WO2001043088A1 - Interactive dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Interactive dispensing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001043088A1
WO2001043088A1 PCT/GB2000/004663 GB0004663W WO0143088A1 WO 2001043088 A1 WO2001043088 A1 WO 2001043088A1 GB 0004663 W GB0004663 W GB 0004663W WO 0143088 A1 WO0143088 A1 WO 0143088A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
data
information
dispensing
dispenser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/004663
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alan Balfour
Graeme Harris
Original Assignee
Vianet Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9928904.3A external-priority patent/GB9928904D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0009271A external-priority patent/GB0009271D0/en
Application filed by Vianet Limited filed Critical Vianet Limited
Priority to AU17206/01A priority Critical patent/AU1720601A/en
Publication of WO2001043088A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001043088A1/en

Links

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
    • G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
    • 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
    • G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
    • G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing or vending goods, such as drinking water dispensers, vending machines for hot or cold drinks or snacks, photobooths, photocopiers, and other such apparatus.
  • dispensing apparatus of this type have displayed only minimal information of a purely functional nature to the users, and the only information supplied by the user has been to indicate the type and/or quantity of goods desired.
  • the present invention is based upon the realisation that the presence and use of dispensing apparatus provides an opportunity for interaction with a wide range of consumers.
  • the present invention in one aspect provides a dispensing apparatus comprising means for dispensing at least one product when requested by a user; an interactive user interface comprising means for imparting information to the user, and user- operated data input means adapted to permit the user to input both product-dispensing commands and data not necessarily related to product dispensing; memory means for storing data related to use of the apparatus; and communication means arranged to transmit said data between the apparatus and a remote management location.
  • the data may be data relating to users of the machine, or to the operational status of the machine, or both.
  • the means for imparting information to the user may suitably comprise a display screen, and the user- operated data input means may be in the form of a keyboard or touch sensitive areas on said screen.
  • the display screen may be a simple one line LED screen, through to a full colour, full motion screen which may be used to display advertising or informational material.
  • the communication means may comprise means for periodic connection via a public telephone network, a GSM service, the Internet, or some other available communications network to a central control location.
  • the communication means is arranged to receive data defining material to be displayed, such as advertisements .
  • the invention is capable of controlling functions of equipment to which it is fitted (the host equipment) and by assessing the status of sensors and other devices to which it is connected within the host equipment it is able to perform logical functions that result in an output action, for example;
  • Thermostatic control of the temperature of products that are contained within the host equipment Control of dispensing valves, doors, switches, chutes, motors, lamps etc
  • the display can be used to permit engineering and/or servicing diagnostic testing to be performed to assess the operational status of the equipment during maintenance/configuration/repairs etc and also to the user during normal operation.
  • Data can be made available to the invention from sources appropriate to the volumes/speed/bandwidth requirements of suitable data storage devices connected to the invention for example, flash memory, CD ROM, DVD, Video Tape.
  • Data for display can also be sent to the invention over the communications network.
  • the invention when fitted with an optional studio reproduction/recognition module is able to produce sounds/music/speech and also to respond to spoken stimulus which may be associated with visual/messages/video/display information produced by the invention.
  • the invention provides a method of managing a plurality of dispensing apparatus at a variety of locations, the method comprising remotely monitoring the persons using and/or the products dispensed at each location, and controlling the dispensing apparatus and/or causing information to be displayed at each location in a manner determined or modified by the information collated by said monitoring.
  • the information displayed may comprise advertising.
  • the information is displayed via an interactive display to permit a response by the user.
  • This may be used to generate consumer follow up in response to the advertising, or data related to advertising effectiveness, to provide the opportunity to win prizes, or for amusements.
  • the information displayed may be modified according to the product requested by a particular user, or according to the product mix requested at that location, or the data and time of day.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system embodying one form of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a preferred form of information handling within a vending machine of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 illustrates one-line text displays
  • Fig. 4 illustrates multi-line displays
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a number of possible embodiments of the invention in the form of a water cooler.
  • each vending machine 10 is of a conventional arrangement insofar as it comprises a payment acceptor 14, a keyboard 16, and a product dispense location 18.
  • the actual vending operation is entirely conventional and will not be described herein.
  • the vending machine additionally comprises a display screen indicated at 20.
  • the display screen 20 could be a single-line LED screen displaying stationary or scrolling messages. Alternatively, it could be a larger screen showing text, or a fully functional moving video display.
  • Each vending machine also contains additional electronics as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • a communication device 21 handles communication with the central computer 12.
  • the communication device 21 may be a device for working over the public telephone network, a GSM network, or the Internet, or any other available network.
  • the communication device 21 is interfaced with the remainder of the electronics via a communications interface 22. Suitable forms of communication device 21 and communications interface 22 are well known in the art.
  • the electronics are co-ordinated and controlled by a processing and control circuit 23, which may suitably be a programmable logic controller.
  • the controller 23 drives the display 20 via a display interface 24.
  • a memory 25 is provided, which will typically store both data collected from the dispenser and display information for use in driving the display 20.
  • the form of memory used will be dependent on the nature of display desired. For simple text messages, a flash memory or simple ROM may be sufficient, while for full motion, full colour visuals it may be appropriate to use a mass storage device such as a CD-ROM or videotape.
  • the memory 25 will also require to include read/write memory such as a RAM chip.
  • a sensor/data collection interface 26 is provided to provide the controller 23 with information from the keyboard 16 and from the dispensing apparatus itself.
  • the apparatus may monitor sensors such as temperature sensors and switches used in counting machine contents.
  • a control interface 27 interconnects the controller 23 with devices within the dispenser which require to be controlled, such as motors and switches.
  • the various circuits of Figure 2 are powered by a power supply 28, which may incorporate a back-up supply to maintain memory and communication functions during any loss of mains power.
  • the electronics of Figure 2 may be arranged in three modules.
  • a first module contains the controller 23 and the power supply 28.
  • a second module contains the communication device 21 and the communications interface 22.
  • a third module contains the interfaces 24, 26 and 27 and the memory 25.
  • the use of a three module system of this kind is preferred, since the first module can be common to a range of applications, while the second module can be one of a variety depending upon the communication channel, and the third module can be one of a variety depending upon the dispensing apparatus to which it is applied, or the messages to be displayed.
  • the central computer 12 either polls or is polled by the various machines under its supervision at appropriate intervals of time, or on the occurrence of predetermined effects.
  • the data collection interface 26 in each machine is preferably arranged to collect data regarding the operation of the machine, such as stock level or any malfunctions, and this is monitored by the central computer to arrange servicing and supplies.
  • the display screen 20 is used in an interactive mode with the user, and the information for this and an analysis of the results of it are communicated to and monitored by the central computer.
  • the screen 20 may display advertising material, with the nature of the material being altered in accordance with the usage of the machine and the nature of the products in most demand .
  • the screen could display information in the nature of a quiz with responses being input via the keyboard 16.
  • a relationship of this nature could be used for example to provide prizes by way of free product from the machine or otherwise, which could be a means for improving the usage and sales at the machines.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a one- line text display used for advertising or imparting information.
  • a static or sideways scrolling text is used to advertise a special offer available on the dispenser.
  • Figure lb shows a sideways scrolling display giving current information, such a Stock Exchange news.
  • Figure 4 gives examples of a 3 or 4 line display operating a user quiz, which could offer prizes such as a free vend.
  • a video display can be used for example to show a predetermined advertising film while a given product is being dispensed.
  • the arrangement described enables the dispenser to gather and communicate to the central computer information which is useful in managing the vending operation.
  • the information will suitably include data on the types of person using individual machines and their product preferences . This can be used to optimise the product mix offered for sale.
  • the information can also have value to third parties. For example, a manufacturer may wish to know the age and social profile of purchasers of a particular product, or the fact that certain products are commonly bought together, or geographical variations in product preference.
  • the interactivity of the present invention facilitates the collection of information of this type, and enables the disclosure of such information to be encourage by, for example, the use of quizzes and prizes.
  • Figure 5 shows a number of possible implementations of the invention in a water cooler as commonly used in office situations.
  • the interaction may be by means of a one- line LED display, through to a small touch sensitive screen which can be readily integrated into a range of aesthetically attractive designs.
  • the same data collection and communications electronics can be used to monitor the following:
  • Tap operation determining water flow, and dispensing activity, dispenser usage profiling.
  • Mains electrical supply Detect presence of mains electricity - detect disconnection and connection to mains electricity.
  • Control and monitoring additional facilities/equipment (such as carbonator, oxygenator, or water quality/identity check module) which are either an integral part of the dispenser or ancillary external equipment .
  • a further preferred feature of the invention resides in providing the bottles or containers used in the dispensing apparatus with electronic tags of a type known per se .
  • Each tag can, for example, identify the place and date of manufacture or supply.
  • the tag can then be interrogated by the dispenser and data communicated to the central computer. As one example, this can be used to identify and warn of outdated stock being used.
  • the tag can also be used to track the products in the supply chain.
  • electronic tags either forms of machine-readable identification may be used such as bar codes, or even the use of a specified colour or shape of closure to identify a given product or supplier.

Abstract

A vending machine (10) in addition to the normal coin acceptor (14) and selection keypad (16) has a display screen (20) which is used in conjunction with the keypad (16) to interact with the user. The vending machine (10) and similar vending machines form part of a system communicating with a central computer (12) which monitors stock levels and machine functions, and also derives information, such as marketing information and customer preferences, from the user interaction and may modify displayed material accordingly.

Description

"Interactive Dispensing Apparatus"
This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing or vending goods, such as drinking water dispensers, vending machines for hot or cold drinks or snacks, photobooths, photocopiers, and other such apparatus.
Hitherto, dispensing apparatus of this type have displayed only minimal information of a purely functional nature to the users, and the only information supplied by the user has been to indicate the type and/or quantity of goods desired.
The present invention is based upon the realisation that the presence and use of dispensing apparatus provides an opportunity for interaction with a wide range of consumers.
Also, many forms of dispensing apparatus have in the past suffered from poor vendor service with stock commonly running out. Preferred forms of the present invention also address this difficulty.
Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a dispensing apparatus comprising means for dispensing at least one product when requested by a user; an interactive user interface comprising means for imparting information to the user, and user- operated data input means adapted to permit the user to input both product-dispensing commands and data not necessarily related to product dispensing; memory means for storing data related to use of the apparatus; and communication means arranged to transmit said data between the apparatus and a remote management location.
The data may be data relating to users of the machine, or to the operational status of the machine, or both.
The means for imparting information to the user may suitably comprise a display screen, and the user- operated data input means may be in the form of a keyboard or touch sensitive areas on said screen. The display screen may be a simple one line LED screen, through to a full colour, full motion screen which may be used to display advertising or informational material. The communication means may comprise means for periodic connection via a public telephone network, a GSM service, the Internet, or some other available communications network to a central control location.
Preferably, the communication means is arranged to receive data defining material to be displayed, such as advertisements .
The invention is capable of controlling functions of equipment to which it is fitted (the host equipment) and by assessing the status of sensors and other devices to which it is connected within the host equipment it is able to perform logical functions that result in an output action, for example;
Thermostatic control of the temperature of products that are contained within the host equipment Control of dispensing valves, doors, switches, chutes, motors, lamps etc
The display can be used to permit engineering and/or servicing diagnostic testing to be performed to assess the operational status of the equipment during maintenance/configuration/repairs etc and also to the user during normal operation.
Data can be made available to the invention from sources appropriate to the volumes/speed/bandwidth requirements of suitable data storage devices connected to the invention for example, flash memory, CD ROM, DVD, Video Tape.
Data for display can also be sent to the invention over the communications network.
The invention when fitted with an optional studio reproduction/recognition module is able to produce sounds/music/speech and also to respond to spoken stimulus which may be associated with visual/messages/video/display information produced by the invention.
From another aspect, the invention provides a method of managing a plurality of dispensing apparatus at a variety of locations, the method comprising remotely monitoring the persons using and/or the products dispensed at each location, and controlling the dispensing apparatus and/or causing information to be displayed at each location in a manner determined or modified by the information collated by said monitoring.
The information displayed may comprise advertising.
Preferably the information is displayed via an interactive display to permit a response by the user. This may be used to generate consumer follow up in response to the advertising, or data related to advertising effectiveness, to provide the opportunity to win prizes, or for amusements.
The information displayed may be modified according to the product requested by a particular user, or according to the product mix requested at that location, or the data and time of day.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system embodying one form of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a preferred form of information handling within a vending machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 illustrates one-line text displays;
Fig. 4 illustrates multi-line displays; and
Fig. 5 illustrates a number of possible embodiments of the invention in the form of a water cooler.
Referring to Figure 1, a number of vending machines 10, only two of which are shown, are in periodic communication with a central computer 12. As indicated in Fig. 1, each vending machine 10 is of a conventional arrangement insofar as it comprises a payment acceptor 14, a keyboard 16, and a product dispense location 18. The actual vending operation is entirely conventional and will not be described herein. The vending machine additionally comprises a display screen indicated at 20. The display screen 20 could be a single-line LED screen displaying stationary or scrolling messages. Alternatively, it could be a larger screen showing text, or a fully functional moving video display.
Each vending machine also contains additional electronics as illustrated in Figure 2.
A communication device 21 handles communication with the central computer 12. The communication device 21 may be a device for working over the public telephone network, a GSM network, or the Internet, or any other available network. The communication device 21 is interfaced with the remainder of the electronics via a communications interface 22. Suitable forms of communication device 21 and communications interface 22 are well known in the art.
The electronics are co-ordinated and controlled by a processing and control circuit 23, which may suitably be a programmable logic controller. The controller 23 drives the display 20 via a display interface 24. A memory 25 is provided, which will typically store both data collected from the dispenser and display information for use in driving the display 20. The form of memory used will be dependent on the nature of display desired. For simple text messages, a flash memory or simple ROM may be sufficient, while for full motion, full colour visuals it may be appropriate to use a mass storage device such as a CD-ROM or videotape. The memory 25 will also require to include read/write memory such as a RAM chip.
A sensor/data collection interface 26 is provided to provide the controller 23 with information from the keyboard 16 and from the dispensing apparatus itself. For example, the apparatus may monitor sensors such as temperature sensors and switches used in counting machine contents. A control interface 27 interconnects the controller 23 with devices within the dispenser which require to be controlled, such as motors and switches.
The various circuits of Figure 2 are powered by a power supply 28, which may incorporate a back-up supply to maintain memory and communication functions during any loss of mains power.
The electronics of Figure 2 may be arranged in three modules. A first module contains the controller 23 and the power supply 28. A second module contains the communication device 21 and the communications interface 22. A third module contains the interfaces 24, 26 and 27 and the memory 25.
The use of a three module system of this kind is preferred, since the first module can be common to a range of applications, while the second module can be one of a variety depending upon the communication channel, and the third module can be one of a variety depending upon the dispensing apparatus to which it is applied, or the messages to be displayed.
In use, the central computer 12 either polls or is polled by the various machines under its supervision at appropriate intervals of time, or on the occurrence of predetermined effects. The data collection interface 26 in each machine is preferably arranged to collect data regarding the operation of the machine, such as stock level or any malfunctions, and this is monitored by the central computer to arrange servicing and supplies.
In addition however the display screen 20 is used in an interactive mode with the user, and the information for this and an analysis of the results of it are communicated to and monitored by the central computer.
In one fairly simple example, the screen 20 may display advertising material, with the nature of the material being altered in accordance with the usage of the machine and the nature of the products in most demand .
Alternatively, there may be a more fully interactive relationship with the user. For example, the screen could display information in the nature of a quiz with responses being input via the keyboard 16. A relationship of this nature could be used for example to provide prizes by way of free product from the machine or otherwise, which could be a means for improving the usage and sales at the machines.
As discussed above, a variety of displays may be used.
Figure 3 illustrates a one- line text display used for advertising or imparting information. In Figure la, a static or sideways scrolling text is used to advertise a special offer available on the dispenser. Figure lb shows a sideways scrolling display giving current information, such a Stock Exchange news.
Figure 4 gives examples of a 3 or 4 line display operating a user quiz, which could offer prizes such as a free vend.
Alternatively, a video display can be used for example to show a predetermined advertising film while a given product is being dispensed. The arrangement described enables the dispenser to gather and communicate to the central computer information which is useful in managing the vending operation. In particular, the information will suitably include data on the types of person using individual machines and their product preferences . This can be used to optimise the product mix offered for sale. The information can also have value to third parties. For example, a manufacturer may wish to know the age and social profile of purchasers of a particular product, or the fact that certain products are commonly bought together, or geographical variations in product preference.
The interactivity of the present invention facilitates the collection of information of this type, and enables the disclosure of such information to be encourage by, for example, the use of quizzes and prizes.
Figure 5 shows a number of possible implementations of the invention in a water cooler as commonly used in office situations. In each of these, the interaction may be by means of a one- line LED display, through to a small touch sensitive screen which can be readily integrated into a range of aesthetically attractive designs. In addition to interaction with the consumer, the same data collection and communications electronics can be used to monitor the following:
Tap operation - determining water flow, and dispensing activity, dispenser usage profiling.
Water heater and chiller operation.
Temperature of dispensed water, hot, chilled ambient and mixed (variably chilled) .
Mains electrical supply -Detect presence of mains electricity - detect disconnection and connection to mains electricity.
Following the detection of mains failure a rechargeable battery power supply will supply electrical energy to allow continued function of the invention.
The insertion and removal of water bottle, water reservoir, or a disposable water delivery mechanism of known type.
Dispenser sanitisation activity
Control and monitoring additional facilities/equipment (such as carbonator, oxygenator, or water quality/identity check module) which are either an integral part of the dispenser or ancillary external equipment .
Suitable sensors and control devices for carrying out these functions will be readily apparent to those in the art .
A further preferred feature of the invention resides in providing the bottles or containers used in the dispensing apparatus with electronic tags of a type known per se . Each tag can, for example, identify the place and date of manufacture or supply. The tag can then be interrogated by the dispenser and data communicated to the central computer. As one example, this can be used to identify and warn of outdated stock being used. The tag can also be used to track the products in the supply chain. Instead of electronic tags, either forms of machine-readable identification may be used such as bar codes, or even the use of a specified colour or shape of closure to identify a given product or supplier.

Claims

1. A dispensing apparatus comprising means for dispensing at least one product when requested by a user; an interactive user interface comprising means for imparting information to the user, and user-operated data input means adapted to permit the user to input both product-dispensing commands and data not necessarily related to product dispensing; memory means for storing data related to use of the apparatus; and communication means arranged to transmit said data between the apparatus and a remote management location.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the data relates to at least one of: users of the machine and the operational status of the machine.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the means for imparting information to the user comprises a display screen
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the display screen is a text character screen formed by a LED or LCD array.
5. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the display screen is a picture screen.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the data input means is a keyboard or keypad.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which the data input means comprises touch-sensitive means on said picture screen.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the communication means comprises means for periodic connection to a central control location via a standard communications network such as public telephone network, a GSM service, or the Internet .
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the communication means is arranged to receive data defining material to be displayed.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser includes sensors and control devices enabling the dispenser to perform logical functions.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, in which said logical functions comprise one or more of: thermostatic control of the temperature of products within the dispenser, and control of dispensing valves, doors, switches, chutes, motors, and lamps.
12. Apparatus according to claim 10, in which the dispenser includes means for reading identification tags affixed to containers removably positioned within the dispenser.
13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the display the display is additionally usable to permit engineering and/or servicing diagnostic testing to be performed to assess the operational status of the invention during maintenance, configuration or repairs.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including a data storage device such as flash memory, CD-ROM, DVD, or videotape.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including a studio reproduction and/or recognition for producing music or speech, and/or for responding to spoken stimulus from a user.
16. A method of managing a plurality of dispensing apparatus at a variety of locations, the method comprising remotely monitoring the persons using and/or the products dispensed at each location, and controlling the dispensing apparatus and/or causing information to be displayed at each
I location in a manner determined or modified by the information collated by said monitoring.
17. The method of claim 16, in which the information displayed comprises advertising.
18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, in which the information is displayed via an interactive display which permits a response by the user.
19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, in which the information displayed is modified according to the product requested by a particular user, or according to the product mix requested at that location, or the data and time of day.
20. The method of any of claims 16 to 19, which includes providing materials to be dispensed in containers labelled with machine-readable labels, reading the label of each container when inserted in a dispenser, and communicating data from the label to the remote monitoring point.
PCT/GB2000/004663 1999-12-08 2000-12-07 Interactive dispensing apparatus WO2001043088A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU17206/01A AU1720601A (en) 1999-12-08 2000-12-07 Interactive dispensing apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9928904.3A GB9928904D0 (en) 1999-12-08 1999-12-08 Interactive dispensing apparatus
GB9928904.3 1999-12-08
GB0009271A GB0009271D0 (en) 2000-04-15 2000-04-15 Interactive dispensing apparatus
GB0009271.8 2000-04-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001043088A1 true WO2001043088A1 (en) 2001-06-14

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Country Status (3)

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AU (1) AU1720601A (en)
GB (1) GB2366558A (en)
WO (1) WO2001043088A1 (en)

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US9090448B2 (en) 2000-06-08 2015-07-28 Beverage Works, Inc. Appliance having a user interface panel and a beverage dispenser
US9090446B2 (en) 2000-06-08 2015-07-28 Beverage Works, Inc. Appliance with dispenser
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