AU8721698A - Remote electronic retailing - Google Patents

Description

WO99/09508 -1- PCT/AU98/00655 "REMOTE ELECTRONIC RETAILING" The present invention relates generally to the automated provision of goods/services and, particularly, to electronic retailing and vending and the provision of 5 goods/services at vending site and/or over a communications media. The present applicants have developed electronic vending apparatus and also apparatus for facilitating electronic retailing over networks such as the Internet. 10 Examples of prior systems are disclosed in applicant's International patent applications numbers PCT/AU93/00416 (WO94/04446), PCT/AU95/00154 (WO95/26004) and PCT/AU97/00058. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. PCT/AU93/00416 relates 15 to a vending machine which facilitates recycling of complex articles, such as printer and toner cartridges. PCT/AU95/00154 discloses an electronic catalogue device and system for enabling remote ordering of goods/services. PCT/AU97/00058 discloses a system for the electronic remote 20 ordering of goods/services comprising a network of electronic vending machines and/or PC's and/or dedicated ordering kiosks via which products (goods and/or services) can be electronically ordered remotely, and via which stocking of vending machines can be monitored and 25 controlled. It is known to retail goods and services over communications networks such as the Internet. For example, a user may purchase information services by logging onto the Internet and accessing a site from which services such 30 as information, computer software, etc. can be purchased. There are a number of problems with this system. Firstly, there are no or limited controls to control access to purchase of products over the Internet. For example, there are really no adequate controls preventing 35 young people from accessing and obtaining information which is normally of a category restricted for minors. This is SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -2 also a problem with presently available vending machines. There is generally no adequate security which can prevent a minor purchasing alcohol, cigarettes, etc. if they are available via a vending device which is not placed in a 5 secure, manned location. Another problem with purchasing of goods/services over a network such as the Internet, is the control of tax and duty payments. The Internet extends across state and national borders. It is very difficult for states and 10 governments to monitor goods/services which have been purchased over the Internet and provided from another, cross-border, location. It is therefore quite easy, generally, for tax and duty to be evaded. Yet another problem relates to payment methods and 15 security of users accounts. For example, people are generally quite reluctant to give their credit card details on the Internet because the Internet is not secure and the credit card details may be fraudulently obtained and used for theft. 20 From a first aspect, the present invention provides a product ordering apparatus, including a control means for controlling ordering of products, input means by which a user may select product, and security identification means for obtaining security related information from a user and 25 means for enabling or disabling delivery of products depending on the security information. The products obtainable may include goods and/or services. The apparatus also preferably includes communication 30 means for communicating with a communications network over which products may be obtained or ordered. The communications network may be the Internet, but may be any other form of network. The type of security related information that the 35 security identification means obtains can be any type, but in one embodiment the security identification means is SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 3PCT/AU98/00655 arranged to establish the age of a person using the apparatus and the means for enabling is arranged to determine whether the person is old enough to obtain the goods/services that they wish to order. Where the products 5 being ordered are security sensitive, such as passports, tickets, licenses or the like, the security identification means may need to establish the exact identity of the person. The security means in this case may require information such as a driver's license and PIN number and 10 other security information, in a similar way to the way a bank requires exact identity information. Preferably, a sensing device is provided for reading a driver's license, identity card, bar code or other ID device which contains the required security information. 15 Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may have access to a database which contains information enabling verification of security information, such as age or other authorisation characteristics, once a user of the machine has been identified. In such a case the security 20 identification means may merely establish the identity of the person by reading a credit card for example or smartcard/PIN number combination. The database is then accessed to obtain further security information. The ordering apparatus may, alternatively or 25 additionally to the communication means, also include a means for delivering goods on site such as described in the applicant's previous applications. The delivery of the goods on site will be controlled depending upon the security information, as with services, goods, information, 30 etc. ordered over the communications network. In other words the apparatus may operate as a vending machine. The vending machine may be stand-alone, or may be connectable to a communications network over which goods/services can be ordered for delivery in addition to 35 the local vending operation. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/09508 4- PCT/AU98/00655 The ordering apparatus may comprise an appropriately configured PC. Product ordered from the PC may be delivered later (or delivered on-line where it is on line deliverable). 5 As an alternative to the product being delivered later, it may be stored in a vending device and the PC user may be given the address of the vending device. A security code or means may be provided to the user for access to the vending apparatus. 10 This may include a PIN code, for example, or the like. It may include a smartcard, magnetic stripe code or the like. The user can then go to the location where the product is held and use the security code to obtain the product. 15 The present invention further provides a product ordering apparatus, comprising a control means for controlling ordering of products, input means by which a user may select product, means for providing information on tax or duty applicable in the geographic location where the 20 product is located, and means for adjusting the sales price of products offered in accordance with the tax or duty information for that locality. The ordering apparatus may comprise a combined ordering apparatus and vending machine, so that product may 25 be vended locally on site. Alternatively, the ordering apparatus may comprise an appropriately configured PC. The PC provides information on the locality of the product which is being ordered by the user. The user can then attend at that locality to obtain the product. The PC is 30 preferably connected to a network, which may the Internet, but can be any type of network. Information on the location of products may be obtained over the network. Payment may also be effected over the network. For example, payment may be effected over the "Web". Where 35 payment is effected over the Web, via the PC, tax or duty is levied appropriately according to the location of the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -5 product, on payment. The product ordering apparatus may also include dedicated kiosk, which is also connectable to a communications network such as the Internet. Where the 5 ordering apparatus includes combined ordering apparatus and vending device, the device may also be connected to a communications network (eg. Internet) and products available at other locations may be ordered from the ordering apparatus. Information on the locality of the 10 product will be provided to the user and the tax and duty will be levied in accordance with that locality. Even where goods are ordered over the Internet, therefore, across a state border or even worldwide, the appropriate tax or duty rate can be levied at the delivery 15 location/apparatus. The means for enabling payment preferably comprises a card reader or the like for reading details of a credit card or bankcard. Preferably, payment is effected by way of a separate payment network, such as an EFT network or the like or e.g. via the Internet any set 20 standard. Alternatively, a means for payment may be provided at the delivery apparatus itself, i.e. at the location where the product is available. A person may be able to order and secure product by ordering at a remote ordering 25 apparatus, and attend the location where the product is held and pay at that location. In this case, the delivery apparatus (which may be a combined ordering/vending apparatus) includes information on the appropriate tax or duty to be levied. 30 When the user orders the product and secures it before attending the locality where the product is, the user may be provided with security means, such as a PIN number. The user then attends at the device where the product is held and enters the PIN number or other security means to enable 35 the product to be released to him. Payment can be effected either at the original ordering device (which may be a PC SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 -6PCT/AU98/00655 connected to the Web, or a kiosk, a combined ordering apparatus, vending device, etc.). Preferably, payment of the tax/duty is required before the product will be released/delivered. 5 Where goods are ordered across a state or country border, tax/duty can be levied appropriately e.g. tax/duty may be levied if the product is to be imported into a state/country, according to the amount of tax/duty that the importing state/country would normally apply. And any 10 tax/duty the exporting state/country may apply i.e. according to the location of product, where product is to be delivered, etc. From a further aspect the present invention provides a delivery device, comprising means for storing product to be 15 vended, input means by which a user may select or identify product, and means for providing information on tax or duty applicable in the geographic location where the product is located, and means for adjusting the sales price of products offered in accordance with the tax or duty 20 information for that locality. The delivery device may be connected to a communications network, such as the Internet, or the like. In the aspects of the invention discussed above the means for providing information on tax or duty is 25 preferably a database which the ordering and/or delivery apparatus has access to. The database may be stored within the ordering/delivery apparatus itself or may be available from a host over a communications network. Preferably, the database is updateable to change the 30 rate of the tax or duty, and is preferably updateable from a host processor or may also be updateable locally at the apparatus location. An alternative is to utilise tax/duty information available over the Internet (e.g. from Government/business 35 websites), and to access this information on-line to add the appropriate tax/duty to the product or to maintain a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 database of leviable tax/duty. Preferably, the ordering apparatus may be only of any type discussed in the applicant's earlier patent applications referenced above. 5 From a further aspect the present invention provides a method of applying tax or duty in remote retailing of products, comprising the steps of storing information on tax or duty and enabling access by an ordering apparatus to that information, and adjusting the sales price of products 10 offered for order at the ordering apparatus in accordance with the tax or duty information; relating to the location of the products. Preferably, the method also includes the step of only enabling sale or order of product when tax or duty has been 15 applied. From yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a product ordering apparatus, including a control means for controlling ordering of products, services, input means by which a user may select product, and payment 20 processing means for processing payment by a user by a separate and secure payment processing network, the payment processing means including an input means for inputting secure user account information, and means for enabling or disabling an order on processing of a user payment via the 25 separate network. The separate network may be an EFT or the like type payment processing network. The advantage of using a secure, separate network for processing payments is that the chances of fraud or theft are reduced. 30 The apparatus preferably includes a communication means for connection to a communications network such as the Internet, for example. Via the communications network goods/services can be ordered over the network but there is no need for payment to be made over the network, as payment 35 is made by the separate, secure network. The apparatus preferably controls whether or not product order is placed, SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -8 depending upon whether the payment has been positively processed by the separate network. The apparatus thus controls the ordering of the goods/services. The payment to the service/goods provider will be made separately by 5 the owner of the apparatus, for example. Preferably, the input means is a card reader or the like for reading credit card details, bankcard details, etc. An interface is provided between the payment processing network and the ordering apparatus, and is 10 arranged to either enable or disable an order over the communications network or locally at the apparatus depending upon the result of the payment processing. From a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of payment processing for products ordered over a 15 communications network such as the Internet, comprising the steps of requesting account information from a user of the network and then processing a payment using the account information and using a separate, secure network, and enabling the ordering of products over the communications 20 network depending on the result of the payment processing via the separate secure payment processing network. The present invention allows a user, for example, to order goods on a network such as the Internet, but pay for the goods using a separate network such as EFT. 25 Conventionally, the purchase of goods over the net requires details of a credit card or other user identification details to be transmitted over the net. With the present invention, a peripheral device is provided which enables a user to swipe a credit card, bank card or the like and 30 obtain payment approval over a separate, secure, payment network, such as EFT. Software interface on the PC between the network and the secure payment transaction device, provides a transaction approved signal or number to the Internet or other network, confirming the transaction has 35 been approved so that the product can be provided. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -9 In the present invention, two separate networks are being accessed, one for obtaining a product and the other for obtaining payment approval. The software interface effectively interfaces between the two networks, to confirm 5 that a transaction has been approved, to the product providing network. Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference 10 to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an ordering apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown connected in a network within a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 15 Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ordering apparatus illustrating various components; Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing various operations of the apparatus; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a payment 20 processing system and a method in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a block diagram of architecture of the apparatus of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 1, a "one stop shop" remote 25 ordering device 100 is illustrated schematically in block form. The device is arranged to enable a user to purchase a product which may be vended on site or which may be ordered from a host 101 to which the device 101 is connectable by a communications 102 (which may be a 30 telephone connection, for example, a dedicated line, or other type of network connection, such as the Internet), for later delivery. The device also enables the user to enter and purchase information or goods (eg from a connection 105 to the Internet 106) and is operable without 35 cash. Instead the users credit may be checked by connection 104 to a bank network 103 (eg EFT). SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -10 Host 101 and remote ordering device 100 together comprise a remote ordering/vending system. The device may be positioned at any convenient location, in a store, an office, an office foyer, a 5 factory, a shopping centre, on a street corner, for example, to enable multiple users access to the automated "one stop shop" facility offered by the device and system. The remote ordering device 100 includes a control means 110, which comprises a computer for controlling local 10 operation of the device. The computer includes appropriate software for controlling the device. The device 100 further comprises a card reader 111 for identifying a user by means of magnetic card swipe and for use for obtaining account details for a payment processing transaction; a 15 data entry means 112, which may comprise any means for entering data, such as a keypad, audio interface for digitising voice, a printer 113; a video display 114 (which in this embodiment is a touch-screen and therefore also operates as a data entry means 112); a database 115, which 20 may contain product information, information on users etc., (in this embodiment the database 115 is in memory in the device 100, and will in fact be stored in the computers memory where the control means 110 comprises a computer, but the database 115 or part of the database, such as user 25 information, for example, may be stored off-site, at the host device 101, for example, and the device 100 may have access to the database, with only an amount of the database that is required for immediate use of the device 100 being maintained on site); a storage and dispensing means 116 for 30 storing and dispensing product locally on site; a product identification means 117 arranged to identify an article so that a product associated with the article can be determined. The article may be a bar code, magnetic card, an object, a returned product etc.; and a communications 35 means 118 for interfacing with communications connection to the host 101, bank network 104, Internet 106 and any other SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 required connection. Alternative embodiments of the device are arranged to dispense products from storage chambers or storage racks into a small product outlet bin. 5 Other devices 200, 300, 400 may be connected in the system to the host 101. These devices may be the same and offer the same functions as the device 100 or may offer varying functions. For example they may offer different types of products. One or more devices may not offer a 10 vending facility, but will offer an electronic ordering facility. The device may in one embodiment be a simple PC based device which does not provide a vending facility, and allows a user to order services/goods over the Internet, 15 for example, from the host or from any other retail site available over the Internet. Figure 2 is a front view of a device in accordance with figure 1, illustrating the hardware configuration. Preferably, the hardware comprises the following 20 components, reference numerals included in brackets indicate how the components relate to functional blocks of figure 1. A magnetic card reader 210a (card reader 111) is provided for user identification. Note that a smart card 25 reader or the like may be provided in the alternative or in addition to the card reader 210A. A VDU (visual display unit) 210 (display 114), is provided to provide information to the user relating to operation of the device. In the preferred embodiment, a colour monitor 210 has a touch 30 screen facility so that the data entry means 112 also comprises a touch-screen input. This facilitates interaction with the customer. A customised pin pad 208 and interface buttons 208a are also provided in the illustrated embodiment, but all the functionality of the 35 pin pad 208 and button 208A may be replaced by the touch screen 210 in other embodiments and the pin pad 208 and SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 -12- PCT/AU98/00655 buttons 208a may be dispensed with. Storage means are provided in the form of compartments 201 (116), each having a separately lockable door (116). It will be appreciated that the storage means could have 5 many other configurations (see applicants earlier PCT application PCT/AU93/00416). In this embodiment each compartment 201 door includes a latch which is controllable by the control means 110 to release the door so that it can be opened so that a user can take a product stored therein 10 or replace a returned product in the compartment and then shut the door. An appropriate mechanism for retaining and opening the doors is described in PCT/AU93/00416, and will not be described any further here. Further, other types of storage means may be provided than compartments with doors, 15 although these are the preferred storage means. For example, a product may be delivered by way of a chute (see earlier PCT application PCT/AU93/00416) from a stack of products. The device also mounts a computer module 220 (control means 110). The computer module 220 is inside the 20 cabinet and inaccessible to the user except via the user input means. Components of the computer module 220 are schematically illustrated. A person skilled in the art will be able to realise an appropriate configuration of the computer module 220 components from this description. 25 Computer module 220 comprises an INTEL based "pentium" processor 221; a 33,300 baud external modem 222 (communication means 118) for communication with the host device 300; 420 to 2200 MB hard disc drive 223, 3.5 inch floppy diskette drive and CDROM 224 and 4 to 64 megabyte of 30 RAM 225, constituting a memory for the computer 220. A sound card 226 for the reproduction of audio files is provided. A suitable audio means is provided to reproduce sound including a speaker (not shown in the drawing). A video capability such as MPEG or quicktime for video images 35 is also provided. An input and output controller card 227 is provided for receiving signals indicative of products qTTRTIT1TR RHRPT (Pule 7M mn/ATT WO99/09508 -13- PCT/AU98/00655 being removed from and placed in the compartments 201 (disclosure of detectors for detecting the opening of a compartment door and the placing of a product therein or removal of a product therefrom are disclosed in the above 5 mentioned PCT application, which is published and incorporated herein by reference and no further description will be given herein). The input and output controller card 227 detects whether a product is returned or removed from a compartment and provides appropriate signals to the 10 processor 221. A receipt printer 228 (221) is also provided for printing user receipts. The keypad 208, 208A, may be any convenient type of keypad which will enable a user to carry out operation of the device in accordance with the following description. 15 Generally, it will comprise numeric keys 0 to 9, scroll keys, to enable scrolling of a display appearing on the screen 210 and selection keys 208A to make a selection of a particular item appearing on the screen next to the particular key 208A. As discussed above, where a touch 20 screen interface is provided, as it is in the preferred embodiment, some keys may not be necessary or the keyboard may even be dispensed with entirely. A bar code scanner 229 is also provided for scanning bar codes to identify products, (product identification 25 means 117). It will be appreciated that much of the control of the device will be implemented in software, for control of operation of the hardware of the device in accordance with this embodiment. A detailed description of the software 30 configuration is not necessary. The functionality of this device may be software implemented in any number of ways, using standard software tools available to the skilled software engineer. This description describes functional requirements for the device and is sufficient to enable a 35 skilled person to implement appropriate software. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/09508 -14- PCT/AU98/00655 The device described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 has many features of similar devices disclosed in applicant's earlier patent application PCT/AU97/00058. In accordance with the present invention, however, there have 5 been some additions and modifications as follows. A security identification means 119 is provided to obtain security information from a user of the device, which will be used either to enable or disable an order. As discussed in the preamble of the specification there are 10 a number of products which it is essential to restrict distribution of and only to limit to persons who are legally entitled to obtain and use the goods/services. Examples, of course, are liquor and tobacco. The security identification means requires the provision of security 15 information and may include a card reader for reading details from a driving license, for example, so as to adequately identify the user and determine characteristics of the user such as the user's age, for example. Once the user's age is known, and once the product that the user 20 requires is known, the control means 110 can then make a judgement whether the user is old enough to be provided with the product. If the user is not old enough, then ordering of the product will not be enabled. Other characteristics than age of the user may be 25 identified to enable or disable product dispensing/delivery. Preferably, the database 115 includes information on users so that when a user has been identified the information on a database can be accessed to see whether or not this user should be denied or provided 30 with a particular product. The separate security identification means for reading driving licenses or the like 119, may not be needed where a database of information on the users is kept, as a credit card or bankcard reader 111 may be sufficient to identify the user. The user's 35 age, other characteristics, may then be obtained from the database and product ordering controlled accordingly. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -15 The security identification feature is particularly effective for controlling the ordering and delivery of products over the Internet, where before there has previously been little or no effective security for 5 controlling the product delivery. The apparatus in accordance with the present invention acts as an intelligent delivery device, which can determine whether or not any user is entitled to receive a particular product. Where a vending facility is also provided, as it is in 10 the case of the described embodiment, the security identification means is useful in determining whether or not a particular product should be vended to a particular person. A database containing security information may not be 15 kept and all the security information may be obtained from an ID means (such as a driving license) scanned by the security identification means 119. Any person with the required ID means could then access the device, order goods over the network (Internet), etc. 20 The security identification feature may also be applied to a stand-alone vending device to enable/disable product delivery (i.e. by "stand-alone" is meant a device not connected to a network). As also discussed in the preamble, another problem 25 with presently available automated vending systems and in particular for commerce carried out over communications networks such as the Internet, there is the possibility of avoidance of tax or duty when the electronic ordering takes place across state and/or country borders. In this 30 embodiment of the invention, the database 115 includes a database on tax and duty information for the particular locality where the device 100 is installed. The amount of tax and duty for the particular locality is added by the control means to the pricing of the particular products 35 which are able to be ordered or vended via the machine. Once a product has been ordered over the Internet, for SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -16 example, the control means will add the appropriate amount of tax and duty before payment is processed via the secure payment processing network 104. The owner of the system can then pay the appropriate tax and duty on products 5 ordered, to the administration. Alternatively, duty may be calculated and charged (and payment made at the delivery location. The ordering apparatus may, as discussed above, comprise a PC or kiosk which may not be at the location where the product is. The location of the product will be 10 advised to the user. Where payment is made at the kiosk or PC or other type of ordering apparatus, the amount of tax or duty excised will correspond to the tax or duty appropriate for the location where the product is held and/or to be delivered, to ensure the appropriate duty is 15 levied. The database can be updated at regular intervals over the communications network from the host, to take into account changes in the tax and duty information. In an alternative embodiment the database 115 may be 20 maintained at the host and the apparatus 100 would obtain the required information on-line by communicating with the host 101. Alternatively, duty information may be obtained from a service provide or webpage and used to update the database or on line to calculate amount payable. 25 Again, this feature has particular application for products to be ordered over the Internet. It prevents the possibility of tax avoidance by providing a controlled outlet for goods ordered over the Internet which is operable to ensure the appropriate amount of tax and duty 30 is added to the price of products ordered via the device. Another aspect of the present invention, is a method of payment of goods ordered over the Internet via a separate payment processing network, the separate payment processing network providing security of payment and 35 account details. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 -17- PCT/AU98/00655 Referring to Figure 4, a payment processing method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The apparatus includes a card reader 111 for reading credit card, smartcard or bankcard details. The 5 architecture of the device (Figure 5) also includes payment authorisation and processing software, which interfaces with the card reader and also interfaces with a payment processing module 120 which is arranged to carry out a payment approval transaction or payment transaction via the 10 secure payment processing network. The payment processing module 120 is in effect a peripheral of the device 100 and can provide all the bank security, etc, normally required by secure payment processing networks, such as EFT. For example, the payment processing module may be commissioned 15 by an account acquirer such as a bank and may include security information, encryption, etc. The payment authorisation processing software in the device 100 interfaces with the device to either enable or disable ordering and/or delivery of goods depending on the result 20 of the payment processing transaction. Again, this feature particularly suits the payment of goods/services ordered over relatively insecure communications networks such as the Internet 106. At present, users are generally required to give their credit card details on the Internet and this 25 can result in theft and fraud. In operation, a user 500 accesses the machine 100 and selects goods/services, which may be selected and ordered over the Internet 106 or over other communications networks. He is then required to make payment via the card 30 reader 111 and payment processing module 120. The payment processing module makes a local phone call to obtain approval or cause the transaction to occur and funds are collected from the user's bank 100 (or collected at a later date if the transaction is not real time). The funds are 35 passed on to the host 101 from whence they will be used to settle with a vendor or merchant providing the goods 502. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/09508 -18- PCT/AU98/00655 -18 If the merchant is on the Internet the merchant may have a web server 503 to which the apparatus 100 has access. An example of operation of the device will now be described generally with reference to figure 3. 5 The control means 110 is adapted to control the display means 114 to produce a number of screens, depending upon user operation of the device 100. As an initial step, an "introduction screen" 801 is displayed by display means 114. The introduction screen may give information to the 10 user as to how to access the device, e.g., where to place his identification means in order to proceed with a transaction. After reviewing the introduction screen 801, the user proceeds to step 802 and inserts his magnetic card into 15 card reader 210A, to enable the device to identify him. Where a separate security identification means 119 is provided, the user may be requested to provide security identification, such as by having the means 119 scan a driving license, for example. Alternatively, information 20 from the magnetic card reader may be sufficient together with information stored on the user in the database 115 to provide the required security information. After the user has been identified 803, the control means 110 controls the display to display a "main menu" 25 804. This may comprise a single screen or, alternatively, a number of screens through which the user may scroll, providing the user with a number of choices of goods/services available for order, and may indicate whether goods are "on-site" in storage locations 201 or 30 only available from remote site. Alternatively, this indication may not be given until later on in operation of the device. The display means may provide high definition graphical images of catalogue products (depending on software). 35 An example of electronic catalogue menus are described in applicant's previously applications and no further SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO99/09508 -19- PCT/AU98/00655 description will be given here. In the next step 805, the user selects the product he requires (either goods/services or both) by actuation of the input means 112 (which is a touch-screen in the 5 preferred embodiment). Alternatively, the user enters a card and/or PIN number unique order number to reference a previously placed order where stock may be reserved and is being held for the user for a specified time period. The control means 110 then makes a decision, from the 10 security information available for the user, and from knowledge of the product, whether the particular product that has been selected should be supplied to the user, step 900). If the user should not be supplied with the product, if he is under age, for example, then the process is 15 referred back to step 805 and the user is given a chance to select an alternative product. If the security information is adequate for the product to be provided to the user, the process proceeds onto the payment processing step 901. If an order has been placed using a PC attached to the 20 Internet and recorded and communicated to the device, where the order is prepaid or where payment is authorised, the payment processing step is avoided. Whether the product is purchased over the Internet (or other communications network) or is vended locally at the device the payment 25 processing transaction is the same, by way of the secure network described above. Once payment approval has been received the control means makes determination as to whether the product is available locally or remotely, step 806. 30 If the product is available locally, in the next step 807 the product is dispensed from one of the storage locations 201, the control unit operating a latch mechanism to the particular storage location 201 to enable the user to open the specified door or to access the delivery bin 35 where products are dispensed from the storage chamber within the device. The user then takes the product. A SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/09508 -20- PCT/AU98/00655 suitable latch mechanism and configuration of the storage location is described in the earlier PCT application referred to above (PCT/AU93/00416). The preferred embodiment incorporates a recycling 5 function as well as a vending function (see earlier PCT application and also co-pending provisional application PO 4828 LODGED 6 August 1007). It enables the user to recycle complex items, such as toner cartridges for laser printers, etc. Step 808 enables a user to return a used product to 10 an appropriate storage location 201 for recycling. Damaged and unwanted goods may also be returned. This option need not be included, but is preferred. At step 809, a receipt is printed and provided through slot 228 to the user. The receipt gives details of the user transaction for his 15 information. If the result of the decision at step 806 is that a product is not available locally, then the device may via a communications link, advise of the nearest device that has product available, then at step 810 the display requires 20 the user to indicate whether his order is confirmed. If the order is confirmed the control unit requests the order from the host device by way of communications link 102, at step 811. Alternatively, if the product is ordered over the 25 Internet, then the order will be placed with the web server of the Internet provider. At step 812 receipt is printed for the user through slot 211, giving details of the delivery. Details of user account transactions are periodically 30 up-loaded to the host device 101 via the communications link 102 (step 813) to assist in administration of the system (814). The device may include many other features as already previously described in applicant's earlier applications, 35 and no further description will be given here. Figure 5 discloses an example architecture for the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -21 device. The architecture includes payment authorisation and processing software 600, which has been described above. The architecture also includes OLE automation which utilises Microsoft® message passing standard facilitates 5 non-call module removal and replacement. It also includes a user interface which has already been somewhat described above and is described in previous applications, controlling interfacing with the user. The software architecture allows for multiple user interfaces e.g. a 10 consumer user interface is the default, however, a restockist user interface may appear when a restockist enters his card, a technician interface may appear when the technician card is inserted. A data manager performs all user interface database operations, including interface of 15 security information with the control means 110. An event manager controls processes within the device facilitates changes to process sequences by using a state-transition table. The shopping basket service architecture maintains a customer selected products requests card authorisation, 20 prints receipts and requests that "take now" (vended on site) items be dispensed from the storage and dispensing means 116. The device manager controls interaction with the apparatus peripherals, e.g. the card reader and door sensors and facilitates peripheral removal and replacement. 25 The communication manager connects the apparatus to the host and downloads data from the host to the device and also uploads data from the host to the device. The watch dog monitors the operation of the apparatus and intercepts software, performs error housekeeping, gathers error 30 information and re-boots the system when required. Although the present invention has been described in relation to a complex delivery apparatus which also includes a vending function, it will be appreciated that a PC based apparatus without a vending function could still 35 incorporate features of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to a device which must also SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) WO 99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -22 incorporate a vending function. Applicants of earlier Application PCT/AU97/00058 discloses a retailing system which incorporates many different device types, such as kiosks, PC-based devices having access to the network via a 5 local area network, etc. Any of these types of devices may incorporate features of the present invention. The software system is structured such that ther is an API (Application Programmable Interface) between the user interface and the OLE Automation layer. This allows for 10 third party development of user interface software for vending machines and kiosks, whilst retaining the same program code for payment processing, hardware device control, communications, shopping basket, etc. Similarly each of the modules identified can be modified in their own 15 right (e.g., device manager to support alternative hardware devices, or Communications Manager to support additional alternative communications methods) without the need to modify or re-test the other functional modules within the system. The defined structure of each operating part of 20 the vending machine or kiosk or PC based software even allows for each software module to be written in a different operating language, without affecting operation of other parts of the system. This allows developers of ordering software to create their own shopping basket on a 25 Web server and allow the transaction amount to be passed to the payment processing module for authorisation and the payment processing module can request the user to insert their credit card into the card reader which is controlled by the device manager which reads the credit card 30 information for the payment processing module. All activities are controlled by the event manager with all the information controlled by the data manager and all user interaction controlled through the user interface. The embodiments of the present invention may be 35 utilised to enable ordering of product from web pages on the Internet, enabling security to be applied, tax/duty for SIUBSTITTITR SHRET I Tl1 (Dn/ATTn WO99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -23 the location of delivery of product, and secure payment. Variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as 5 broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrated and not restrictive. SITIBRTITI TTrP HFT Tidk 7%) (PO/AT)

Claims (11)

1. A product ordering apparatus, including a control means for controlling ordering of products, input means by which a user may select product, and security 5 identification means for obtaining security related information from a user and means for enabling or disabling delivery of products depending on the security information.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the security identification means includes a sensor means 10 for reading information from a bar code or a driver's licence or a credit card or the like.

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, further including a database for storing security information on users of the apparatus, the control means 15 being arranged to access the database for security information for a user who has been identified by the apparatus.

4. A product ordering apparatus, comprising a control means for controlling ordering of product, input 20 means by which a user may select product, means for providing information on tax or duty applicable in the geographic location where the product is located/to be delivered and means for adjusting the sales price of products in accordance with the tax or duty information for 25 the locality.

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the tax and duty information is stored in a database and means are provided for updating the database.

6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein 30 the database is maintained in a host device and the apparatus is arranged to access the host to obtain the tax duty information.

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein the database is maintained in the apparatus and is updated 35 from a remote location. 0TT0C~'T1M' V I'TT ~ rn ~~ ' %l r~~ A T- WO 99/09508 PCT/AU98/00655 -25

8. A method of applying tax or duty in remote retailing of products, comprising the steps of storing information on tax or duty and enabling access by the apparatus to that information, and adjusting the sales 5 price of products offered for order in accordance with the tax or duty information.

9. A product ordering apparatus, including a control means for controlling ordering of products, input means by which a user may select a product, and payment processing 10 means for processing payment by a user by a separate and secure payment processing network, the payment processing means including an input means for inputting secure user account information, and means for enabling or disabling an order on processing of a user payment via the separate 15 network.

10. A method of payment processing for products ordered over a communications network such as the Internet network, comprising the steps of requesting account information from a user of the network and then processing 20 the payment using the account information and using a separate, secure network, and enabling the ordering of products over the communications network depending on the result of the payment processing via the separate secure payment processing network. 25

11. A product ordering apparatus, including a control means for controlling ordering of products over a computer network, such as the Internet, input means by which a user may select a product, and payment of processing means for processing payment by a user by a separate and secure 30 payment processing network, the payment processing means including an input means for inputting secure user account information, and means for enabling or disabling an order on processing of a user payment via the separate network, whereby a user may order product from a network, such as 35 the Internet, and pay via the separate, secure network. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU)