U.S. patent application number 12/504822 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-05 for method and apparatus for purchasing and dispensing products.
Invention is credited to Eugene Brooks Lilly, Douglas Brian Skor.
Application Number | 20090272799 12/504822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36682861 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090272799 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Skor; Douglas Brian ; et
al. |
November 5, 2009 |
Method and Apparatus for Purchasing and Dispensing Products
Abstract
A system for purchasing a product that does not need to be
physically present at a point-of-sale includes a point-of-sale
device, a product-selection device, a data-analyzing device, an
inventory-managing device, and a dispensing machine. The
point-of-sale device includes apparatus for scanning or otherwise
inputting a first product that is physically present at the
point-of-sale. The product-selection device includes apparatus for
selecting a second product that does not need to be physically
present at the point-of-sale by a characteristic other than by a
standardized product identification number corresponding to the
second product, controller and memory apparatus for retrieving a
standardized product identification number corresponding to the
second product, and communication apparatus for sending the
standardized product identification number of the selected second
product to the point-of-sale device. The data-analyzing device
receives completed purchase transaction data from the point-of-sale
device and identifies the selected second product from that data.
The data-analyzing device thereafter sends instructions to the
dispensing machine for dispensing the second product. The
inventory-managing device communicates with the product-selection
device, data-analyzing device, and dispensing machine to inform
customers of product availability, reserve products for customers,
and maintain inventory of products.
Inventors: |
Skor; Douglas Brian;
(Barrington, IL) ; Lilly; Eugene Brooks; (Overland
Park, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
36682861 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504822 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11329608 |
Jan 11, 2006 |
7581676 |
|
|
12504822 |
|
|
|
|
60644401 |
Jan 14, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/381 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G07F 7/00 20130101; G07F 9/002 20200501; G07G 1/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/381 |
International
Class: |
G06F 7/08 20060101
G06F007/08 |
Claims
1. A method of purchasing a product that is not physically present
at a point of sale, comprising: selecting a product that is not
physically present; identifying said selected product by a
characteristic other than by a standardized product identification
number corresponding to said product; retrieving said standardized
product identification number corresponding to said selected
product; and transmitting said standardized product identification
number corresponding to said selected product to a point-of-sale
device.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting step occurs
proximate to said point-of-sale device.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting step occurs distal
from said point-of-sale device.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting step occurs via a
telecommunication device.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said retrieving step further
comprises retrieving a non-product number and wherein said
transmitting step further comprises transmitting said non-product
number to said point-of-sale device.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting step includes
operation of an interactive device.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting step includes
collecting a token corresponding to said selected product.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting step includes
engaging a product-selection device with one of an identification
card and a personal portable device.
9. A method of dispensing a purchased product to a customer,
comprising: receiving data from a point-of-sale device, said
received data corresponding to a completed sale transaction;
identifying, from said received data, a purchased product that is
housed in a dispensing machine; and transmitting to said dispensing
machine instructions for dispensing said purchased product to a
customer.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said instructions for dispensing
said purchased product include data corresponding to the identity
of said customer and wherein said method further comprises
verifying the identity of said customer at said dispensing
machine.
11. A system for dispensing a purchased product, comprising: a
point-of-sale device for executing the sale of a product; a
dispensing machine for dispensing said purchased product; and a
data-analyzing device configured to receive completed sale
transaction data from said point-of-sale device, said
data-analyzing device further configured to identify, from said
data, said purchased product that is housed in said dispensing
machine and to transmit dispensing instructions to said dispensing
machine corresponding to said purchased product.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein: a transaction number unique to
said sale of said purchased product is generated by one of said
point-of-sale device and said data-analyzing device; said
dispensing instructions include said transaction number; and said
dispensing machine is configured to dispense said purchased product
upon presentment of said transaction number.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein said dispensing machine is
configured to dispense said purchased product upon presentment of
one of a PIN number, customer identification, biometric
identification, government identification, authorization code,
credit card used for said sale, debit card used for sale, and
stored-value card used for said sale.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein said dispensing machine is
configured to transmit inventory data to said data-analyzing
device.
15. A method of selling and dispensing a product to a customer at
two different locations comprising: requiring a first set of
biometric data of a customer upon purchase of a product; receiving
data from a point-of-sale device, said received data corresponding
to a completed sale transaction; identifying, from said received
data, a purchased product that is housed in a dispensing machine;
transmitting to said dispensing machine instructions for dispensing
said purchased product to a customer, said instructions including
said first set of biometric data; requiring a second set of
biometric data prior to dispensing said product; and dispensing
said product only if said first and second sets of biometric data
are substantially similar.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/329,608, filed Jan. 11, 2006, which claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/644,401, filed Jan. 14, 2005. Both U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/329,608 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/644,401 are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many vendors such as large grocery chains, convenience
stores, and retailers have problems with shrinkage (theft) of
small, high priced items such as cigarettes, batteries,
stop-smoking aids, replacement razor heads, home pregnancy test
kits, and perfume. Several vendors have taken these items off the
retail shelves and count on labor to deliver them in the check-out
area near a point-of-sale device ("POS") such as a cash register.
Moving small, high priced items from the shelves to, for example,
behind a counter or behind locked windows only guards against
customer theft; it does not guard against employee theft. Thus,
other vendors have chosen to remove small, high priced items from
their stock entirely.
[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0099734
(published May 27, 2004 and identifying Barton et al. as inventors)
(the "Barton application") discloses an apparatus and method for a
customer to purchase physically absent products (products that are
not collectable by customers in the store or accessible by
employees such as cashiers) at the same time that he purchases
products that he has collected and brought to the POS. Embodiments
include both cashier-operated and self-scanning POS devices. A
customer brings his collected products to either style POS, and the
cashier or customer scan or otherwise input product identification
information to the POS. At that time, the customer or cashier can
also select products in addition to those that the customer has
collected from the store and brought to the POS, by making
selections on a device such as a touch-screen. The cost of the
selected items is added to the entire bill. The selected items are
dispensed at the POS. Thus, the customer pays once for all
products, the products he has collected and brought to the POS and
the products he has selected from a touch-screen at the POS and
that are subsequently dispensed.
[0004] The Barton application may disclose an apparatus that allows
for the purchase of small, high priced items without giving
customers and certain employees access to them until after they are
purchased. The apparatus of the Barton application, however, is
large, complicated, and expensive, requiring significant custom
modification of a POS and taking up valuable space in the immediate
area of the POS.
[0005] Another effort to combat shrinkage has been taken up by the
Norwegian-based company Vensafe. The Vensafe system provides
vending of products from a vending machine that may be remote from
a POS. Product displays within the store and/or at the point of
sale include cards having a picture of the products available in
the vending machine and a corresponding bar code. After the
customer select cards for products he wants to purchase, the cards
are presented first to a POS for purchase and then to a second
device, a peripheral card reader, for validation. The customer then
takes the validated cards to the vending machine and inserts them
into a reader. The vending machine dispenses products corresponding
to the validated cards. The cards remain in a receptacle in the
vending machine for future reuse.
[0006] The Vensafe system may combat shrinkage. Vensafe's system,
however, is large, expensive, and complicated. In the Vensafe
system, a store displays cards with bar codes on them corresponding
to the products they represent. At the POS, the cashier or customer
must present multiple cards representing the multiple products the
customer wishes to buy to a scanner for purchasing and to a second
peripheral device for validation. After the transaction is
complete, the customer must present the validated cards, a third
time, to the vending machine to collect the products. The cards are
accumulated in a bin inside the vending machine and must then be
manually sorted for reuse and redisplayed in the store.
[0007] Thus, a need exists for the automated dispensing of products
that are high in value or susceptible to theft.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for purchasing products at, for example, a grocery store or
convenience store. The system includes a cashier-operated or
customer-operated point-of-sale device ("POS") readily available in
the industry. The system also includes a dispensing machine for
dispensing products that are not physically accessible until
purchased, an inventory-managing device for managing the inventory
of the products housed in the dispensing machine, and two add-on
devices, a product-selection device and a data-analyzing device,
which can communicate with the existing POS with little or no
modification to the POS.
[0009] The dispensing machine is preferably located remote from the
POS in a grocery store application and proximate to the POS in a
convenience store application. The dispensing machine houses
products available for sale at the POS.
[0010] The location of the inventory-managing device is not
significant so long as it can communicate with the other system
components (the product-selection device, data-analyzing device and
dispensing machine).
[0011] The product-selection device may be located proximate or
distal to the POS and linked with the POS either by wire or
wirelessly. The product-selection device allows customers to select
products for purchase that are housed in the dispensing machine. A
customer chooses a product based on the product's name,
description, picture, etc. being indicated by the product-selection
device. When a product is selected, the product-selection device
retrieves, from memory, a standardized product identification
number corresponding to the product, and sends the number to the
POS. A standardized product identification number would be, for
example, a UPC in the U.S. or an EAN in Europe. The
product-selection device sends the standardized product
identification number to the POS in the same manner that a scanner
would send a standardized product identification number obtained
from scanning a barcode on a product label. Thus, the POS, which
already is configured to receive and understand data from a barcode
scanner, does not need to be modified to receive and understand
data from the product-selection device.
[0012] The product-selection device is linked (either by wire or
wirelessly) with the inventory-managing device so that the
product-selection device knows which products are available in the
dispensing machine and in what quantity and so that the
product-selection device can temporarily reserve selected
products.
[0013] The data-analyzing device is preferably located proximate to
the POS and linked with the POS either by wire or wirelessly. The
data-analyzing device receives data from the POS that is bound for
either the receipt printer or poll display. The data-analyzing
device is able to read the data and identify purchased products
that are housed in the dispensing machine by their standardized
product identification numbers.
[0014] The data-analyzing device is linked (either by wire or
wirelessly) with the inventory-managing device so that the
data-analyzing device can transmit data to the inventory-managing
device to permanently reserve the purchased products. The
data-analyzing device is also linked (either by wire or wirelessly)
with the dispensing machine (either directly or via the
inventory-managing device) so that the data-analyzing device can
transmit instructions to the dispensing machine regarding products
to be dispensed. For example, the data-analyzing device may
transmit a transaction number to the dispensing machine that
matches the transaction number bar-coded on the customer's receipt.
The customer can then present the receipt to a scanner on the
dispensing machine to have the products dispensed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a system for purchasing
products according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a system for purchasing
products according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a product-selection device according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a dispensing machine according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a component of a dispensing machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a system for purchasing
products according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a product-selection device according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a system for purchasing
products according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a system 10 for purchasing
products at, for example, a grocery store or convenience store. The
system 10 facilitates the purchasing of products 12 that are
collected from throughout the store and brought to the check-out
area 14. The system 10 also facilitates selecting, purchasing, and
dispensing products 16 (shown in FIG. 4) housed in a dispensing
machine 18. The dispensing machine 18 may be located inside or
outside the check-out area 14. In a grocery store application, the
dispensing machine 18 is preferably located outside the check-out
area 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1. In a convenience store
application, the dispensing machine 18 is preferably located inside
the check-out area 14 (not shown).
[0024] The system 10 includes a cashier-operated point-of-sale
device ("POS") 20 that is typically found in grocery and
convenience stores and made available by IBM, NCR Corp., and
others. The POS 20 includes a cash drawer and keyboard (not shown).
Data links 22-25 connect the POS 20 with a product-scanner 28 for
scanning barcodes 30 labeled on products 12, a poll display 32 for
displaying product and price information, a receipt printer 34 for
printing receipts 36 of completed transactions with a barcode 38
encoding a transaction number, and a credit/debit card
authorization device 40 for authorizing charges, respectively.
[0025] The system 10 also includes up to three additional devices:
a product-selection device 42, a data-analyzing device 44, and an
inventory-managing device 46. Optionally, the product-selection
device 42, the data-analyzing device 44, and the inventory-managing
device 46 may be combined with one another and/or with the
dispensing machine 18. In one embodiment, however, the
product-selection device 42, the data-analyzing device 44, the
inventory-managing device 46, and the dispensing machine 18
constitute separate devices as shown in FIG. 1.
The Inventory-Managing Device
[0026] The inventory-managing device 46 includes a controller 48
and a memory 50 for managing and recording inventory data.
(References to "data" may include either the singular or plural.)
The inventory-managing device 46 also includes a
transmitter/receiver 52 for communicating with the
product-selection device 42, the data-analyzing device 44, and the
dispensing machine 18 as described below.
The Product-Selection Device
[0027] The product-selection device 42 is linked with the POS 20.
Specifically, the POS 20 includes an input data link 54 from the
product-selection device 42. The input data link 54 may run
directly into the POS 20, or, alternatively, may feed into the data
link 22 already running from the product-scanner 28 into the POS 20
as shown in FIG. 2. An additional alternative would be to feed data
from the product-scanner 28 into the product-selection device 42
via a modified data link 22 (shown in FIG. 6). The
product-selection device 42 would then relay the product-scanner
28-data to the POS 20 via data link 54.
[0028] The product-selection device 42 permits a customer or store
operator to select products 16 for purchase that are housed in the
dispensing machine 18 and, thus, unavailable for scanning. FIG. 3
illustrates the product-selection device 42 in greater detail. The
product-selection device 42 includes a centrally-located screen 56
as well as knobs 58-59 on opposing sides 62-63 of the
product-selection device 42. The product-selection device also
includes buttons 66-69 and a barcode scanner 70 on a top edge 72 of
the product-selection device 42. Rotating knob 58 changes
categories on a main menu. Rotating knob 59 scrolls through other
minor menus. Depressing button 66 adds one of whatever type of
product 16 is displayed on the screen 56 to an order. Depressing
button 67 clears one of whatever type of product 16 is displayed on
the screen 56 from the order. Depressing button 68 clears all of
whatever type of product 16 is displayed on the screen 56 from the
order. Depressing button 69 clears all products 16 from the entire
order.
[0029] Alternatively, the product selection device 42 could employ
a keypad or touch-screen (not shown) instead of, or in addition to,
the knobs 58-59 and buttons 66-69. In such an alternative
embodiment, the keypad or touch-screen could be configured to
permit a customer to select a multitude of units of a particular
product 16 all at once. In other words, the customer could enter
the number "12" to get twelve packs of replacement razor heads
instead of having to hit the button 66 twelve times when the pack
of replacement razor heads is displayed on the screen 56.
[0030] The product-selection device 42 has a controller 73 for
operation and a memory 74 (shown in FIG. 1) that stores a
standardized product identification number corresponding to each of
the products 16 available for selection on the product-selection
device 42 and housed in the dispensing machine 18. A standardized
product identification number would be, for example, a UPC in the
United States or an EAN in Europe, and is typically encoded in a
barcode on product packaging. (Standardized product identification
numbers are also encoded in the barcodes 30 labeled on the products
12 that are collected from throughout the store and brought to the
check-out area 14.)
[0031] The product-selection device 42 retrieves the standardized
product identification number corresponding to a selected product
16 from the memory 74 and transmits the number to the POS 20. The
product-selection device 42 transmits a standardized product
identification number to the POS 20 in the same manner and form as
the product-scanner 22 transmits a standardized product
identification number to the POS 20. In other words, the
product-selection device 42 speaks the same language that the
product-scanner 22 speaks.
[0032] The memory 74 is also configured to store customer-specific
information such as customer identification numbers, purchase
history, and customer preferences. Thus, a customer can identify
himself to the product-selection device 42 by presenting a customer
identification number bar-coded on a key chain tag or customer card
to the scanner 70 on the product-selection device 42. A repeat
customer, upon identifying himself to the product-selection device
42, could retrieve his previous order from the last time he was at
the store. He could then modify the selections he made in his
previous order using the knobs 51-52 and buttons 56-59, as needed,
before completing his transaction.
[0033] The product-selection device 42 includes a
transmitter/receiver 78 that allows the product-selection device 42
to wirelessly communicate with the inventory-managing device 46.
The transmitter/receiver 78 transmits data to the
inventory-managing device 46 to temporarily reserve products 16
selected by a customer as those products 16 are selected. When a
unit of product 16 is reserved, that particular unit immediately
becomes unavailable to other customers.
[0034] The transmitter/receiver 78 receives inventory data from the
inventory-managing device 46 so that the product-selection device
42 knows what products 16 are available and in what quantity. The
product-selection device 42 does not display products 16 that are
out of stock or otherwise unavailable without designating those
products 16 as out of stock or otherwise unavailable. For example,
a product 16 that is out of stock, could be shown in gray to
indicate that it is out of stock while simultaneously indicating
that the product 16 is usually carried by the store. Certain
embodiments of the present invention may include the
product-selection device 42 capable of suggesting alternative
products to the customer that are similar to products that are out
of stock.
[0035] When a unit of product 16 is initially selected by the
customer on the product-selection device 42, the unit is
temporarily reserved for the customer. If the unit is not purchased
within a specified time, however, the unit will automatically
revert back to in-stock status and become available to other
customers for purchase. The time period for temporarily reserving
the unit of product 16 can be adjusted shorter or longer depending
on how much time lag a store manager wants to permit between
selecting products 16 and purchasing products 16.
The Data-Analyzing Device
[0036] The data-analyzing device 44 is linked with the POS 20.
Specifically, the POS 20 includes an output data link 80 to the
data-analyzing device 44. The output data link 80 may run directly
from the POS 20 as shown in FIG. 1, or, alternatively, may feed off
the data link 24 already running from the POS 20 to the receipt
printer 34 as shown in FIG. 2. An additional alternative would be
to feed data from the POS 20 into the data-analyzing device 44 via
a modified data link 46 (shown in FIG. 6). The data-analyzing
device 44 would then relay the POS 20-data to the receipt printer
34 via data link 24.
[0037] The data-analyzing device 44 is configured to receive and
understand data that is output from the POS 20 to the receipt
printer 34. The data-analyzing device 44 includes a controller 81
for operation and a memory 82 for storing standardized product
identification numbers pertaining to products 16 that are stored in
the dispensing machine 18. Using that memory 82, the data-analyzing
device 44 reviews the data received from the POS 20 and identifies
standardized product identification numbers that pertain to
products 16 that are stored in the dispensing machine 18. The
data-analyzing device 44 disregards the portion of the data
pertaining to the products 12 that have already been collected by
the customer. It is noted, however, with reference to FIG. 6, that
while the data-analyzing device 44 may disregard data pertaining to
the products 12 that have already been collected by the customer,
it nevertheless relays that data, unaltered, to the receipt printer
34.
[0038] The data-analyzing device 44 includes a transmitter/receiver
84 that allows the data-analyzing device 44 to transmit data to the
inventory-managing device 46 to permanently reserve products 16
that the data-analyzing device 44 has identified as purchased. The
transmitter/receiver 84 also allows the data-analyzing device 44 to
transmit a purchase transaction number to the inventory-managing
device 46 for matching each customer's transaction with his order
of products 16. In a preferred embodiment, the transaction number
is generated by the POS 20 and thereafter relayed, first via the
data-analyzing device 44 and second via the inventory-managing
device 46, to the dispensing machine 18. Certain embodiments of the
present invention may optionally employ transaction numbers that
are generated by the data-analyzing device 44 and sent both to the
receipt printer 34 and, via the inventory-managing device 46, to
the dispensing machine 18.
[0039] The transmitter/receiver 84 also allows the data-analyzing
device 44 to receive instructions from the inventory-managing
device 46 regarding which standardized product numbers should be of
significance to the data-analyzing device 44. In other words, the
transmitter/receiver 84 allows the data-analyzing device 44 to be
programmed remotely from the inventory-managing device 46.
The Dispensing Machine
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates the dispensing machine 18. The dispensing
machine 18 houses the products 16 in columns 86. Preferably the
columns 86 are visible though a glass pane 88. FIG. 5 illustrates a
column 86 in greater detail. Each column 86 includes a primary
infrared emitter 90 and sensor 92 positioned at an optimal
intermediate height in the column 86. The optimal height may be a
function of how the product 16 is packaged. For example, if the
product 16 arrives at stores in packages of twelve, the primary
emitter 90 and sensor 92 may be optimally positioned at a height of
twelve units of product 16. Alternatively, the primary emitter 90
and sensor 92 may be positioned at a multiple of twelve.
Optionally, the primary emitter 90 and sensor 92 may be positioned
at a uniform height such as the midpoint for all of the columns 86
despite that each column 86 may house a different product 16 that
is packaged differently.
[0041] The primary sensor 92 detects an infrared signal emitted by
the primary emitter 90 whenever a product 16 is not positioned
between the primary emitter 90 and sensor 92. Thus, if the primary
sensor 92 does not receive a signal, the column 86 contains at
least as many units of product 16 as corresponding to where the
primary sensor 92 is positioned. In FIG. 5, the primary sensor 92
receives a signal from the primary emitter 90, thereby indicating
that column 86 has less products 16 than that corresponding to
where the primary sensor 92 is positioned.
[0042] The dispensing machine 18 includes a controller 94 and
memory 96 (shown in FIG. 1) that can keep track of the number and
type of products 16 dispensed. Thus, as long as a column 86 is
always initially stocked at least up to the primary sensor 92, the
controller 94 and memory 96 will know the exact number of a product
16 remaining whenever the column 86 is less than the minimum
stocking amount. In other words, the controller 94 and memory 96
will always either (1) know that the column 86 contains at least
the minimum quantity of the product 16 or (2) know that the column
has less than the minimum amount and know that specific lesser
amount.
[0043] The column 86 may also include a secondary infrared emitter
98 and sensor 100 positioned at the bottom of the column 86. In
such an embodiment, the secondary sensor detects an infrared signal
emitted by the secondary emitter 98 whenever a product 16 is not
positioned between the secondary emitter 98 and sensor 100. Thus,
if the secondary sensor 100 does not detect a signal, the column 86
has at least one unit of the product 16. If the secondary sensor
100 does detect a signal, the column 86 is out of products 16.
Although the controller 94 and memory 96 can keep track of the
quantity of products 16 without the use of the secondary emitter 98
and sensor 100, the secondary emitter 98 and sensor 100 may
contribute to inventory accuracy during malfunction of certain
other aspects of the invention.
[0044] For increased flexibility, the emitters 90 and 98 and
sensors 92 and 100 may be adjustably positioned. For increased
inventory detail, the columns 86 may be equipped with additional
infrared emitters and sensors.
[0045] The dispensing machine 18 includes a transmitter/receiver
102 (shown in FIG. 1) for communicating with the inventory-managing
device 46. Additionally, the dispensing machine 18 includes a
scanner 104 (shown in FIG. 3) for scanning barcodes 38 on the
receipts 36 to identify transaction numbers.
[0046] After completing payment for all purchased products 12 and
16, the customer receives the receipt 36 with the barcode 38
encoding the same transaction number that has already been relayed
by the data-analyzing device 44, via the inventory-managing device
46, to the dispensing machine 18. When the customer presents
barcode 38 on the receipt 36 to the scanner 104 on the dispensing
machine 18, the dispensing machine 18 will dispense the products 16
that are associated with the transaction number encoded in the
barcode 38 on the receipt 36. The products 16 are dispensed into a
trough 106 from which the customer can grab the products 16.
Alternatively, the dispensing 18 machine can be configured to
dispense products 16 by dropping the products 16 directly into the
customer's shopping bag (not shown).
[0047] The transaction number may or may not be random or
encrypted, depending on the POS 20 that is employed. If the POS 20
does not generate random or otherwise encrypted transaction
numbers, the data-analyzing device 44 optionally can be configured
to generate a random or encrypted number and communicate that
number to the receipt printer 34 via the modified data link 24 as
shown in FIG. 6. In such an embodiment, the data-analyzing device
44 intercepts data intended for the receipt printer 34 from the POS
20 via the output data link 80. The data-analyzing device 44 relays
the intercepted data along with the data-analyzing device
44-generated transaction number to the receipt printer 42.
[0048] The system 10 is designed so that an existing POS 20 can
easily be coupled to the product-selection device 42 and
data-analyzing device 44 without having to reconfigure or reprogram
the POS 20, the product-scanner 28, poll display 32, receipt
printer 34, or credit/debit card authorization device 40. If the
POS 20 does not include an additional input port for the input data
link 54 of the product-selection device 42, then the input data
link 54 can tap into the existing data link 22 running from the
product-scanner 28 as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, if the POS 20
does not include an additional output port for the output data link
80 of the data-analyzing device 44, the output data link 80 can
optionally tap into the existing data link 24 running to the
receipt printer 34 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0049] Little if any adjustments are needed to the existing POS 20
or its component devices (i.e., the product-scanner 28, poll
display 32, receipt printer 34, and credit/debit card authorization
device 40). The product-selection device 42 speaks the language of
standardized product identification numbers that the POS 20 is
already programmed to understand. Likewise, the data-analyzing
device 44 is configured to understand the language that the POS 20
is already programmed to speak.
[0050] It will be noted that, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the dispensing machine 18 does not receive
payment for any products 16 it dispenses. In fact, the dispensing
machine 18 does not even need to know the price of the products 16
it dispenses. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
only the POS 20 executes the sale. The dispensing machine 18,
product-selection device 42, and data-analyzing device 44 need not
participate in the actual sale of products.
Remote Selection Of Products
[0051] The product-selection device 42 has heretofore been
described as an interactive terminal that is located in the
check-out area 14 and which provides for the selection of products
16 in the check-out area 14. Alternative embodiments of the present
invention may provide for at least a preliminary selection of
products 16 outside of the check-out area 14. It will be noted that
selection of products 16 outside of the check-out area 14 may help
avoid the formation of customer bottlenecks at the check-out area
14.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative product-selection device
108 that comprises a first unit 110 and a second unit 112. The
first unit 110 is located outside the check-out area 14 and is
configured to permit selection of products 16. The second unit is
located inside the check-out are 14 and is configured to permit
modification of an order of selected products 16. Both the first
and second units 110 and 112 operate in the same manner and include
most of the same components (i.e., screen 56, knobs 58-59, buttons
66-69, scanner 70, controller 73, memory 74, transmitter/receiver
78) as the product-selection device 42 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. It
is noted, however, that only the second unit 112 needs the output
data link 80.
[0053] A customer selects products 16 using the first unit 110
before arriving at the check-out area 14. After the selections are
made, instructions to temporarily reserve the selected products 16
are sent to the inventory-managing device 46. Additionally,
transaction data (regarding the selections made) is attached to a
customer or transaction number and sent to the second unit 112 of
the product-selection device 108, either directly or via the
inventory-managing device 46. At the check-out area 14, the
customer can retrieve his pending order on the second unit 112 and
modify the order as needed. The second unit 112 then sends the
applicable corresponding standardized product identification
numbers to the POS 20 and sends instructions to temporarily reserve
the selected products 16 (as modified) to the inventory-managing
device 46.
[0054] The customer may retrieve his order at the second unit 112
by identifying himself through a customer number or transaction
number. If a customer number is employed for retrieval, the
customer identifies himself at both the first and second units 110
and 112 by presenting a bar-coded key chain tag or customer card to
the scanners 70 of each of the first and second units 110 and 112.
If a transaction number is employed for retrieval, the first unit
110 is configured to generate and print out a bar-coded transaction
number, which the customer can take and present to the scanner 70
on the second unit 112.
[0055] Alternatively, the first unit 110 may be a stand alone
device that does not include the transmitter/receiver 78. After a
customer makes his selections, the first unit 110 prints out
bar-coded transaction data corresponding to those selections. The
customer presents the barcode(s) to the scanner 70 on the second
unit 112, which is located in the check-out area 14. The second
unit 12 reads the transaction data, retrieves the corresponding
standardized product identification numbers, sends the
corresponding standardized product identification numbers to the
POS 20, and sends instructions to temporarily reserve the selected
products 16 to the inventory-managing device 46.
[0056] In another embodiment (not shown) an alternative
product-selection device comprises a plurality of intelligent
product displays corresponding to specific products 16 housed in
the dispensing machine 18. The displays could be located along
aisles traditionally reserved for stocking products or anywhere
else in the store. For example, an intelligent product display for
a twelve-pack of replacement razor heads has a keypad for entering
product selections and a scanner for identifying a customer by his
key chain tag or customer card. The intelligent product display has
a transmitter/receiver for receiving inventory data from the
inventory-managing device 46 and sending transaction data
(regarding selections made) along with the customer number to the
inventory-managing device 46. At the check-out area 14, the
customer could identify himself, and thus his order, by presenting
the same key chain tag or customer card to a scanner on a
product-selection device (such as product-selection device 42
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3) and modify the order as needed. The
product-selection device then sends the applicable corresponding
standardized product identification numbers to the POS 20 and sends
instructions to temporarily reserve the selected products 16 (as
modified) to the inventory-managing device 46.
[0057] Alternatively, an intelligent product display could write
transaction data (regarding selections made) directly onto a
customer-carried device such as a magnetic stripe card that can be
swiped. For example, a customer could swipe his magnetic stripe
card twice through a slot on the display for twelve-packs of
replacement razor heads if he wanted to purchase two twelve-pack
units of replacement razor heads. At the check-out area 14, the
customer could input his order into a product-selection device by
swiping his magnetic stripe card, which contains the transaction
data, into a slot on a modified product-selection device (not
shown) at the check-out area 14 and modify the order as needed. The
product-selection device then sends the applicable corresponding
standardized product identification numbers to the POS 20 and sends
instructions to temporarily reserve the selected products 16 to the
inventory-managing device 46.
[0058] If the intelligent product displays have receivers, the
displays can receive inventory data form the inventory-managing
device 46 and inform a customer accordingly about product 16
availability. If the displays do not have receivers, the customer
will not know whether a product 16 is available for certain until
he retrieves his order on the modified product-selection device at
the check-out area 14.
[0059] In another embodiment (not shown), the store displays tokens
such as pieces of paper that are descriptive of products 16 housed
in the dispensing machine 18. The tokens include bar codes
corresponding to the products they describe. The tokens could be
located along aisles traditionally reserved for stocking products
or anywhere else in the store. A customer collects tokens in
desired quantities for the desired products 16 and brings them to
the check-out area 14. At the check-out area 14, the customer or
cashier scans the products into a modified product-selection
device. The product-selection device retrieves from memory the
standardized product identification numbers corresponding to the
selected products 16, transmits the standardized product
identification numbers to the POS 20, and sends instructions to
temporarily reserve the products 16 to the inventory-managing
device 46.
[0060] In other embodiments (not shown), a customer can select
products for purchase 16 on a store website via the Internet prior
to arriving at the store. In one such embodiment, the products 16
can be selected and reserved over the Internet via an Internet
portal such as a personal computer for subsequent in-store purchase
at the POS 20. The Internet facilitates the transmission of
inventory data from the inventory-managing device 46 to the
website, and the transmission of transaction data (including
instructions to reserve units of a product 16) from the website to
the inventory-managing device 46.
[0061] After making his selections, the customer then proceeds to
the applicable store. Upon arriving at the check-out area 14, the
customer identifies himself (or his order) with his customer number
(or transaction number) by presenting a key chain tag, customer
card, or printed out piece of paper to the scanner 70 on the
product-selection device 42. The customer may then modify his order
on the product-selection device 42 using the knobs 58-59 and
buttons 66-69. The product-selection device then sends the
applicable corresponding standardized product identification
numbers to the POS 20 and sends instructions to temporarily reserve
the selected products 16 (as modified) to the inventory-managing
device 46. After purchase, the customer retrieves the products 16
from the dispensing machine 18 as described above.
[0062] In another embodiment, the products 16 are actually sold
over the Internet and subsequently collected at the dispensing
machine 18. The payment method may be made by debit, credit, or
stored-value payment prior to arriving at the store. The customer,
upon arriving at the store, may bypass the check-out area 14 and
proceed directly to the dispensing machine to collect the purchased
products 16. The customer can identify himself (or his order) to
the scanner 104 on the dispensing machine 18 with his customer
number (or transaction number) by presenting a bar code on a key
chain tag, customer card, or printed out piece of paper.
[0063] While certain embodiments of the present invention employ
the data-analyzing device 44 being configured to receive and
understand data that is output from the POS 20 to the receipt
printer 34, certain additional embodiments may employ the
data-analyzing device 44 being configured to receive and understand
data that is output from the POS 20 to the poll display 32. In such
an embodiment, the data-analyzing device 44 is further able to
understand modifications to the order received from the POS 20 and
displayed on the poll display 32. The output data link 80 may run
directly from the POS 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1, may feed off the
data link 23 running from the POS 20 to the poll display 32 as
illustrated in FIG. 8, or may intercept data from the POS 20 and
relay that data to the poll display 32 (not shown). Further
embodiments of the present invention may include the data-analyzing
device 44 configured to receive and understand data output from the
POS 20 that is intended to be received by either the poll display
32 or receipt printer 34.
[0064] While certain embodiments of the present invention employ a
product-selection device 42 comprising the knobs 58-59 and buttons
66-69, other embodiments may employ a product-selection device
comprising a touch-screen, keypad, or similar device.
[0065] Certain embodiments of the present invention may employ
wired links where wireless links are described and wireless links
where wired links are described.
[0066] While certain embodiments of the present invention employ
the system 10 comprising the cashier-operated POS 20, other
embodiments may employ a system comprising a customer-operated
POS.
[0067] While certain embodiments of the present invention employ
the system 10 wherein the data-analyzing device 44 sends a
transaction number to the dispensing machine 18, other embodiments
may employ a system wherein a data-analyzing device sends a
customer identification number. For example, the customer could
present a key chain tag, store member card, or any other item with
a bar code encoding his customer identification number to the
scanner 104 on the dispensing machine 18. The dispensing machine 18
would thereafter dispense the appropriate products 16.
[0068] While certain embodiments of the present invention employ
product-selection devices and dispensing machines equipped with
barcode scanners for identifying a customer and/or his transaction,
alternative input devices may be used. Alternative devices include
keypads, buttons, touch-screens and similar devices as well as
devices for reading magnetic stripes, radio frequency
identification ("RFID") tags, biometric data (e.g., finger prints),
infrared signals, and optical signals. Identification cards such as
smart cards, which can be carried by a customer and retain a
customer's identification, may be configured to communicate with
product-selection devices and dispensing machines by way of, for
example, magnetic stripes or RFID tags. Likewise, personal portable
devices such as small handheld computers, cellular telephones,
portable music players, and the like, which can be carried by a
customer and retain a customer's identification, may be configured
to communicate with product-selection devices and dispensing
machines by way of, for example, RFID tags, infrared signals, or
optical signals.
[0069] Certain embodiments of the present invention might employ
the transmission of certain non-product numbers in addition to the
standardized product identification numbers corresponding to
selected products. For example, a non-product number could be used
to indicate that an age-restricted product such as alcohol or
tobacco is being selected and that the customer's age must be
verified. In such an embodiment, the customer's age may be verified
at the POS 20 by an age-appropriate employee who must enter a
validation code into the POS 20 such as a birth date or other input
that authorizes the sale. The dispensing machine 18 may be
configured to only dispense the age-restricted product if the
validation code is entered at the POS 20. Where necessary or
desirable, biometric data can be required at both the
product-selection device 42 and at the dispensing machine 18, to
ensure that the person purchasing the restricted product is the
person collecting the restricted product at the dispensing machine
18.
[0070] Non-product numbers may also be used to control the sale and
dispensing of prescribed medications and of products that are
limited in quantity per customer. Thus, non-product numbers can be
used to indicate restrictions on the purchase of products such as
that a customer must be of a minimum age, must have a medical
prescription, or may only purchase a limited quantity.
[0071] Certain embodiments of the present invention might employ
the dispensing machine 18 inside the check-out area 14 (not shown).
In a convenience store application, for example, the dispensing
machine 18 may be located behind the counter such that dispensed
products 16 are only accessible to employees and only as a result
of a completed transaction. Alternatively, in another convenience
store application, the dispensing machine 18 may be located
adjacent to the POS 20 but accessible by customers. In that
application, the dispensing machine 18 may further include a trough
with a divider to segregate products 16 purchased by different
customers, or alternatively, multiple troughs.
[0072] While certain embodiments of the present invention employ
the dispensing machine 18 having infrared emitters 90 and 98 and
sensors 92 and 100, other embodiments may include alternative
emitters and sensors such as optical emitters and sensors.
[0073] While communication in certain embodiments of the present
invention has been described as to or from the inventory-managing
device 46, other embodiments may employ communication that bypasses
the inventory-managing device 46. Additionally, the
inventory-managing device 46 may be integrated into the dispensing
machine 18, product-selection device 42, or data-analyzing device
44. Indeed, if there is only one POS 20 and/or only one dispensing
machine 18 at a particular store, it may be preferable to integrate
the inventory-managing device 46 into the dispensing machine 18,
product-selection device 42, or data-analyzing device 44.
[0074] While certain embodiments of the present invention may
describe the dispensing machine 18, the product-selection device
42, the data-analyzing device 44, and the inventory-managing device
46 as separate, other embodiments may comprise any two or more of
the dispensing machine 18, the product-selection device 42, the
data-analyzing device 44, and the inventory-managing device 46
integrated into a single apparatus.
[0075] While certain embodiments of the present invention may
describe each of the dispensing machine 18, the product-selection
device 42, the data-analyzing device 44, and the inventory-managing
device 46 as having its own memory and/or controller, other
embodiments may comprise two or more of the dispensing machine 18,
the product-selection device 42, the data-analyzing device 44, and
the inventory-managing device 46 as sharing a memory and/or
controller.
[0076] While the use of the Internet has been employed in certain
embodiments of the present invention, any telecommunication device
such as a telephone or facsimile is contemplated.
[0077] While certain embodiments of the present the invention have
been described for use in grocery store and convenience store
applications, the present invention is not limited to those
applications. Rather, the invention is intended to be used in any
retail or merchandising application.
[0078] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *