoing, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that various modifications in the above described devices
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departint from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. Present embodiments, therefore, are to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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