AU2016102451A4 - A System Apparatus and Method for Controlling a Vending Machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling a vending machine arranged to communicate with a remote controller, comprising: a 5 receiver for receiving operation data for the vending machine from a remote controller; and a processor for controlling operation of the vending machine using the received operation data. 8497866_1 113 /110 AA 12112 12q:: 122 i X 32 1140 ThOFIGURE I

Description

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A System Apparatus and Method for Controlling a Vending Machine

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for controlling a vending machine and, in particular, but not exclusively, to vending machines and methods and apparatus for their control.

Background

Vending machines are used to automatically dispense products to consumers, typically upon payment. Vending machines are typically positioned in public areas or at work places and often include a variety of products including confectionary, snacks, and drinks. Vending machines are programmed to receive an input selection for a product from a customer and a payment associated with that requested product. Upon receipt of the required payment, the vending machine provides the requested product to the customer.

Modern vending machines are electronically controlled and may be programmed to update prices and the products configuration within the vending machine. Vending machines are electrically powered but exist as stand-alone units. Maintenance and monitoring of vending machines is provided by engineers who visit the vending machine site to monitor and replenish stock within the vending machine, retrieve information on sales, including retrieval of cash stored within the machine, update pricing and programming information for the machine and monitor the machine for maintenance requirements.

There is a large fleet of vending machines in operation at various locations.

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Summary of Invention

In a first aspect the invention provides an apparatus for controlling a vending machine including a communication module arranged to communicate with a remote controller, so operation data for the vending machine can be received.

Advantages provided by embodiments of the invention are that vending machines can be programmed remotely. This allows prices and other operation information to be updated remotely. Remote programming also avoids the requirement for engineers to physically visit vending machines in order to reprogram the vending machine, for example with new pricing structures.

Preferably embodiments comprise a memory for storing the operation data.

Preferably the operation data comprises at least one of: - pricing data associated with products within the vending machine; - promotional data relating to promotions relating to products in the vending machine; - diagnostic data to trigger testing of the vending machine; - Configuration data to configure the vending machine; and - Recalibration data to recalibrate the vending machine.

Preferably embodiments comprise a digital display, wherein the apparatus controls display output based on the operational data.

Preferably the digital display is configured to receive user input selection for at least one product within the vending machine.

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Preferably the communication module is arranged to transmit performance data of the vending machine to the remote controller.

Preferably, embodiments comprise a clock, wherein the clock provides a trigger to transmit performance data periodically.

Preferably embodiments comprise a communication module arranged to communicate with a remote controller so data on operation of the vending machine can be uploaded remotely.

Prferably data on operation of the vending machine comprises at least one of: Sales event data; Door Status data; Vending machine error data; Fill event data; Temperature sensor data; or Credit event data;

Preferably the data on operation of the vending machine is uploaded in real time.

Advantages provided by real time upload of information include that the present status and performance of a vending machine is known by the remote controller. This allows stock visits by engineers to be arranged when stock is low or depleted within a vending machine. It also allows errors to be alerted in real time and maintenance visits arranged when a vending machine is faulty.

In a second aspect the invention provides a system comprising a remote controller and the apparatus according to the first aspect.

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In a third aspect the invention provides a vending machine comprising the apparatus of the first aspect.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a vending machine retrofitted with the apparatus of the first aspect. Advantages provided by such embodiments are that existing fleets of vending machines can be updated to be controlled and monitored remotely.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a vending machine and a remote controller, the vending machine comprising the apparatus the first aspect.

In a sixth aspect the invention provides a method for operating a vending machine comprising the steps of receiving operation data for the vending machine from a remote controller over a radio network; and controlling the operation of the vending machine using the received operation data.

In a seventh aspect the invention provides a method for operating a vending machine comprising the steps of transmitting data on the operation of the vending machine to a remote controller.

Preferably the remote controller is cloud based. Advantages provided by the cloud based nature of the remote controller include that the vending machine can be controlled from any location via the cloud.

Preferably, a vending machine comprising the apparatus according to the first aspect.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vending machine, Figure 2 illustrates the architecture of a vending machine, and Figure 3 illustrates examples of promotion displays.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vending machine. The vending machine is a physical unit and includes a number of product positions physically located within vending machine 121-135. Different vending machine positions may include different products and multiple positions may include the same product. In the example of Figure 1 the vending machine includes a transparent window to provide visibility of the products to consumers. Typically, each position in the vending machine is labelled to identify the position of the product to the customer, for example location 121 may be represented as Al to a customer and may hold 600ml Coca-Cola bottles. In further embodiments the vending machine does not include a transparent window and products are not visible.

Vending machine 110 includes an access area 140 in which selected products are presented to a customer.

Vending machine 110 includes an information screen 150. Information screen 150 is a digital video screen. Information screen 150 displays advertising material, promotional material and product information including pricing, availability as well as other product related information. Information screen 150 is a touch sensitive video screen. Customers can select products for purchase from the vending machine using information screen 150.

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Vending machine 110 includes payment module 160. Payment module 160 facilitates payment by cash including coins and notes and can provide change to customers. Pricing is presented to customers before and during selection of required product on information screen 150.

Vending machine 110 includes a radio module (described in relation to Figure 2). The radio module receives and transmits data between vending machine 110 and a remote vending machine controller 180.

Figure 2 illustrates the components within the vending machine at Figure 1. Vending machine 200 includes a radio module 210. Radio module 210 is configured to receive radio signals including operation data for the vending machine. In the embodiment of Figure 2 the radio controller is configured to receive radio signals across a mobile communications network. The connection of the vending machine to the mobile communication network via radio module 210 enables data to be received from remote controller 300.

Further embodiments of the invention include different radio modules operating in different wavelengths or having different ranges. Examples of alternative radio modules include WiFi radio receivers or Bluetooth radio receivers. Further embodiments may incorporate any radio module suitable for receiving operation data across a wireless network. Further embodiments of the invention may include connections across fixed wired networks for example Ethernet connections which allow data to be received by the vending machine from remotely located control modules.

The vending machine of Figure 2 include a radio transmitter 260 for transmitting performance data for the vending machine to a remote controller across a radio network. Radio receiver module 210 and radio transmitter

8497866_1 module 260 may be integrated into a single radio module.

As discussed in relation to radio module 210, radio transmitter module 260 transmit across a mobile communication network or may operate using different radio technology, for example WiFi radio or Bluetooth radio.

Radio transmitter module 210 and radio receiver module 260 are connected to vending machine controller 220.

Vending machine controller 220 is connected to single board computer 230. Single board computer 230 is connected to display unit 240. Display unit 240 is a touch sensitive video display. Single board computer drives display unit 240 and manages the interaction of customers with display unit 240. Display unit 240 displays videos data as under the instruction of single board computer 230 including promotional advertising video relating to products available from the vending machine, product information associated with products within the vending machine, pricing information relating to products within the vending machine. In further embodiments, additional information may be provided by video display 240.

Video display 240 is a touch sensitive video display screen and suitable for receiving selection input from customers. Input received is provided to single board computer 230.

Single board computer 230 runs applications 235. A first application run on single board computer 230 is vend user interface application. Vend user interface application manages basket management, for identifying items selected by a customer, and a content display, for controlling the display on the display unit 240. A second application run on single board computer 230 is the vending experience

8497866_1 controller application. Vending experience controller application manages inserted credit with items selected by a customer. When sufficient credit has been provided to match the selected items, vending experience controller application passes this information to vending machine controller 220 to complete the transaction and provide product to the customer. Vending machine experience controller application also informs the vending user interface application of credit received at the vending machine for display on display unit 240.

Vending machine includes memory 250. Mercury 250 is connected to vending machine controller 220. Memory 250 stores multiple information relating to the vending machine. Information stored within memory includes pricing associated with products within the vending machine, a plan-o-gram for the vending machine including the location of different products within the vending machine, promotional information associated with products available in the vending machine, equipment ID associated with the vending machine, information relating to sale events occurring at the vending machine, information relating to credit events occurring at the vending machine including received coins, notes and card payments.

Vending machine 200 includes a number of sensors monitoring the performance of the vending machine. Sensors included within the vending machine include temperature sensor 271 for monitoring the temperature within the product environment of the vending machine. Typically vending machines are refrigerated. Door sensor 272 monitors the status of the access door for loading stock into the vending machine. Door sensor 272 monitors whether or not access door is open or locked. Chute sensor 273 monitors operation of the dispensing chute and detects, for example, if the chute is clear or blocked. Other sensors may be included in further embodiments.

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Sensors 270 are connected to vending machine controller 220.

Vending machine 200 includes clock 280. Clock 280 timestamps data communications received and transmitted from the vending machine. Clock 280 can also trigger various checks on the sensors or to transmit information or to trigger transmission of information at designated time periods.

Vending machine 200 receives and transmits data from and to remote controller 300 over radio network 290. Remote controller 300 can transmit controller information to vending machine controller 220. It also monitors performance of vending machine 200 from performance data received from vending machine controller 220.

Vending machine includes telemetry module 290. Telemetry module 290 manages card payments at the vending machine and includes a card reader. Vending machine also includes a cash payment module 295 to accept coin or note payment.

Applications

We now describe operation of the vending machine and its interaction with remote controller 300 as shown and described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

Operation Data Transmitted from Remote Controller

Price Data

Pricing data is provided as operational data from remote controller 300. Pricing data is associated with products within the vending machine. Remote controller transmits

8497866_1 pricing information to vending machine across the radio network. The pricing information is received at vending machine controller 220. The product relevant to the pricing information is identified within memory 250 and the associated pricing information is updated and stored within memory 250. Pricing information is provided to single board computer 230 for display on display screen and used for price calculations by vending experience controller application when the product is selected by a customer.

Advertising Data

Advertising data is typically loaded onto vending machines using, for example, USB memory devices. However, in embodiments it may be transmitted as operational data from remote controller to vending machine. Advertising data is stored in memory 250. Advertising data, is provided by vending machine controller 220 to single board computer 230 for display on display unit 240.

Promotional Data

Promotional data relating to products within the vending machine may also be provided within operational data from remote controller 300. Promotions may include local vending machine promotions, for example if a customer buys two Coca-Cola's they will be available at a lower price than two separate Coca-Cola purchases. Vending machine promotions may include combinations of different products. The pricing and product information associated with the promotion is contained with operation data and stored in memory 250. Any further information associated with the promotion, for example duration and timing of the promotion or timing for advertising for the promotion is extracted from operation data. This data may be stored

8497866_1 in memory 250.

Examples of four promotions are shown in Figure 3. 301 is a video display for a promotion associated with the combination of two different products. The promotion is presented to the customer on video display 240. In promotion 301 a customer selecting a Coca-Cola variety is offered a "Mount Franklin" 600ml bottle at a reduced price. In an example 301 the promotion is associated with a particular time period, 4 January 2016 - 28 February 2016. The promotion is stored within memory 250 and upon selection of a Coca-Cola 600ml variety, vending machine controller 220 identifies that Mount Franklin 600ml is available for $2. Should the customer select the Mount Franklin 600ml in addition to the Coca-Cola 600ml variety at the reduced price.

Example 302 shows a promotion for "Mother" 500ml variety. Again, the promotion has an active time period between 22 February 2016 and 28 February 2016. Any customer requesting the "Mother" 500ml varieties during this period are charged at $2.

Promotions shown in examples 303 and 304 have more specific time periods for activation. In the promotion shown in 303 the Mount Franklin 600ml bottle is provided at a discount of $1 off during the happy hour of 3-5pm during the promotion dates of 1 February 2016 7 February 2016. On selection of a Mount Franklin 600ml bottle the vending machine controller VMC will determine the time and presents the product at the reduced price of $1 off during these particular time periods. Similarly, in 304 any Coca-Cola 600ml variety is available at the reduced price of $1 off during the hours of 3pm to 5pm on the dates of 28 March 2016 to 3 April 2016.

Promotions are controlled by remote controller 300.

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Remote controller transmits operation data to turn off a promotion for example due to lack of stock.

Restart

Remote controller 300 can trigger a recalibration or restart of vending machine 200. Operational data is provided to vending machine controller 220 instructing a reboot of the entire vending machine or recalibration of particular aspects of the vending machine.

Real time updates to remote controller

Management of the vending machine is provided by remote controller 300. Vending machine controller 220 transmits performance data relating to events occurring at vending machine 200 in real time. Typically, vending machine controller 220 automatically transmits notification of an event to remote controller 300 as performance data.

Remote controller 300 maintains a record of the performance of vending machine 200. Events notified to remote controller 300 from vending machine controller 220 include: • Sales events; • Door opening events; • Machine errors or any detected error by census on the vending machine • Temperature reading; • Credit events including payments received by coins, notes or cards; and • Fill event data notifying that vending machine stock

is replenished.

Remote controller 300 monitors the vending machine to

8497866_1 maintain a records of the performance of the vending machine in order to determine action that may be required to be taken, for example, either by an instruction provided in operational data to vending machine controller 220 or to initiate an engineer visit to the vending machine.

For example, where an Engineer visits a vending machine to restock a vending machine remote controller 300 updates its records to confirm how much stock is loaded into vending machine 200. Each time a sale event occurs, vending machine controller 220 initiates a performance data notification to remote controller 300. The performance notification identifies the details of the sale. Remote controller 300 updates the stock count details to reflect the updated number of products within the vending machine. When stock from a particular product reaches a pre-declined level, for example a particular number of units remain before the stock is depleted, remote controller 300 can arrange an engineer visit to the vending machine in order to replenish stock.

Error Events

Any errors in performance of the vending machine detected by sensors 270 are notified to remote controller 300, for example temperature, errors in dispensing product, for example due to a blocked dispensing chute or sensors detecting that the loading door is open or faulty are received by remote controller 300 and remote controller 300 can initiate an engineer visit to the vending machine.

The real time updates provided to remote controller enable management of vending machine 200.

Performance data is transmitted to remote controller 300 in real time when detected or received by the vending

8497866_1 machine controller 220. However, in instances where the radio connection to the remote controller is faulty or not available the vending machine controller maintains the performance data and transmits the performance data to remote controller upon the radio network being reinstated.

Purchase events

Purchase events are largely managed by vending experience controller application within single board computer 230. Customer payment is received by card reader 290 in the event that a customer pays using a credit or debit card, or by cash receipt unit 295 in the event the customer pays using cash. The received payment is notified to vending machine controller 220. Vending machine controller 220 provides the credit information to single board computer 230. Vending experience controller application receives notification of the credit insertion and provides this information to the vending user interface application for display to the user on display unit 240. Upon receipt of user input vending experience controller application manages the process of balancing the product price against credit received by the customer. A situation where additional payment is required vending experience controller application notifies the vending user experience application to arrange display of the required balance, whether by the deficit or credit, to the customer. Once sufficient credit has been provided for a particular purchase and a customer has selected to purchase that product vending experience controller notifies vending machine controller that the product can be provided to the customer. Vending machine controller then instructs product to be dispensed to the customer. As discussed above, the sale event is notified to remote controller 300.

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Basket purchase

Embodiments of the invention allow multiple products to be purchased from a vending machine in a single order. Basket purchases are managed by vending experience controller application on single board computer 230. Customer input requesting products is provided to vending experiment controller application. When calculating the required credit for purchase, vending experience controller application identifies whether any promotions are available to the customer based on the product selection and timing. As discussed above in relation to a typical transaction, vending experience controller application balances the credit or deficit required by a customer against the purchase price for the requested products and provides this information to the vendor user interface for display to the customer. For example, as coins are added, vending experience controller application notifies vend user experience application of the change in credit and the vend user experience application updates the display to identify the updated credit. Once a customer has confirmed a requested purchase and vending experience controller application confirms that sufficient credit has been provided it notifies vending machine controller 220 that the purchase can be completed and dispensed to the customer

Embodiments of the invention provide real time performance data updates from the vending machine to a remote controller. The real time updates allow the performance and status of the vending machine to be managed remotely. This provides advantage that visits to vending machines by engineers can be managed sufficiently and at suitable time periods depending on the current status of the vending machine. Real time updates enable the remote controller to know when a vending machine requires restocking. Since

8497866_1 sale updates are provided to the remote controller in real time, the remote controller knows how much stock is held at a vending machine at any time. In contrast, existing vending machines without vending machine controllers do not provide updates of stock. Consequently, engineers must predict when stock will be required.

Real time updates relating to machine performance and errors enable immediate identification that a vending machine requires maintenance. For example, if a temperature sensor measures an increase in temperature the remote controller immediately can raise an alert for an engineer to address the refrigeration system within the vending machine. If a sensor on the dispensing chute identifies that the chute is blocked an error message is sent from the vending machine controller to the remote controller in real time. This allows the remote controller to identify the maintenance requirements and arrange a visit by an engineer to the vending machine.

Fleets of vending machines can be managed by a single remote controller. Data transmissions to and from vending machines may include vending machine identification information to enable accurate monitoring of specific machines.

Existing vending machines can be retro fitted with vending machine controller and single board computers to provide remote monitoring functionality provided by embodiments of the present invention.

Cloud Based

The remote controller can be located at any location. The remote controller may be cloud based. An advantage of the cloud based remote controller is that vending machine performance and status can be monitored and controlled

8497866_1 from any location.

The remote controller may be a server computer. The remote controller may have any type of architecture. The remote controller may be accessible by other control systems to identify status or performance of vending machines.

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Claims (17)

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for controlling a vending machine including a communication module arranged to communicate with a remote controller, so operation data for the vending machine can be received.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a memory for storing the operation data.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the operation data comprises at least one of: - pricing data associated with products within the vending machine; - promotional data relating to promotions relating to products in the vending machine; - diagnostic data to trigger testing of the vending machine; - Configuration data to configure the vending machine; and - Recalibration data to recalibrate the vending machine.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising a digital display, wherein the apparatus controls display output based on the operational data.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 comprising a digital display configured to receive user input selection for at least one product within the vending machine.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5 the communication module arranged to transmit performance data of the vending machine to the remote controller.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 comprising a clock, wherein the clock provides a trigger to transmit

8497866_1 performance data periodically.

8. An apparatus for controlling a vending machine including communication module arranged to communicate with a remote controller so data on operation of the vending machine can be uploaded remotely.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein data on operation of the vending machine comprises at least one of: Sales event data; Door Status data; Vending machine error data; Fill event data; Temperature sensor data; or Credit event data;

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the data on operation of the vending machine is uploaded in real time.

11. A system comprising a remote controller and the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vending machine comprising the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10.

13. A vending machine retrofitted with the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10.

14. A system comprising a vending machine and a remote controller, the vending machine comprising the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10.

15. A method for operating a vending machine comprising the steps of receiving operation data for the vending machine from a remote controller over a radio network; and

8497866_1 controlling the operation of the vending machine using the received operation data.

16. A method for operating a vending machine comprising the steps of transmitting data on the operation of the vending machine to a remote controller.

17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the remote controller is cloud based.

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2016102451 09 Dec 2016

2016102451 09 Dec 2016

2016102451 09 Dec 2016