U.S. patent application number 13/004864 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for smart visi-coolers.
This patent application is currently assigned to VENDMORE SYSTEMS, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul T. Breitenbach, Paul D. Signorelli, Igor Zhuk.
Application Number | 20110172848 13/004864 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44257591 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110172848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breitenbach; Paul T. ; et
al. |
July 14, 2011 |
SMART VISI-COOLERS
Abstract
Systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of
manufacture for smart visi-coolers are provided.
Inventors: |
Breitenbach; Paul T.;
(Wilton, CT) ; Signorelli; Paul D.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Zhuk; Igor; (Weston, CT) |
Assignee: |
VENDMORE SYSTEMS, LLC
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
44257591 |
Appl. No.: |
13/004864 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61294101 |
Jan 11, 2010 |
|
|
|
61331208 |
May 4, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/300 ;
312/116; 702/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0613 20130101;
G07F 13/065 20130101; G06Q 30/0277 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101;
B67D 7/348 20130101; G06Q 20/32 20130101; B67D 7/145 20130101; G06Q
10/06311 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; G06Q 30/0639 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/300 ;
312/116; 702/128 |
International
Class: |
G05D 23/19 20060101
G05D023/19; A47F 3/04 20060101 A47F003/04; G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Claims
1. A smart visi-cooler, comprising: a cabinet, housing: (i) a
product storage area storing at least one unit of a product; (ii) a
sensor coupled to detect a removal, by a customer, of the at least
one unit of the product from the product storage area; (iii) an
electronic processor in communication with the sensor, wherein the
electronic processor is operable to receive a signal from the
sensor, the signal being indicative of the removal of the at least
one unit of the product from the product storage area; and (iv) a
communication device in communication with the processor, the
communication device being operable to transmit to an external
device, in response to a command from the electronic processor, an
indication of the signal.
2. The smart visi-cooler of claim 1, wherein the smart visi-cooler
does not comprise a dispensing mechanism.
3. The smart visi-cooler of claim 1, further comprising: a door
coupled to the cabinet, wherein the door is operable to be opened,
allowing the customer to gain access to the product storage
area.
4. The smart visi-cooler of claim 3, wherein the sensor is coupled
to detect removal of the at least one unit of the product by
detecting a movement associated with an opening of the door.
5. The smart visi-cooler of claim 1, further comprising: a data
storage device in communication with the electronic processor,
wherein the data storage device stores the indication of the
signal.
6. The smart visi-cooler of claim 5, wherein the data storage
device further stores at least one of (i) data descriptive of a
number of units of the product in the data storage area, (ii) data
descriptive of a number of units of the product that have been
removed from the data storage area, and (iii) data descriptive of
one or more customers that have purchased a unit of the product
from the smart visi-cooler.
8. The smart visi-cooler of claim 1, further comprising: an
environmental control device coupled to manage the environment
inside the cabinet.
7. (canceled)
9. The smart visi-cooler of claim 7, wherein the sensor comprises a
laser triangulation sensor and wherein the laser triangulation
sensor detects the removal of the at least one unit of the product
from the product storage area by detecting a displacement
associated with the removal of the at least one unit of the product
from the product storage area.
10. The smart visi-cooler of claim 8, wherein the displacement
comprises a displacement of the at least one unit of the
product.
11. The smart visi-cooler of claim 8, wherein the displacement
comprises a second displacement of a different unit of the product,
the second displacement being caused by a first displacement of the
at least one unit of the product.
12. The smart visi-cooler of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises
a linear variable differential transformer.
13. The smart visi-cooler of claim 11, further comprising: a
product push plate disposed in the product storage area; and a
product push plate drive mechanism coupled to the product push
plate and operable to apply a force to the product push plate such
that the force is at least partially transferred to the at least
one unit of product when the at least one unit of product is
disposed within the product storage area.
14. The smart visi-cooler of claim 11, wherein the linear variable
differential transformer detects the removal of the at least one
unit of the product from the product storage area by detecting a
displacement associated with the removal of the at least one unit
of the product from the product storage area.
15. The smart visi-cooler of claim 13, wherein the displacement
comprises a displacement of the at least one unit of the
product.
16. The smart visi-cooler of claim 13, wherein the displacement
comprises a second displacement of a different unit of the product,
the second displacement being caused by a first displacement of the
at least one unit of the product.
17. An apparatus, comprising: a cabinet comprising an interior
space; a plurality of shelves disposed within the interior space,
each shelf of the plurality of shelves storing a plurality of units
of product in a plurality of product columns, and each shelf of the
plurality of shelves being coupled within the interior space of the
cabinet, at an angle, such that a front side of each shelf is
positioned vertically lower than the rear side of each shelf,
causing a vector of gravitational force to exert forward pressure
on each column of the plurality of product columns; a plurality of
sensors, each sensor of the plurality of sensors coupled to sense,
for a column of the plurality of columns, a first distance from the
rear side of the shelf to the rear-most product in the column, at a
first time, and a second distance from the rear side of the shelf
to the rear-most product in the column, at a second time; and an
electronic processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of
sensors, the electronic processor being specially programmed to (i)
receive, from each sensor of the plurality of sensors, an
indication of the first distance and an indication of the second
distance, (ii) calculate, based on the first and second distances,
a distance of displacement for each column of the plurality of the
product columns, and (iii) determine, based on information
descriptive of the units of product stored in each column of the
plurality of product columns, an inventory metric for each column
of the plurality of product columns.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a communication
device communicatively coupled to the electronic processor, the
electronic processor being further specially programmed to cause
the communication device to transmit, to an external device, an
indication of the inventory metrics for the plurality of product
columns.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a data storage
device communicatively coupled to the electronic processor, the
data storage device storing indications of the first distance, the
second distance, the information descriptive of the units of
product stored in each column of the plurality of product columns,
and the inventory metric for each column of the plurality of
product columns.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus does not
include an automatic dispensing mechanism.
21. A method, comprising: determining, by a sensor in a smart
visi-cooler, a first distance from a reference point to a unit of
product positioned in the rear of a column of units of product;
determining, by the sensor in the smart visi-cooler, after the
determining of the first distance, and is response to a
self-service removal, by a customer, of at least one unit of
product from the column of units, a second distance from the
reference point to the unit of product positioned in the rear of
the column of units of product; receiving, by an electronic
processor in communication with the sensor, indications of both the
first and second distances; determining, by the electronic
processor and based on the first and second distances and
information descriptive of the column of product, a metric
descriptive of a change in inventory of the column of product; and
transmitting, by a communication device in communication with the
electronic processor and to a device remote from the smart
visi-cooler, an indication of the metric descriptive of the change
in inventory of the column of product.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit and priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/294,101, filed on Jan. 11, 2010, and titled "VENDING MACHINE
SYSTEMS AND METHODS", and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/331,208, filed on May 4, 2010, and titled "EVENT SALES
AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS". Each of the above-referenced
applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any-one of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cabinets, shelves, racks, and other devices for displaying
and providing products for sale have a long history of use in the
retail sales industry. For food and restaurant sales, glass display
cabinets are often utilized to present perishable products offered
for sale. Many such establishments employ climate-controlled
display cabinets such as "visi-coolers", which are generally
refrigerated cabinets with glass doors. The glass door allows
products to be viewed by customers, facilitates maintenance of the
proper temperature in the cabinet while closed, and permits
customers to select and remove products desired for purchase in a
self-service fashion. In many restaurant or other food
establishments, a visi-cooler is usually placed within the customer
area so that (i) refilling of the visi-cooler (which is often
accomplished by route drivers from external vendors) is more easily
accomplished and will not interfere with food preparation in the
kitchen, and (ii) the self-service nature of the product selection
reduces the order fulfillment burden on the food preparation and/or
sales personnel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] An understanding of embodiments described herein and many of
the attendant advantages thereof may be readily obtained by
reference to the following detailed description when considered
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a typical
visi-cooler;
[0006] FIG. 2 is smart visi-cooler according to some
embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a system according to some embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to some
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a system according to some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of a system and process
according to some embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method according to some
embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E, FIG. 8F, FIG.
8G, FIG. 8H, and FIG. 8I are example interfaces according to some
embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 is an apparatus according to some embodiments;
and
[0014] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are perspective diagrams of exemplary
data storage devices according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Introduction
[0015] Embodiments described herein are descriptive of systems,
apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture for
smart visi-coolers. In some embodiments, for example, a visi-cooler
may be enhanced to provide inventory tracking and/or control
functionality (e.g., a "smart" visi-cooler). According to some
embodiments, a system and/or method may be provided to provide
customers the flexibility of purchasing an item from a smart
visi-cooler without the need to stand in line at the typical
in-store Point-Of-Sale (POS). In some embodiments, for example, an
interface for purchasing products from a smart visi-cooler may be
provided via a mobile electronic device to allow a customer to
consummate a purchase and leave the retail establishment with the
product without the need for standing in line.
[0016] Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective diagram of a
typical visi-cooler 110 is shown. The typical visi-cooler 110 may
comprise, for example, a WDW735B Cold Merchandiser.TM. from Seaga
Manufacturing, Inc. of Freeport, Ill., or a GDM-45 large double
glass door merchandiser from True.RTM. Manufacturing Company of
O'Fallon, Mo. The typical visi-cooler 110 comprises a cabinet 112
with one or more glass doors 114 via which a customer may access
the interior of the refrigerated cabinet 112. The cabinet 112
houses various shelves 120 upon which units of products 124 are
placed for display and sale. While one, two, or even three swinging
or sliding glass doors 114 are typical, some visi-coolers 110 may
instead comprise an air curtain which still maintains the products
124 at the appropriate temperatures but provides easier access for
customers to the products 124.
[0017] The typical visi-cooler 110 serves an important function in
a retail establishment by providing easy self-service product
selection by customers. The product storage, restocking, and
product selection utilizing the typical visi-cooler 110 can all
occur without interference (or with minimal interference) to the
operation of the retail establishment. The typical visi-cooler 110,
however, is not an expensive piece of equipment--for it is
basically a simple refrigerated cabinet. This is in steep contrast
to a vending machine (not shown), which serves an entirely
different purpose.
[0018] Vending machines, for example, are necessarily more complex
because they fill the need for a device that can sell product (i)
in places where there is little or no staff to assist with or
manage sales and/or (ii) at times when no sales staff or other
assistance is available. Typical vending machines accordingly
comprise dispensing mechanisms of varying complexity, input devices
to allow customers to make product selections, and one or more
payment devices such as coin and/or acceptors or credit/debit card
readers. Vending machines must also typically store received monies
(i.e., bills and coins) and carry sufficient quantities of change
to facilitate sales. Vending machines are also quite often owned
and operated by a different entity than the entity that owns or
operates a location where the vending machine is situated.
Accordingly, the stocking, maintenance, and sales functions of a
vending machine are often not directly tied to any operations at
the location of the vending machine. Vending machines are thus much
more complex and expensive than the typical visi-cooler 110, are
utilized pursuant to a different model of operations, and indeed
fill an entirely different role in product sales.
[0019] Applicants have realized that although one of the main
benefits of the typical visi-cooler 110 is the price-point at which
such a device may be acquired and although many of the features of
a vending machine would not necessarily be desirable in a
visi-cooler 110 (e.g., no need for a dispensing mechanism because
the visi-cooler 110 is only utilized to sell product during the
hours of operation of the retail establishment, and no need for an
integrated payment acceptance device because the retail
establishment already operates a POS system), some modifications to
a typical visi-cooler 110 may be desirable.
[0020] According to some embodiments, for example, an enhanced or
"smart" visi-cooler may comprise a cabinet, housing: (i) a product
storage area storing at least one unit of a product; (ii) a sensor
coupled to detect a removal, by a customer, of the at least one
unit of the product from the product storage area; (iii) an
electronic processor in communication with the sensor, wherein the
electronic processor is operable to receive a signal from the
sensor, the signal being indicative of the removal of the at least
one unit of the product from the product storage area; and/or (iv)
a communication device in communication with the processor, the
communication device being operable to transmit to an external
device, in response to a command from the electronic processor, an
indication of the signal.
[0021] Some embodiments may include an apparatus, comprising: (i) a
cabinet comprising an interior space; (ii) a plurality of shelves
disposed within the interior space, each shelf of the plurality of
shelves storing a plurality of units of product in a plurality of
product columns, and each shelf of the plurality of shelves being
coupled within the interior space of the cabinet, at an angle, such
that a front side of each shelf is positioned vertically lower than
the rear side of each shelf, causing a vector of gravitational
force to exert forward pressure on each column of the plurality of
product columns; (iii) a plurality of sensors, each sensor of the
plurality of sensors coupled to sense, for a column of the
plurality of columns, a first distance from the rear side of the
shelf to the rear-most product in the column, at a first time, and
a second distance from the rear side of the shelf to the rear-most
product in the column, at a second time; and/or (iv) an electronic
processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, the
electronic processor being specially programmed to (1) receive,
from each sensor of the plurality of sensors, an indication of the
first distance and an indication of the second distance, (2)
calculate, based on the first and second distances, a distance of
displacement for each column of the plurality of the product
columns, and (3) determine, based on information descriptive of the
units of product stored in each column of the plurality of product
columns, an inventory metric for each column of the plurality of
product columns.
[0022] Some embodiments may include a method, comprising
determining, by a sensor in a smart visi-cooler, a first distance
from a reference point to a unit of product positioned in the rear
of a column of units of product. In some embodiments, the method
may comprise determining, by the sensor in the smart visi-cooler,
after the determining of the first distance, and is response to a
self-service removal, by a customer, of at least one unit of
product from the column of units, a second distance from the
reference point to the unit of product positioned in the rear of
the column of units of product. In some embodiments, the method may
comprise receiving, by an electronic processor in communication
with the sensor, indications of both the first and second
distances. In some embodiments, the method may comprise
determining, by the electronic processor and based on the first and
second distances and information descriptive of the column of
product, a metric descriptive of a change in inventory of the
column of product. In some embodiments, the method may comprise
transmitting, by a communication device in communication with the
electronic processor and to a device remote from the smart
visi-cooler, an indication of the metric descriptive of the change
in inventory of the column of product.
[0023] In some embodiments, a system may comprise a mobile customer
device in communication with a remote electronic controller, the
mobile customer device executing stored application instructions
that results in the execution of various processes. The processes
may include, for example, (i) transmitting, via a cellular
telephone network and to the remote electronic controller, an
indication of a product offered for sale via a smart visi-cooler
that a customer associated with the mobile customer devices desires
to purchase a unit of, (ii) transmitting, via the cellular
telephone network and to the electronic controller, an indication
of a payment for the unit of product, (iii) receiving, via the
cellular telephone network and from the electronic controller, an
indication of a confirmation of the payment, and/or (iv)
outputting, via an output device of the mobile customer device and
in a retail store where the smart visi-cooler is located, and in
response to the receiving of the payment confirmation, information
that allows the customer to leave the retail store with the unit of
product without waiting in line.
[0024] According to some embodiments, the outputting may comprise
displaying a specific color on a display device of the mobile
customer device, the specific color being indicated by the payment
confirmation and matching a display of the specific color on a POS
device of the retail store.
[0025] In some embodiments, a system may comprise a smart
visi-cooler comprising electronic components coupled to determine
when a unit of a product has been removed from the smart
visi-cooler and to transmit an indication of the removal to a POS
device in the same retail store that the smart visi-cooler is
located in, and/or the POS device in communication with the smart
visi-cooler, the POS device executing stored instructions that
results in execution of various processes. The processes may
include, for example, (i) receiving the indication of the removal
of the unit of the product from the smart visi-cooler, (ii)
receiving, from a remote electronic controller, an indication that
payment has been confirmed for at least one unit of the product,
and/or (iii) outputting an indication that, in conjunction with an
indication output by a mobile customer device, allows a customer
operating the mobile customer device to depart the retail store
with the removed unit of the product.
[0026] According to some embodiments, the outputting comprises
displaying, via an electronic display device in communication with
the POS device, an image representative of the at least one product
for which payment has been confirmed.
[0027] In some embodiments, a system may comprise a network,
comprising: (i) a first communication link to a mobile electronic
device operated by a customer in a retail store, (ii) a second
communication link to a central electronic controller located
remotely from the retail store, (iii) a third communication link to
a financial institution device located remotely from the retail
store and from the central electronic controller, (iv) a fourth
communication link to a POS device of the retail store, and/or (v)
a fifth communication link to a smart visi-cooler located in the
retail store. In some embodiments, the network: (a) receives, via
the first communication link, a first indication of a type of
product, stored in the smart visi-cooler of the retail store, that
the customer desires to purchase a unit of, (b) receives, via the
first communication link, a second indication of a payment for the
purchase of a unit of the type of product that the customer desires
to purchase, (c) transmits, via the second communication link, the
first and second indications, (d) transmits, via the third
communication link, a request for a payment confirmation, (e)
receives, via the third communication link, the payment
confirmation, (f) transmits, via the second communication link, the
payment confirmation, (g) transmits, via the first communication
link, a third indication of the payment confirmation, (h)
transmits, via the fourth communication link, a fourth indication
of the payment confirmation, (i) receives, via the fifth
communication link, a fifth indication that a unit of the desired
type of product has been removed from the smart visi-cooler, and/or
(j) transmits, via the fourth communication link, a sixth
indication that the unit of the desired type of product has been
removed from the smart visi-cooler.
[0028] In some embodiments, a system may comprise a central
electronic controller and a data storage device storing specially
programmed instructions that, when executed by the central
electronic controller, result in execution of various processes.
The processes may include, for example, (i) receiving, from a
mobile electronic device operated by a customer in a retail store,
an indication of a type of product, stored in a smart visi-cooler
of the retail store, that the customer desires to purchase a unit
of, (ii) receiving, from the mobile electronic device operated by
the customer in the retail store, an indication of a payment for
the purchase of a unit of the type of product that the customer
desires to purchase, (iii) transmitting, to a financial institution
device and in response to the receiving of the indication of the
payment, a request for payment confirmation, (iv) receiving, from
the financial institution device and in response to the
transmitting of the request for payment confirmation, confirmation
of the payment, and/or (iv) transmitting, in response to the
receiving of the payment confirmation, an indication that allows
the customer to leave the retail store with a unit of the product
without waiting in line.
[0029] According to some embodiments, the indication of the type of
product received from the mobile electronic device operated by the
customer in the retail store comprises information based on an
image of at least one of (i) the unit of the product, (ii) a
barcode of the unit or product, and (iii) a label associated with
the unit of product. According to some embodiments, the indication
of the payment received from the mobile electronic device operated
by the customer in the retail store comprises an indication of an
account of the customer. According to some embodiments, the
indication that allows the customer to leave the retail store with
a unit of the product without waiting in line comprises a payment
receipt sent to the mobile electronic device operated by the
customer in the retail store.
[0030] According to some embodiments, the indication that allows
the customer to leave the retail store with a unit of the product
without waiting in line comprises an image sent to a display device
in the retail store. In some embodiments, the image may comprise an
image of the customer, an image of representing the unit of
product, and/or an image randomly selected from a plurality of
available images. According to some embodiments, the indication
that allows the customer to leave the retail store with a unit of
the product without waiting in line comprises an indication of a
color sent to a display device in the retail store. According to
some embodiments, the indication that allows the customer to leave
the retail store with a unit of the product without waiting in line
comprises an indication of a command to allow access to the unit of
product sent to the smart visi-cooler in the retail store.
[0031] In some embodiments, a method may comprise (i) receiving, by
a central controller and from a mobile electronic device operated
by a customer in a retail store, an indication of a type of
product, stored in a smart visi-cooler of the retail store, that
the customer desires to purchase a unit of, (ii) receiving, by the
central controller and from the mobile electronic device operated
by the customer in the retail store, an indication of a payment for
the purchase of a unit of the type of product that the customer
desires to purchase, (iii) transmitting, by the central controller
and to a financial institution device and in response to the
receiving of the indication of the payment, a request for payment
confirmation, (iv) receiving, by the central controller and from
the financial institution device and in response to the
transmitting of the request for payment confirmation, confirmation
of the payment, and/or (v) transmitting, by the central controller
and in response to the receiving of the payment confirmation, an
indication that allows the customer to leave the retail store with
a unit of the product without waiting in line.
II. Terms and Definitions
[0032] Some embodiments described herein are associated with a
"smart visi-cooler". As utilized herein, the term "smart
visi-cooler" may be utilized to describe any self-service product
display device such as a shelving unit, storage cabinet, cooler,
warmer, freezer, and/or refrigerator, that includes one or more
electronic enhancements as described herein (e.g., inventory
control, management, tracking, and/or reporting). The term
"visi-cooler" is utilized for convenience to refer to such devices
and is not intended to be limited to devices with transparent doors
or windows (e.g., "visi"), nor is it intended to be limited to
devices that are environmentally-controlled to include cool air
(e.g., "cooler"). Subsets of smart visi-coolers may include, for
example, product display devices with doors ("access-controlled
smart visi-coolers") and/or product display devices that are
environmentally-controlled ("environmentally-controlled smart
visi-coolers"). Unless otherwise and specifically stated herein,
smart visi-coolers are not intended to be equivalent to vending
machines. In some embodiments, differences between a smart
visi-cooler and a vending machine may be exemplified by (i) the
smart visi-cooler's lack of a payment acceptance and/or processing
device, and/or (ii) the smart visi-cooler's lack of a vending
mechanism or automatic vending mechanism (e.g., visi-coolers are
"self-service" devices).
[0033] As used herein, the term "self-service" may generally be
descriptive of the ability of a customer to physically acquire,
take possession of, pick-up, and/or otherwise obtain a unit of
product without requiring assistance from a dispensing mechanism or
vending machine. A unit of product sitting on a shelf or in a tray
that only requires the customer to reach out and grab the unit of
product, whether or not a door (e.g., a refrigerated compartment
door) or other similar mechanism need be manipulated first,
comprises self-service.
[0034] Some embodiments described herein are associated with a
"customer device" or a "network device". As used herein, a
"customer device" is a subset of a "network device". The "network
device", for example, may generally refer to any device that can
communicate via a network, while the "customer device" may comprise
a network device that is owned or operated by or otherwise
associated with a customer. Examples of customer and/or network
devices may include, but are not limited to: a Personal Computer
(PC), a computer workstation, a computer server, a printer, a
scanner, a facsimile machine, a copier, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), a storage device (e.g., a disk drive), a hub, a
router, a switch, and a modem, a video game console, or a wireless
or cellular telephone. Customer and/or network devices may comprise
one or more network components.
[0035] As used herein, the term "network component" may refer to a
customer and/or network device, or a component, piece, portion, or
combination of customer and/or network devices. Examples of network
components may include, but are not limited to: a Static Random
Access Memory (SRAM) device or module, a network processor, and a
network communication path, connection, port, or cable.
[0036] In addition, some embodiments are associated with a
"network" or a "communication network". As used herein, the terms
"network" and "communication network" may be used interchangeably
and may refer to any object, entity, component, device, and/or any
combination thereof that permits, facilitates, and/or otherwise
contributes to or is associated with the transmission of messages,
packets, signals, and/or other forms of information between and/or
within one or more network devices. Networks may be or include a
plurality of interconnected network devices. In some embodiments,
networks may be hard-wired, wireless, virtual, neural, and/or any
other configuration of type that is or becomes known. Communication
networks may include, for example, one or more networks configured
to operate in accordance with the Fast Ethernet LAN transmission
standard 802.3-2002.RTM. published by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In some embodiments, a network
may include one or more wired and/or wireless networks operated in
accordance with any communication standard or protocol that is or
becomes known or practicable.
[0037] As used herein, the terms "information" and "data" may be
used interchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video,
image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other
type or configuration of signal and/or information. Information may
comprise information packets transmitted, for example, in
accordance with the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) standard as
defined by "Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Specification" RFC
1883, published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF),
Network Working Group, S. Deering et al. (December 1995).
Information may, according to some embodiments, be compressed,
encoded, encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated in
accordance with any method that is or becomes known or
practicable.
[0038] In addition, some embodiments described herein are
associated with an "indication". As used herein, the term
"indication" may be used to refer to any indicia and/or other
information indicative of or associated with a subject, item,
entity, and/or other object and/or idea. As used herein, the
phrases "information indicative of" and "indicia" may be used to
refer to any information that represents, describes, and/or is
otherwise associated with a related entity, subject, or object.
Indicia of information may include, for example, a code, a
reference, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any combination
thereof and/or any other informative representation associated with
the information. In some embodiments, indicia of information (or
indicative of the information) may be or include the information
itself and/or any portion or component of the information. In some
embodiments, an indication may include a request, a solicitation, a
broadcast, and/or any other form of information gathering and/or
dissemination.
III. Smart Visi-Coolers
[0039] A. Overview
[0040] Turning to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a smart visi-cooler
210 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments,
the smart visi-cooler 210 may comprise a typical visi-cooler (such
as the typical visi-cooler 110 of FIG. 1) with modifications and/or
enhancements as described herein. The smart visi-cooler 210 may,
for example, comprise a cabinet 212. The cabinet 212 may generally
comprise a number of surfaces (not explicitly shown in FIG. 2) that
define a cavity and/or interior space 212-1. According to some
embodiments, the cabinet 212 may be coupled to and/or include a
door 214. The door 214 may, in some embodiments, allow, prevent,
and/or facilitate access to the interior space 212-1 and/or may
facilitate environmental control of the interior space 212-1 (e.g.,
by reducing the transfer of air between the interior space 212-1
and areas outside of the cabinet 212). The door 214 may, for
example, allow customers to access the interior space 212-1 during
a self-service product removal event (i.e., operate in an "open"
position), while otherwise reducing the loss of conditioned air
within the interior space 212-1 (i.e., operate in a "closed"
position). In some embodiments, the door 214 may comprise a hinged
door, a sliding door, an air curtain, or any other type of divider
or door 214 that is or becomes known or practicable.
[0041] In some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler 210 may comprise
one or more product storage areas 220a-n. The product storage areas
220a-n may comprise any suitable objects or devices operable to
hold and/or display units of product. The first product storage
area 220a may comprise a wire, glass, plastic, and/or metal shelf
or tray, for example, while the second product storage area 220b
may comprise a bin, hopper, basket, and/or drawer. In some
embodiments, the product storage areas 220a-n may comprise
different columns (or other organizations) of units of product
within the interior space 212-1. The smart visi-cooler 210 of FIG.
2 may comprise a single shelf, tray, or rack, for example, upon
which a plurality of units of product are placed and organized into
the different product storage areas 220a-n.
[0042] According to some embodiments, the door 214 may be opened
(e.g., by a customer) to gain access to the units of product stored
in one or more of the product storage areas 220a-n. In some
embodiments, a single door 214 may be operable to be opened to
permit access to the product storage areas 220a-n. In some
embodiments, multiple doors 214 may be utilized to provide access
to any combination of the product storage areas 220a-n, as is or
becomes desirable. According to some embodiments, the door 214 may
comprise one or more other types of dividers such as an air
curtain.
[0043] According to some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler 210 may
comprise one or more sensors 230a-n. As depicted in FIG. 2, in some
embodiments the smart visi-cooler 210 may comprise a sensor 230a-n
for each of the product storage areas 220a-n. Each of the sensors
230a-n may, for example, be coupled to detect information
descriptive of each respective product storage area 220a-n. In some
embodiments, a smaller or larger number of sensors 230a-n may be
utilized, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable. According
to some embodiments, the sensors 230a-n may be setup within the
interior space 212-1 to measure distances associated with any units
of product stored in each of the respective product storage areas
220a-n. According to some embodiments for example, the sensors
230a-n may comprise one or more Laser Triangulation Sensor (LTS)
devices operable to measure linear displacements of units of
product in any respective product storage area 220a-n.
[0044] The sensors 230a-n may, in some embodiments, comprise other
types and/or configurations of non-contact (and/or contact)
displacement measurement devices. One or more of the sensors 230a-n
may comprise, for example, an Incremental Optical Encoder (10E)
device, a Photo-Reflective (PR) measurement device, a laser
interferometer device, a magnetostrictive measurement device, an
ultrasonic measurement device, and/or a cable extension transducer
device. The sensors 220a-n may be communicatively coupled to a
processor 240 and may be operable and/or programmed or configured
to send indications of measured product-associated distances to the
processor 240. In some embodiments (not depicted in FIG. 2), one or
more sensors 230a-n may also or alternatively by coupled to the
door 214 (e.g., to detect an event descriptive of a movement or
other change associated with the door 214). Such a door sensor may
trigger, in some embodiments, the sensors 220a-n to perform a
distance and/or other measurement action (and/or to transmit
results thereof to the processor 240).
[0045] In some embodiments, the cabinet 212 may house, contain,
and/or be coupled to one or more of the processor 240 and/or a
communication device 242. The processor 240 may, according to some
embodiments, comprise an electronic processor such as an Intel.RTM.
Core.TM. 2 Duo P8600 Central Processing Unit (CPU) available from
Intel.RTM. Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In some embodiments,
the processor 240 may execute instructions, such as instructions
specially programmed into and/or for the processor 240 (or into or
for the smart visi-cooler 210). The execution of the
specially-programmed instructions may, for example, enable and/or
facilitate the smart visi-cooler 210 to operate in accordance with
embodiments as described herein.
[0046] According to some embodiments, the communication device 242
may be in communication with the processor 240. The communication
device 242 may, for example, comprise a Network Interface Card
(NIC), modem, router, network switch, an/or cellular interface
device commutatively coupled to send and/or receive information in
response to instructions sent from (and/or received by) the
processor 240. In some embodiments, the communication device 242
may send information descriptive of inventory and/or inventory
events of the smart visi-cooler 210 to one or more external devices
(e.g., a central controller, communications relay and/or
transmission or routing device, and/or a POS controller or a POS
terminal (none of which are shown in FIG. 2)).).
[0047] In some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler 210 may comprise
a data storage device 244. The data storage device 244 may
comprise, for example, a cache, RAM, hard drive, or other disk or
storage medium that stores various instructions and/or data. In
some embodiments, the data storage device 244 may be
communicatively coupled to the processor 240. The data storage
device 244 may store a program 246-1, for example, that is accessed
by the processor 240 and/or that is otherwise utilized to influence
actions of the processor 240 and/or the smart visi-cooler 210.
[0048] The program 246-1, according to some embodiments, may
comprise specially-programmed instructions that when executed by
the processor 240 result in various methods, processes, and/or
other actions in accordance with embodiments described herein. The
program 246-1 may, for example, cause the processor 240 to send, in
response to an indication of an inventory change event in the smart
visi-cooler 210 (e.g., an opening and/or closing (or intrusion or
disturbance, such as in the case that the door 214 comprises an air
curtain) of the door 214), a command that causes the sensors 230a-n
to initiate and/or report a displacement measurement (or other
product-related measurement; e.g., measurement data) taken with
respect to the product storage areas 220a-n. In some embodiments,
the program 246-1 may cause the processor 240 to calculate (or
lookup or otherwise determine), based on the measurement data from
the sensors 230a-n, an inventory metric for the smart visi-cooler
210. The program 246-1 may also or alternatively cause the
processor 240 to command the communication device 242 to transmit
data indicative of the inventory metric (e.g., to an external
device such as a central controller (not shown in FIG. 2)).
[0049] In some embodiments, the data storage device 244 may store
data such as inventory data 246-2, sales data 246-3, and/or
customer data 246-4. The data storage device 244 may, for example,
store one or more inventory metrics descriptive of an inventory of
one or more products in the smart visi-cooler 210, as the inventory
data 246-2. According to some embodiments, the inventory data 246-2
may comprise information descriptive of the units of product and/or
the types of products stored in the data storage areas 220a-n. Data
indicative of a size, weight (or mass), location within the smart
visi-cooler 210, and/or volume, of a unit of product and/or of a
type of product may be stored as the inventory data 246-2 (or a
portion thereof), for example, and the processor 240 may utilize
such data, combined with displacement and/or other measurement data
from the sensors 230a-n, to determine the inventory metric (e.g.,
to figure out if units of product have been taken away from and/or
added to the smart visi-cooler 210).
[0050] The sales data 246-3 may, in some embodiments, be indicative
of sales that have occurred via the smart visi-cooler 210. In
embodiments where the smart visi-cooler tracks inventory changes
but does not function as a direct party to a payment transaction,
the sales data 246-3 may comprise data inferred based on the
inventory data 246-2 (e.g., inventory changes and prices of
products removed from the smart visi-cooler 210). The customer data
246-4 may comprise data descriptive of one or more customers of the
smart visi-cooler 210. The customer data 210 may, in some
embodiments, be utilized to monitor (e.g., via detection of a
customer's device (not shown) at or near the smart visi-cooled 210)
customer activities with respect to the smart visi-cooler 210
and/or to gate access to one or more of the product storage areas
220a-n. In the case that a transaction involving the smart
visi-cooler 210 requires (or allows) a certain customer to take a
unit of product from one of the product storage areas 220a-n (or a
specific one of the product storage areas 220a-n), for example, the
customer data 246-4 may be utilized (e.g., by the processor 240) to
determine and/or ensure that the correct customer has removed a
unit of product from the smart visi-cooler 210 (and/or from the
correct product storage area 220a-n).
[0051] According to some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler 210 may
comprise an environmental control device 248. The environmental
control device 248 may, for example, comprise an air-conditioning
and/or refrigeration compressor, actuator, thermostat,
refrigeration loop, condenser, evaporator, and/or a humidity
measurement and/or control device operable to influence the
environment of the interior space 212-1 of the cabinet 212. In some
embodiments, the environmental control device 248 may be
communicatively coupled to the processor 240. The environmental
control device 248 may, for example, receive commands from the
processor 240 that cause the environmental control device 248 to
influence the environment of the interior space 212-1, or transmit
data such as temperature and/or humidity readings to the processor
240.
[0052] While the smart visi-cooler 210 is described with reference
to specific quantities and types of components, variations in the
quantities, types, and/or configurations of the components of the
smart visi-cooler 210 may be implemented without deviating from the
scope of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the
smart visi-cooler 210 may comprise a standard visi-cooler outfitted
with a retrofit device such described in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ filed on Jan. 11, 2011 in the name of
Breitenbach et al and titled "MACHINE RETROFITS AND INTERACTIVE
SODA FOUNTAINS", the machine retrofit concepts of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0053] B. Example Configuration
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective diagram of a system
300 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments,
the system 300 may comprise a portion of (and/or otherwise be
related to) a smart visi-cooler such as the smart visi-cooler 210
of FIG. 2 herein. The system 300 may comprise, for example, a back
panel 302 which is coupled to a shelf 320. In some embodiments, the
shelf 320 may be coupled to the back panel 320 at an angle 320-1.
The shelf 320 may, according to some embodiments, define a
plurality of product columns 322a-c within which a plurality of
units of a product 324a-c (or of multiple products) are stored
and/or displayed. The system 300 may also or alternatively comprise
a plurality of sensors 330a-c, a zero-inventory target 332, a
product push plate 334, and/or a product push mechanism 336. In
some embodiments, the system 300 may comprise a processor 340 in
communication with the sensors 330a-c.
[0055] Fewer or more components and/or various configurations of
the depicted components may be included in the system 300 without
deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some
embodiments, the components 302, 320, 322a-c, 324a-c, 330a-c, 340
may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to similarly
named and/or numbered components as described with reference to the
smart visi-cooler 210 of FIG. 2 herein.
[0056] According to some embodiments, the angle 320-1 at which the
shelf 320 is oriented with respect to the back panel 302 (and/or
with respect to the vertical) may cause the shelf 320 to be tilted
toward the zero-inventory target 332 (e.g., the "front" of the
shelf 320). In such a manner, the units of product 324a-c stored on
the shelf 320 may be acted upon by a vector of gravitational force
causing them to exert pressure on the zero-inventory target 332
(which may, for example, function as a "stop" preventing (or
facilitating the prevention of) the units of product 324a-c from
falling off the shelf 320). Forward-exerted pressure may, for
example, cause or allow units of product 324a-c in a product column
322a-c to slide forward in the event that a unit of product 324a-c
is removed from the product column 322a-c. In the second product
column 322b, for example, in the case that the first unit of
product 324b-1 in the second product column 322b is removed (e.g.,
by a customer--such as in a self-service manner), the second unit
of product 324b-2 in the second product column 322b may slide
forward on the shelf 320 (e.g., to "replace" the first unit of
product 324b-1 in the second product column 322b that has been
removed). In such a manner, the burden on customers to have to
reach for units of product 324a-c toward the back of the shelf 320
is reduced or eliminated.
[0057] The angle 320-1 of the shelf 320 may be set (e.g., by an
owner/manufacturer/operator of the system 300) as desired to place
more or less forward-exerted force on the units of product 324a-c.
The angle 320-1 may be increased, for example, to place less
forward-exerted force on the units of product 324a-c, up to a value
of ninety (90) degrees, at which point zero (0) forward-exerted
force would be place on the units of product 324a-c. Similarly, the
angle 320-1 may be decreased to increase the amount of
forward-exerted force that would be placed on the units of product
324a-c (i.e., there is an inversely proportional relationship
between the value of the angle 320-1 and the force on the units of
product 324a-c). The angle 320-1 may generally be managed or set
based on characteristics of the units of product 324a-c (or subsets
thereof), as desired. According to some embodiments, the shelf 320
may be constructed of (and/or laminated or otherwise coated with) a
low-resistance material such as a smooth plastic, to facilitate
sliding of the units of product 324a-c toward the front of the
shelf 320.
[0058] While the angle 320-1 is described with reference to a
coupling of the shelf 320 to the back panel 302, it is contemplated
that the shelf 320 may not, in some embodiments, be coupled to the
back panel 302 and/or may also or alternatively coupled to other
components of the system 300 not depicted in FIG. 3 (e.g., one or
more side panels). The angle 320-1 may, according to some
embodiments, be described with reference to one or more other
surfaces or reference points (none of which are explicitly shown in
FIG. 3).
[0059] As depicted in FIG. 3, the system 300 may comprise a sensor
330a-c for each of the product columns 322a-c. In some embodiments,
fewer or more sensors 320a-c may be utilized, as is or becomes
desirable or practicable. According to some embodiments, the first
sensor 330a may comprise an LTS device that emits a laser (or other
signal; e.g., represented by the dotted line marked "A" in FIG. 3)
that bounces, reflects, and/or refracts off (e.g., represented by
the dotted line marked "B" in FIG. 3) of a rear-most unit of
product 324a-3 in the first product column 322a. The LTS sensor
330a may, for example, receive at least a portion of the
bounce-back and determine a distance associated with the rear-most
unit of product 324a-3 in the first product column 322a. In some
embodiments, the measured distance may be descriptive of the
distance of the rear-most unit of product 324a-3 in the first
product column 322a from the back panel 302 and/or from the LTS
sensor 330a.
[0060] According to some embodiments, any or all measurements taken
by the first sensor 330a may be transmitted to (and accordingly
received by) the processor 340. The processor 340 may comprise, for
example, an electronic processor such as a CPU that executes stored
instructions (e.g., a program such as the program 2461 of FIG. 2)
to process measurement data from the first sensor 330a (and/or from
the other sensors 330b-c). In some embodiments, the measurement
and/or distance data reported and/or indicated by the first sensor
320a may be compared to measurement and/or distance data reported
and/or indicated by the first sensor 320a at a different point in
time. The first sensor 320a may measure the distance to the
rear-most unit of product 324a-3 in the first product column 322a
at a first time, for example, and then may measure the distance to
the rear-most unit of product 324a-3 in the first product column
322a at a second time (e.g., in response to a triggering event
and/or in response to a command from the processor 340).
[0061] By comparing the measurements at the two (or more) points in
time, the processor 340 (and/or the first sensor 320a) may
calculate and/or otherwise determine a displacement of the first
product column 322a. In some embodiments, the determined
displacement may be compared to data descriptive of the units of
product 324a stored in the first product column 322a to determine
how many units of product 324a have been removed from or added to
the first product column 322a. In the case that the units of
product 324a stored in the first product column 322a comprise soda
cans (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3), for example, the dimensions
(e.g., the diameter) of the units of product 324a stored in the
first product column 322a may be known and compared to the
displacement data (e.g., the displacement data may be divided by
the diameter data) to determine a change in the number of the units
of product 324a stored in the first product column 322a.
[0062] In some embodiments, the second product column 322b may be
acted upon by the product push plate 334 and/or the product push
mechanism 336. The product push mechanism 336 may comprise, for
example, an auger, spring, piston, and/or other device operable to
exert forward-directed force on the product push plate 334 which
may in turn, for example, exert forward-directed force on the
second product column 322b (e.g., pushing the units of product 324b
stored in the second product column 322 toward the front of the
shelf 320). In some embodiments, the product push plate 334 and/or
the product push mechanism 336 may be utilized instead of or in
addition to the setting of the angle 320-1 of the shelf 320.
[0063] According to some embodiments, the product push plate 334
and/or the product push mechanism 336 may operate in conjunction
with (or as) the second sensor 330b. The second sensor 330b may
comprise, for example, an LVDT device operable to measure a
distance that the product push plate 334 and/or the product push
mechanism 336 has traveled. The product push plate 334 may be
forced backward to a datum position in the case that the second
product column 322b is completely filled with units of product 324b
(or when an operator configuring the system 300 otherwise sets the
datum), for example, and any subsequent movement of the product
push plate 334 may be recorded and/or reported by the second sensor
330b. The movement of the product push plate 334 and/or the product
push mechanism 336 may accordingly be utilized to determine an
inventory level of the second product column 322b.
[0064] In some embodiments, whether or not the system 300 comprises
the product push plate 334 and/or the product push mechanism 336,
the second sensor 330b may comprise an LVDT and/or other linear
measurement device operable to detect the number of units of
product in (or removed or added to) the second product column 322b.
As depicted in FIG. 3, for example, the second sensor 330b may
comprise a device mounted to, in, or on (or integrated into) the
shelf 320. In some embodiments, the second sensor 330b may comprise
a series of electrical and/or magnetic contacts disposed within or
on the shelf 320 (e.g., underneath the units of product 324b stored
in the second product column 322b and/or underneath the portion of
the shelf 320 thereof) such that the number of the electrical
and/or magnetic contacts that are acted upon by the units of
product 324b stored in the second product column 322b is indicative
of the inventory level of the second product column 322b.
[0065] According to some embodiments, the third sensor 330c may
comprise an ultrasonic or photo reflective device. The third sensor
330c may transmit a signal (not explicitly shown) along the third
product column 322c, which may reflect back from any unit of
product 324c stored in the third product column 322c. In the case
depicted in FIG. 3, the only unit of product 324c remaining in the
third product column 322c is removed from the shelf 320, and the
signal transmitted by the third sensor 330c would accordingly
reflect off of the zero-inventory target 332 (e.g., indicating that
there is zero (o) inventory in the third product column 322c). In
some embodiments, the zero-inventory target 332 may not be
necessary, such as in the case that an LVDT device is utilized for
the sensors 330a-c (e.g., signal reflection/bounce-back may not be
required).
[0066] While the system 300 is described with reference to specific
types and/or configurations of the sensors 330a-c, any type,
quantity, and/or configuration of sensors 330a-c that are or
becomes known or practicable and that are operable to facilitate
the determination of inventory levels in one or more product
columns 322a-c, may be employed. In some embodiments, fewer or more
product columns 322a-c may be included in the system 300.
Similarly, while only soda cans are depicted in FIG. 3 as
representing the units of product 324a-c, this is done for
simplicity of example only, and embodiments herein fully
contemplate other types (and combinations of types), quantities,
layouts, and/or orientations of units of product 234a-c.
[0067] C. Processes
[0068] Turning to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of a method 400 according
to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 400
may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated
with one or more specialized computerized processing devices (e.g.,
the processor 240, 340 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3 herein), specialized
computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems
and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by one or
more smart visi-cooler computers, controllers, and/or processing
devices). In some embodiments, the method 400 may be embodied in,
facilitated by, and/or otherwise associated with various input
mechanisms and/or interfaces as described herein. The functional
diagrams and flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily
imply a fixed order to any depicted actions, steps, and/or
procedures, and embodiments may generally be performed in any order
that is practicable unless otherwise and specifically noted. Any of
the processes and methods described herein may be performed and/or
facilitated by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware,
or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium (e.g., a
hard disk, Universal Serial Bus (USB) mass storage device, and/or
Digital Video Disk (DVD)) may store thereon instructions that when
executed by a machine (such as a computerized processing device)
result in performance according to any one or more of the
embodiments described herein.
[0069] In some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise determining
a first distance from a reference point to a unit of product
positioned in the rear of a column of units of product, at 402. A
sensor of a smart visi-cooler (such as the sensors 230a-n, 330a-c
of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3 herein) may, for example, transmit,
receive, analyze, and/or otherwise process a signal, reading,
measurement, and/or other metric indicative of a distance from the
reference point to the rear-most product in the column. In some
embodiments, the measurement may comprise a different dimension,
characteristic, and/or metric associated with one or more products
and/or one or more columns of products. In some embodiments, such
as in the case that the sensor comprises a range-finding device
such as an LTS, sonic, and/or photo reflective device, the sensor
may transmit a signal and record or measure any bounce-back,
reflectance, or other quality associated with the transmitted
signal. Measuring a time to bounce-back and/or measuring angles of
return of the signal may, for example, be utilized to determine a
distance associated with a placement of one or more products in a
smart visi-cooler.
[0070] According to some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise
determining, after the determining of the first distance, a second
distance from the reference point to the unit of product positioned
in the rear of the column of units of product, at 404. The sensor
of the smart visi-cooler may, for example, repeat the measurement
and/or analysis conducted at 402. In some embodiments, the second
measurement or determination of the second distance may be
conducted at a second time, different and later than a first time
at which the first distance was determined. In such a manner, for
example, a distance, displacement, and/or other product-position
metric of one or more products may be analyzed over time. In some
embodiments, the second measurement may be conducted in response to
a self-service removal, by a customer, of at least one unit of
product from the column of units. A door-open sensor, motion
sensor, and/or other trigger may be utilized, for example, to
determine when it is likely that a product inventory change event
has occurred in the smart visi-cooler. According to some
embodiments, the second measurement and/or determination may be
conducted bas on an elapsed and/or actual time (e.g., one (1)
minute since the last measurement, ten (10) seconds after a door
open-and-close sequence has ended, and/or every five (5)
minutes).
[0071] In some embodiments, such as in the case that a sensor (or
sensors) determines the two distance and/or product-positioning
metrics, such metrics may be transmitted to a processing device
(e.g., the processor 240, 340 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3 herein) for
analysis and/or communication to external devices. An electronic
processor in communication with the sensor, for example, may
receive indications of both the first and second distances.
[0072] In some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise
determining, based on the first and second distances and
information descriptive of the column of product, a metric
descriptive of a change in inventory of the column of product, at
406. An electronic processor (e.g., that has received and/or
otherwise accessed the first and second distances and/or
positioning data) may, for example, utilize the distances to
determine an amount that the units in the column have been
displaced (e.g., over time). In some embodiments, the displacement
distance may be divided by a product unit dimension (e.g., a
diameter for cylindrical items, a width for square, rectangular,
and/or irregularly-shaped items) to calculate how many units of
product have been added to or taken away from the smart visi-cooler
(or a specific product column or storage area thereof).
[0073] In some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler may store
indications of any or all of the first and second distances, the
inventory change metric, the information descriptive of the product
column, sales data, customer data, etc.
[0074] According to some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise
transmitting, to a remote device, an indication of the metric
descriptive of the change in inventory of the column of product, at
408. A communication device in communication with the electronic
processor may, for example, send a signal indicative of the
inventory metric to an external device such as a central
controller, POS controller, and/or POS device. In such a manner,
inventory levels of the smart visi-cooler may be tracked (e.g., in
real-time), which Applicants have discovered is useful, for
example, in providing certain systems and executing or carrying out
certain processes, as described in detail in the following
sections.
IV. Grab-n-Go.TM.
[0075] A. System Overview
[0076] Turning to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a system 500 according
to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 500
may comprise a smart visi-cooler 510 (such as the smart visi-cooler
210 of FIG. 2 herein), which may comprise a cabinet 512, doors 514,
product storage racks 520, and/or various units of product 524. In
some embodiments, the system may operate with and/or including
other types and/or configurations of machines (e.g., vending
machines and/or "interactive" soda fountains as described in
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Jan.
11, 2011 in the name of Breitenbach et al and titled "MACHINE
RETROFITS AND INTERACTIVE SODA FOUNTAINS", the interactive soda
fountain features of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein). According to some embodiments, the system 500 may comprise
a network 550 with communication links to the smart visi-cooler 510
and a smart phone 560. In some embodiments, the system 500 may
comprise a controller 570, a financial institution device 580,
and/or a POS device 590, any or all of which may be communicatively
connected to and/or via the communication links of the network 550.
According to some embodiments, fewer or more components and/or
various configurations of the depicted components may be included
in the system 500 without deviating from the scope of embodiments
described herein. In some embodiments, the components 510, 512,
514, 520, 524 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality
to similarly named and/or numbered components as described with
reference to the smart visi-cooler 210 of FIG. 2 herein.
[0077] According to some embodiments, the system 500 may be
configured to manage and/or facilitate communications between the
various components 510, 560, 570, 580, 590 to effectuate a sale of
a unit of product 524 to a customer (not shown) associated with the
smart phone 560. The smart phone 560, which may comprise any type
of mobile computing device that is or becomes known or practicable,
may for example, be utilized to identify a product 524 (or type of
product) that the customer desires to purchase. Communications
between the smart phone 560 and the controller 570 may be
facilitated by the network and may, in some embodiments, comprise
exchanging information regarding an account of the customer between
the smart phone 560 and the controller 570. The customer may
maintain an account with the controller 570, for example, and may
utilize the account to purchase a unit of product 524 from the
smart visi-cooler 510.
[0078] In some embodiments, the controller 570 may communicate with
the financial institution device 580 to facilitate utilization of
the customers' account to purchase the unit of product 524. The
financial institution device 580 may comprise, for example, a
computer or other network component owned and/or operated by a
credit card company and/or issuer, a bank (e.g., a financial
institution), a credit card clearinghouse entity, a network
operating entity, and/or a third-party financial transaction entity
(e.g., a third-party financial access and/or account or
transactions options or features provider). According to some
embodiments, the controller 570 may verify customer payment
information, transfer funds, and/or reserve or hold a portion of
credit or funds, via the financial institution device 580.
[0079] In some embodiments, the controller 570 and/or the smart
phone 560 may transmit payment confirmation information to the POS
device 590, via the network 550. Inventory data from the smart
visi-cooler 510 may, according to some embodiments, be received by
the POS device 590 from the smart visi-cooler 510 (e.g., via the
network 550). In such a manner, for example, the POS device 590 may
be able to reconcile inventory changes in the smart visi-cooler 510
with purchases conducted by the smart phone 560. In some
embodiments, such purchases and/or reconciliations may allow the
customer to take the unit of product 524 from a retail store (e.g.,
where the POS device 590 and/or the smart visi-cooler 510 are
located) without needing to wait in line. Smart visi-cooler 510
sales may accordingly be increased (e.g., by broadening the
available purchase channels to include the smart phone 560) without
placing undue burden on the retail store (e.g., more units of
product 524 may be sold without increasing lines at the POS device
590).
[0080] In some embodiments, communications between the smart
visi-cooler 510 and the POS device 590 (and/or the controller 570)
may be directed to controlling aspects and/or functionality of the
smart visi-cooler 510. The interconnection of the smart visi-cooler
510 to the network 550 may permit and/or facilitate, for example,
various remote settings and/or control of the smart visi-cooler
510. In some embodiments, for example, commands may be sent (e.g.,
from the POS device 590 and/or the controller 570) to the smart
visi-cooler 510 to effectuate (i) locking or unlocking and/or
opening or closing of the door 514, (ii) managing, setting, and/or
changing energy settings of the smart visi-cooler 510 (e.g.,
setting temperature or humidity controls or thresholds), and/or
(iii) updating or setting signage or displays such as displayed
prices or promotions.
[0081] According to some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler 510 may
provide and/or transmit various information to either or both of
the POS device 590 and the controller 570 (and/or the smart phone
560, if desired) such as: (i) service alerts (e.g., temperature or
humidity threshold triggers, service reminders, and/or malfunction
indicators), (ii) usage and/or inventory data (e.g., derived from
various sensors of the smart visi-cooler 510 (not explicitly shown
in FIG. 5), such as the sensors 230a-n, 330a-c of FIG. 2 and/or
FIG. 3 herein), and/or (iii) customer or location data. In some
embodiments, the controller 570 (and/or the POS device 590) may
utilize information received from and/or provided by the smart
visi-cooler 510 to conduct and/or execute various processes.
Information from the smart visi-cooler 510 may be utilized, for
example, to predict or project inventory levels of the units of
product 524, re-order units of product 524, contact re-stocking
personnel (e.g., to schedule a re-stocking), determine which types
of product should be re-stocked and/or how many units 524 thereof
should be ordered and/or stocked, and/or set or change prices
(e.g., based on demand).
[0082] While the network 550 is depicted in FIG. 5 as a single
object, the network 550 may comprise any number, type, and/or
configuration of networks that is or becomes known or practicable.
According to some embodiments, the network 550 may comprise a
conglomeration of different sub-networks and/or network components
interconnected, directly or indirectly, by the components 510, 560,
570, 580, 590 of the system 500. The network 500 may comprise one
or more cellular telephone networks with communication links
between the smart phone 560 and the controller 570, for example,
and/or may comprise the Internet, with communication links between
the controller 570 and the financial institution device 580, for
example.
[0083] In some embodiments, the network 550 may comprise a LAN
(wireless and/or wired) with communication links between the smart
visi-cooler 510 and the POS device 590 (and/or the smart phone 560;
such as in the case that any such devices 510, 590, 560 are located
within close proximity--e.g., the same building, such as a retail
store). In some embodiments, the network 550 may comprise direct
communications links between components 510, 560, 570, 580, 590 of
the system 500. The smart visi-cooler 510 may, for example, be
directly interfaced or connected to the POS device 590 via one or
more wires or cables within a single retail store, such wires or
cables (e.g., communication links) comprising portions of the
network 550. In some embodiments, the network 550 may comprise one
or many other links or network components other than those depicted
in FIG. 5. The smart phone 560 may be connected to the controller
570 via various cell towers, routers, repeaters, ports, switches,
and/or other network components that comprise the Internet and/or a
cellular telephone (and/or Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN)) network, and which comprise portions of the network
550.
[0084] B. Processes
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 6, a functional diagram of a process
600 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments,
the process 600 may be performed and/or implemented by and/or
otherwise associated with one or more specialized computerized
processing devices (e.g., the processor 240, 340 of FIG. 2 and/or
FIG. 3 herein), specialized computers, computer terminals, computer
servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations
thereof (e.g., by one or more smart visi-cooler computers,
networks, controllers, and/or processing devices). In some
embodiments, the process 600 may be related to and/or comprise a
process or method for operating a smart visi-cooler such as
described in accordance with the method 400 of FIG. 4 herein. In
some embodiments, the process 600 may be embodied in, facilitated
by, and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms
and/or interfaces as described herein.
[0086] According to some embodiments, the process 600 may comprise
various procedures performed in associated with a smart visi-cooler
610 (comprising a door 614), a unit of product 624, a mobile device
660 (e.g., associated with a customer (not shown)), a controller
670, a financial institution device 680, and/or a POS device 690.
In some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler 610, the POS device 690,
and/or the mobile device 660 may be physically located within a
retail or other store 692. In some embodiments, the process 600 may
also or alternatively comprise execution of various procedures in
association with output 694 of the mobile device 660. According to
some embodiments, fewer or more components and/or various
configurations of the depicted components may be included in
execution of the process 600 without deviating from the scope of
embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the components
610, 624, 660, 670, 680, 690 may be similar in configuration and/or
functionality to similarly named and/or numbered components as
described with reference to the smart visi-cooler 210 of FIG. 2
herein and/or with reference to the system 500 of FIG. 5
herein.
[0087] The process 600 may comprise, for example, a transmission
sent from the mobile device 660 and received by the controller 670,
at 696-1. The transmission may comprise, for example, a request to
purchase the unit of product 624, payment authorization, location
information, and/or account or other customer information. The
transmission may comprise an indication of a product identified by
the customer. The customer may utilize the mobile device 660, for
example, to take a picture of the unit of product 624, physical
indicia associated with the product (e.g., a price tag, label,
Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU), and/or barcode such as a Universal
Product Code (UPC)), and/or the smart visi-cooler 610 and
information indicative of such actions may be forwarded to the
controller 670. The transmission may be sent prior to or after the
customer's removal the unit of product 624 from the smart
visi-cooler 610.
[0088] In some embodiments, the controller 670 may utilize the
received transmission at 696-1 to identify and/or determine the
desired unit of product 624 and/or a type, cost, price, or other
characteristic of the unit of product 624. According to some
embodiments, the controller 670 may utilize the transmission to
determine a location of the mobile device 660, identify the store
692, and/or identify the smart visi-cooler 610. The controller 670
may, for example, utilize the customer's location to determine that
the customer desires to purchase the unit of product 624 from the
store 692 (e.g., which may be one of a plurality of possible stores
692 and/or other locations where products may be purchased via the
process 600). The controller 670 may also or alternatively
determine an inventory level of the smart visi-cooler 610 and/or
determine of the unit of product 624 is available via the smart
visi-cooler 610 (e.g., whether the unit of product 624 is stocked
at all and/or currently in stock).
[0089] According to some embodiments, the process 600 may comprise
a transmission of a payment verification and/or validation sent
from the controller 670 and received by the financial institution
device 680, at 696-2. The financial institution device 680 may
comprise a device owned and/or operated by a credit card company,
clearinghouse, and/or bank, for example, and may store or have
access to information regarding amounts of funds available to the
customer for purchase of the unit of product 624. In some
embodiments, such as in the case that the controller 670 is
operated and/or owned by an entity that maintains customer accounts
(e.g., stored-value and/or credit accounts), the controller 670 and
the financial institution device 680 may comprise a single
electronic device or group of electronic devices. In such
embodiments, the transmission at 696-2 may comprise an internal
transmission (e.g., within a device and/or within a LAN of a single
entity and/or building). According to some embodiments, the
transmission to the financial institution device 680 at 696-2 may
be conducted in response to the receiving of the transmission from
the mobile device 660 at 696-1.
[0090] In some embodiments, the process 600 may comprise a
transmission sent from the financial institution device 680 and
received by the controller 670, at 696-3a and/or a transmission
sent from the financial institution device 680 and received by the
POS device 690, at 696-3b. The transmission to the controller 670
(at 696-3a), for example, may comprise a confirmation of payment,
verification of sufficient funds being available, and/or an
indication of a credit hold sufficient to cover the purchase of the
unit of product 624. In some embodiments, the transmission to the
POS device 690 (at 696-3b) may comprise an indication of the
purchase of the unit of product 624, an identifier of the customer
and/or mobile device 660, and/or an electronic indication and/or
transfer of funds sufficient to consummate the purchase of the of
the unit of product 624.
[0091] According to some embodiments, the process 600 may comprise
a transmission sent from the controller 670 and received by (i) the
mobile device 660, at 696-4a, (ii) the POS device 690, at 696-4b,
and/or (iii) the smart visi-cooler 610, at 696-4c. In some
embodiments, the transmission(s) at 696-4 may be conducted in
response to and/or triggered by the receiving of the transmission
of the payment conformation from the financial institution device
680, at 696-3a. The controller 670, once it verifies that the
customer has sufficient funds to purchase the unit of product 624,
may for example, generate a receipt, confirmation, and/or other
indicia of the sale of the unit of product 624 and transmit such
data to any or all of the mobile device 660, the POS device 690,
and/or the smart visi-cooler 610.
[0092] The mobile device 660 may receive, via the transmission at
696-4a, in some embodiments, a payment receipt that may, for
example, be displayed by the mobile device 660 as the output 694.
As depicted in FIG. 6, the output 694 may comprise an indication of
the store 692 (e.g., "Joe's Pizza"), an indication of the unit of
product 624 (e.g., "1 Drink can"), an indication that a purchase of
the unit of product 624 has been validated or confirmed (e.g.,
"PAID"), and/or other indicia such as the depicted barcode. In some
embodiments, the output 694 may be provided to the POS device 690,
at 696-4d, and/or the smart visi-cooler 610, at 696-4e. The output
694 may be scanned, analyzed, and/or otherwise processed by the POS
device 690, for example, to track and/or record a confirmation that
the purchase of the unit of product 624 has been completed. In the
case that the customer has taken possession of the unit of product
624 and provides the output 694 (e.g., in conjunction with the unit
of product 624), the output 694 may be utilized as confirmation
that the unit of product 624 has been removed from the inventory of
the smart visi-cooler 610. Such a confirmation may be cross-checked
and/or reconciled with inventory information provided by the smart
visi-cooler 610, in some embodiments, to ensure that inventory
levels match respective product sales and/or removals of products
from the smart visi-cooler 610.
[0093] In some embodiments, such as at 696-4e, the smart
visi-cooler 610 may comprise components such as a scanner or camera
(not explicitly shown) that are capable of acquiring and/or
receiving the output 694. According to some embodiments, the mobile
device 660 may communicate the output 694 to the smart visi-cooler
610 via one or more wireless communication links such as
Bluetooth.RTM., Radio Frequency (RF), Wi-Fi.RTM., etc. In some
embodiments, the customer may utilize the mobile device 660 to
"bump" the smart visi-cooler 610, which may comprise, for example,
a motion imparted to the mobile device 660 (and/or to the smart
visi-cooler 610 or a portion thereof) that initiates data transfer
between the devices 660, 610. Such a "bump" (or other data transfer
via 696-4e) may, in some embodiments, cause the smart visi-cooler
610 to initiate an inventory status check and/or may prompt or
cause the smart visi-cooler 610 to allow access to the unit of
product 624 (e.g., by unlocking or opening the door 614 or other
access-control device).
[0094] According to some embodiments, the transmission to the POS
device (at 696-4b) may comprise a payment receipt and/or an
indication that facilitates management of in-store 692 sales of
products from the smart visi-cooler 610 (e.g., without requiring
customers to wait in line with other standard customers at the POS
device 690). The POS device 690 may be utilized, for example, to
compare information received from the controller 670 (e.g., via
696-4b) to information received from the mobile device 660 (e.g.,
the output 694 and/or via 696-4d), verifying that the customer in
possession of the mobile device 660 is authorized to leave the
store 692 with the unit of product 624. In some embodiments, an
employee of the store 692 may utilize the POS device 690 to view
and/or confirm information associated with the purchase. The
information received by the POS device 690 may comprise, according
to some embodiments, an image of a purchased product, an image of
the customer, and/or a color, shape, or other image or code. Such
information may then, for example, be compared (e.g., by an
employee and/or by the POS device 690) to the customer, the unit of
product 624, and/or another corresponding indicia represented by
the output 694 of the mobile device 660.
[0095] According to some embodiments, the transmission to the smart
visi-cooler 610 (at 696-4c) may comprise various commands and/or
information. The controller 670 may send the smart visi-cooler 610
a command to open the door 614, for example, and/or to provide
access (e.g., unlock or open the door 614) to the customer with the
mobile device 660 (e.g., based on a customer identifier and/or an
identifier of the mobile device 660). In some embodiments, such as
in the case that the smart visi-cooler 610 comprises various doors
614 gating access to various product storage areas, each storing
products sold for the same price, the POS device 690 may not be
included or required in the process 600. A command to unlock or
provide access to a certain door 614 via which the customer may
gain access to products of a single price-point, after payment
confirmation has been verified, for example, may be sufficient to
consummate the transaction. In such embodiments, however, the smart
visi-cooler 610 may report inventory changes (e.g., to the POS
device 690 and/or the controller 670) to confirm that the customer
only removed the unit of product 624 that was paid for (and not
other products in addition to what was paid for).
[0096] While the process 600 is described with respect to various
transmissions and/or communications via which information is sent
and received, these characteristics are examples that are not
intended to be limiting. While certain information is described as
being transmitted, for example, it should be understood that the
information may otherwise be made available and may be queried,
looked-up, and/or otherwise obtained without the necessity of an
active transmission from one device to another.
[0097] It should also be understood that the process 600 and the
various procedures and/or steps described in reference thereto are
intended to be exemplary in nature. Fewer or more procedures,
steps, decisions, flow diagram elements, and/or components may be
included in the process 600 as is or becomes desirable and/or
practicable. The order of any procedures, steps, and/or flow
diagram elements of the process 600 is also exemplary in nature.
Procedures, steps, and/or elements may be deleted, excluded, and/or
removed from the process 600 and/or may not be active or practiced
in every occurrence and/or implementation of the process 600.
Various elements of the process 600 may be practiced or conducted
at any location that is or becomes practicable. While some elements
are described with reference to the store 692, for example, such
elements may also or alternatively be carried out in one or more
other locations, as is or becomes desirable or practicable.
[0098] Turning to FIG. 7, a flow diagram of a method 700 according
to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 700
may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated
with one or more specialized computerized processing devices (e.g.,
the processor 240, 340 of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3 herein), specialized
computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems
and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by the
controller 570, 670 of FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6 herein). In some
embodiments, the method 700 may be embodied in, facilitated by,
and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or
interfaces as described herein.
[0099] In some embodiments, the method 700 may comprise receiving
an indication of a type of product, stored in a smart visi-cooler
of a retail store, which a customer desires to purchase a unit of,
at 702. The indication may be received, for example, by a central
controller (e.g., the controller 570, 670 of FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6)
and/or may be sent from a mobile electronic device (e.g., the smart
phone 560 of FIG. 5 and/or the mobile device 660 of FIG. 6)
operated by the customer (e.g., in the retail store--such as the
store 692 of FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the indication may
comprise a picture of a desired product or product type, a menu
selection indicative of the product, information indicative of a
barcode, UPC, SKU, price, and/or other data descriptive of the
product.
[0100] According to some embodiments, the method 700 may comprise
receiving an indication of a payment for the purchase of a unit of
the type of product that the customer desires to purchase, at 704.
The indication may be received, for example, by the central
controller and/or may be sent from the mobile electronic device
operated by the customer. In some embodiments, the indication may
comprise and/or be part of the indication of the desired product,
at 702. A customer may have an account with the central controller,
for example, and the indication of the desired product may
constitute an indication or request to utilize a default payment
type or method associated with the customer's account. In some
embodiment, the indication of payment may comprise information
received from a swipe of a credit card, another indication of a
credit account, and/or an indication of a stored-value account such
as a digital wallet.
[0101] In some embodiments, the method 700 may comprise
transmitting a request for payment confirmation, at 706. The
indication may be transmitted, for example, by the central
controller and/or may be received by a financial institution device
(e.g., the financial institution device 580, 680 of FIG. 5 and/or
FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the request may be transmitted in
response to the receiving of the indication of the payment, at 704.
In some embodiments, such as in the case that the payment type
comprises a stored-value account maintained by the same entity to
which the indications (at 702 and/or 704) are received, requesting
payment confirmation may comprise querying stored data to verify
sufficient funds remain in the account. According to some
embodiments, the request may comprise a standard credit card hold
or charge request sent to a credit card clearing house or other
credit card processor or issuer.
[0102] According to some embodiments, the method 700 may comprise
receiving confirmation of the payment, at 708. The indication may
be transmitted, for example, by the financial institution device
and/or may be received by the central controller. In some
embodiments, the confirmation may be transmitted in response to the
receiving of the request, at 706. In some embodiments, such as in
the case that the payment type comprises a stored-value account
maintained by the same entity to which the indications (at 702
and/or 704) are received, receiving confirmation of the payment may
comprise receiving query results relating to the stored-value
account. In the case that the financial institution device is
operated by a credit card-related company, the confirmation may
comprise a charge authorization code and/or reference or
verification number.
[0103] In some embodiments, the method 700 may comprise
transmitting an indication that allows the customer to leave the
retail store with a unit of the product without waiting in line, at
710. The indication may be transmitted, for example, by the central
controller and/or may be transmitted in response to the receiving
of the payment confirmation, at 708. In some embodiments, the
indication may allow the customer to avoid a "standard" line in a
store. In this context, "standard" refers to the typical manner in
which products in the store are purchased and/or the typical manner
in which visi-cooler products in the store would be purchased when
a smart visi-cooler and/or the functionality of the smart
visi-cooler are not employed. In some embodiments, for example, a
self-service checkout, smart visi-cooler purchase verification
stations and/or lines, and/or other "non-standard" checkout or
verification methods may be employed.
[0104] According to some embodiments, the indication of the type of
product received from the mobile electronic device operated by the
customer in the retail store comprises information based on an
image of at least one of (i) the unit of the product, (ii) a
barcode of the unit or product, and (iii) a label associated with
the unit of product. In some embodiments, the indication of the
payment received from the mobile electronic device operated by the
customer in the retail store comprises an indication of an account
of the customer. According to some embodiments, the indication that
allows the customer to leave the retail store with a unit of the
product without waiting in line comprises a payment receipt sent to
the mobile electronic device operated by the customer in the retail
store. In some embodiments, the indication that allows the customer
to leave the retail store with a unit of the product without
waiting in line comprises an image sent to a display device in the
retail store. The image may comprise, for example, an image of the
customer, an image of representing the unit of product, and/or an
image randomly selected from a plurality of available images.
[0105] In some embodiments, the indication that allows the customer
to leave the retail store with a unit of the product without
waiting in line comprises an indication of a color sent to a
display device in the retail store. According to some embodiments,
the indication that allows the customer to leave the retail store
with a unit of the product without waiting in line comprises an
indication of a command to allow access to the unit of product sent
to the smart visi-cooler in the retail store.
[0106] C. Interfaces
[0107] Turning now to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E,
FIG. 8F, FIG. 8G, FIG. 8H, and FIG. 8I, example interfaces 802, 804
according to some embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, the
either or both of the customer interface 802 and the store
interface 804 may comprise a web page, web form, database entry
form, Application Program Interface (API), spreadsheet, table,
and/or application or other Graphical User Interface (GUI), such as
a smart phone application. The customer interface 802 may, for
example, be utilized by a customer and may facilitate the
customer's location and/or identification a smart visi-cooler
and/or desired product, execution of a purchase of a unit of the
desired product, and/or providing of information that allows the
customer to leave the store with the unit of product purchased via
the customer interface 802. The store interface 804 may, for
example, comprise POS software (and/or hardware), or a portion
thereof, that facilitates the customer's purchase, via the customer
interface 802, of a desired unit of product. The interfaces 802,
804 may, for example, comprise portions of a smart visi-cooler
application and/or platform programmed and/or otherwise configured
to execute, conduct, and/or facilitate any of the various methods
400, 700 of FIG. 4, and/or FIG. 7 and/or the process 600 of FIG. 6,
and/or portions or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
interfaces 802, 804 may be output via one or more computerized
device such as the smart phone/mobile device 560, 660 and/or the
POS device 590, 690, of FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6 herein.
[0108] According to some embodiments, the customer interface 802
shown in FIG. 8A, may comprise an interface screen that allows a
customer to choose, identify, and/or be prompted with a location of
a smart visi-cooler via which a unit of product may be acquired.
The customer interface 802 may comprise, for example, a first store
selection button 802-1, a second store selection button 802-2,
and/or an option button 802-3. The first store selection button
802-1 and the second store selection button 802-2 may, in some
embodiments, represent stores where smart visi-coolers may be
found. The store selection buttons 802-1, 802-2 may be populated,
created, and/or selected by the customer (e.g., in the case the
customer enters a store identifier via a prompt and/or preference
menu (not shown)) and/or by the software running the customer
interface 802. The customer interface 802 may, for example, present
either or both of the store selection buttons 802-1, 802-2 based on
an actual or presumed location of the customer (e.g., utilizing GPS
and/or triangulation to locate the customer's smart phone). In some
embodiments, such as in the case that the customer does not desire
one of the stores represented by the store selection buttons 802-1,
802-2, the customer may select the option button 802-3, which may,
for example, allow the customer to enter or choose a different
store identifier (e.g., typed-in and/or via a picture taken from
the customer's mobile device).
[0109] According to some embodiments, the customer interface 802
may comprise a refresh button 802-4. The refresh button 802-4 may,
for example, allow the customer to indicate that the store
selection buttons 802-1, 802-2 should be updated (e.g., based on a
refresh of the customer's location information). The customer
interface 802 depicted in FIG. 8B may, according to some
embodiments, comprise an interface screen via which the customer
may confirm a desired store and/or retail location (or other
location at which a smart visi-cooler may exist). After selection
of one of the store selection buttons 802-1, 802-2, for example,
the interface may prompt the customer with a confirmation screen
802-5, via which the customer may select a cancel button 802-6
(e.g., to go back to the previous screen and re-select or update
the store selection buttons 802-1, 802-2) or a confirm button 802-7
(e.g., to confirm that the identified store, "HIGH RIDGE 7-11", is
the desires store from which a product is desired to be
purchased).
[0110] In some embodiments (as depicted in FIG. 8C), the customer
interface 802 may comprise a product selection menu 806 providing
information descriptive of a first type of product 808a. The
customer may utilize the customer interface 802, for example, to
add units of the first product type 808a to a virtual shopping
cart, list, or order. The customer may utilize, according to some
embodiments, the cancel button 802-6 (e.g., to cancel the order
and/or to go back to the previous screen), the confirm or checkout
button 802-7 (e.g., to indicate that the order is ready for
completion and/or that no more units of the first product 808a are
desired for addition to the customer's virtual shopping cart),
and/or a clear button 802-8 (e.g., via which the customer may
remove and/or delete items from the order and/or virtual shopping
cart).
[0111] According to some embodiments, such as in the case that the
customer desires to purchase a unit of a second type of product
808b (depicted in FIG. 8D) instead of or in addition to the first
product 808a, the customer interface 802 may present information
descriptive of the second product 808b via the product selection
menu 806. The customer may then, for example, choose any of the
cancel button 802-6, the confirm or checkout button 802-7, and/or
the clear button 802-8, as desired.
[0112] In some embodiments, selection of the confirm or checkout
button 802-7 may cause an order screen 810 (e.g., the customer's
virtual shopping cart) of the customer interface 802 depicted in
FIG. 8E to be displayed. The order screen 810 may provide, for
example, a first indication 810a that the customer has added one
(1) unit of the first product 808a to the shopping cart/order and a
second indication 810b that the customer has added one (1) unit of
the second product 808b to the shopping cart/order. The order
screen may, in some embodiments, list the individual prices via the
indications 810a-b. According to some embodiments, a total order
amount 812 may be displayed (e.g., three dollars ($3) as shown).
The customer may utilize either of the cancel button 802-6 (e.g.,
to cancel the order and/or to go back to the previous product
selection screen 806) or the confirm or checkout button 802-7
(e.g., to confirm the desired order is correct and/or to proceed
with the purchase).
[0113] The customer interface 802 may, in some embodiments (such as
depicted in FIG. 8F), comprise an order confirmation screen 814. In
some embodiments, the order confirmation screen 814 may comprise
and/or be similar in configuration or functionality to the output
694 described in relation to the process 600 of FIG. 6 herein. The
order confirmation screen 814 may, for example, comprise an
indication of a number or other identifier associated with the
customer's order. In some embodiments, the order confirmation
screen 814 may comprise an indication of a picture, image, color,
pattern, and/or other identifier of the order (e.g., a barcode, a
sound, a tone, and/or a ring-tone or clip from a song). In some
embodiments, the order confirmation screen 814 may be shown or
provided to, scanned and/or otherwise electronically read or
analyzed by, and/or in some other manner checked or verified by a
POS device, smart visi-cooler, and/or employee of the store in
which the product is picked up by the customer (e.g., from a smart
visi-cooler) for purchase. As depicted in FIG. 8F, in some
embodiments the order confirmation screen 814 may monitor for an
indication that a cashier (and/or POS or smart visi-cooler) has
verified and/or allowed/permitted the acquisition of the desired
unit of product.
[0114] According to some embodiments (as depicted in FIG. 8G), once
the cashier, POS, smart visi-cooler, and/or other device or
personnel confirms, accepts, verifies, and/or otherwise
acknowledges the order, the order will be complete and the customer
interface 802 may display an order completion screen 816. The order
completion screen 816 may, for example, inform the customer that
the transaction is complete and that the customer is accordingly
free to leave the store with the purchased unit(s) of product. In
some embodiments, the order completion screen 816 may comprise an
acceptance button 816-1 (e.g., "OK") via which the customer may
exit the smart visi-cooler application that provides the customer
interface 802 and/or via which the customer may go back to earlier
screens or menus within the application.
[0115] In some embodiments (as depicted in FIG. 8H), the store
interface 804 may comprise an interface of a POS, cash register,
inventory management, and/or other software/hardware application
operated by the store in which the smart visi-cooler is located
(and from which the customer utilizing the customer interface 802
desires to purchase unit(s) of product). According to some
embodiments, the store interface 804 may comprise various elements
associated with and/or to facilitate typical purchases at the
store. The store interface 804, for example, may comprise a POS
interface via which a cashier sells products to regular customers
waiting in a standard POS queue (e.g., a standard line). In some
embodiments, the store interface 804 may comprise a smart
visi-cooler purchase button 804-1 (e.g., labeled "Grab-n-Go.TM." in
FIG. 8H). The smart visi-cooler purchase button 804-1 may, for
example, allow the cashier to activate a smart visi-cooler
application within the POS software (and/or otherwise available on
or via the POS device). In the case that the cashier notices or is
prompted that a customer desires to leave the store with a unit of
product from a smart visi-cooler in the store, for example, the
cashier may press the smart visi-cooler purchase button 804-1 to
verify that the customer is authorized to do so. In some
embodiments, this may occur in parallel to regular sales at the POS
(and/or may not require the smart visi-cooler customer to stand in
and/or wait in the regular POS queue).
[0116] In some embodiments (such as depicted in FIG. 8I), the store
interface 804 may comprise a smart visi-cooler purchase window 820.
The smart visi-cooler purchase window 820 may, for example, be
activated and/or pop-up in the case that the cashier presses the
smart visi-cooler purchase button 804-1. In some embodiments, the
smart visi-cooler purchase window 820 may be activated and/or
pop-up automatically, such as in response to a signal from a
central controller and/or smart visi-cooler. The signal may be
indicative, for example, of a product removal from the smart
visi-cooler. According to some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler
purchase window 820 may comprise a listing 822 of the pending
and/or active smart visi-cooler orders. As shown in FIG. 8I for
example, the "Order #1" placed via the customer interface 802 as
described herein, may be listed. The listing 822 may provide
details of the order in text or other visual (or even audio) forms.
The listing 822 may be color-coded for easy and quick cashier
recognition of different smart visi-cooler orders, for example,
and/or may include images of the product(s) purchased and/or the
customer (e.g., to facilitate efficient and accurate order
verification).
[0117] While various components of the interfaces 802, 804 have
been described with respect to certain labels, layouts, headings,
titles, and/or configurations, these features have been presented
for reference and example only. Other labels, layouts, headings,
titles, and/or configurations may be implemented without deviating
from the scope of embodiments herein. Similarly, while a certain
number of tabs, information screens, form fields, and/or data entry
options have been presented, variations thereof may be practiced in
accordance with some embodiments.
V. Apparatus
[0118] Turning to FIG. 9, a block diagram of an apparatus 900
according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the
apparatus 900 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality
to the computerized controllers 570, 670 and/or the POS devices
590, 690 of FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6 herein. The apparatus 900 may, for
example, execute, process, facilitate, and/or otherwise be
associated with the methods 400, 700 of FIG. 4 and/or FIG. 7 and/or
with the process 600 of FIG. 6 herein. In some embodiments, the
apparatus 900 may comprise an input device 902, an output device
904, an electronic processor 940, a communication device 942,
and/or a memory device 944. Fewer or more components and/or various
configurations of the components 902, 904, 940, 942, 944 may be
included in the system 900 without deviating from the scope of
embodiments described herein.
[0119] According to some embodiments, the electronic processor 940
may be or include any type, quantity, and/or configuration of
electronic and/or computerized processor that is or becomes known.
The electronic processor 940 may comprise, for example, an
Intel.RTM. IXP 2800 network processor or an Intel.RTM. XEON.TM.
Processor coupled with an Intel.RTM. E7501 chipset. In some
embodiments, the electronic processor 940 may comprise multiple
inter-connected processors, microprocessors, and/or micro-engines.
According to some embodiments, the processor 940 (and/or the
apparatus 900 and/or other components thereof) may be supplied
power via a power supply (not shown) such as a battery, an
Alternating Current (AC) source, a Direct Current (DC) source, an
AC/DC adapter, solar cells, and/or an inertial generator. In the
case that the apparatus 900 comprises a server such as a blade
server, necessary power may be supplied via a standard AC outlet,
power strip, surge protector, and/or Uninterruptible Power Supply
(UPS) device.
[0120] In some embodiments, the input device 902 and/or the output
device 904 are communicatively coupled to the electronic processor
940 (e.g., via wired and/or wireless connections, traces, and/or
pathways) and they may generally comprise any types or
configurations of input and output components and/or devices that
are or become known, respectively. The input device 902 may
comprise, for example, a keyboard that allows an operator of the
apparatus 900 to interface with the apparatus 900 (e.g., by an
operator of a central controller and/or by an employee of a store,
such as to implement and/or interact with embodiments herein to
sell products from smart visi-coolers). The output device 904 may,
according to some embodiments, comprise a display screen and/or
other practicable output component and/or device. The output device
904 may, for example, provide information, data, and/or images that
permit a customer to remove a unit of product from a smart
visi-cooler and leave the store thereof without waiting in line.
According to some embodiments, the input device 902 and/or the
output device 904 may comprise and/or be embodied in a single
device such as a touch-screen monitor.
[0121] In some embodiments, the communication device 942 may
comprise any type or configuration of communication device that is
or becomes known or practicable. The communication device 942 may,
for example, comprise a NIC, a telephonic device, a cellular
network device, a router, a hub, a modem, and/or a communications
port or cable. In some embodiments, the communication device 942
may be coupled to provide data to a customer device, such as in the
case that the apparatus 900 is utilized to facilitate smart
visi-cooler sales via customer's wireless and/or mobile devices.
According to some embodiments, the communication device 942 may
also or alternatively be coupled to the electronic processor 940.
In some embodiments, the communication device 942 may comprise an
IR, RF, Bluetooth.TM., and/or Wi-Fi.RTM. network device coupled to
facilitate communications between the electronic processor 940 and
another device (such as a customer device and/or a third-party
device).
[0122] The memory device 944 may comprise any appropriate
information storage device that is or becomes known or available,
including, but not limited to, units and/or combinations of
magnetic storage devices (e.g., a hard disk drive), optical storage
devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random Access
Memory (RAM) devices, Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, Single Data
Rate Random Access Memory (SDR-RAM), Double Data Rate Random Access
Memory (DDR-RAM), and/or Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM). The
memory device 944 may, according to some embodiments, store one or
more of product purchase instructions 946-1 and/or smart
visi-cooler instructions 946-2. In some embodiments, the product
purchase instructions 946-1 and/or smart visi-cooler instructions
946-2 may be utilized by the electronic processor 940 to provide
output information via the output device 904 and/or the
communication device 942 (e.g., the indication that allows the
customer to leave the store with a smart visi-cooler product
without waiting in line at 710 of the method 700 of FIG. 7).
[0123] According to some embodiments, the product purchase
instructions 946-1 may be operable to cause the electronic
processor 940 to access and/or process store data 946-3, smart
visi-cooler data 946-4, and/or customer data 946-5, as described
herein (e.g., in accordance with the process 600 of FIG. 6 and/or
the method 700 of FIG. 7, herein). Store data 946-3, smart
visi-cooler data 946-4, and/or customer data 946-5 received via the
input device 902 and/or the communication device 942 may, for
example, be analyzed, sorted, filtered, decoded, decompressed,
ranked, scored, plotted, and/or otherwise processed by the
electronic processor 940 in accordance with the product purchase
instructions 946-1. In some embodiments, store data 946-3, smart
visi-cooler data 946-4, and/or customer data 946-5 may be utilized
by the electronic processor 940 to facilitate and/or conduct
processes in accordance with the product purchase instructions
946-1 to allow a customer to purchase a unit of product from a
smart visi-cooler as described herein. The product purchase
instructions 946-1 may interface with an application stored on
and/or executed by a customer's mobile phone, for example, to
facilitate the purchase of smart visi-cooler product without the
necessity for the customer to stand in the standard checkout line
of a store and/or without the necessity to be processed by a POS
device in the store.
[0124] In accordance with some embodiments, the store data 946-3
may comprise data descriptive of a plurality of stores at which
smart visi-coolers are located and may include, for example, a
store identifier, hours of operation, location data (e.g., street
address and/or map coordinates), and/or data regarding other
characteristics of participating stores (or locations or venues).
In some embodiments, the store data 946-3 may be accessed by the
processor 940 in response to a query from a customer's mobile
device and/or otherwise to locate a store in proximity to a
customer. According to some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler data
946-4 may comprise data descriptive of a plurality of smart
visi-coolers such as inventory data, climate control settings, door
status or state, energy levels or usage, associated sales and/or
usage data, etc. The smart visi-cooler data 946-4 may be compared,
by the electronic processor 940, for example, to authorized sales
of inventory to determine and/or ensure that customers have taken
the correct type and/or quantity of purchased product. Any
discrepancies may be communicated (e.g., by the communication
device 942) to the store for resolution (preferably in real-time so
that any errors can be resolved prior to the customer leaving the
store). In some embodiments, the customer data 946-5 may comprise
information descriptive of a customer such as identifying
information (name, address, etc.), account information (e.g.,
account numbers and/or balances), purchase history, preferences,
and/or images (e.g., photos and/or likenesses or preferred images).
The customer data 946-5 may be utilized by the electronic processor
940, for example, to verify payment information and/or to provide
the customer and/or the store with one or more indications that
permit the customer to leave the store with the desired product
(e.g., an image of the customer, product type, and/or other image,
code, or indicia).
[0125] In some embodiments, the smart visi-cooler instructions
946-2 may be operable to cause the electronic processor 940 to
access and/or process the smart visi-cooler data 946-4 to alter,
set, and/or otherwise manage settings of one or more smart
visi-coolers. The smart visi-cooler instructions 946-2 may also or
alternatively be utilized by the electronic processor 940 to
analyze inventory and/or sales data to predict future inventory
levels, schedule re-stocking events, and/or to determine how many
units of product and/or which types of product to stock in the
smart visi-cooler.
[0126] According to some embodiments, the apparatus 900 may
generally function as a computer terminal and/or server of a
service company, for example, which is utilized to process smart
visi-cooler sales via various network connections to reduce
barriers to visi-cooler product purchasing and to increase the
efficiency of visi-cooler product sales. In some embodiments, the
apparatus 900 may comprise a web server and/or other portal (e.g.,
an IVRU) that operates with and/or enables a customer-side
application for purchasing smart visi-cooler products.
[0127] Any or all of the exemplary instructions and data types
described herein and other practicable types of data may be stored
in any number, type, and/or configuration of memory device 944 that
is or becomes known. The memory device 944 may, for example,
comprise one or more data tables or files, databases, table spaces,
registers, and/or other storage structures. In some embodiments,
multiple databases and/or storage structures (and/or multiple
memory devices 944) may be utilized to store information associated
with the apparatus 900. According to some embodiments, the memory
device 944 may be incorporated into and/or otherwise coupled to the
apparatus 900 (e.g., as shown) or may simply be accessible to the
apparatus 900 (e.g., externally located and/or situated).
VI. Articles of Manufacture
[0128] Referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, perspective diagrams of
exemplary data storage devices 1044a-b according to some
embodiments are shown. The data storage devices 1044a-b may, for
example, be utilized to store instructions and/or data such as the
program 246-1, the inventory data 246-2, the sales data 246-3,
and/or the customer data 246-4 described in reference to FIG. 2
herein and/or the product purchase instructions 946-1, the smart
visi-cooler instructions 946-2, the store data 946-3, the smart
visi-cooler data 946-4, and/or the customer data 946-5 described in
reference to FIG. 9 herein. In some embodiments, instructions
stored on the data storage devices 1044a-b may, when executed by a
processor (such as the electronic processor 240, 340, 940 of FIG.
2, FIG. 3, and/or FIG. 9), cause the implementation of and/or
facilitate any of the various methods 400, 700 of FIG. 4 and/or
FIG. 7 and/or the process 600 of FIG. 6, described herein.
[0129] According to some embodiments, the first data storage device
1044a may comprise a CD, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-Ray.TM. Disc, and/or
other type of optically-encoded disk and/or other computer-readable
storage medium that is or becomes know or practicable. In some
embodiments, the second data storage device 1044b may comprise a
USB keyfob, dongle, and/or other type of flash memory data storage
device that is or becomes know or practicable. The data storage
devices 1044a-b may generally store program instructions, code,
and/or modules that, when executed by an electronic and/or
computerized processing device cause a particular machine to
function in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some
embodiments, the data storage devices 1044a-b depicted in FIG. 10A
and FIG. 10B are representative of a class and/or subset of
computer-readable media that are defined herein as
"computer-readable memory" (e.g., memory devices as opposed to
transmission devices). While computer-readable media may include
transitory media types, as utilized herein, the term
computer-readable memory is limited to non-transitory
computer-readable media. In some embodiments, the data storage
devices 1044a-b depicted in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are
representative of programs, instructions and/or data stored on one
or more other types of computer-readable memory devices such as
internal or external hard drives and/or flash memory.
VII. Rules of Interpretation
[0130] Numerous embodiments are described in this patent
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting
in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely
applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the
disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various
modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. Although particular
features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it
should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in
the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference
to which they are described, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0131] The present disclosure is neither a literal description of
all embodiments of the invention nor a listing of features of the
invention that must be present in all embodiments.
[0132] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first
page of this patent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the
end of this patent application) is to be taken as limiting in any
way the scope of the disclosed invention(s).
[0133] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter as contemplated by 35 U.S.C. .sctn.101,
unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0134] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some
embodiments", "one embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but
not all) disclosed embodiments", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0135] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0136] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0137] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0138] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0139] The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including the specification, its claims and figures, and anything
which may be incorporated by reference", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0140] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a
plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means
any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase at least one of a
widget, a car and a wheel means (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a
wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a
car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel.
[0141] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based
on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on".
[0142] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause
or other set of words that express only the intended result,
objective or consequence of something that is previously and
explicitly recited. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a
claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies
do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or
otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0143] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a
feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0144] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third"
and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal
number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to
indicate a particular feature, such as to allow for distinguishing
that particular referenced feature from another feature that is
described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a
"first widget" may be so named merely to allow for distinguishing
it in one or more claims from a "second widget", so as to encompass
embodiments in which (1) the "first widget" is or is the same as
the "second widget" and (2) the "first widget" is different than or
is not identical to the "second widget". Thus, the mere usage of
the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget"
does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets,
and likewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either
or both widgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers
"first" and "second" before the term "widget" (1) does not indicate
that either widget comes before or after any other in order or
location; (2) does not indicate that either widget occurs or acts
before or after any other in time; (3) does not indicate that
either widget ranks above or below any other, as in importance or
quality; and (4) does not indicate that the two referenced widgets
are not identical or the same widget. In addition, the mere usage
of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the
features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere
usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term
"widget" does not indicate that there must be no more than two
widgets.
[0145] When a single device or article is described herein, more
than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) may
alternatively be used in place of the single device or article that
is described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as
being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more
than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate).
[0146] Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device
or article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one
device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of
computer-based devices may be substituted with a single
computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that
is described as being possessed by more than one device or article
may alternatively be possessed by a single device or article.
[0147] The functionality and/or the features of a single device
that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices which are described but are not explicitly described
as having such functionality and/or features. Thus, other
embodiments need not include the described device itself, but
rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in
those other embodiments, have such functionality/features.
[0148] Devices that are in communication with each other need not
be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly
specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only
transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may actually
refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a
machine in communication with another machine via the Internet may
not transmit data to the other machine for weeks at a time. In
addition, devices that are in communication with each other may
communicate directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries.
[0149] A description of an embodiment with several components or
features does not imply that all or even any of such components
and/or features are required. On the contrary, a variety of
optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component and/or feature is essential or
required.
[0150] Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may
be described in a sequential order, such processes may be
configured to work in different orders. In other words, any
sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described does
not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed
in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be
performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be
performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as
occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described
after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by
its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated
process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto,
does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are
necessary to the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated
process is preferred.
[0151] Although a process may be described as including a plurality
of steps, that does not indicate that all or even any of the steps
are essential or required. Various other embodiments within the
scope of the described invention(s) include other processes that
omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified
explicitly, no step is essential or required.
[0152] Although a product may be described as including a plurality
of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features,
that does not indicate that all of the plurality are essential or
required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the
described invention(s) include other products that omit some or all
of the described plurality.
[0153] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category.
[0154] Headings of sections provided in this patent application and
the title of this patent application are for convenience only, and
are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0155] "Determining" something can be performed in a variety of
manners and therefore the term "determining" (and like terms)
includes calculating, computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a
table, database or data structure), ascertaining and the like.
[0156] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and
algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,
appropriately and/or specially-programmed general purpose computers
and/or computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one or more
microprocessors) will receive instructions from a memory or like
device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or
more processes defined by those instructions. Further, programs
that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored and
transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable
media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired
circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in
combination with, software instructions for implementation of the
processes of various embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited
to any specific combination of hardware and software
[0157] A "processor" generally means any one or more
microprocessors, CPU devices, computing devices, microcontrollers,
digital signal processors, or like devices, as further described
herein.
[0158] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium
that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions or other
information) that may be read by a computer, a processor or a like
device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not
limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission
media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic
disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include DRAM,
which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media
include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the
wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor.
Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light
waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during
RF and IR data communications. Common forms of computer-readable
media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard
disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any
other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical
medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a
FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave,
or any other medium from which a computer can read.
[0159] The term "computer-readable memory" may generally refer to a
subset and/or class of computer-readable medium that does not
include transmission media such as waveforms, carrier waves,
electromagnetic emissions, etc. Computer-readable memory may
typically include physical media upon which data (e.g.,
instructions or other information) are stored, such as optical or
magnetic disks and other persistent memory, DRAM, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape,
any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an
EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, computer
hard drives, backup tapes, Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory
devices, and the like.
[0160] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying data, including sequences of instructions, to a processor.
For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM
to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission
medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous
formats, standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth.TM., TDMA, CDMA,
3G.
[0161] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses
data in such a database.
[0162] The present invention can be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer that is in communication, via a
communications network, with one or more devices. The computer may
communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via a wired or
wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token
Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combination of
communications means. Each of the devices may comprise computers,
such as those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. or Centrino.TM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any
number and type of machines may be in communication with the
computer.
[0163] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application. Applicants intend to file
additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that
has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present
application.
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