CN101059888A

CN101059888A - A method and apparatus for article detection of article handling device

Info

Publication number: CN101059888A
Application number: CNA2007100904379A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 芒罗·切尔诺马斯
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-05-23
Filing date: 2001-05-23
Publication date: 2007-10-24
Also published as: KR20040014131A; ATE412955T1; EP1313654A2; KR100809985B1; KR20030007690A; CN1841433A; CN1441942A; DE60135984D1; EP1287503A2; AU7682401A; AU2001264923B2; WO2001095276A3; DE60134424D1; KR100830081B1; AU7127201A; EP1986165A1; CN1282136C; CA2410044A1; ES2316455T3; KR100874679B1

Abstract

The object of the invention is realized by the execution proposal of merchandise distribution equipment such as an automatic dispenser. The invention comprises a suction-typed soft pipe distributor which can be controlled and positioned and is used for taking out the merchandise out of a merchandise storage area. In an embodiment, the merchandise distributor comprises a storage area which stores the merchandise along at least a longitudinal shaft in a warehouse, a merchandise distribution device which is used for taking the merchandise warehouse of the storage area to a take-out area along a path, and a merchandise marking device which is arranged in the merchandise take-out equipment. The merchandise distribution device moves the merchandise to pass a merchandise recognizing device according to a prearranged mode, so as to recognize the moved merchandise.

Description

The method and the device that comprise commodity identification in the commodity treatment facility

Background of invention

1. invention field

The present invention relates generally to the design of the commodity treatment facility that is used in combination with the commodity sign device and the improvement in the operation, useful in environment especially as the commodity treatment facility of automatic vending machine.

2. prior art

Most of existing commodity processing mechanism, especially the commodity processing mechanism in the involved POS system at article dispenser (POS) environment among the present invention all relies on a plurality of motors, switch and coil to come the various piece of mobile processing mechanism and commodity self (for example passing through packaged products) is handled.Most of this machine all needs motor, switch and/or the coil of a special use to handle and to provide and deliver for each row, each row or each class commodity or packing.Such as known to those skilled in the art, this class machine has a lot of shortcomings usually, and for example, its reliability can become relatively poor because of mechanical fault.

United States Patent (USP) 5,240,139 pairs of commodity treatment facilities have been made a significant improvement.A kind of negative pressure lifter has been described (promptly in this article, commodity pick up or processing mechanism) purposes, it enters from the open top that is positioned at the wareroom cabinet among the automatic vending machine refrigeration area, and utilize the mechanism of bleeding (that is, the reduction that produces by parital vacuum or be called as " negative " air pressure) with realize with the commodity that will take out between firm the contact.Though automatically the lifter of operation especially the bleeder elevating mechanism do not have usually therein to have obtained widespread usage in the industry assembling of space constraint, their application in the device of the space constraint strictness such as article dispenser are not extensively approved.Have bigger reliability and dirigibility owing to adopt exhaust technique to grasp and move the automatic vending machine of selecting commodity, thereby people expect to develop the technology and the method that make new advances and operate and control this class machine and other commodity processing mechanisms that more generally uses.Be noted that handling the commodity sign that is used in combination with commodity does not mention in this United States Patent (USP).

The United States Patent (USP) 5 that transfers Sanyo Electric Co. that is entitled as AUTOMATIC-VENDING MACHINE HAVING A BAR CODEREADER AND BAR-CODED COLUMNS AND SWITCHES (automatic vending machine) with barcode reader and bar coding row and switch, 272,321 have introduced to be used to handle and have adopted the automatic vending machine equipment of the commodity of type slug font code in advance.In the service mode operating period of machine (for example when replenishing goods), be positioned at the pre-printed bar code thin slice of inside, automatic vending Qianmen with a hand-held barcode reader scanning.This thin slice comprises with the bar code of the sign that is stored at the commodity in the machine to the CPU programming of machine, and user's selector switch is designated provides and delivers out to the sign of commodity from given row to carry out.Although the technology of this patent disclosure can be convenient to fast and accurately at viability automatic vending machine be programmed accurately, it can not prevent because the dispensing of the incorrect commodity that the machine of mistakenly product being packed into (for example owing in the incorrect storage row of unconsciously or on purpose incorrect product being packed into) causes.

Be entitled as DEVICE FOR PREVENTING ERRONEOUS THROW-IN OFCOMMODITY OF VENDING MACHINE (be used to prevent automatic vending machine mistake from throwing in the device of commodity) and transfer Sanyo Electric Co. JP 4123192A2 patent disclosure in the top of each wareroom row of automatic vending machine, the technology that input end uses barcode reader.To this machine fill-ins the time, if the barcode reader at the top that each wareroom is listed as has read the not programmed product code that will be stored in these row, controller of automatic vending machine will drive Yishanmen and enter in these wareroom row to stop commodity.In this manner, just can prevent the mistake filling of wareroom row.But, the barcode reader at top that might be by for example making wareroom row can not work or with different may be during product wrong and that may be difference replenishes these row at the bar code of a mistake of the front of this reader maintenance placement, come at an easy rate " deception " this automatic vending machine.

The JP4123194A2 patent that is entitled as ERRONEOUS SALE PREVENTING DEVICE FOR VENDINGMACHINE (the anti-locking apparatus of false sales that is used for automatic vending machine) and transfers SanyoElectric Co. equally comprise a hand-held barcode scanner and the programming sheet of the bar code that is used for during pattern is set, the controller of automatic vending machine being programmed (with top United States Patent (USP) 5,272,321 similar technology), and the fixed position be positioned at barcode scanner directly over the automatic vending machine products export chute, be used for during the dispensing commodity, reading the identification barcode of product.The sign of the commodity of from given storage row, providing and delivering out be stored in the bar code that should work as the product of from the storage row, providing and delivering out in the controller of automatic vending machine when not matching, controller of automatic vending machine work is with provide and deliver from these storage row operation of commodity of cancellation.By barcode reader being set, want on purpose with wrong and may be that worse product loads automatic vending machine " deception " again it is just much more difficult at products export chute place.Transfer Adds, Inc is entitled as 6 of METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DRUG DISPENSING SYSTEM (being used to control the method for unsalable article delivery system), 068, No. 156 United States Patent (USP) has also been introduced the technology of using the barcode scanner that is positioned at automatic vending machine products export chute place.In this case, article dispenser is sold apothecary jar.But, in this patent and above-mentioned JP4123194A2 patent, when commodity rolled by accident or roll barcode scanner by outlet chute place, the situation that the barcode scanner of fixed position could not read and discern the bar code on these commodity also was very common.

The vending machine that is used at wareroom row storage commodity is disclosed in 5,390, No. 711 United States Patent (USP)s that are entitled as METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SNOWCONES (being used to make the method and apparatus of snowball) of Murphey.In one embodiment, each row vertically takes out the district and the client is taken out the district allot and print the dixie cup that unique bar code sequence is arranged in advance towards the client, has filled up the water ice that adds flavor in the client takes out the dixie cup in district.In another embodiment, the wareroom row are substantially horizontal, and comprise taenidium (i.e. Chang Gui " spiral " formula automatic vending machine) substantially in line with equipment.The barcode reader of a fixed position is positioned at the dispensing end of each wareroom row in these two embodiment, to discern commodity to be distributed.Incorrect or when not being read, the dispensing operation is stopped automatically at the bar code of commodity to be distributed, the coin of filling in this machine is return, and notify this machine of client can not operate now or goods out of print.When the operator of automatic vending machine attempt comes " deception " this machine by intervening barcode reader or its action, provide a voltage surge to the control circuit of automatic vending machine, it can destroy control circuit effectively and machine is become and can not work.To the similar to a certain extent mode of above-mentioned JP4123194A2 patent in, the fixed position barcode reader can be difficult to read the bar code of commodity, if when particularly these commodity are put improperly in storage row, such as being changeed inclined to one side 90,180,270 when spending.The United States Patent (USP) 5 that is entitled as MEDICAMENT VERIFICATION IN ANAUTOMATIC DISPENSING SYSTEM (the medicine verification in automatic saler system) of Coughlin, 713,487th, those purposes are in order to prevent to send owing to the incorrect loading in Storage the representative of the patent of wrong commodity (such as apothecary jar or video-tape).These patents have shown being installed in the use of the barcode reader on the computer-controlled control arm.Computer-controlled control arm.These control arms are used for from Storage taking-up commodity.The commodity of each storage or its packing all comprise pre-printed identification barcode.When machine controller moves control arm so that when obtaining the commodity of a storage, barcode reader is just worked so that the bar code on the items scanning, if and bar code is with the bar code of estimating the commodity (according to the pre-programmed of machine) on that restoration position when inconsistent, operation and notify the user of this machine problem to occur then stops to provide and deliver.But, if bar code is correct, these commodity of then providing and delivering.Also know when this machine not during merchandising, controller can be in " verification " pattern by the manipulation arm, all is scanned and verifies (comparison) with the commodity sign sign indicating number that is stored in the controller storage at the bar code of each local commodity of wareroom district under this pattern.So just can identify the not commodity of correct storage in advance, and these commodity of will not providing and delivering.One of shortcoming of the system of these types is that barcode reader and electrical connection meeting are subjected to stress many times owing to control arm moves, because barcode reader is mounted on the control arm.In addition, the putting position of this barcode reader can reduce the reliability of apparatus for reading of bar code, and owing to will provide and being electrically connected of barcode reader movably, so also will add the complicacy aspect mechanical and electric in its structure.What is more, and by barcode reader is placed on the control arm, when control arm was shifted to the commodity that will be removed, " observation ability " that offer reader was restricted, thereby the probability that causes correctly reading commodity bar code increases.

For the sake of completeness, the United States Patent (USP) 6,029,851 that is entitled as the APPARATUS FOR STORING AND DISPENSING ARTICLES equipment of the commodity of providing and delivering (be used to store and) that transfers Imaging Technologies Ltd. once is described.This patent has been introduced the dispensing device that is used for printer or print cartridge, and it comprises an input port, is used for employed print cartridge is put into dispensing device, so that can utilize once more.The camera that uses the district to be installed on the fixed position along the recycle of leading to machine of input field uses " shape/Figure recognition " to discern the print cartridge that is returned.Those mentioned patents of this commodity recognition technology and front have same problem, and promptly commodity may can not be passed through the commodity recognition device by the position of sign/identification at its shape/figure.

Goal of the invention

Therefore, a general purpose of the present invention is that design, operation and control for the commodity processing mechanism provides a kind of new technology and method.

Another object of the present invention is that design, operation and the control for the commodity processing mechanism with the type that adopts the computer control mechanical ﹠ electrical technology provides a kind of new technology and method, and in illustrated embodiment, provide a kind of suction-type grabbing device of automatic location, pick up selected commodity and it is moved to another place from a place being used to, for example, move to the dispensing district from the Storage.

It is to provide a kind of new technology and method for more such mechanisms that the present invention also has a general purpose, speed and the precision that commodity are handled can improve in these mechanisms, simultaneously can also handle commodity to be assigned with, thereby prevent that it from any damage occurring in careful mode.

A present invention more specifically purpose provides a kind of method and apparatus that is used for carrying out at the commodity treatment facility commodity sign, it is not only comparatively simple, accurate and reliable in structure and operation, but also has some dirigibilities so that assist in ensuring that by the sign and/or the identification of dispensing commodity.

Summary of the invention

Above-mentioned purpose is that the embodiment by a kind of commodity distribution equipment such as automatic vending machine is achieved, but comprises the hose type dispensing device of a controlled location, is used for taking out from the commodity Storage commodity.In one embodiment, the commodity distribution device comprises the Storage that is used for along store commodity at least one Y at warehouse.One is used for the target commodity from the commodity warehouse of Storage along a path to the commodity distribution device that takes out the district, and is installed in the commodity sign device in the commodity extraction device.The commodity distribution device moves through the commodity recognition device by predetermined pattern with commodity, so that the commodity that are moved are discerned.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 constitutes and the front perspective view of the vending machine operated according to the principle of the invention;

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are the front perspective view of vending machine shown in Figure 1, and wherein open at the Qianmen, so that wherein main machinery and the electric component of explanation;

Fig. 4 is the cooperatively interact functional-block diagram of work of explanation main machinery of vending machine shown in Figure 1 and electric component;

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 have illustrated the details of the conveyer part of the commodity processing mechanism shown in Fig. 2 and 3; With

Fig. 7 has illustrated the details of the hose guide mechanism shown in Fig. 2 and 3.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 has shown environment of the present invention described herein with the form of the commodity selling machine such as the automatic vending machine of point of sale (POS).Although explanation is central in full with reference to the enforcement of the present invention in the automatic vending machine environment in the back, term " automatic vending machine " and environment in fact of the present invention should comprise more general commodity processing, taking-up and/or dispensing device, and POS equipment.If this equipment is embodied as mancarried device, can comprise and approximately be traditional vending machine or big to the trailer that drags by traction engine, if and be embodied as non-mancarried device, then can comprise and be embodied as between automatic vending or be arranged in permanent structure as in a zone of buildings (cabinet that has interior wall or sealing on the ground or underground).In addition, term " commodity " or " product " are included in some embodiment of invention described herein at least, not only refer to goods, but also comprise the service and/or the information of permanent or interim form.

Fig. 1 has shown the stereographic map of vending machine 10, comprises an embodiment of formation and apparatus operating according to the present invention.Vending machine 10 comprises main cabinet 12 and is installed in and is used to enter the Qianmen 14 that (fill vending machine, safeguard with commodity, or the like) served in vending machine inside on the pivot 16.Notice that in the embodiment of another vending machine, service door or port can be arranged on the cabinet 12 or as the part of cabinet 12.Show that in Fig. 1 Qianmen 14 is in the closed position, formed obturator, wherein held the various parts of vending machine 10, will illustrate in greater detail below with main cabinet 12.

Qianmen 14 comprises the tapering part 18 adjacent with flat 20; But these specific shapes are not essential for the present invention.Tapering part 18 comprises transparent or semitransparent plastics display panel 18, generally have brand and/or show the sign figure thereon, and can comprise that describe can be by the figure of the 10 indivedual commodity sold of selling goods, and the price of commodity and/or selection information.The panel 18 general fluorescent lights that adopt are as back of the body irradiation, and are not shown.

The client takes out district 22 and is formed in door 14 the panel 18, so that wherein Chu Zang commodity can be provided user to vending machine 10.

On the flat 20 of door 14, various user interface component have been installed.Customer monitor 24 can be conventional fluorescence or LED display, show various items of information with user to machine 10, such as the feedback that the user is selected, desired quantity, and whether product is sold or sold.In order to accept payment, cashing machine inlet 26 takes in conventional gathering mechanism (being installed in the machine 10 so that its user interface part is stretched out by the opening that aligns in the flat 20) with bank note, to buy commodity or small change.(also be installed in the machine 10) in coin entry 28 the coin changer that coin income is conventional, to buy commodity or small change so that the opening of its user interface part by alignment in the flat 20 stretches out.Coin returns the mechanism that actuator 30 comprises conventional release coin, is used to drive the coin returning part of coin exchange mechanism, and the coin that the coin returning part is filled in the active user under this driving returns to coin and returns in the hole 32.The coin returning part of coin exchange mechanism also offers coin with change and returns hole 32 in response to the purchase of commodity or for bank note or large-denomination coin change the time.Credit/debit card groove 34 accepts to be inserted into the plastics credit cards/debit card in the conventional card reader mechanism (also being installed in the machine 10 so that its user interface part is stretched out by the opening that aligns in the flat 20), does shopping by credit/debit card to allow the user.Door lock mechanism 36 is locked Qianmen 14, thereby does not have key just it can't be opened.For the user can be selected, display panel 18 can comprise aforesaid figure, the extensive stock that it indicates this machine to sell, and their relevant prices and unique selection number.In addition, flat 20 can comprise the commodity demonstration of set of diagrams shapeization and their dutiable value mutually.Conventional keyboard button mechanism 38 is provided to make the user to select the commodity of wanting from vending machine.In addition, button mechanism 40 can comprise the independently button that is used for each commodity selection, and relevant price shows; In addition, even can replace button mechanism 40 and display 24 with the touch-screen of user operation.Although it is not shown among Fig. 1, machine 10 also comprises conventional telecommunications components, can be used for sales slip is carried out authentication, and other purposes relevant with machine control and to the stock and the mode of operation of the position message machine 10 in a distant place, the back will illustrate more fully to this.Although being shown as, vending machine 10 comprises above-mentioned user interface component, in the less embodiment of the present invention, can omit the most parts in these user interface component, even be not whole, and in fact automatic vending machine can be controlled by long-range, no matter whether have local payment system.

Fig. 2 is the isometric front view of the vending machine of Fig. 1, and open at its Qianmen, so that explanation main machinery and electric component wherein.Fig. 3 is the version that the critical piece of the commodity processing mechanism part of vending machine 10 has been idealized to a certain extent, is used to understand its general operation.Notice that some part of vending machine 10 has been removed in these accompanying drawings, so that inner parts are described better.

With reference to figure 2, the right-hand component of the front of cabinet part 12 comprises vertically arranged support panel 202 earlier, and it is used to install most user interface component.More particularly, the support 204 of hinged installation is installed on panel 202, and with door 14 on register so that user interface component such as selector button keyboard 40, coin entry 30, cashing machine inlet 28, coin returner 32 and customer monitor 24 can both be brought in contact by the user before door 14.What be installed in 14 inside, Qianmen is two fluorescent light source, and they are luminous to illuminate panel 18 from behind.Fluorescent light source is in protective cover 206 back.So that security (preventing to destroy) is provided, the effect of door 14 structure split sheds is to allow fluorescent light from wherein inserting.Be installed in addition Qianmen 14 inside be that 208 and products of a ballast (ballast) that is used for fluorescent light carry chute 210... to note, product is carried chute 210 to be different from the routine techniques part and is that it is special height, therefore and, take out and distinguish 22 and enter in the machine without permission by from machine outside, arm or other grasping mechanism being inserted into the client preventing as the locking measure.In the vending machine of typical prior art, can see the swing type safety door usually at the top of chute 210, it promotes the porch the client swing door was rocked to the position that stops the saboteur at 8 o'clock to product taking-up district.In another embodiment of vending machine 10, this swing type safety door can carry chute 210 to be used in combination with product, if when taking out district 22 more the highland is positioned on the machine 10 when particularly chute 210 is not high as shown in Figure 2 and as fruit product.Conventional gathering mechanism is installed in hinged mounting bracket 204 back, pulled in the vending machine 10 so that insert the bank note of cashing machine inlet 28, conventional coin change machine provides coin to coin return port 34, and be positioned at panel back, the coin guide is inducted into the coin change machine with the coin of filling in, and conventional cash inspecting machine affirmation bank note is correctly filled in cashing machine inlet 28.

Control panel 212 comprises printed circuit board (PCB), is formed with circuit on it, and integrated circuit (IC) chip is housed.Control panel 212 comprises microprocessor, and it is electrically connected with various sensors, motor, above-mentioned user interface and other device in vending machine 10, with the operation of control vending machine 10.These operations will illustrate in greater detail in conjunction with Fig. 4 in the back.Although be to carry out, be to be understood that these functions are to be controlled by microprocessor and the interlock circuit that is formed on the control panel 212 with reference to the operation of the predetermined function of control panel 212 in this explanation.Power supply 214 is installed on the panel 202 and to the electric component of vending machine 10 and powers.

With reference now to Fig. 3,, obviously the volume of the inside of cabinet 12 can be used as wareroom district 215.In an illustrated embodiment, on the inner bottom surface 217 of cabinet 12, arrange the wareroom cabinet 216 of a plurality of vertical alignments, be used to store the commodity of selling by machine 10 223.Storage cabinet can be arranged on the shelf of placing above the refrigeration system in refrigerating environment of the present invention.

The size of the container 219 that the top is open can be designed as stores a plurality of wareroom cabinets 216 therein, and is used for for example making that being easy to simultaneously a plurality of storage cabinets 216 to be handled (promptly take out, lay and transport) goes into/go out wareroom zone 215.Container 219 also is convenient to fast and accurately a plurality of wareroom cabinets be put into the storage area of commodity treatment facility.One conveyer 218 (can more generally be referred to as X-Y or plane positioning mechanism) is connected with the top side, inside of cabinet 12, and is suitable for controllably being placed into by the control panel part 212 of machine 10 center (so that aliging with this open top) on one the open top of selecting in a plurality of wareroom cabinets 216.

Although shown vertical (Z axle) alignment of wareroom cabinet 216 among the figure, that off plumb promptly tilts or or even (X or Y-axis) alignment of level also be fine (such as in the glass front end vending machine of well-known use " helix " type automatic vending machine appreciable like that).Under the situation that storage cabinet essentially horizontally aligns, plane positioning mechanism will suitably be changed so that be placed on X/Z or Y/Z plane conveyer 218 mobile.In fact, curve inclined-plane such as right cylinder also can be considered within the scope of the invention.It is known that but the product stockpile that substantial horizontal is alignd is combined with the commodity conveyer that moves on the vertical plane adjacent with the sales end of product heap of automation control, the United States Patent (USP) 6 that is entitled as METHODAND APPARATUS FOR VENDING PRODUCTS (method and apparatus that is used for sell goods) of authorizing for example in May 15 calendar year 2001,230, in 930, and all can see among laid-open U.S. Patents communique on the 3rd US2001/0000609 May calendar year 2001.It is known transmitting commodity with the curve inclined-plane, for example just can see in the video-tape marketing technique, and in this technology, video-tape is to be emitted on the centralized storage rotating disk towards outer mode, and a machine grabbing device is round rotating disk.In addition, although wareroom cabinet 216 is shown as under atmospheric environment, in fact storage cabinet 216 can be placed in the environment of refrigeration, such as the cold storage plant that is arranged in 217 bottoms, Storage, the commodity connecting gear is put into storage cabinet the cold storage plant of open-top, as the United States Patent (USP) of mentioning in front 5,240, shown in 139 and as described in.In addition, be to comprise under the situation of storage cabinet of substantial horizontal alignment at refrigerating environment, can use vertically towards opening the approach of the granting end that enters the wareroom cabinet is provided.

In environment of the present invention, the running roller of placing by the diagonal angle 213 of lighting before air hose 220 is withdrawed from by hose storage district 222 from it continues up to its free end 221.Free end 221 comprise with bellows expanding end part 227 combination increase the weight of part 225.According to by the physical characteristics of the commodity sold, commodity pick-up head 224 can include only and increase the weight of part 225, or the assembly of this part and the joint that is suitable for being sold the type of merchandise specially, for example bellows head 227 or do not have the flexible head of weight.One end and the negative pressure of flexible pipe 220 is that source of suction is connected, and source of suction comprises the free end that a hair-dryer motor 226, is connected with commodity pick-up head 224 in a preferred embodiment.In the present invention, the meaning of " continuously " is meant and connects flexible pipe between two-end-point, finishes as a whole or single function that flexible pipe requires thereby this flexible pipe moves.Air hose part 235 provides suction from hair-dryer motor 226 to a port of air connecting box 229, and continuous flexible pipe 220 is connected with the another port of air connecting box 229.The air connecting box 229 that comprises at the top in hose storage district 222 comprises pneumatic sensor and vacuum brake (breaker) assembly.Pneumatic sensor is used to form the airflow signal that airstream hose 220 is passed through in the expression that is carried on the vending machine controller.The vacuum brake assembly is used for the air pressure of flexible pipe 220 is become atmospheric pressure apace, thereby can be with the commodity " snap-out release " that transported by the commodity pick-up head to the chute 210 of providing and delivering.The snap-out release of noting product not necessarily carries out at the top of dispensing chute 210, avoids commodity to be subjected to owing to stop up or when dropping the external force that causes in hope, and the bottom that the commodity pick-up head can advance to the chute 210 of providing and delivering always is the snap-out release commodity again.In one embodiment, the layout structure of pneumatic sensor can comprise two parts switch, and first comprises reed switch, and second portion comprises and is installed in the free-ended magnet that the box 229 of swing arm is equipped with in inside.Because swing arm is because the variation of air-flow is swung in box 229, and this switch " is toggled ", thereby the variation of indication air-flow.The use of this airflow signal will illustrate in greater detail below.

In environment of the present invention, such as Fig. 3 the generality expression, the flexible pipe location structure (arrangement) that is provided with a novelty is to align conveyer 218 with one of selected storage cabinet 216.This alignment is to finish on front/rear (Y) direction with the front/rear linear slide arrangement 228 (showing in cut-open view) on the front/rear beam 230 that is installed in " L " shape, thereby conveyer 218 can controllably be utilized carriage 228 location along front/rear beam.The bottom side portion branch of beam 230 comprises a shelf part 232, conveyer 218 comprise a motor 233 and with shelf part 232 meshed gears (not shown), motor 233 drives these gears.From control panel 212 to motor 233 apply forward and motor control signal backward conveyer 218 is driven in front/rear direction.The alignment of a left side/right side (X) direction of conveyer 218 is carried out in a similar fashion, has adopted a left side/right linear slide arrangement 234, and it is slidably engaged in the upside of front/rear beam 230 downside with an isolated left side/right beam 236a and 236b.Beam 236a and 236b receive the top of cabinet 12 rigidly.Same connect with the inside top partially rigid of cabinet 12 and but the shelf 238 parallel with beam 236 and a gear 240 that is driven by near the reverse motors 243 that is installed in beam 230 interior angles mesh.From control panel 212 to motor 243 apply forward and gear 240 is rotated motor control signal backward and beam 230 has corresponding mobile, thereby conveyer 218 is mobile on the direction of a left side/right side (X).In another embodiment, this detent mechanism that contains

beam

236a and 236b partly can be implemented as the supporting shelf with relative flanged lip, and each can comprise the shelf that is fixed on the beam 230 linear slide rail 234, and comprise the running roller that one group of quadrature is placed, with the limit engagement of corresponding one quadrature of flange 239a or 239b.

Move on single plane although note 218 of conveyer assemblies, it will be responsible for accurately pick-up head 224 accurately being placed on X, Y and Z direction.More particularly, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, conveyer 218 comprises running roller structure 502, it is included in flexible pipe 220 and enters the running roller 504 that three diagonal angles of conveyer 218 parts are placed, and the direction (being X, Y direction) from basic horizontal moves to perpendicular direction (being the Z direction) along the inner part, top of machine 10 to be used for again guiding hose 220.Conveyer 218 move will not only mobile flexible pipe 220 free end 221 so that it can be axially aligned with selected storage cabinet 216, and it also will automatically make flexible pipe 220 withdraw from from hose storage district 222.Then, flexible pipe driving mechanism (" the compressing running roller " 506 that can comprise one group of routine operation) but driven by gear set 510 by reverse motor 508 (is installed on the conveyer 218 in an illustrated embodiment, but motor 508/ running roller 506 (maybe can be installed some other driving mechanism in another embodiment, as articulated jib, so that along the action of other position on the length of flexible pipe 220), it is used to drive pick-up head 224 and advances/go out selected storage cabinet 216 and be stored in wherein commodity with taking-up.

Flexible pipe 220 and conveyer 218 move in the Y plane at identical X in this structure, make the present invention can have the compact flexible pipe location and the embodiment of driving mechanism.In addition, extract the required main power of flexible pipe 220 out because conveyer mobile is responsible for being provided for from the Storage 222, the Z drive motor only need drive flexible pipe and carry out the taking-up of commodity so that its free end moves into/shift out storage cabinet 216.It should be noted that to compress that running roller 506 should comprise soft rubber material so that with flexible pipe 220 good rubbing contact is arranged, and if flexible pipe 220 ripple, that running roller 506 can have is corresponding/ripple that cooperates.In an illustrated embodiment, determined that two drive roller wheel are unwanted, therefore and only compress in the running roller one and driven by motor 508, and the spring (not shown) is used to force other running roller to press to drive roller wheel, thus compress and drive the flexible pipe 220 between them.

Storage cabinet fulcrum arrangement 260 shown in Figure 2 comprises a pair of fixing rectangle carriage of mode to keep at a certain distance away, this rectangle carriage is towards the madial wall of cabinet 12, and storage cabinet fulcrum arrangement 260 is used to keep being placed on cabinet between them and is in precalculated position with respect to vending machine cabinet inside.When considering the pre-programmed of control panel 212, require this point.Control panel 212 control automatic structures take out selected commodity from a selected storage cabinet 216.

A scalable guide mechanism 550 has been shown among Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and more detailed Fig. 7, and it is used for guaranteeing to make it fall into desirable cabinet 216 when driving mechanism that pick-up head 224 is transported device is down into the Storage.For example, according to the material that constitutes flexible pipe 220, not by in reorientation long-time, 90 degree of the flexible pipe that is taken place in the conveyer 218 turn to and might form big " kink " in flexible pipes 220 at flexible pipe 220.Afterwards, when flexible pipe 220 was fallen into selected cabinet 216, this kink can make pick-up head 224 along with the flexible pipe kink moves past driving wheel 506 and produces swing.In order to prevent that pick-up head 224 from producing this unnecessary swing or motion, can provide guide mechanism 550, and make it contain a guide plate 552, on its terminal attached to two sliding bearing rods 554.Can be clear that more that from Fig. 7 support rod 554 is slided and passed hole in plastics on the sidewall sections that is fixed in conveyer 218 (PVC, that is, the polyvinyl chloride) piece 556.There is a hole at the center of guide plate 552, and its size is slightly larger than the diameter of pick-up head body part, but less than the diameter of its shoulder.Therefore, fallen in the operation of required cabinet at pick-up head 224, support rod 554 allows support plate 552 because of gravity descends, and its speed descends identical away from the speed of conveyer 218 with pick-up head 224.At cabinet 216 tops and on by the determined height of the length of support rod 554, plate 552 no longer moves away from conveyer 218, and the hole at its center only provides guiding to enter selected cabinet 216 for the decline remainder of pick-up head 224.The inspiratory force that produces in because of flexible pipe 220 when pick-up head 224 is obtained a package goods and by when cabinet is regained, pick-up head 224 finally contacts with guide plate 552, its remainder is proceeded to rise and is moved then, and the withdrawal of flexible pipe 220 also makes guide plate 552 be retracted.

Can clearly be seen that from Fig. 7 support rod 554 contains a plurality of rods, its two ends have the screw that can insert mild steel machine screw.At rod 554 top, screw terminal has formed a shoulder, and it can prevent that rod 554 from all falling down by the hole in the piece 556, and in the bottom of rod 554, has screw that rod and plate 552 are fixed together.Shown in Figure 14 b like that, plate 552 contains a wherein porose protectiveness buttonhole, is used to prevent that flexible pipe 220 is damaged when passing plate 552 and reduces its wearing and tearing.Notice that the height of buttonhole is more preferably greater than the distance between the adjacent bung flange of the spiral supporting structure of flexible pipe 220.In addition, it shall yet further be noted that flexible pipe 220 preferably is made of being used to form the shape of flexible pipe the firm flexible spiral part that the protuberance effect is arranged, it forms with the flexible sealing plastic material across the adjacent bung flange of spiral part.

As previously mentioned, because flexible pipe 220 from its end that is connected with source of suction until form with continuous material till the pick-up head 224 of its other end, so the device of hose storage and/or recovery need be provided during X, Y and Z direction suitably move when commodity are sold operation at pick-up head 224.

Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, an inwall 246 is placed on the next door of the outer wall 248 of cabinet 12 abreast, and between outer wall and inwall, forms a hose storage district 222.The area of section in hose storage district 222 is a bit larger tham the area of section of the hose loop that wherein forms.Wall 246 and wall 248 are partly cut across in the drawings, in order to show that a gravity fed that forms is from bouncing back loop take-up device/recovering mechanism 250 in flexible pipe 220.Mobile be restricted of loop take-up device 250 in hose storage district 222, sliding hammer 252 pullings that it is had by self, periphery along sliding hammer has a groove 253, be used to make the constant center of gravity of sliding hammer maintenance in hose storage district 222 placed in the middle, and be used on flexible pipe 220, providing the tension force in constant " a formation loop ".In addition, make sliding hammer 252 centerings that have groove in the hose storage district 222 can make flexible pipe 220 centering places, thereby prevent that flexible pipe 220 from rubbing with the sidewall in hose storage district 222 during X, Y and Z direction are reorientated process at pick-up head 224.In order to prevent flexible pipe 220 clots, the size of sliding hammer 252 is designed to less times greater than the diameter of flexible pipe 220, and the size in hose storage district 222 is slightly greater than sliding 252 the width dimensions of hammering into shape.The concrete weight of sliding hammer 252 is problems of design alternative, and it is according to various factors and fixed, as the weight of commodity to be moved, be used for driving the strength of the motor of flexible pipe in the Z direction, or the like.In another embodiment, also can utilize the bottom that a spring will be slided hammer 252 and cabinet 12 to couple together, thereby increase another tension force for loop take-up device 250.

Should also be noted that this recovery based on gravity/hose storage technology both can satisfy the conveyer 218 storage requirement that move on (left side/right side and front/rear) on X and Y direction, also can satisfy the requirement that pick-up head 224 moves on the Z direction.Certainly, this recovery based on gravity/hose storage technology also can be worked finely in such an embodiment, in this embodiment, automatically the flexible pipe detent mechanism adopted a rotation equipment (R, θ), articulated jib, flexible or tongs system or other technologies.In addition, for purposes of the invention, illustrated recovery based on gravity/hose storage technology is optional, and can with one wholly or in part the recovery technology of robotization replace above-mentioned technology.In addition, in some other embodiment, might need the hose storage district is positioned over other positions, for example, be parallel to the top or the back of cabinet 12.

According to principle of the present invention, and as Fig. 2 and 3 clearer demonstrations, when 223 picked 224 of commodity along its path from storage cabinet 216 when moving to chute 210, it is placed with through being installed in commodity identifications (ID) device 254 in the cabinet 12.The commodity ID device that does not need particular type for the present invention, and restriction according to system, this device can comprise, for example barcode scanner or other light image/pattern recognition system, perhaps even can be anoptic system, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), or be installed in system in the cabinet 12, to discern uniquely and to confirm that the commodity of being sold are exactly selected commodity based on magnetic.The formation of this commodity recognition device is a technique known for those skilled in the art, therefore need not further specifying about this one side.

According to a creationary aspect of the present invention, commodity ID device 254 is installed in relatively-stationary position in the cabinet 12, this installation makes can carry out some in check moving on the direction of commodity ID device 254, be subjected to good " observation " so that assist in ensuring that the commodity that are transported, and the high confidence level of the commodity that transport that are identified.A kind of mode that provides this ID of making device 254 to move controllably is that it is installed on the Piezoelectric Substrates, and control panel 212 can provide voltage so that " observation " of ID device 254 moved to substrate.Be noted that by using the commodity ID device 254 of suitable location, just only need single commodity ID device 254.This is particularly useful for the human-like vending machine of machine because the robot device can controllably place commodity, and be reapposed over when needed commodity ID device 254 near, thereby assist in ensuring that commodity have reliable ID.

In addition,, be noted that Fig. 6 has described another and preferably has been used to install the position of product IDs device 254 although product IDs device 254 is mounted on the inwall of cabinet 12 in Fig. 3, promptly at the inner side edge of hinged shelf 204, and directly over cabinet 216.

Alternate embodiment to above-mentioned automechanism also is within the scope of the invention.For example, product IDs device 254 also can be used for using the sale equipment of other type automatic positioning equipment, for example the rotation device (R, θ), articulated jib, draw-tube or tongs system etc., and in nonplanar system as curved surface direction motion.

In addition, though in illustrated embodiment, only show a Storage 215, flexible pipe 220 and conveyer 218, but the present invention also can be applied in the middle of the dispenser/commodity processor of the type with a plurality of Storages and/or automatic commodity processing mechanism, for example, two automatic processor structure (vertical or horizontal positioned, or vertical and mixing placement flatly), the Storage that each device is respectively different provides service.In addition, when a plurality of commodity processing mechanism was provided, each can be adjusted to be used for specific operation.For example, some can have larger-diameter pick-up head, and use an air blast/low aspiration vacuum feeding mechanism, and other the pick-up head that then may have than minor diameter also uses weak air-flow/strong aspiration vacuum supply.

In this respect, Fig. 5 shows Storage structure 500 more than, and wherein, the commodity processor of a above-mentioned type can be 3 adjacent Storages service is provided.In one embodiment, each zone all can be used for storing a pile commodity, and these commodity align according to identical direction in each zone.Storage 502 can be under atmospheric environment, and other Storage then can be under refrigerating environment, and for example, one of them zone 504 is chill spaces, and another zone 506 is freeze spaces.This structure can typically find in small-sized, the reliable and effective automatic vending mechanism: become flavor pot foods (as a few bag French fries) to be in the atmospheric environment Storage, cold drink (as soda water) is positioned at the chill space, and frozen food (as ice cream) then is positioned at the freeze space.In addition, the benefit of this class formation can be used to keep the quality of the commodity stored particularly in, refrigerating chamber, and till they approached quilt sold, this measure was decided by an intelligent controller.On the predetermined appropriate time before selling, given commodity can be moved to the chill space from the freeze space.Can also find the benefit of this technology in the described below situation, that is, be actually in the 3rd Storage under the situation of an interim Storage that is used for heating separately/cook commodity (for example freezing pizza) by baking oven or micro-wave oven.In this case, the chill space used up need replenish again before, frozen pizza is not moved to the chill space, guarantee the quality/storage life of frozen pizza thus.After this, they sequentially are moved to the chill space from the freeze space.This technology has significantly reduced the client and has waited for the required time of pizza heating, and simultaneously, it also allows to store pizza in freezing mode, has improved its storage life thus greatly and has reduced the required labour costs of filling machine.In this structure, the top of chill space can comprise hot isolator, for example, and air curtain or slip thermal insulation board.By the commodity recognition device is placed on outside the cold storage environment; this separation not only aspect the thermal efficiency and the protection machinery of equipment and electronic section be not subjected to excessive and the aspect of temperature variation damage fast advantageous particularly, and to assistance/convenient reliable commodity identification aspect also advantageous particularly.

Fig. 6 shows a kind of structure, and in this structure, the particular commodity processing mechanism is that the wareroom district of two horizontal alignments serves.Spatial context-zone 602 is atmospheric environments, and zone 604 then is a cold storage environment.Commodity processing mechanism 606 can utilize support beam 230 and conveyer 218 to constitute according to foregoing mode, thus make mechanism 606 can " life " in atmospheric environment zone 602, and can be as required enter in the middle of the chill space 604 by swing 608.

Zone

602 and 604 all has the commodity ID device 254 of oneself, perhaps also can share a public ID device.

In addition, in order to improve speed, also can use independent flexible pipe and flexible pipe detent mechanism to the commodity of client's taking-up and dispensing storage.A kind of so quick commodity vending machine has been shown among Fig. 7, and its type belongs to the Storage with two horizontal positioned.Though what use is independent flexible pipe and flexible pipe detent mechanism, they can share a source of suction (for example, the hair-dryer motor 226), pneumatic sensor and vacuum brake.Single flexible pipe, flexible pipe detent mechanism and hose storage district can be used in the middle of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in this embodiment, single flexible pipe is that a plurality of warerooms district (for example refrigeration of structure shown in Fig. 7 700 and non-chill space) provides service, wherein, support beam 230 and conveyer 218 can move having between two Storages of different surrounding enviroment by door mechanism 702.Each automatic commodity processing mechanism can have the commodity ID device of oneself, perhaps also can share a public ID device.

Fig. 8 shows an automatic vending machine that contains the particular commodity processing mechanism, its commodity processing mechanism has two customer interface districts (each zone comprises that all product selecting arrangement, payment system and the product such as keyboard or touch-screen takes out door), for example, one is positioned at the left side, one is positioned at the right side, and a common graphics display is arranged in the middle of them.This machine can be compared because transport the required real time of selected product with vending machine simultaneously for two buyers provide service, and customer selecting and payment need the essentially identical time usually.

Another this structure has been shown among Fig. 9, wherein, comprise a upper area 602 and a lower area 604 in the cabinet 600, the former right and wrong chill space (even can be heated), the latter then be the chill space (even can be divided into, for example, two extentions, a zone 606 is the freeze space, and another 608 in zone only is the chill space).This structure have advantage especially because hot-air will be to rising, cold air is then to sinking.In addition, a Storage can be arranged to vertically store commodity, and another zone, even a plurality of zone, then can be arranged to level storage commodity.In this case, need independent flexible pipe, flexible pipe detent mechanism and hose storage district be used for different towards the Storage.

Should be noted that in said structure the commodity processing mechanism also can have other structure, for example draw-tube that will mention in the back, tongs or R, theta structure.In addition, commodity also can be consumables, for example, and office appliance, ink-cases of printers, or the like.

In illustrated embodiment, hair-dryer motor 226 provides the negative pressure of a higher relatively airshed and relative appropriateness.As the selection of design, hair-dryer motor 226 can comprise a vacuum pump, is used to provide the negative pressure of enough degree, still, because the restriction of size and cost has correspondingly also reduced airshed.Under latter event, the diameter of air hose 220 will be littler than the diameter shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and in application more of the present invention, this point is particularly important.When picking up flexible packaging, illustrated embodiment is particularly useful, its reason is, in picking up the process of flexible packaging, moment or or even the gas leakage that continues can not cause packing to drop usually yet, meanwhile, owing to have the ability of the object of the multiple shape that can pick up Different Weight and size, so it also can provide great dirigibility.Contain at hair-dryer motor 226 under the situation of a vacuum pump, it both can use separately, also can use with the hutch that the flexible pipe of bleeding links to each other by valve or air hose with one, in order to bigger airshed to be provided.In addition, also can unite compressor of use and Venturi tube equipment in order to produce vacuum.

The various alternatives of above-mentioned automatic flexible pipe detent mechanism all are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.For example, except the combination of using an above-mentioned left side/right carriage 234 and

support beam

236a, 236b, can also use the combination of running roller and guide

rail.Support beam

236a and 236b can contain a support plate, two edge have two towards outside the L shaped guide rail of (that is, back to).The function of carriage 234 can by at the relative two ends of beam 230 fixedly pair of brackets realize that each support all comprises a pair of separately and towards interior running roller, they with support plate on relative guide rail mesh and following guide rail.In addition, each separately and in interior a pair of running roller can comprise that all a cover is the running roller that an angle of 90 degrees is placed mutually, thus interlock or following the surface of the phase quadrature of L shaped guide rail.This structure can make conveyer 218 and beam 230 be of coupled connections, and proper operation only needs less adjusting.In addition, as previously mentioned, under the situation of storage cabinet basic horizontal alignment, the flexible pipe detent mechanism can be placed to conveyer can be in the vertical plane of a substantially flat mobile in (that is, in X/Z or Y/Z plane) or the in fact vertical curve inclined-plane automatically.In addition, as previously mentioned, in aspect more of the present invention, may need to make automatic flexible pipe detent mechanism to comprise a rotating machinery (R who belongs to the type that comprises " worker " ellbeam (or telescopic section) with regular length, θ), so that the grabbing device/pick-up head of formation " θ " motion of pivoting is done " R " motion.In addition, in other environment of the present invention, the flexible pipe detent mechanism can comprise an articulated jib, tongs system, perhaps other technologies automatically.

The functional-block diagram of Fig. 4 shows the general operation of technology many aspects and that obtain implementing according to the present invention in comprising as automatic vending machine 10 such merchandise sales machines.As shown in Figure 4, control system 400 comprises a microprocessor 402 and relevant memory circuit 404, and this system is installed on the control panel 212.Control system 400 also can suitably comprise the electronic section in other parts of automatic vending machine 10.Comprise ROM and RAM buffer memory in the memory circuit 404, the former is used to preserve running program (known embedded software is used to realize the control of automatic vending machine 10), and the latter then is used for interim service data and other required data of preserving during system operation.Control system 400 response users (comprise coin shown in Fig. 1 and bank note mechanism 28 and 30 and selector button 40 to payment and selective system 406.) operation, handle with user interface and commodity treating apparatus, and then dispensing user required commodity automatic vending machine 10.More particularly, when the user utilizes payment and after selective system 406 correctly pays the commodity of its selection, control system 400 will operate X/Y (left side/right side and front/rear) drive motor 233 and 243 so that pick-up head 224 aim at the storage cabinet 216 of the commodity of wherein preserving user's selection.Then, control system 400 is installed within the conveyer with one and is connected with the flexible pipe drive motor 508 (Z is to motor) of its motion, flexible pipe 220 is urged to the top of the commodity among the storage cabinet of being aimed at.At pick-up head 224 and appropriate time before commodity to be removed contact (in one embodiment of the invention, there is not cold air in the cabinet 12, then this reasonable time can be to be right after before pick-up head 224 enters cabinet 216, if but cold air is arranged, wish that then this time is only with before required commodity contact, its objective is in order to reduce scattering and disappearing of cold air to greatest extent), control system 400 activates hair-dryer motors 226, thereby provides the rising inspiratory force for pick-up head 224.When position transducer 412 is determined pick-up head 224 and has firmly been contacted with required commodity, control system 400 will be impelled flexible pipe drive motor 410 its directions of counter-rotating, from the storage cabinet of aiming at 216, regaining flexible pipe, and then will select commodity and from storage cabinet 216, extract.Then, conveyer 218 is driven to a position of carrying chute 210 to align with commodity.

When sensor 412 perceive conveyer 218 with carry chute 210 aim at after (in this case, sensor 412 can contain a reed switch that is installed on the cabinet antetheca, and magnet that is installed in the forward position of conveyer 218), control system 400 will be closed hair-dryer motor 226, and the commodity that the forfeiture of vacuum will cause selecting are fallen into the client and taken out district 22.As previous described, frangible and can not fall into and take out the district or be subjected under the situation of this impulsive force at commodity, the bottom that flexible pipe 220 can be urged to conveying chute 210 commodity that get loose again.

Should be noted that position transducer 412 can comprise the pneumatic sensor of terminal box 229, perhaps in another embodiment, it also can comprise the plunger piston type position transducer that mechanically operated and a pick-up head 224 are relevant.In addition, position transducer 412 also can comprise a reed switch that is installed on the cabinet antetheca, and a magnet that is installed in the forward position of conveyer 218.

According to another aspect of the present invention, because control system keeps following the tracks of (for example moving of flexible pipe 220 and conveyer 218, by detecting) from being positioned at the shaft encoder on each drive motor or the pulse of other distance measuring equipments, when conveyer 218 arrives virtual original position (virtualhome), can be used as one and check signal by the signal that pneumatic sensor produced, to guarantee that control system 400 can accurately be counted the motor-driven pulse, and under the situation of needs, also can recalibrate this positioning system according to this virtual original position.

Advantageous particularly is in the following cases accurately controlled in 226 excitations to the hair-dryer motor, that is, under the inside or its a part of cooled situation of cabinet, accurately control can reduce the cooling air amount that hair-dryer motor 226 is provided.In a preferred embodiment, microprocessor 402 will encourage hair-dryer motor 226 when pick-up head 224 arrives required commodity, and be actually when its during at once near required commodity (not shifting to an earlier date), because control system 400 is keeping the relevant up-to-date information of height with the commodity warehouse of each cabinet 216.When the operator loaded commodity to automatic vending machine 10, this height was in a predeterminated level by hypothesis.When extracting the commodity trial first time after the Storage is filled, by make pick-up head 224 with the speed that reduces towards the commodity that are positioned at cabinet 216 tops, height and true altitude to hypothesis compares then, and control system 400 just can be confirmed this hypothesis height.Can in storer 404, programme with the commodity height of supposing in advance, thereby perhaps height can be known by comparing the height of selling goods previous in each cabinet in system 400.In case the height of top commodity is known that control system 400 can also always be known the height of next " top " commodity in this cabinet.In addition, control system 400 can also make pick-up head 224 with higher speed near the commodity in this Storage, and have only and just can slow down when at once will be near the next one in this cabinet " top " commodity.Near next commodity the time, make the technology that pick-up head 224 slows down also help to guarantee to make the commodity of storage can not damage for picked 224.

Should note, in an alternative, introduced a kind of comparatively simple method, it need not to know specific commodity height just can by open hair-dryer motor 226 with the operation of control hair-dryer motor 226 and pick-up head 224 near or before the warehouse height of knowing existing goods, make pick-up head 224 decelerations.

When the machine operator activated " resetting " switch (not shown), control system 400 adopted above-mentioned height detection technology with automatic defaultly, because it can suppose that the operator has changed the product height in product load level and each cabinet.

Concerning described each embodiment herein, can suppose hair-dryer motor or other air-breathing generation equipment (perhaps its substitute, as utilize the vacuum source of valve working) excitation be equivalent to the grasp force fast of 224 pairs of commodity packagings of pick-up head, that is, and inspiratory force.

Be connected with a communication system 414 on the control system 400, it is used to remote equipment that the inventories of commodity and the operation information of automatic vending machine are provided, and allows remote equipment that the operation of automatic vending machine is controlled.In this, communication system 414 can comprise a coupling arrangement, is used for setting up communication link by wired and/or transceiver interface and remote computer.In addition, communication system 414 can communicate with a plurality of automatic vending machines that other has similar coupling arrangement that are in areal, and utilizes wireline interface or radio communication to communicate between them.Also have, communication system 414 can provide with a plurality of by LAN (LAN (Local Area Network)), LAWN (WLAN (wireless local area network)) or WAN (wide area network) and be positioned at automatic vending machine of this area and/or communicating to connect of home server/controller.Remote computer can comprise a database, it can receive and/or accumulate the service data from one or more automatic vending machines, then, other people, as deliver goods driver, machine operator, machine master, product vendor etc., just can utilize suitable coding to visit these data (for example, by the internet, perhaps by wired or wireless connection).In addition, remote station also can provide the feedback information that is used to control its operation (as, authorization message) to automatic vending machine and carries out continued operation to allow it.

In containing the merchandise sales equipment of congealer type, the chest freezer that various doors are for example arranged on it is (as United States Patent (USP) 5,240, ice cream vending machine described in 139), by be used for producing and/or keep the control of the inspiratory force on the grabbing device end of inhaling hose to be used in combination, described herein many advantages of the present invention will become particularly useful.

Though diagram of the present invention and explanation are carried out with reference to its preferred embodiment, but those skilled in the art should be understood that, within by the subsidiary defined the spirit and scope of the present invention of claim, can carry out on the various forms or the modification of detail to the present invention.In fact, many such modifications have been mentioned in this article.One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that or utilize normal experiment just can grasp the equivalent of a plurality of specific embodiments of the present invention.For example, though a kind of air hose 220 of bleeding that provides only is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, but in actual conditions, also can use the solid components that has grabbing device on its free end, for example mechanically operated jaw (or the electromagnetic equipment or the generator of bleeding that self contains), these equivalents are included within the scope of claim too.

A kind of video camera of checking commodity is used for falling into the spiral or cabinet type machine of analyzing commodity after taking out the district at commodity.And can be to the controller alarm to forbid from one or more warerooms district dispensing commodity.

Be used to verify the commodity of storage and/or bar code or other image/visual identifying system of proper operation and dispensing commodity.

Be used for the commodity of being stored are delivered to the automechanism of commodity ID system.This automechanism can be controlled to improve the reliability of commodity identification selectively, promptly, the movement velocity of the commodity by the ID system can slow down, and for the commodity of flexible packaging, this commodity meeting " is slightly shaken " so that the crooked situation of changing package and improve the scanning of bar code thus or to the better optical identification of image.

Scanning to commodity ID can at any time be carried out, and to reach the purpose of checking and operation, promptly is not only in the sales cycle process or makes the part of sales process, and be can carry out between each sales cycle.

The proper operation of commodity and dispensing can comprise the observing of pre-defined rule, and reach report and compulsory purpose alternately with control system, and further control automatic vending machine and further reach compulsory purpose.Being identified as undelegated commodity can be put back in the storage cabinet, or the dispensing of other commodity in this Storage is under an embargo after by dispensing.

Commodity ID equipment also can manually be used to carry out stock control by machine operation person.

Use optics ID system to present machine with before being provided and delivered at commodity, for example fall into (or being to roll under the situations such as container for drink) or be parked under the situation that the client takes out the district type of recognition value packing at commodity in spiral/gravity type.

In the dispensing operating process, commodity ID is determined this cycle can not be cancelled after dispensing is activated.

The commodity ID that is used for stock control presses the capital management of goods payment (PAYV) equipment, or is used for calculating incentive condition according to correct operation and/or to observing of rule.

Increased circuit make automatic vending machine can long-range connection carrying out stock control, and operation control.

Claims

1. before the package dispensing in will being stored in the package dispensing device, use filming apparatus in the dispensing device of described package to discern the method for described package, described method comprises the steps:

The package to be provided and delivered of a plurality of at least a types is stored in the Storage of package, the article that include at least a type in the wherein said package, described package has a plurality of perceptual property, thereby when from a plurality of different visual angles during to described package imaging, can comprise different one or more perceptual property of described a plurality of perceptual property from each image that each visual angle obtained at described a plurality of different visual angles, and wherein said one or more described perceptual property can be enough to be used in discerning the described type of described package;

The user is imported described dispensing device to the selection of the package of required type to be provided and delivered in the described dispensing device;

Provide and the coexist filming apparatus imaging system at a place of described dispensing device;

The package shift-in of described filming apparatus imaging system and user's selection is inspected the zone of approach, make described filming apparatus imaging system to find a view at least a portion of described package;

Described filming apparatus imaging system is operated, so that before the package that described user selects is provided and delivered, obtain the image of this package;

The one or more described perceptual property that obtains according to described image is analyzed, thereby discerned the described type of the package article of described selection; And

Based on described identification, verify that the package that described package and described user have selected is a same type.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein be the type of the package selected with described user when identical when the type of determining described package by described verification step, the package of described selection is provided and delivered to described user, when the type of the package of selecting as the type that is defined as described package by described identification step and user is identical, stop from described dispensing device dispensing some package at least.

3. method according to claim 2, wherein said storing step comprises: use a plurality of holding compartments to store described package, wherein dissimilar packages is stored in the different compartments.

4. method according to claim 2, the mode that the wherein said step that the filming apparatus imaging system is provided is operated with respect to a plurality of different compartments in the same manner with described filming apparatus imaging system provides described filming apparatus imaging system filming apparatus.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein said analytical procedure comprises the use image recognition technology, will relatively discern described type with the data that are stored in the described dispensing device according to the described perceptual property of described Image Acquisition by storing.

6. the data of method according to claim 5, the wherein said image recognition technology shape by relatively representing the known type package are discerned described type.

7. method according to claim 5, wherein said image recognition technology is discerned described type by relatively representing to be imprinted on the data of the graph image on the known type package.

8. method according to claim 5, wherein said image recognition technology is discerned described type by relatively representing to be imprinted on the data of the literal on the known type package.

9. method according to claim 2, wherein said image recognition technology is discerned described type by relatively representing to be imprinted on the data of the color graphics on the known type package.

10. method according to claim 5, wherein said image recognition technology is discerned described type by relatively representing to be imprinted on the data of the visible pattern on the known type package.

11. method according to claim 5 has bar code image on the wherein said package, and the data of described image recognition technology by relatively obtaining from the image of the described bar code image of conduct of described package, discerns the type of described package.

12. before the package dispensing in the dispensing device that will be stored in package, use filming apparatus in the described package dispensing device to discern the method for described package, said method comprising the steps of:

The package of a plurality of at least a types to be provided and delivered is stored in the Storage of package, the article that wherein comprise at least a type in the package, described package has a plurality of perceptual property, thereby when from a plurality of different visual angles during to described package imaging, can comprise different one or more perceptual property of described a plurality of perceptual property from each image that each visual angle obtained at described a plurality of different visual angles, and wherein said one or more described perceptual property can be enough to be used in discerning the described type of described package;

The user is imported described dispensing device to the selection of required type of package to be provided and delivered in the described dispensing device;

The package that described filming apparatus imaging system and user are selected moves forward into inspects the zone of approach, makes described filming apparatus imaging system to find a view at least a portion of described package;

Described filming apparatus imaging system is operated, make package be obtained the image of described package before providing and delivering in described user's selection;

Described one or more described perceptual property from described Image Acquisition are analyzed, thus determine described package whether be in the described dispensing device by the type of approval dispensing and

If it is to be provided and delivered by approval that abovementioned steps is determined described package type, then the package of described selection is provided and delivered to the user, if and abovementioned steps determines that described package type do not approved dispensing, then stop from described dispensing device dispensing some package at least.

13. method according to claim 12, wherein said analytical procedure is used storer, and described storer uses the package of which kind of type of expression to be approved that the package of dispensing or which kind of type is not carried out pre-programmed by the data of approval dispensing.

14. method according to claim 12, wherein said analytical procedure is used storer, and described storer uses the rule of the scheduled operation mode of the described dispensing device of expression to carry out pre-programmed.

Use a plurality of holding compartments to store described package 15. method according to claim 12, wherein said storing step comprise, wherein dissimilar packages is stored in the different compartments.

16. method according to claim 15, wherein said dispensing device is defined as the non-unsanctioned response of making to the package with described selection, stop from one or more be considered to store with described unauthorized package have the compartment of article of same type further dispensing package.

17. method according to claim 15, wherein said dispensing device is defined as the non-unsanctioned response of making to the package of described selection, allow described package to be provided and delivered, stop then from one or more be considered to store with described unauthorized article have the compartment of article of same type further dispensing package.