U.S. patent application number 12/054430 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for user-specific dispensing system.
Invention is credited to Arthur J. Zito.
Application Number | 20080176648 12/054430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35962156 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080176648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zito; Arthur J. |
July 24, 2008 |
USER-SPECIFIC DISPENSING SYSTEM
Abstract
The invention provides a system to physically dispense an item
on-site from a dispenser whereby the item to be dispensed is
selected by the system based on user-specific or item-specific
information. In an embodiment, the system selects the dispensed
item based on both user-specific and item-specific information. In
another embodiment the invention comprises a system that activates
gaming features in a gaming device based on user-specific
information.
Inventors: |
Zito; Arthur J.;
(Millersville, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COHEN & GRIGSBY, P.C.
11 STANWIX STREET, 15TH FLOOR
PITTSBURGH
PA
15222
US
|
Family ID: |
35962156 |
Appl. No.: |
12/054430 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10990595 |
Nov 17, 2004 |
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12054430 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/45 20140902;
G07F 9/006 20130101; A63F 13/30 20140902; G07F 9/00 20130101; G07F
17/32 20130101; G07F 17/0035 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101; G16H
20/13 20180101; G06K 7/10297 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
463/29 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A gaming system, comprising: a. a reader configured for reading
a readable user-identifier associated with a user that stores
information that is specific to said user; b. at least one gaming
feature; and c. a processor coupled to said at least one gaming
feature and to said reader, wherein said processor executes coded
instructions to interpret said user-specific information read by
said reader and uses said interpretation to automatically select
and activate at least one of said at least one gaming features
without requiring further intervention from said user, wherein said
activation of said selected gaming feature is independent of said
user's purchase history.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said activation is deactivation
of said selected gaming feature.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein said gaming system is a pinball
machine.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein said gaming system is a video
game.
15. The system of claim 11 wherein said gaming system is a slot
machine.
16. The system of claim 11 wherein said information is said user's
name.
17. The system of claim 11 wherein said information is said user's
address.
18. The system of claim 11 wherein said information is said user's
age.
19. The system of claim 11 wherein said information is said user's
gender.
20. The system of claim 11 wherein said information is a history of
said user's use of said gaming system.
21. The system of claim 11 wherein said information is said user's
personal characteristics.
22. The system of claim 11 further comprising a currency accepting
means coupled with said processor, and said instructions further
comprising instructions to activate said selected gaming feature
upon the user inserting an appropriate amount of currency into the
currency accepting means.
23. The system of claim 26, wherein said item is a service.
24. The system of claim 26, wherein said item is a music clip.
25. The system of claim 26, wherein said item is a multi-media
clip.
26. The system of claim 11, further comprising a dispensing device
configured for automatically dispensing an item based upon said
information read by said reader, wherein said processor executes
coded instructions to interpret said user-specific information to
automatically dispense a selected item from said dispensing device
based upon said user-specific information.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein said information is a history
of said items dispensed to said user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates in general to systems and methods for
on-site, automated dispensing of items to users based on
user-specific information. The system and methods can also be
applied to gaming devices in which a special feature is actuated
and/or an item is dispensed based on user-specific information.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] In general, the retail market continues to become more
competitive. There are an increasing number of options for
consumers in terms of where to shop and which items to purchase. At
the same time, providing targeted samples to consumers is an
effective method of marketing. Therefore, there exists a powerful
need to direct consumers into appropriate store locations and/or to
direct samples of products into the hands of a targeted
consumer.
[0005] While promotional methods have existed for ages, e.g., sales
coupons, targeted discounts, free items with purchase, no system or
method has attempted an automated approach to targeted on-site
sampling. To do so would require (1) pre-knowledge of the targeted
consumer, also referred to as the "user" of the system, and (2) the
actual dispensation of samples to said user based on that
pre-knowledge. Such a system would differ from one that issues a
coupon or other redeemable, such as a token, to a user based on
user-specific information, in that said system would actually
physically dispense the item to the user on-site, thereby removing
the necessity of a redemption step.
[0006] Such a system would provide a novel method and system to
provide automated, on-site sampling based on user-specific
information. The system and method could incorporate RFID, bar
code, or any other reader technology into an automated system that
can be kept and maintained on a target site or maintained from a
central site. Reader systems such as RFID tags, bar codes, and
other conventional data reading methods are incorporated into a
variety of devices ranging from monitoring systems to gaming
devices. One example would be a grocery store chain issuing
discounts to holders of a preferred customer card. The card may
have information on it that is readable by a bar code reader. The
system identifies the user by the information contained on the card
and issues a discount, or tracks the consumers purchase history,
and issues coupons based on said history. Another example is Bam et
al.'s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,459 (Publication No.
US 2004/0128197), which discloses an electronic promotion system
that sends coupons to targeted consumers, the coupons tailored to
the specific consumer's profile. The consumer then may redeem said
coupons at some future time.
[0007] Another example of the prior art is Meyer's U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/245,149 (Publication No. US 2003/0061098
A1), which discloses a system that encourages consumers to
patronize a particular business by awarding a prize or a discount
to randomly selected consumers. But the system disclosed in Meyer's
patent application does not physically dispense a sample. Another
drawback of this system is that a dispensed item may not meet the
needs or desires of the actual user because the dispensed item is
not customized to that user's individual characteristics or
preferences. Such a system is not necessarily based on
user-specific information but rather simply rewards consumers that
have a card.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for a system that both physically
provides the item on-site from the dispenser unit itself and one
that dispenses an item that is user-specific based on the
particular user's characteristics.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In general, the dispensing system of the present invention
comprises a user-identifier, such as an RFID tag or a bar code,
containing information associated with a user. The system also
comprises a reader that is capable of reading the user-identifier.
The system has a processor that is capable of executing
instructions to actuate dispensing means that in turn dispenses an
item to the user. In this way, the system is designed to dispense
an item that is appropriate for the user based on user-specific
information.
[0010] In an alternate embodiment, the system is capable of
conveying information associated with the items. In this alternate
embodiment, the processor is capable of instructing an actuator to
dispense items based on item-specific information. Item-specific
information includes, but is not limited to, the number of items
dispensed from at least one storage compartment or the weight of
items remaining in at least one storage compartment.
[0011] In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system
incorporated into a gaming device. Instead of dispensing a sample,
the system will actuate at least one gaming feature based on the
information associated with the identified user. This embodiment is
designed to actuate a gaming feature that is appropriate for the
user based on the user-specific information.
[0012] All embodiments may be optimally coupled with any device
that dispenses a service or item in exchange for currency or other
monetary means, such as a credit card.
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a system to physically dispense a sample item on-site to a
user based on user-specific information.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system that physically dispenses an item on-site to a user based on
information related to the items remaining in the system.
[0015] It is also an object of the invention to provide a gaming
system that activates gaming features based on user-specific
information.
[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide a system
that activates features within an existing gaming machine based on
user-specific information.
[0017] It is still a further object of the invention to provide
targeted automated sampling of items.
[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide a system to
encourage consumer traffic to a location.
[0019] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood or apparent from
the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of the user-specific
dispensing system in an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is depiction of one embodiment of the invention
incorporated into a gaming device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the
process and system for on-site dispensing of items based on
user-specific information. In this embodiment, the system is
schematically represented as a vending-type machine dispensing
cylindrical items to a user. The skilled artisan will appreciate,
of course, that there are a multitude of types of vending machines,
many of which have differing mechanical or electrical
configurations and capabilities. Thus, this embodiment of the
invention is in no way limited to vending-type machines represented
in this schematic. The skilled artisan will also appreciate, of
course, that the dispensed items need not be cylindrical or be
limited to any shape. The items could be intangible, such as a
music clip. Thus, an item can be a physical sample or a service.
Another example of an item as a service would be the system
dispensing multi-media clip. Some of the other applications of the
invention will become apparent from the schematic figures discussed
below.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, a user 100 receives a user identifier
200. That step is represented as 1000. The way in which a user
receives a card varies, but an example would be as follows: A
vendor stationed at an event, for example, a sporting event, would
solicit interested consumers and would gather information from the
interested consumers. Such information could include the consumer's
age, gender, sporting team or apparel preferences, location of
residence, etc. The vendor would issue the user a card that could
be used with the system. In this example, the card would be a
user-identifier 200. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the
user-identifier 200 need not be a card, for example, the
user-identifier 200 could be any physical holder of information and
need not be limited to any size or shape. Further, the
user-identifier 200 could be any information that is specific to a
user 100, which is inputted into the system, for example, the user
100 could enter the user's phone number into the system. Still
further, the issuer of the user-identifier 200 need not necessarily
be a vendor as is currently understood by the ordinary and
accustomed meaning of "vendor." The user-identifier 200 comprises
readable information that is specific to or is associated with the
user. As stated above, said user-specific information may include
gender, name, address, age, athletic preference, food preferences,
music preferences, etc. FIG. 1 schematically represents such
preferences as 210, 220, and 230. User-specific information 210,
220, and 230 on the user-identifier 200 may be in the form of a bar
code or RFID information, but is not limited as such. User-specific
information also includes information that a user is simply
authorized to receive a sample. Therefore, information on a
user-identifier that instructs the system to simply dispense an
item is user-specific information.
[0025] Another step of the invention is represented by 2000. In
this step, the user 100 presents the user-identifier 200 to the
system. The system comprises a reader 300 capable of reading the
coded information off of the user-identifier 200. In one example of
an embodiment, the reader 300 is an RFID reader capable of reading
data on a card that corresponds to the user's 100 age 210, gender
220, and soft drink preference 230. The reader 300 sends the
user-specific data to a processor, the step being represented by
3000. In step 4000, the processor 400 is capable of processing the
inputted user-specific data in order to instruct the system to
dispense an item to a user, that item being selected based upon the
user-specific data. The step of dispensing is represented by 5000.
FIG. 1 depicts the item being dispensed as 508.
[0026] In some of the embodiments of the invention where the
instructions are software, the software contains coded
instructions, which translate the user-specific data into
mechanical action of the system, specifically, mechanical actions
of the dispensing means 501, 503, 505, 507, or 509. Software can
also log the activities in a file. The software can validate
whether the user-identifier 200 is authorized for activity. It can
determine, for example, whether the user history warrants an item
to be dispensed. The software can determine which type of item will
be dispensed and log a tag number along with a time stamp and
activity type to a file. A control code tag is able to retrieve the
file and reset the system. Skilled artisans will appreciate that
the invention is not limited or dependent upon any type of computer
system, operating environment, architecture, or required to have a
conventional computer to operate. As referred to above, in other
embodiments of the invention, it is possible to reduce the software
routine to a dedicated chip, and remove the typical computer
components from the invention completely.
[0027] The step of the reader 300 being provided with the
user-specific information 210, 220, and 230 of the user-identifier
200 to the processor 400 is represented by 3000. Once the processor
accepts the user-specific data 210, 220, and 230, it executes an
instruction to actuate a dispensing means 500, 502, 504, 506, 508
based on set instructions.
[0028] In this embodiment, the system has at least one compartment
600, 602, 604, 606 and 608, each of which stores a plurality of
items to dispense. One such item is represented as 508. The
invention is not limited to a type of item so long as the item is
dispensed based upon user-specific data. However, presently such
items may include toys, prizes, candy, soda, athletic gear, towels,
etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each item is schematically
represented, and each item is stored in its respective storage
compartments 600, 602, 604, 606, and 608. In the preferred
embodiment, the items meet a pre-selected set of characteristics
appropriate for a user. That is, for example, if the user-specific
information includes soda or candy preference, a soda or a candy
item would be dispensed that corresponds to the preference.
[0029] Related to this aspect of the invention, other embodiments
of the invention comprise dispensing an item based on whether the
user 100 meets the pre-selected criteria selected by an entity
wishing to promote certain goods. For example, the system could be
located in a retail area such as a grocery store. The system may
contain samples of after-shave, samples of a skin-toning product,
and samples of vitamin supplements respectively. The pre-selected
criteria may define that (1) males under forty five years of age
are to receive after-shave samples; (2) females under forty-five
years of age are to receive samples of the skin toning product; and
that (3) all individuals over forty-five years of age will receive
the sample of vitamin supplements. A twenty-nine year old male
presenting his user-identifier to the system will cause the system
to dispense to him a sample of after shave. In this way, the
invention can provide for focused automated sampling, which is an
important marketing tool. The invention also can drive consumer
traffic to a location, which in this example, is a grocery store.
In this embodiment, the steps of presenting 2000 the user
identifier, reading the user-specific information 3000, and
processing 4000 are the same as described above.
[0030] Dispensing 5000 is another aspect of the invention. The
skilled artisan will appreciate that any conventional dispensing
means can be used. Since the invention is not limited to any
particular mechanical or electrical specifications, the dispensing
means will depend largely on the type of unit the system is
embodied within. In one embodiment, the dispensing means is a
flange that is activated by a solenoid. The reader reads
information contained on the user-identifier and sends the
information to the processor, which processes instructions to send
an electrical signal to the solenoid. This electrical signal
charges a coil in the solenoid, which in turn pushes a rod
mechanism in the solenoid to open the flange to dispense an item
from the respective storage compartment--, for example into a
dispensing chute 800, out of the opening 810, and on to the user
100. Alternate embodiments will use shooting solenoids to drive the
sample into a dispensing chute ultimately accessible by the
user.
[0031] In other embodiments, the invention has dimensions that are
suitable for a retail shelf, for example, on the confectionery
shelf of a convenience store; however, the size dimensions of the
units are variable and could easily be adapted to any environment
whether it be retail or service. The system could also be
freestanding in a public place.
[0032] In another embodiment, the system could be installed or made
a part of a jukebox type machine, or a machine that otherwise
dispenses music or multimedia presentation. In such a system, the
user-identifier would be presented to a reader on the system. The
user-specific information would be sent to the processor. The
processor would instruct the system to "dispense" or otherwise play
a multimedia or music clip based on the user-specific
information.
[0033] In an alternate embodiments shown in FIG. 2, the invention
could be a dispensing or vending type system of the conventional
type where the system is configured to accept currency and to
dispense an item paid for by the user. A typical example of this
would be a soda vending machine. In this alternate embodiment, the
system contains a currency accepting means 900. The processor can
contain and/or execute instructions to only activate the system if
currency accepting means indicator to the process that the user 100
has paid for one of the items 508. For example, a user could
purchase a soda by inserting currency into the currency acceptor
900 (the step represented as 6000), which would be communicated to
the processor 400, represented by step 7000. In some embodiments,
the processor 400 executes instructions to output a prompt to the
user. In a preferred embodiment, the prompt would be a graphical
display indicating to the user to present his or her
user-identifier 200. The system then reads the user-specific
information 210, 220, and 230, and optionally, the user's 100
immediately previous purchase choice, and instructs the dispensing
means (508 for example) to dispense a separate item to the user 100
based on the selected criteria for that user type and/or the user's
100 selection.
[0034] Other embodiments of the invention include a system to
distribute items to a member of a health club, where the
distributed items are chosen based on pre-selected athletic
interests of the member, such as providing tennis balls to a member
who has previously indicated an interest in playing tennis.
Alternatively, the member of the athletic club may have purchased a
premium service. The information regarding the premium service
would be contained on the user-identifier and the system would
dispense items based on the member's status and/or preferences.
[0035] Another embodiment comprises a system to distribute meals to
school students based on pre-selected menu preferences.
[0036] The skilled artisan will appreciate that the components of
the system can be used with any vending machine, amusement machine,
slot machine, or any device that dispenses an item or service.
[0037] In another embodiment, the system dispenses items based on
said user-specific information and item-specific information. In
this embodiment, the system dispenses at least one item based on
information associated with the items in at least one of the
storage compartments. This item-specific information includes, but
is not limited to, the number of items dispensed from at least one
storage compartment, the number of items remaining in at least one
storage compartment, or the weight of items remaining in at least
one storage compartment. This sample-specific information is
conveyed to the processor, which in conjunction with the programmed
instructions is capable of translating the information into
mechanical actions of the dispensing means as described above.
[0038] Another embodiment of the invention is utilized in a gaming
device. A gaming device according to the present invention
incorporates all or some of the elements described in the
embodiments above, except that the primary "item" being "dispensed"
is a gaming feature. Therefore, in this embodiment of the
invention, the "dispense" is to be understood as the activation of
a gaming feature.
[0039] The user-identifier, reader, and processor are the same as
those described above in FIG. 1 except that in this example system,
the processor executes programmed instructions to translate the
user-specific information to activate at least one gaming feature
based on user-specific information stored on user-identifier and
read by reader. Activated gaming feature is appropriate for user
based on user-associated information. Activation of gaming feature
includes deactivation of the gaming feature. The instructions,
which can be encoded in software or embedded in a chip in the
processor, are capable of validating whether the user-identifier is
authorized for activity, determining history of use of the gaming
system by user, and determining if and which gaming feature 575
should be activated. The instructions in conjunction with computer
memory means also maintains a log of information, including the
user-identifier and user's usage history, such as time, points
scored, and what gaming feature was activated. Any processor known
to those skilled in the art may be used in the present invention
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0040] In FIG. 3, the system is shown in conjunction with a pinball
machine. A close-up view of the activated gaming feature 575, which
is a gate in this example, is shown. Gaming feature 575 may be a
feature that is not typically activated until user completes a
sequence of flipper lane and ramp spinner switches. By activating
gaming feature 575, the system provides easier play for a new or
young user by blocking the outlane 577 where the pinball 576 could
be lost.
[0041] Another example of the system involves video games. In this
example, a user of the system may present her card to a video game
having the system incorporated therein. The user could then be
awarded specific advantages in the video game based on the
user-specific information contained on her card.
[0042] In some embodiments, the gaming feature that is activated is
a free game on the system. The gaming feature could also be an
adjustment of the threshold necessary to reach a new level of the
game or to obtain a re-play of the game.
[0043] While the foregoing has been set forth in considerable
detail, it is to be understood that the drawings and detailed
embodiments are presented for elucidation and not limitation.
Design variations, especially in matters of shape, size and
arrangements of parts may be made but are within the principles of
the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that such
changes or modifications of the invention or combinations of
elements, variations, equivalents or improvements therein are still
within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *