EP1148448A2 - A vending machine with information display - Google Patents
A vending machine with information display Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1148448A2 EP1148448A2 EP01101949A EP01101949A EP1148448A2 EP 1148448 A2 EP1148448 A2 EP 1148448A2 EP 01101949 A EP01101949 A EP 01101949A EP 01101949 A EP01101949 A EP 01101949A EP 1148448 A2 EP1148448 A2 EP 1148448A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- vending machine
- display
- processing unit
- objects
- peripheral
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
Definitions
- the present invention refers to a vending machine including a display to visualize information.
- vending machines which dispense canned drinks, such as Coca-cola® , orangeade, etc., or drinks in cups, e.g. water, coffee, cappuccino, etc. or snacks, e.g. brioche, chocolate bars, biscuits, and similar.
- canned drinks such as Coca-cola® , orangeade, etc.
- cups e.g. water, coffee, cappuccino, etc.
- snacks e.g. brioche, chocolate bars, biscuits, and similar.
- vending machines for drinks and/or snacks are generally located inside companies, factories and offices for use by staff and visitors, or in public places such as subways, stations, airports and shopping centres.
- the known vending machines generally include a casing which contains the articles to be dispensed, a slot into which a coin, token or credit card is inserted to purchase the desired article, an opening from which the dispensed article comes out, some push buttons for the selection of the desired article and LEDs which indicate the amount to be inserted to obtain the selected article, or the possible selling out of the article.
- the aim of the present invention is to provide a vending machine that is able to supply the user with information.
- Another aim of the invention is to provide such a vending machine that is able to dispense objects linked with advertising messages, prize contests and/or competitions.
- the vending machine has an information display that is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) which occupies a reduced space, or also an ordinary cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor.
- LCD liquid crystal display
- CRT cathode ray tube
- This display is connected to a processing unit (CPU) which processes the information visualized on the display.
- the CPU can be connected to different types of peripherals such as, for instance, a keyboard, driver for magnetic media, data memory unit. In this way an operator, through such peripherals can send, to the CPU, the information to be visualized on the vending machine display.
- peripherals such as, for instance, a keyboard, driver for magnetic media, data memory unit.
- the CPU can also be connected, by means of a network board, to a computer network so that it can be programmed by a network user.
- the CPU may also have a modem so it can be programmed by a remote computer which is equipped with a modem.
- the vending machine can be chosen for the dispensing of small promotional objects linked with prize contests and/or competitions.
- vending machine In fact if the vending machine, according to the invention, is situated within a company, it surely represents a known meeting point for company staff. In this case, staff information can be displayed, such as for instance, refresher courses, new specifications, new sets of rules, etc.
- a vending machine positioned in a company waiting room can be used by company visitors, therefore it can display company advertising information.
- this type of vending machine with information display, can be used to display useful information in cases of emergency.
- vending machines located in public places would be able to display advertising information or the services offered by a particular city or by the place in which the vending machine is located.
- a vending machine denoted, as a whole, by reference number 1, includes a casing 2, which contains the articles to be dispensed, having a front door 3 closed by means of a padlock 4.
- At least one slot 5 is made in the front door 3 able to accept coins, tokens, or cards for the payment of the desired articles.
- a banknote reader can be set behind the slot 5, to read banknotes to load credits in the vending machine.
- Next to slot 5 is an LED display 6, indicating the amount to be inserted into the slot 5 to obtain the requested article or indicating the amount inserted after the last extraction.
- buttons 7 that can be pressed by the user to select the type of article required.
- LEDs 8 that light up to indicate the selling out of the relative article.
- the lower part of the front panel 3 has an opening 9 to allow extraction of the article supplied by the vending machine 1.
- the upper part of the front panel 3, has a display 10, preferably set at a height approximately corresponding to the average height of a user.
- the display 10 is preferably an ultra slim liquid crystal display (LCD) and therefore able to fit into the front door 3 of the vending machine 1.
- the display 10 can be an ordinary monitor (CRT) with cathode ray tube and can be positioned in another part of the vending machine 1, in any case, accessible to a vending machine user.
- CTR ordinary monitor
- the display 10 is connected to a processing unit (CPU) 11 able to process the images to be visualized on the display 10.
- the display 10 can visualize notices in alphanumeric format and graphic images or animations in the graphic formats normally read by graphic programs, per se known.
- the CPU 11 is connected to a number of peripherals 12 able to send, to the CPU, characters in alphanumeric format, images in graphic format and complete programs which can be executed by the CPU.
- a keyboard 13 can be used for the input of alphanumeric characters and for CPU 11 operation.
- Drivers for magnetic media such as a floppy disc 14 and/or a compact disc 15, can be used for the input of images in graphic format and executable programs.
- a scanner can be used for the input of images and a data memory, namely a hard disk 17 can be used for the memorization of media programs at CPU 11. All the peripherals 12 can be positioned inside the casing 2 of the vending machine, so as to be accessible only to the authorized operator.
- the CPU 11 can be connected to a computer network 19, including a number of terminals 20 connected with each other by a network board 18. In this way, the users of terminals 20, if enabled, can send data from their terminal to the CPU 11 which processes them visualizing such data on the display 10.
- the CPU 11 can be connected to a modem 21.
- a user of a remote computer 22 with modem 23, if enabled, can send data to the CPU 11, which processes them visualizing such data on the display 10.
- the CPU 11 is connected to a computer network 19 or is equipped with a modem 21, it will have an identification password or login known to the enabled operators who, through their remote computer 22 or their network terminal 20, can send data to the CPU 11 to visualize information on the display 10 of the vending machine 1.
- vending machine 1 A preferred use of the vending machine 1 is described later on.
- the objects supplied by the vending machine 1 are preferably small promotional objects linked with prize contests and competitions.
- Such objects can be, for example, cards bearing images, notices, distinctive signs, numbers, symbols, initials and similar things.
- the cards may have printed images, notices and distinctive signs linked with an advertising promotion or famous figures.
- such cards can be numbered or initialled in sequence so the buyer can collect them and so form a collection.
- the CPU 11 randomly processes the winning combination of the numbers or symbols linked with the prize contest. This winning combination is visualized on the display 10 of the vending machine 1. Therefore the user can check if the winning combination appearing on the display 10 matches that on his/her card.
- the CPU 11 is able to recognize the coincidence between the card combination and the displayed winning combination. Therefore, when a win is recognized, the vending machine 1 directly undertakes to notify the user of the win. Win notification is provided through the printing of a win slip by an electronic printer or similar connected to the vending machine.
- the game winnings can be fulfilled by means of non-money prizes.
- the prizes can be tickets or coupons, e.g. scratchcards, used for games with prizes authorized by the Ministry of Finance or other government authority.
- the prizes can also be gifts and fancy goods or food orders to be claimed from shops or bars and similar in agreement with the promoting body of the game.
- the buyer of the cards will have the chance to send a collection made up of a series of purchased cards to the game promoter. In this manner, the buyer will qualify for the right to take part in a prize contest in which there is a planned draw of intermediate and final prizes.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention refers to a vending machine including a display to visualize information.
- At present, there are different types of vending machines on the market, namely snack vending machines and vending machines of commonly used objects. Snack vending machines are known which dispense canned drinks, such as Coca-cola® , orangeade, etc., or drinks in cups, e.g. water, coffee, cappuccino, etc. or snacks, e.g. brioche, chocolate bars, biscuits, and similar.
- These types of vending machines for drinks and/or snacks are generally located inside companies, factories and offices for use by staff and visitors, or in public places such as subways, stations, airports and shopping centres.
- The known vending machines generally include a casing which contains the articles to be dispensed, a slot into which a coin, token or credit card is inserted to purchase the desired article, an opening from which the dispensed article comes out, some push buttons for the selection of the desired article and LEDs which indicate the amount to be inserted to obtain the selected article, or the possible selling out of the article.
- The aim of the present invention is to provide a vending machine that is able to supply the user with information.
- Another aim of the invention is to provide such a vending machine that is able to dispense objects linked with advertising messages, prize contests and/or competitions.
- These aims are reached, in accordance with the invention, with the characteristics listed in the enclosed
independent claim 1. - Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.
- The vending machine, according to the invention, has an information display that is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) which occupies a reduced space, or also an ordinary cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. This display is connected to a processing unit (CPU) which processes the information visualized on the display.
- The CPU can be connected to different types of peripherals such as, for instance, a keyboard, driver for magnetic media, data memory unit. In this way an operator, through such peripherals can send, to the CPU, the information to be visualized on the vending machine display.
- The CPU can also be connected, by means of a network board, to a computer network so that it can be programmed by a network user.
- The CPU may also have a modem so it can be programmed by a remote computer which is equipped with a modem.
- In a preferred embodiment the vending machine, according to the invention, can be chosen for the dispensing of small promotional objects linked with prize contests and/or competitions.
- The advantages of such a vending machine, according to the invention, are evident.
- In fact if the vending machine, according to the invention, is situated within a company, it surely represents a known meeting point for company staff. In this case, staff information can be displayed, such as for instance, refresher courses, new specifications, new sets of rules, etc. A vending machine positioned in a company waiting room can be used by company visitors, therefore it can display company advertising information.
- In any case this type of vending machine, with information display, can be used to display useful information in cases of emergency.
- Instead, vending machines located in public places, would be able to display advertising information or the services offered by a particular city or by the place in which the vending machine is located.
- Additional characteristics of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description which follows, referring simply to an explanatory, non-limiting embodiment, shown in the enclosed diagrams, in which:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a vending machine with information display, according to the invention;
- Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the devices for the display operation of the vending machine, according to the invention.
-
- As shown in Fig. 1, a vending machine denoted, as a whole, by
reference number 1, includes acasing 2, which contains the articles to be dispensed, having afront door 3 closed by means of apadlock 4. - At least one
slot 5 is made in thefront door 3 able to accept coins, tokens, or cards for the payment of the desired articles. A banknote reader can be set behind theslot 5, to read banknotes to load credits in the vending machine. Next toslot 5 is anLED display 6, indicating the amount to be inserted into theslot 5 to obtain the requested article or indicating the amount inserted after the last extraction. - Still on the
front panel 3 are envisagedpush buttons 7 that can be pressed by the user to select the type of article required. Next to eachpush button 7 areLEDs 8 that light up to indicate the selling out of the relative article. - The lower part of the
front panel 3 has an opening 9 to allow extraction of the article supplied by thevending machine 1. - The upper part of the
front panel 3, has adisplay 10, preferably set at a height approximately corresponding to the average height of a user. Thedisplay 10 is preferably an ultra slim liquid crystal display (LCD) and therefore able to fit into thefront door 3 of thevending machine 1. However, thedisplay 10 can be an ordinary monitor (CRT) with cathode ray tube and can be positioned in another part of thevending machine 1, in any case, accessible to a vending machine user. - As shown in Fig. 2 the
display 10 is connected to a processing unit (CPU) 11 able to process the images to be visualized on thedisplay 10. In this way, thedisplay 10 can visualize notices in alphanumeric format and graphic images or animations in the graphic formats normally read by graphic programs, per se known. - The
CPU 11 is connected to a number ofperipherals 12 able to send, to the CPU, characters in alphanumeric format, images in graphic format and complete programs which can be executed by the CPU. - For instance, for the input of alphanumeric characters and for
CPU 11 operation, akeyboard 13 can be used. Drivers for magnetic media, such as afloppy disc 14 and/or acompact disc 15, can be used for the input of images in graphic format and executable programs. A scanner can be used for the input of images and a data memory, namely ahard disk 17 can be used for the memorization of media programs atCPU 11. All theperipherals 12 can be positioned inside thecasing 2 of the vending machine, so as to be accessible only to the authorized operator. - The
CPU 11 can be connected to acomputer network 19, including a number ofterminals 20 connected with each other by anetwork board 18. In this way, the users ofterminals 20, if enabled, can send data from their terminal to theCPU 11 which processes them visualizing such data on thedisplay 10. - Besides, the
CPU 11 can be connected to amodem 21. In this way, a user of aremote computer 22 withmodem 23, if enabled, can send data to theCPU 11, which processes them visualizing such data on thedisplay 10. - Clearly, in the case in which the
CPU 11 is connected to acomputer network 19 or is equipped with amodem 21, it will have an identification password or login known to the enabled operators who, through theirremote computer 22 or theirnetwork terminal 20, can send data to theCPU 11 to visualize information on thedisplay 10 of thevending machine 1. - A preferred use of the
vending machine 1 is described later on. - Among the objects supplied by the
vending machine 1 are preferably small promotional objects linked with prize contests and competitions. Such objects can be, for example, cards bearing images, notices, distinctive signs, numbers, symbols, initials and similar things. For instance, the cards may have printed images, notices and distinctive signs linked with an advertising promotion or famous figures. - Moreover, such cards can be numbered or initialled in sequence so the buyer can collect them and so form a collection.
- In this way, at the moment of the dispensing of the card, the
CPU 11 randomly processes the winning combination of the numbers or symbols linked with the prize contest. This winning combination is visualized on thedisplay 10 of thevending machine 1. Therefore the user can check if the winning combination appearing on thedisplay 10 matches that on his/her card. - Besides, the
CPU 11 is able to recognize the coincidence between the card combination and the displayed winning combination. Therefore, when a win is recognized, thevending machine 1 directly undertakes to notify the user of the win. Win notification is provided through the printing of a win slip by an electronic printer or similar connected to the vending machine. - The game winnings can be fulfilled by means of non-money prizes. The prizes can be tickets or coupons, e.g. scratchcards, used for games with prizes authorized by the Ministry of Finance or other government authority. The prizes can also be gifts and fancy goods or food orders to be claimed from shops or bars and similar in agreement with the promoting body of the game.
- During a second stage, the buyer of the cards will have the chance to send a collection made up of a series of purchased cards to the game promoter. In this manner, the buyer will qualify for the right to take part in a prize contest in which there is a planned draw of intermediate and final prizes.
Claims (15)
- A vending machine (1) for the dispensing of articles, characterised in that it includes a display (10) for the visualization of information.
- A vending machine as in claim 1, characterised in that said display (10) is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT).
- A vending machine as in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said display (10) is built into the front door (3) of said vending machine.
- A vending machine, according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said display (10) is connected to a processing unit (11) able to process data for the visualization of images and/or alphanumeric characters.
- A vending machine as in claim 4, characterised in that said processing unit (11) is connected to at least one peripheral (12) for the input of said data for the visualization of images and/or alphanumeric characters.
- A vending machine as in claim 5, characterised in that said at least one peripheral (12) is within the casing (2) of the vending machine (1), so as to be accessible only to the authorized operators.
- A vending machine as in claim 5 or 6, characterised in that said peripheral (13) is a keyboard (12) for the input of alphanumeric characters and command signals towards said processing unit (11).
- A vending machine, according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that said peripheral (13) is at least one driver for magnetic media able to contain magnetic media in which graphic images, text programs and executable programs are recorded.
- A vending machine, according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that said peripheral (13) is an analyzer or scanner (16) able to analyze graphic images.
- A vending machine, according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterised in that said processing unit (11) is connected by a network board (18) to a computer network (19) so that an enabled operator with a terminal (20) of said computer network (19) can send data towards said processing unit (11).
- A vending machine, according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it supplies promotional objects on which are printed images, notices or distinctive advertising signs.
- A vending machine, according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it supplies objects on which is printed a number or symbol, or a combination of numbers or symbols linked with a prize contest.
- A vending machine as in claim 12, characterised in that at the moment of the dispensing of one of said objects linked with the prize contest, said processing unit (11) randomly processes a combination of winning symbols and said display (10) visualizes this winning combination of symbols.
- A vending machine as in claim 12 or 13, characterised in that it includes a printer to print a win slip, in accordance with the win obtained through a supplied object linked with said prize contest.
- A vending machine, according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it supplies objects on which is printed a sequence number or series, so as to allow the buyer to form a collection of said objects and that said series is linked with a prize contest.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITMI000259U | 2000-04-21 | ||
IT2000MI000259 IT250252Y1 (en) | 2000-04-21 | 2000-04-21 | AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR INFORMATION DISPLAY |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1148448A2 true EP1148448A2 (en) | 2001-10-24 |
EP1148448A3 EP1148448A3 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
Family
ID=11444031
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01101949A Withdrawn EP1148448A3 (en) | 2000-04-21 | 2001-01-29 | A vending machine with information display |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1148448A3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT250252Y1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1617387A1 (en) * | 2004-07-13 | 2006-01-18 | Harrah's Operating Company Inc. | Programmatic control of gaming devices |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4087092A (en) * | 1976-10-07 | 1978-05-02 | Tele Vend Inc. | Random generator instant game and method |
US4157829A (en) * | 1975-01-28 | 1979-06-12 | System Operations, Inc. | Instant lottery game employing vending machines which are centrally controlled by computers |
US5091713A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1992-02-25 | Universal Automated Systems, Inc. | Inventory, cash, security, and maintenance control apparatus and method for a plurality of remote vending machines |
EP0919964A2 (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 1999-06-02 | John R. Martin | Improved method of updating electronic data |
US5928082A (en) * | 1992-05-06 | 1999-07-27 | Clapper, Jr.; Ronald C. | Voucher and game ticket combination and apparatus and method used therewith |
US5959869A (en) * | 1996-12-03 | 1999-09-28 | The Coca-Cola Company | Vending machine controller and system |
-
2000
- 2000-04-21 IT IT2000MI000259 patent/IT250252Y1/en active
-
2001
- 2001-01-29 EP EP01101949A patent/EP1148448A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4157829A (en) * | 1975-01-28 | 1979-06-12 | System Operations, Inc. | Instant lottery game employing vending machines which are centrally controlled by computers |
US4087092A (en) * | 1976-10-07 | 1978-05-02 | Tele Vend Inc. | Random generator instant game and method |
US5091713A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1992-02-25 | Universal Automated Systems, Inc. | Inventory, cash, security, and maintenance control apparatus and method for a plurality of remote vending machines |
US5928082A (en) * | 1992-05-06 | 1999-07-27 | Clapper, Jr.; Ronald C. | Voucher and game ticket combination and apparatus and method used therewith |
US5959869A (en) * | 1996-12-03 | 1999-09-28 | The Coca-Cola Company | Vending machine controller and system |
EP0919964A2 (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 1999-06-02 | John R. Martin | Improved method of updating electronic data |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1617387A1 (en) * | 2004-07-13 | 2006-01-18 | Harrah's Operating Company Inc. | Programmatic control of gaming devices |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ITMI20000259U1 (en) | 2001-10-21 |
EP1148448A3 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
IT250252Y1 (en) | 2003-07-28 |
ITMI20000259V0 (en) | 2000-04-21 |
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