EP2740109B1 - Vending machine - Google Patents
Vending machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2740109B1 EP2740109B1 EP12751256.4A EP12751256A EP2740109B1 EP 2740109 B1 EP2740109 B1 EP 2740109B1 EP 12751256 A EP12751256 A EP 12751256A EP 2740109 B1 EP2740109 B1 EP 2740109B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- goods
- vending machine
- carriers
- signal
- data processing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims description 55
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005211 surface analysis Methods 0.000 description 4
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000011092 Hand injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010791 domestic waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012011 method of payment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/64—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are individually suspended from stationary supports
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
- G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
Definitions
- the invention relates to a vending machine, which is assigned to a stock of goods, which stock of goods is stored in a sorted by a plurality of goods carriers, with a goods input area for inserting a determined for exchange or new purchase Altware, with a data processing device and a data memory, with an identification device for detection the inserted in the goods input area Altware, which identification device cooperates with the data processing device and with at least one signal generator, which is designed as a visually and / or acoustically signaling signal generator.
- Vending machines are known in numerous embodiments, such as cigarette vending machines, beverage vending machines, snack machines and the like. After money entry, product selection and, where appropriate, in cigarette vending machines, an age verification via the user interface, the desired product is made available from the goods stock via the goods issue device to the user.
- the goods carriers can be configured as motor-driven rotary spiral rods on which the car keys are held, one of these spiral rods for the car keys of large cars, another spiral rod for the car keys of the middle car and a third spiral rod for the car keys of small cars can be determined .
- the previously known vending machine also has an identification device, which is designed, for example, as a card reader and is provided for reading out the data stored on a credit card and identifying the user. If a specific user is identified after reading in his data stored on the credit card, a data processing device with data memory can associate this data with the motor vehicle intended for the user and the associated car keys.
- the data processing device transmits a corresponding signal to the motor of the relevant rotary drivable spiral rod, which rotates until the car key deposited therebefore falls into a goods issue, where it is removed by the user after opening and releasing a flap.
- the previously known vending machine also has a goods input area, in which the customer after the completion of the rental process insert the temporarily left him car keys and return can.
- vending machine of the type mentioned, which facilitates the user even without expert advice and time-consuming study of the various product versions, the selection of the goods actually required by him. It may be advantageous if the vending machine also offers the user an incentive to return a product after its use.
- the inventive solution to this problem consists in the vending machine of the type mentioned is that several Signalers are provided which are each associated with a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers, that an inserted in the goods input area Altware is detected by the identification device and adjusted with the recognition features that are assigned in the data storage of a stocked new goods and their goods for stocking goods carriers, the signal connection between the data processing device and the signal transmitters is such that, after identifying an old item inserted into the goods input area, the signal generator or the signal generator of a product carrier or a group of product carriers is activated / activated, which determines the stocking of a new product assigned to the old item is / are, and that signal carriers associated with the goods carriers signal the new goods corresponding to the old goods by an optical and / or acoustic signal of the goods carrying this new, freely accessible goods carrier.
- the vending machine according to the invention is associated with a stock of goods, which is stored in an orderly manner at a plurality of goods carriers.
- the vending machine according to the invention has a goods input area, which is provided for inserting an old product, which is intended for replacement, return or for additional purchase.
- the automatic vending machine according to the invention has an identification device oriented towards the goods input area, which interacts with a data processing device and data storage such that an item of goods inserted in the goods input area is detected by means of the identification device visually on the basis of specific recognition features or with the aid of a 3D file and with recognition features or 3D -Files is matched, which are assigned in the data storage of a product in stock or the goods intended for stocking goods carrier.
- the vending machine has signal transmitters which are assigned to a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers. These signal transmitters are in signal communication with the data processing device in such a way that the signal generator of a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers is activated after identifying an old item inserted in the goods input area, which signal generator is intended for stocking a product assigned to the old item.
- the vending machine according to the invention thus makes it easier for the user, on the basis of the old goods intended for exchange, return or new purchase, to select the corresponding stored goods even for those products which are offered in a large number of designs, some of which are difficult to distinguish.
- the vending machine according to the invention has signal transmitters which are designed as optical and / or acoustically signaling signal transmitters, and since the signal carriers assigned to the goods carriers can signal the new goods corresponding to the old goods by an optical and / or acoustic signal of the goods carriers carrying them, freely accessible goods carriers, the ease of handling and user guidance on the vending machine according to the invention is facilitated.
- the vending machine has goods carrier, which have a projecting retaining web or headband, which holding web or headband the goods or their packaging can be hung.
- goods carrier which have a projecting retaining web or headband, which holding web or headband the goods or their packaging can be hung.
- serving as a product carrier holding webs or brackets the stocked goods can be fixed, for example, by means of their, a suspension tab with insertion opening having packaging such that it is easily accessible and removable for the user.
- the vending machine has goods carriers that have a display for displaying goods-specific data have the goods stored by means of the goods carrier respectively.
- the exact signaling of the goods recognized as suitable or suitable is favored if the vending machine has goods carriers which have at least one optical signal transmitter.
- the vending machine according to the invention can stockpile a virtually unlimited variety of different goods and offer them for selection, if the vending machine has at least one partition, to which partition wall goods carriers are preferably releasably attached.
- a preferred embodiment which can also extend over large wall surfaces, without affecting the route guidance of the user, before, that the partition wall of the vending machine is divided into partition sections, which partition sections have a group of goods carriers, and that each partition section, an optical and / or an acoustic signal transmitter is assigned.
- a preferred development according to the invention provides that the vending machine goods carrier with a display and / or a Signal transmitter has which display and / or which signal generator can be controlled by the data processing device via a wireless connection.
- the vending machine has goods carriers which are connected via a transmitter / receiver unit to a corresponding transmitter / receiver unit of the data processing device.
- the transmitter / receiver unit of the goods carrier is battery or battery powered, and if the transmitter / receiver unit of a goods carrier sends falls below a state of charge to the data processing device there rechargeable a rechargeable signal.
- a preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the vending machine has at least one collecting container for receiving the returned goods after their identification.
- a person can insert a returned product, in particular a blank printer ink cartridge in the goods input area.
- the identification device With the identification device is detected which goods, for example, which type of cartridge with respect to manufacturer, printer model and color, it is. If the goods are recognized as a goods stored in the data store and stored in the goods stock, an amount displayed for this product can be displayed on a display of the user interface. This can be paid out, for example, in the form of a cash withdrawal.
- the person is offered the purchase of a corresponding, new product, the purchase price is reduced by the amount to be refunded for the returned goods. The person can then decide whether he wants to withdraw the corresponding amount or buy a new product at a reduced price. It is also conceivable a choice, according to which the person rejects the amount to be reimbursed and takes the goods back from the goods input area. Similarly, the person may be requested to remove the goods from the goods input area, if the inserted goods could not be identified.
- the goods are transferred from the goods input area into a collection container, so that the goods input area for the next input operation is free again.
- a plurality of collection containers may be provided, which are alternately driven to collect different types of goods pre-sorted or unidentified goods that were not taken back by the person to collect as waste separately from the goods for which a remuneration has been carried out ,
- Goods can be purchased in a conventional manner without using the return functionality.
- goods may be returned to pay or credit a compensation amount, or the return may be used in conjunction with a new purchase, thereby reducing the purchase price of the new goods by a credit amount for the returned goods.
- the data processing device can also be designed to insert and recognize several goods one after the other within a user process, so that the return of several goods can be carried out more quickly and conveniently by paying out or crediting the total amount of the payment and / or purchasing several goods.
- the vending machine according to the invention can be designed in particular for the return and for sale of printer ink cartridges.
- the use of a corresponding soirautomates is also possible for a variety of different goods, such as mobile phones, small electrical appliances, batteries, etc., so that a circulatory system can be formed for these goods.
- Different returnable goods only have to differ in at least one visualizable feature.
- the goods input area prefferably has an insertion opening that can be closed by means of an adjustable closing element between an open position and a closed position.
- the insertion on the one hand allows easy insertion of the goods.
- the goods input area can be closed by the closing element, so that the goods input area is only accessible if a person has communicated the return of goods to the vending machine via the user interface and otherwise the goods input area remains closed by the closing element and thus protected. Closing the goods input area can also be useful to avoid interference such as undefined light incidence during the goods identification.
- the identification device may comprise an optical recognition system, for example a camera.
- the identification device can be designed in particular for a barcode recognition, a three-dimensional surface analysis, a 3D matching, a logo recognition, an OCR recognition and / or a color recognition.
- the individual recognition systems can each be provided individually or preferably in combination with one another in order to reliably and unambiguously identify the respective product.
- a large number of products carry a barcode on the outside, which enables unambiguous identification. If such a barcode is not present or unreadable, the identification can be done for example by a logo recognition. With a camera, the surface of the goods is detected and examined for the presence of logos or the like recognition features. Is from the data processing device determines a match with a stored in the data store logo or a dog tag, so the goods can be clearly identified. Likewise, text can be analyzed by means of an OCR recognition and the goods can thus be identified. Certain goods may also have colored markings that can be used for unambiguous identification when such color markers are detected.
- the goods identification can also take place via a surface analysis by scanning the surface of the goods three-dimensionally and comparing a comparison of this 3D model with corresponding data of the data memory.
- an exact scanning of the contours can be carried out or a determination of the clear dimensions of the goods in all three space coordinates can be carried out, whereby practically a smallest possible, virtual cuboid is placed around the goods.
- This 3D matching can also be used as a plausibility check, for example, to check whether a recognized barcode matches the loaded goods, or whether there is a fraud attempt by attaching a forged barcode to a worthless item. In this case, a certain tolerance range can be allowed. If the deviation tolerances between the recognized goods and a goods information in the data store are too large, then the relevant goods can be classified as unrecognized.
- the goods input area has a rotatably mounted support element with at least two approximately V- or L-shaped support plates for a product.
- the goods can be placed in the goods input area so that it rests with one side on one of the support plates. If the identification device the goods in this Situation can not identify, so the support element can be rotated until the goods rests against the other support plate and thus the previously hidden side of the goods for the identification device is visible. Thus, it is possible in a structurally simple and thus cost-effective manner to be able to scan the goods from several sides.
- the support element has four approximately cross-shaped support plates to form four in the direction of rotation successively arranged input compartments. This allows a tilting of the goods to scan from different sides, with a small rotational movement, whereby the recognition speed can be increased. Likewise, only a short adjusting movement is required to bring the support element after dropping a product into a collecting container back into a suitable position for loading a new product.
- the surfaces of the support plates are white. Due to the resulting contrasts of the product compared to the support plates an improved result in the optical identification of the goods is possible.
- a preferred embodiment provides that the support element and the closing element about a common axis of rotation are rotatable, and in that a hollow shaft and a shaft mounted therein are provided, which are respectively connected to the support element or the closing element. This allows a simple and space-saving design and easy positioning of the support element and the closing element.
- the support element has a scale to identify the goods based on their weight or perform a plausibility check.
- a further inventive concept provides that a network interface is provided for connecting the vending machine to a network.
- the vending machine can be connected to a database computer or connectable for retrieving availability information about a respective product.
- the vending machine can transmit to the database computer the respective status of the stock of goods, so that a targeted provision of the goods machine with missing goods is possible.
- status and fault messages of the goods machine can be transmitted or queried by the database computer. It is also possible to network several vending machines together in order to refer a customer to another vending machine with corresponding availability of goods, if the goods desired by him should be out of stock at the respective vending machine.
- the individual vending machines can communicate with each other either directly or indirectly via a central database computer. Also conceivable is a connection to an Internet ordering system, in which a customer over the Internet reserve a specific item and pick up at a desired vending machine.
- the user interface may include a display, a keyboard, a touch screen, a coin slot, a bill dispenser, a card reader, and / or a cash dispenser.
- a display Via a display, possible operating steps can be displayed, and corresponding inputs can be made via a keyboard.
- the display can also be designed as a touchscreen, so that a separate keyboard can be omitted as an input medium.
- For payment transactions can be provided in a conventional manner a coin, a bill for bills and / or a card reader for cashless payment. Change can be returned via a cash dispenser.
- the card reader may also be provided for reading customer cards. This allows individual control of the Stressautomates. On the basis of the data of a user profile that can be stored on the customer card or in a central database and in the latter case can be retrieved by inserting the customer card into the card reader and preferably after entering a PIN, it is possible, for example, frequently purchased by the respective customer or to re-offer the last purchased goods in order to accelerate the purchasing process.
- a loyalty bonus system may be provided to grant, for example, after a certain number of purchases a special discount.
- the stock of goods has a plurality of goods storage modules which can be cascaded with one another.
- the vending machine can be adapted to the respective requirements in terms of product availability and number of different goods offered. It can, for example, up to 64 Inventory modules are coupled together to offer a wide range of products. For setting up a Rushautomates in locations with limited space, however, less or even a single goods storage module may be provided.
- each goods storage module has its own goods issue area.
- the goods issue device it is also possible for the goods issue device to have a device for transporting the desired goods from the respective goods store module to a central goods issue area, in particular in the area of the user interface, so that a customer can remove the purchased goods there from the vending machine ,
- the goods input area has a rotatably mounted support element with at least two approximately V-shaped or L-shaped support plates for a product.
- the goods can be placed in the goods input area so that it rests with one side on one of the support plates. If an identification device can not identify the goods in this position, then the support element can be rotated until the goods rests against the other support plate and thus the previously hidden side of the goods for the identification device is visible.
- an identification device can not identify the goods in this position
- the support element can be rotated until the goods rests against the other support plate and thus the previously hidden side of the goods for the identification device is visible.
- the support element has four approximately cross-shaped support plates to form four in the direction of rotation successively arranged input compartments. This allows a tilting of the goods to scan from different sides, with a small rotational movement, whereby the recognition speed can be increased. Likewise, only a short adjusting movement is required to bring the support element after dropping a product into a collecting container back into a suitable position for loading a new product.
- the surfaces of the support plates are white. Due to the resulting contrasts of the product compared to the support plates an improved result in the optical identification of the goods is possible.
- a designated as a whole with 1 vending machine has according to FIG. 1 a goods stock 2, a user interface 3 and a goods input area 4.
- the goods stock 2 is formed by two goods storage modules 5, each of which is a goods issue device 6 have.
- the goods storage modules 5 each have a door 7, which can be opened to load the goods storage modules 5 with goods.
- the user interface 3 has, in particular, a touchscreen 8 via which user inputs and the display of information for a user take place.
- a touchscreen 8 via which user inputs and the display of information for a user take place.
- laterally further components of the user interface 3 are shown schematically, in particular a coin slot 9, a bill dispenser 10 for bills, a card reader 11 for credit or customer cards and a cash dispenser 12th
- the vending machine 1 makes it possible to return a product 13, for example a used-up printer ink cartridge, via the goods input area 4, to buy a new product or to combine these two operations with one another.
- the respective process, new purchase or return of a product, or the combination of both processes, can be selected via the touchscreen 8.
- This is placed on a supporting element 15 through an insertion opening 14 of the goods input area 4.
- the user can be offered a remuneration price for the goods 13 via the touchscreen 8, which the user can accept via a corresponding input on the touchscreen 8.
- the compensation amount can then be paid to the user via the cash dispenser 12 cash.
- a credit on a customer card that can be read via the card reader 11. It is also conceivable a constellation in which the user rejects the remuneration offer and the goods 13 can withdraw without paying a compensation amount from the goods input area 4 again.
- a return of a product 13 takes place in conjunction with a new purchase. It is checked via a data processing device, not shown, whether the returned goods 13 as a new product in the supply of goods 2 in stock and then offered on the touch screen 8 for sale, with the purchase price for this product to the amount of compensation for the returned goods 13th reduced. If the user accepts this purchase offer via corresponding inputs on the touchscreen 8, he will be asked to pay via the coin slot 9, the mock feeder 10 or for a cashless payment by entering a corresponding bank card on the card reader 11. After payment has been made, the purchased goods are dispensed at one of the goods issue devices 6.
- FIGS. 2 to 13 is the goods input area 4 inside the machine housing 30 (FIG. FIG. 1 ) is arranged, shown in more detail.
- the support element 15 Behind a panel 16 ( FIG. 3 ) with a recess 14 forming the insertion opening, the support element 15 is arranged rotatably mounted for placing a product 13 to be returned ( 7 to 12 ).
- the support member 15 has four approximately cross-shaped support plates 17, are formed by the four successively arranged in the direction of rotation input compartments, one of which in each case an insertion position in the region of the insertion opening 14 can be arranged.
- a product to be returned 13 is inserted into the goods input area 4, so that the product 13 is applied with one side to one of the support plates 17 ( Figure 3 ).
- an identification device 18 is provided with a funnel-like housing 19 for shielding from interference, in particular uncontrolled incidence of light, and arranged in the upper region of the housing 19, not shown in detail camera.
- a light source for targeted illumination of the product 13 may be provided. With the camera pointing downwards, the goods 13 can be detected and examined for certain characteristics. In particular, a barcode attached to the item 13 can be recognized and the item 13 can thus be uniquely identified.
- the identification device 18 interacts with a data processing device, not shown, and a data memory.
- the identification of the product 13 is also possible on the basis of other features. For example, color markings or printed texts can be recognized. It is also possible to carry out a three-dimensional surface analysis by detecting the outer contour of the product 13 or by detecting the maximum extent of the article 13 in all three spatial planes, thus virtually placing a cuboid around the article 13. Such surface analysis and / or contour detection can be used in particular for plausibility control. For example, it can be checked whether the contour and the dimensions of the goods 13 coincide with the goods determined according to a barcode. If deviations are detected here, then this can be interpreted as a fraud attempt by applying a bar code to a worthless dummy object and the payment of a compensation amount can be denied.
- the support element 15 can be rotated so far until the product 13 tilts and rests on the other support plate 17 of the respective input tray.
- the initially hidden side of the product 13 can be detected by the camera.
- the change in position of the product 13 can help with the three-dimensional contour detection.
- the surfaces of the support plates 17 are white.
- the support element 15 can be turned so far that the overlying product 13 falls into a collecting container, not shown, arranged below the support element 15.
- the support member 15 is free to insert another product and the collected goods can be easily removed via the collecting container from the vending machine 1.
- two collection containers side by side are optionally supplied to the goods. This can be achieved by rotating the support element 15 selectively in one or the other direction.
- a closing element 20 is provided between the Aperture 16 and the support element 15 is arranged and with which the insertion opening 14 can be closed.
- the arrangement of the closing element 20 in the goods input area 4 is particularly in FIG. 4 clearly visible.
- the closing element 20 is formed as a circular disc with two recesses 21. If, as shown in the figures, one of the recesses 21 is located in the region of the insertion opening 14 or the input compartment of the support element 15 positioned to receive a product 13 to be returned, then the closing element 20 is in its open position and a product 13 can be inserted into the goods input area 4. By rotation of the closing element 20 by 90 °, the insertion opening 14 is closed by the closing element 20.
- the support element 15 and the closing element 20 are rotatable about a common axis of rotation 22 ( FIG. 14 ).
- the closing element 20 is arranged on a shaft 23 which is mounted in a hollow shaft 24 of the support element 15.
- the shaft 23 is connected via a gear 25 with a drive motor 26, as well as the hollow shaft 24 is connected via a separate gear 27 with a corresponding drive motor 28.
- the inner shaft 23 is mounted on its end remote from the drive motor 26 at a shaft bearing 29.
- the shaft arrangement together with the drives can also be clearly seen in FIG.
- FIG. 13 shows a view of the shaft assembly with shaft 23, hollow shaft 24, the gears 25, 27 and the drive motors 26, 28 omitting the support plates of the arranged on the hollow shaft 24 support member and arranged on the inner shaft 23 closing element.
- FIG. 15 another vending machine 40 is shown, which is intended for the orderly storage of a variety of different goods.
- the vending machine 40 is associated with a stock of goods 2, which can be stored by means of a plurality of goods carriers 41 sorted.
- the vending machine 40 has a goods input area 4, which is provided for inserting an intended for replacement, return or new purchase Altware. To identify a product 13, it is placed on a supporting element 15 through an insertion opening 14 of the goods input area 4.
- the vending machine 40 has an aligned on the goods input area 4 identification device, which interacts with a data processing device and a data store such that an inserted into the goods input area 4 Altware detected by the identification device, for example, visually based on specific recognition features or with the help of a 3D file and with the Detection features or 3D files is matched, which are assigned in the data storage of a product in stock or to her goods for storage goods 41.
- the goods input area 4 of in FIG. 15 shown vending machine 40 is configured as the goods input area 4 of in FIG. 1 illustrated vending machine 1. Although the in FIG. 15 The vending machine shown can also be used in conjunction with another suitable goods input area, but the embodiment shown here is preferred.
- the vending machine 40 has signal transmitters 42, 43, which are associated with a goods carrier 41 or a group of goods carriers 41. These signal transmitters 42, 43 are connected to the data processing device in signal connection in such a way that the signal generator 42, 43 of a goods carrier 41 or a group of goods carriers 41 is activated after identification of an inserted in the goods input area 4 of the vending machine 40, which / which signal generator 42, 43 for storing one of the Altware assigned, for example identical goods is / are determined.
- the identification device oriented toward the goods input area 4 of the vending machine 40 is provided for recognizing the old goods intended for the goods input area 4 and cooperates therewith with the data processing device and with the data memory.
- the vending machine 40 makes it easier for the user to select the appropriate goods to be stored, based on the old goods intended for replacement, return or new purchase, even for those products which are offered in a variety of designs, some of which are difficult to distinguish from one another.
- the signal carriers 42, 43 assigned to the goods carriers 41 signal the new goods corresponding to the old goods by an optical or acoustic signal of the goods carriers carrying this new goods 41.
- FIG. 16 one of the goods carrier 41 of the vending machine 40 is shown.
- the goods carrier 41 has a retaining clip 44, on which, for example, packaged in a blister pack goods 13 or the packaging of the goods can be hung.
- the goods carriers 41 here have a display 45 on which the data are displayed by a current pulse and preferably are readable until this data is read by another Current pulse to be changed.
- At each of the goods carriers 41 at least one flashing light source 42 is provided as an optical signal transmitter 42.
- the vending machine 40 has a partition 46, on which partition wall 46, the goods carrier 41 are preferably releasably fastened.
- the partition 46 is divided into partition walls 47, 48 on both sides of the vending machine 40, which partition sections 47, 48 have a group of goods carriers 41.
- Each of the partition sections 47, 48 is associated with an acoustic signal transmitter 43. If the user has inserted a certain old item in the goods input area of the vending machine 40, the vending machine 40 can begin by means of the identification device aligned with the goods input area 13 with the identification of the inserted old item. As soon as the vending machine 40 could identify the old goods, the vending machine 40 signals the new goods corresponding to the old goods and stored in the goods stock.
- the acoustic signal transmitter 43 of the partition wall portion 47, 48 acoustically displayed, on which also the selected goods carrying the selected goods carrier 41 is arranged.
- This, in the region of the corresponding partition section 47 or 48 located goods carrier 41 is additionally signaled with an optical signal generator 42, wherein the optical signal transmitter 42 is preferably provided on the corresponding goods carrier 41.
- At the corresponding goods carrier 41 at least one of the Altware corresponding, for example, identical new product is suspended.
- the signal generator 42, 43 signal the location of the corresponding goods carrying goods carrier 41, the user of the vending machine 40 can remove the new goods he needs from the vending machine 40 and his here accessible goods stock 2.
- the integrated into the vending machine 40 goods input area can only be intended to identify a temporarily inserted Altware, but it is possible that even here the Altware still their identification supplied to a collection and the user is optionally credited.
- each goods carrier 41 each one Display 45 for displaying goods-specific data to the respective means of the respective goods carrier 41 stocked goods.
- the display 45 and the signal generator 42 of each goods carrier 41 can be controlled by the data processing device of the vending machine 40 via a wireless connection.
- Each goods carrier has for this purpose a transmitter / receiver unit, which is connected to a corresponding transmitter / receiver unit of the data processing device.
- the transmitter / receiver units provided in the goods carriers 41 are battery-powered or battery-operated, the transmitter / receiver unit of the goods carriers 41 sending a recharging signal readable there to the data processing device when it falls below a charging state.
- the transmitter / receiver unit of the relevant goods carrier 41 sends a recharging signal to the transmitter / receiver unit of the data processing device, where the relevant Goods carrier 41 is identified with an indication that soon to recharge its battery or its battery needs to be replaced.
- the vending machine 40 can also be assigned a management software, via which the user and in particular a retailer can import sales items, data and prices for one or even many vending machines. Via a finely graded rights system, the access rights to the vending machines 40 can be assigned to shop employees or distributed at the regional or group level.
- a bar code 50 or the like indicator can be provided on each display.
- the responsible shop staff can scan the relevant product carrier by means of a scanning unit, so that subsequently the scanning unit displays the bar code of the relevant product carrier 41 the vending machine 40 and its data processing device transmitted so that then the relevant product carrier 41 can be linked to the product attached by the shop staff and the associated information.
- the data processing device of the vending machine 40 can then load the product-specific product specific data on the display 45 of the selected goods carrier 41, and also in the data processing device is then stored, which goods carrier 41 must be subsequently controlled.
- the data processing device also assigns the respective goods carrier 41 to a group of goods carriers and the associated partition wall section 46 or 47, so that in each case the acoustic signal transmitter 43 associated with the product group can also be activated.
Description
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Warenautomaten, der einem Warenvorrat zugeordnet ist, welcher Warenvorrat mittels einer Mehrzahl von Warenträgern geordnet bevorratet ist, mit einem Wareneingabebereich zum Einlegen einer zum Austauschoder zum Neukauf bestimmten Altware, mit einer Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung und einem Datenspeicher, mit einer Identifizierungsvorrichtung zur Erkennung der in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegten Altware, welche Identifizierungsvorrichtung mit der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung zusammenwirkt und mit zumindest einem Signalgeber, der als optisch und/oder akustisch signalisierender Signalgeber ausgebildet ist.The invention relates to a vending machine, which is assigned to a stock of goods, which stock of goods is stored in a sorted by a plurality of goods carriers, with a goods input area for inserting a determined for exchange or new purchase Altware, with a data processing device and a data memory, with an identification device for detection the inserted in the goods input area Altware, which identification device cooperates with the data processing device and with at least one signal generator, which is designed as a visually and / or acoustically signaling signal generator.
Warenautomaten sind in zahlreichen Ausführungsformen bekannt, beispielsweise Zigarettenautomaten, Getränke-automaten, Snackautomaten und dergleichen. Nach Geldeinwurf, Produktauswahl und gegebenenfalls, bei Zigarettenautomaten, einer Altersverifizierung über die Benutzerschnittstelle, wird das gewünschte Produkt aus dem Warenvorrat über die Warenausgabevorrichtung dem Benutzer zugänglich gemacht.Vending machines are known in numerous embodiments, such as cigarette vending machines, beverage vending machines, snack machines and the like. After money entry, product selection and, where appropriate, in cigarette vending machines, an age verification via the user interface, the desired product is made available from the goods stock via the goods issue device to the user.
Viele Waren, beispielsweise Tintenpatronen für Drucker, können nach Benutzung recycelt werden. Hierzu gibt es Sammelstellen, in die die Ware nach Benutzung eingeworfen werden kann. Dem Benutzer fehlt hierzu jedoch häufig ein Anreiz, so dass zahlreiche wertvolle Waren nach deren Benutzung über den Hausmüll entsorgt werden und somit dem Materialkreislauf nicht mehr zur Verfügung stehen. Darüber hinaus stellt sich dem Benutzer bei solchen Produkten, die in zahlreichen verschiedenen Ausführungen angeboten werden, das Problem, dass er kaum ohne fachmännische Beratung und/oder zeitaufwendiges Studium der verschiedenen Produktausführungen beurteilen kann, welche dieser Produktausführungen er nun tatsächlich benötigt und welche Produktausführung für ihn einen Fehlkauf darstellen könnte.Many goods, such as ink cartridges for printers, can be recycled after use. For this there are collection points, in which the goods can be thrown in after use. However, the user often lacks an incentive, so that numerous valuable goods are disposed of with household waste after their use and thus are no longer available to the material cycle. In addition, the problem arises for such products, which are offered in numerous different designs, that hardly without expert advice and / or time-consuming Studying the different product versions can assess which of these product versions he actually needed and which product execution could represent a bad buy for him.
Aus der
Zur Bevorratung gleichartiger Waren auf einer Vielzahl von Warenträgern, zur Identifizierung einer Altware, sowie zur Zuordnung der vergleichbaren Neuware und zum Hinführen eines Kunden zu der von ihm benötigten Neuware ist der aus
Aus der
Es besteht daher insbesondere die Aufgabe, einen Warenautomaten der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, der dem Benutzer auch ohne fachmännische Beratung und zeitaufwendiges Studium der verschiedenen Produktausführungen die Auswahl der von ihm tatsächlich benötigten Ware erleichtert. Dabei kann es von Vorteil sein, wenn der Warenautomat dem Benutzer auch einen Anreiz zur Rückgabe einer Ware nach deren Benutzung bietet.There is therefore in particular the task of creating a vending machine of the type mentioned, which facilitates the user even without expert advice and time-consuming study of the various product versions, the selection of the goods actually required by him. It may be advantageous if the vending machine also offers the user an incentive to return a product after its use.
Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung dieser Aufgabe besteht bei dem Warenautomaten der eingangs erwähnten Art darin, dass mehrere Signalgeber vorgesehen sind, die jeweils einem Warenträger oder einer Gruppe von Warenträgern zugeordnet sind, dass eine in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegte Altware mittels der Identifizierungsvorrichtung erfasst und mit den Erkennungsmerkmalen abgeglichen wird, die im Datenspeicher einer bevorrateten Neuware und den ihr zur Bevorratung bestimmten Warenträgern zugeordnet sind, dass die Signalverbindung zwischen der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung und den Signalgebern derart steht, dass nach Identifizierung einer in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegten Altware der Signalgeber oder die Signalgeber eines Warenträgers oder einer Gruppe von Warenträgern aktiviert wird/aktiviert werden, der/die zur Bevorratung einer der Altware zugeordneten Neuware bestimmt ist/sind, und dass die den Warenträgern zugeordneten Signalgeber die der Altware entsprechenden Neuware durch ein optischer und/oder akustisches Signal der diese Neuware tragenden, frei zugreifbaren Warenträger signalisieren.The inventive solution to this problem consists in the vending machine of the type mentioned is that several Signalers are provided which are each associated with a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers, that an inserted in the goods input area Altware is detected by the identification device and adjusted with the recognition features that are assigned in the data storage of a stocked new goods and their goods for stocking goods carriers, the signal connection between the data processing device and the signal transmitters is such that, after identifying an old item inserted into the goods input area, the signal generator or the signal generator of a product carrier or a group of product carriers is activated / activated, which determines the stocking of a new product assigned to the old item is / are, and that signal carriers associated with the goods carriers signal the new goods corresponding to the old goods by an optical and / or acoustic signal of the goods carrying this new, freely accessible goods carrier.
Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat ist einem Warenvorrat zugeordnet, der an einer Mehrzahl von Warenträgern geordnet bevorratet ist. Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat weist einen Wareneingabebereich auf, der zum Einlegen einer Altware vorgesehen ist, welche zum Austausch, zur Rückgabe oder zum Nachkauf bestimmt ist. Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat weist eine auf den Wareneingabereich ausgerichtete Identifizierungsvorrichtung auf, die mit einer Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung und einem Datenspeicher derart zusammenwirkt, dass eine in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegte Altware mittels der Identifizierungsvorrichtung beispielsweise optisch anhand bestimmter Erkennungsmerkmale oder mit Hilfe eines 3D-Files erfasst und mit Erkennungsmerkmalen oder 3D-Files abgeglichen wird, die im Datenspeicher einer bevorrateten Ware oder dem ihr zu Bevorratung bestimmten Warenträger zugeordnet sind.The vending machine according to the invention is associated with a stock of goods, which is stored in an orderly manner at a plurality of goods carriers. The vending machine according to the invention has a goods input area, which is provided for inserting an old product, which is intended for replacement, return or for additional purchase. The automatic vending machine according to the invention has an identification device oriented towards the goods input area, which interacts with a data processing device and data storage such that an item of goods inserted in the goods input area is detected by means of the identification device visually on the basis of specific recognition features or with the aid of a 3D file and with recognition features or 3D -Files is matched, which are assigned in the data storage of a product in stock or the goods intended for stocking goods carrier.
Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat hat Signalgeber, die einem Warenträger oder einer Gruppe von Warenträgern zugeordnet sind. Diese Signalgeber stehen mit der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung derart in Signalverbindung, dass nach Identifizierung einer in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegten Altware der Signalgeber eines Warenträgers oder einer Gruppe von Warenträgern aktiviert wird, welcher/welche Signalgeber zur Bevorratung einer der Altware zugeordneten Ware bestimmt ist/sind. Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat erleichtert dem Benutzer somit anhand der zum Austausch, zur Rückgabe oder zum Neukauf bestimmten Altware die Auswahl der dazu entsprechenden bevorrateten Ware selbst bei solchen Produkten, die in einer Vielzahl von, teils auch nur schwer unterscheidbaren Ausführungen angeboten werden. Da der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat Signalgeber hat, die als optische und/oder akustisch signalisierende Signalgeber ausgebildet sind, und da die den Warenträgern zugeordneten Signalgeber die der Altware entsprechenden Neuware durch ein optisches und/oder akustisches Signal der diese Neuware tragenden, frei zugreifbaren Warenträger signalisieren können, wird die einfache Handhabbarkeit und die Benutzerführung am erfindungsgemäßen Warenautomaten erleichtert.The vending machine according to the invention has signal transmitters which are assigned to a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers. These signal transmitters are in signal communication with the data processing device in such a way that the signal generator of a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers is activated after identifying an old item inserted in the goods input area, which signal generator is intended for stocking a product assigned to the old item. The vending machine according to the invention thus makes it easier for the user, on the basis of the old goods intended for exchange, return or new purchase, to select the corresponding stored goods even for those products which are offered in a large number of designs, some of which are difficult to distinguish. Since the vending machine according to the invention has signal transmitters which are designed as optical and / or acoustically signaling signal transmitters, and since the signal carriers assigned to the goods carriers can signal the new goods corresponding to the old goods by an optical and / or acoustic signal of the goods carriers carrying them, freely accessible goods carriers, the ease of handling and user guidance on the vending machine according to the invention is facilitated.
Um eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Waren bevorraten zu können, ist es zweckmäßig, wenn der Warenautomat Warenträger hat, die einen vorstehenden Haltesteg oder Haltebügel haben, an welchem Haltesteg oder Haltebügel die Ware oder deren Verpackung einhängbar ist. An solchen, als Warenträger dienenden Haltestegen oder Haltebügeln kann die bevorratete Ware beispielsweise mittels ihrer, eine Aufhängelasche mit Durchstecköffnung aufweisenden Verpackung derart befestigt werden, dass sie für den Benutzer leicht erreichbar und entnehmbar ist.In order to stockpile a variety of different goods, it is advantageous if the vending machine has goods carrier, which have a projecting retaining web or headband, which holding web or headband the goods or their packaging can be hung. At such, serving as a product carrier holding webs or brackets the stocked goods can be fixed, for example, by means of their, a suspension tab with insertion opening having packaging such that it is easily accessible and removable for the user.
Um den Benutzer vor Entnahme einer als geeignet signalisierten Ware noch einige warenspezifische Daten, wie beispielsweise Preis, Produktbezeichnung, Hersteller und die Zuordnung zu einem übergeordneten Gerät mitteilen zu können, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn der Warenautomat Warenträger hat, die ein Display zur Anzeige warenspezifischer Daten der mittels dem Warenträger jeweils bevorrateten Ware aufweisen.In order to be able to communicate to the user before removing a product which has been indicated as suitable, some goods-specific data such as price, product name, manufacturer and the assignment to a higher-level device, it is advantageous if the vending machine has goods carriers that have a display for displaying goods-specific data have the goods stored by means of the goods carrier respectively.
Die exakte Signalisierung der als geeignet oder als passend erkannten Ware wird begünstigt, wenn der Warenautomat Warenträger hat, die zumindest einen optischen Signalgeber aufweisen.The exact signaling of the goods recognized as suitable or suitable is favored if the vending machine has goods carriers which have at least one optical signal transmitter.
Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat kann eine nahezu unbegrenzte Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Waren bevorraten und zur Auswahl anbieten, wenn der Warenautomat zumindest eine Stellwand hat, an welcher Stellwand Warenträger vorzugsweise lösbar befestigt sind.The vending machine according to the invention can stockpile a virtually unlimited variety of different goods and offer them for selection, if the vending machine has at least one partition, to which partition wall goods carriers are preferably releasably attached.
Dabei sieht eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform, die sich auch über große Wandflächen erstrecken kann, ohne die Zielführung des Anwenders zu beeinträchtigen, vor, dass die Stellwand des Warenautomaten in Stellwandabschnitte unterteilt ist, welche Stellwandabschnitte eine Gruppe von Warenträgern aufweisen, und dass jedem Stellwandabschnitt ein optischer und/oder ein akustischer Signalgeber zugeordnet ist.Here, a preferred embodiment, which can also extend over large wall surfaces, without affecting the route guidance of the user, before, that the partition wall of the vending machine is divided into partition sections, which partition sections have a group of goods carriers, and that each partition section, an optical and / or an acoustic signal transmitter is assigned.
Damit der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat auf einfache Weise mit den jeweils zu bevorratenden Waren bestückt werden kann, ohne dass jede geänderte Bestückung eine geänderte Verdrahtung des erfindungsgemäßen Warenautomaten erfordert, sieht eine bevorzugte Weiterbildung gemäß der Erfindung vor, dass der Warenautomat Warenträger mit einem Display und/oder einem Signalgeber hat, welches Display und/oder welcher Signalgeber von der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung über eine drahtlose Verbindung ansteuerbar ist.In order for the vending machine according to the invention to be equipped in a simple manner with the respective goods to be stocked, without any changed assembly requiring a modified wiring of the vending machine according to the invention, a preferred development according to the invention provides that the vending machine goods carrier with a display and / or a Signal transmitter has which display and / or which signal generator can be controlled by the data processing device via a wireless connection.
Damit die Warenträger mit der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung des erfindungsgemäßen Warenautomaten wechselseitig Informationen austauschen können, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn der Warenautomat Warenträger hat, die über eine Sender-/Empfänger-Einheit mit einer korrespondierenden Sender-/Empfänger-Einheit der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung verbunden sind.So that the goods carriers can mutually exchange information with the data processing device of the inventive vending machine, it is advantageous if the vending machine has goods carriers which are connected via a transmitter / receiver unit to a corresponding transmitter / receiver unit of the data processing device.
Dabei kann es beispielsweise vorteilhaft sein, wenn die Sender-/Empfänger-Einheit der Warenträger akku- oder batteriebetrieben ist, und wenn die Sender-/Empfänger-Einheit eines Warenträgers bei Unterschreiten eines Ladezustands an die Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung ein dort auslesbares Wiederaufladesignal sendet.It may be advantageous, for example, if the transmitter / receiver unit of the goods carrier is battery or battery powered, and if the transmitter / receiver unit of a goods carrier sends falls below a state of charge to the data processing device there rechargeable a rechargeable signal.
Um dem Benutzer einen Anreiz zur Rückgabe einer Ware nach deren Benutzung zu bieten, sieht eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform gemäß der Erfindung vor, dass der Warenautomat zumindest einen Sammelbehälter zur Aufnahme der zurückgegebenen Waren nach deren Identifizierung aufweist.In order to give the user an incentive to return a product after its use, a preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the vending machine has at least one collecting container for receiving the returned goods after their identification.
Eine Person kann eine zurückzugebende Ware, insbesondere eine leere Drucker-Tintenpatrone, in den Wareneingabebereich einlegen. Mit der Identifizierungsvorrichtung wird erkannt, um welche Ware, beispielsweise um welchen Patronen-Typ hinsichtlich Hersteller, Druckermodell und Farbe, es sich handelt. Wird die Ware als eine in dem Datenspeicher hinterlegte und in dem Warenvorrat bevorratete Ware erkannt, so kann an einer Anzeige der Benutzerschnittstelle ein für diese Ware zu vergütender Betrag angezeigt werden. Dieser kann beispielsweise in Form einer Geldausgabe ausgezahlt werden. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, dass der Person der Kauf einer entsprechenden, neuen Ware angeboten wird, wobei der Kaufpreis um den zu vergütenden Betrag für die zurückgegebene Ware reduziert wird. Die Person kann dann entscheiden, ob er sich den entsprechenden Betrag auszahlen lassen oder eine neue Ware zu einem reduzierten Preis kaufen möchte. Denkbar ist auch eine Auswahlmöglichkeit, wonach die Person den zu vergütenden Betrag ablehnt und die Ware wieder aus dem Wareneingabebereich entnimmt. Ebenso kann die Person zur Entnahme der Ware aus dem Wareneingabebereich aufgefordert werden, wenn die eingelegte Ware nicht identifiziert werden konnte.A person can insert a returned product, in particular a blank printer ink cartridge in the goods input area. With the identification device is detected which goods, for example, which type of cartridge with respect to manufacturer, printer model and color, it is. If the goods are recognized as a goods stored in the data store and stored in the goods stock, an amount displayed for this product can be displayed on a display of the user interface. This can be paid out, for example, in the form of a cash withdrawal. However, it is It is also possible that the person is offered the purchase of a corresponding, new product, the purchase price is reduced by the amount to be refunded for the returned goods. The person can then decide whether he wants to withdraw the corresponding amount or buy a new product at a reduced price. It is also conceivable a choice, according to which the person rejects the amount to be reimbursed and takes the goods back from the goods input area. Similarly, the person may be requested to remove the goods from the goods input area, if the inserted goods could not be identified.
Wenn sich die Person für eine Vergütung für die Ware entschieden hat, wird die Ware aus dem Wareneingabebereich in einen Sammelbehälter überführt, damit der Wareneingabebereich für den nächsten Eingabevorgang wieder frei ist. Dabei können auch mehrere Sammelbehälter vorgesehen sein, die wechselweise angesteuert werden, um verschiedenartige Waren vorsortiert sammeln zu können oder nicht identifizierte Waren, die von der Person nicht wieder entnommen wurden, als Abfallartikel getrennt von den Waren, für die eine Vergütung durchgeführt wurde, zu sammeln.If the person has decided to pay for the goods, the goods are transferred from the goods input area into a collection container, so that the goods input area for the next input operation is free again. In this case, a plurality of collection containers may be provided, which are alternately driven to collect different types of goods pre-sorted or unidentified goods that were not taken back by the person to collect as waste separately from the goods for which a remuneration has been carried out ,
Somit ergibt sich eine universelle Einsatzmöglichkeit des erfindungsgemäßen Warenautomates. Es können in herkömmlicher Weise Waren gekauft werden, ohne die Rückgabefunktionalität zu nutzen. Zudem können Waren zurückgegeben werden, um sich einen Vergütungsbetrag auszahlen oder gutschreiben zu lassen, oder es kann die Rückgabe in Verbindung mit einem Neukauf genutzt werden, wobei hierbei der Kaufpreis für die neue Ware um einen Gutschriftsbetrag für die zurückgegebene Ware reduziert wird.This results in a universal application of the invention Warenautomates. Goods can be purchased in a conventional manner without using the return functionality. In addition, goods may be returned to pay or credit a compensation amount, or the return may be used in conjunction with a new purchase, thereby reducing the purchase price of the new goods by a credit amount for the returned goods.
Es ist somit ein Anreiz geschaffen, wiederverwertbare Waren wie insbesondere leere Drucker-Tintenpatronen, an den Warenautomaten zurückzugeben und einer Wiederverwertung zuzuführen, wodurch auch ein Beitrag zur Müllvermeidung geleistet wird.It is thus created an incentive, recyclable goods such as in particular empty printer ink cartridges to return to the vending machine and to recycle, thereby also contributing to the prevention of waste is made.
Die Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung kann auch dazu ausgelegt sein, mehrere Waren nacheinander innerhalb eines Benutzervorgangs einlegen und erkennen zu lassen, so dass die Rückgabe mehrerer Waren unter Auszahlung oder Gutschrift des summierten Vergütungsbetrages und/oder der Kauf mehrerer Waren schneller und komfortabler durchgeführt werden können.The data processing device can also be designed to insert and recognize several goods one after the other within a user process, so that the return of several goods can be carried out more quickly and conveniently by paying out or crediting the total amount of the payment and / or purchasing several goods.
Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat kann insbesondere zur Rücknahme und zum Verkauf von Drucker-Tintenpatronen ausgebildet sein. Möglich ist der Einsatz eines entsprechenden Warenautomates jedoch auch für eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Waren, beispielsweise für Mobiltelefone, Elektro-Kleingeräte, Batterien usw., so dass für diese Waren ein Kreislaufsystem gebildet werden kann. Verschiedene zurückgebbare Waren müssen sich lediglich in zumindest einem visualisierbaren Merkmal unterscheiden.The vending machine according to the invention can be designed in particular for the return and for sale of printer ink cartridges. However, the use of a corresponding Warenautomates is also possible for a variety of different goods, such as mobile phones, small electrical appliances, batteries, etc., so that a circulatory system can be formed for these goods. Different returnable goods only have to differ in at least one visualizable feature.
Zwar kennt man auch bereits Rückgabeautomaten für Pfandflaschen. Diese ermöglichen jedoch nur eine Rückgabe der Flaschen, ohne direkt einen neuen Artikel kaufen zu können. Zudem erfolgt an diesen Rückgabeautomaten lediglich eine Ausgabe eines Pfandbons, der an der Kasse eines Ladengeschäfts, in dem der Rückgabeautomat aufgestellt ist, eingelöst werden kann. Ein autonomer Betrieb eines solchen Rückgabeautomates ist somit nicht möglich und auch nicht vorgesehen. Der erfindungsgemäße Warenautomat kann hingegen unabhängig von einem Ladengeschäft betrieben werden und somit auch an öffentlichen Plätzen aufgestellt und betrieben werden und ermöglicht dabei wahlweise den Kauf, die Rückgabe oder die Kombination einer Rückgabe mit dem Kauf einer Ware.Although one knows also already return machines for returnable bottles. However, these only allow the bottles to be returned without being able to buy a new item directly. In addition, only an issue of a deposit, which can be redeemed at the cash register of a shop, in which the return machine is set up, takes place at these return machines. An autonomous operation of such a return device is thus not possible and not provided. The automatic vending machine according to the invention, however, can be operated independently of a shop and thus set up and operated in public places and allows either the purchase, the return or the combination of a Return with the purchase of a product.
Es ist zweckmäßig, wenn der Wareneingabebereich eine mittels eines zwischen einer Offenstellung und einer Schließstellung verstellbaren Schließelements verschließbare Einführöffnung aufweist. Die Einführöffnung ermöglicht einerseits ein einfaches Einlegen der Ware. Andererseits kann der Wareneingabebereich durch das Schließelement verschlossen werden, so dass der Wareneingabebereich nur dann zugänglich ist, wenn eine Person die Rückgabe einer Ware dem Warenautomat über die Benutzerschnittstelle mitgeteilt hat und ansonsten bleibt der Wareneingabebereich durch das Schließelement verschlossen und somit geschützt. Ein Verschließen des Wareneingabebereichs kann auch sinnvoll sein, um Störeinflüsse wie undefinierten Lichteinfall während der Waren-Identifizierung zu vermeiden.It is expedient for the goods input area to have an insertion opening that can be closed by means of an adjustable closing element between an open position and a closed position. The insertion on the one hand allows easy insertion of the goods. On the other hand, the goods input area can be closed by the closing element, so that the goods input area is only accessible if a person has communicated the return of goods to the vending machine via the user interface and otherwise the goods input area remains closed by the closing element and thus protected. Closing the goods input area can also be useful to avoid interference such as undefined light incidence during the goods identification.
Die Identifizierungseinrichtung kann ein optisches Erkennungssystem, beispielsweise eine Kamera, aufweisen.The identification device may comprise an optical recognition system, for example a camera.
Dabei kann die Identifizierungsvorrichtung insbesondere für eine Barcode-Erkennung, eine dreidimensionale Oberflächenanalyse, ein 3D-Matching, eine Logo-Erkennung, eine OCR-Erkennung und/oder eine Farberkennung ausgebildet sein.In this case, the identification device can be designed in particular for a barcode recognition, a three-dimensional surface analysis, a 3D matching, a logo recognition, an OCR recognition and / or a color recognition.
Die einzelnen Erkennungssysteme können jeweils einzeln oder vorzugsweise in Kombination miteinander vorgesehen sein, um die jeweilige Ware zuverlässig und eindeutig identifizieren zu können. Eine Vielzahl von Produkten trägt an der Außenseite einen Barcode, der eine eindeutige Identifizierung ermöglicht. Falls ein solcher Barcode nicht vorhanden oder nicht lesbar ist, kann die Identifizierung beispielsweise durch eine Logo-Erkennung erfolgen. Mit einer Kamera wird die Oberfläche der Ware erfasst und auf das Vorhandensein von Logos oder dergleichen Erkennungsmerkmalen untersucht. Wird von der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung eine Übereinstimmung mit einem im Datenspeicher hinterlegten Logo oder einer Erkennungsmarke ermittelt, so kann die Ware eindeutig identifiziert werden. Ebenso kann Text mittels einer OCR-Erkennung analysiert und die Ware so identifiziert werden. Bestimmte Waren können auch farbige Markierungen aufweisen, die zur eindeutigen Identifizierung herangezogen werden können, wenn solche Farb-Markierungen erkannt werden.The individual recognition systems can each be provided individually or preferably in combination with one another in order to reliably and unambiguously identify the respective product. A large number of products carry a barcode on the outside, which enables unambiguous identification. If such a barcode is not present or unreadable, the identification can be done for example by a logo recognition. With a camera, the surface of the goods is detected and examined for the presence of logos or the like recognition features. Is from the data processing device determines a match with a stored in the data store logo or a dog tag, so the goods can be clearly identified. Likewise, text can be analyzed by means of an OCR recognition and the goods can thus be identified. Certain goods may also have colored markings that can be used for unambiguous identification when such color markers are detected.
Die Waren-Identifizierung kann auch über eine Oberflächenanalyse erfolgen, indem die Oberfläche der Ware dreidimensional abgetastet und ein Vergleich dieses 3D-Modells mit entsprechenden Daten des Datenspeichers verglichen wird. Dabei kann eine exakte Abtastung der Konturen erfolgen oder eine Ermittlung der lichten Abmessungen der Ware in allen drei Raumkoordinaten durchgeführt werden, wodurch praktisch ein kleinstmöglicher, virtueller Quader um die Ware gelegt wird. Dieses 3D-Matching kann auch als Plausibilitätskontrolle eingesetzt werden, um beispielsweise gegenzuprüfen, ob ein erkannter Barcode zu der eingelegten Ware passt, oder ob ein Betrugsversuch durch Anbringen eines gefälschten Barcodes an einem wertlosen Gegenstand vorliegt. Dabei kann ein gewisser Toleranzbereich zugelassen sein. Wenn die Abweichungstoleranzen zwischen der erkannten Ware und einer Waren-Information im Datenspeicher zu groß sind, so kann die betreffende Ware als nicht erkannt klassifiziert werden.The goods identification can also take place via a surface analysis by scanning the surface of the goods three-dimensionally and comparing a comparison of this 3D model with corresponding data of the data memory. In this case, an exact scanning of the contours can be carried out or a determination of the clear dimensions of the goods in all three space coordinates can be carried out, whereby practically a smallest possible, virtual cuboid is placed around the goods. This 3D matching can also be used as a plausibility check, for example, to check whether a recognized barcode matches the loaded goods, or whether there is a fraud attempt by attaching a forged barcode to a worthless item. In this case, a certain tolerance range can be allowed. If the deviation tolerances between the recognized goods and a goods information in the data store are too large, then the relevant goods can be classified as unrecognized.
Es ist vorteilhaft, wenn der Wareneingabebereich ein drehbar gelagertes Auflageelement mit zumindest zwei etwa V- oder L-förmig angeordneten Auflageplatten für eine Ware aufweist.It is advantageous if the goods input area has a rotatably mounted support element with at least two approximately V- or L-shaped support plates for a product.
Die Ware kann so in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegt werden, dass sie mit einer Seite auf einer der Auflageplatten aufliegt. Wenn die Identifizierungsvorrichtung die Ware in dieser Lage nicht identifizieren kann, so kann das Auflageelement gedreht werden, bis die Ware an der anderen Auflageplatte anliegt und somit die zuvor verdeckte Seite der Ware für die Identifizierungsvorrichtung sichtbar wird. Somit ist es auf konstruktiv einfache und somit kostengünstige Weise möglich, die Ware von mehreren Seiten abtasten zu können.The goods can be placed in the goods input area so that it rests with one side on one of the support plates. If the identification device the goods in this Situation can not identify, so the support element can be rotated until the goods rests against the other support plate and thus the previously hidden side of the goods for the identification device is visible. Thus, it is possible in a structurally simple and thus cost-effective manner to be able to scan the goods from several sides.
Zudem ist es möglich, durch Drehen des Auflageelements in die eine oder die andere Richtung die aufgelegte Ware wahlweise in einen von zwei, unterhalb des Wareneingabebereichs nebeneinander angeordneten Sammelbehältern fallen zu lassen, und so Gutteile, die wiederverwendet werden können und Schlechtteile, die von der Identifizierungseinrichtung nicht erkannt werden konnten und/oder die nicht wieder verwendbar sind, getrennt sammeln zu können.In addition, it is possible, by rotating the support element in one direction or the other, to drop the laid-up product optionally into one of two collection containers arranged next to one another below the goods input area, and thus good parts which can be reused and bad parts which are picked up by the identification device could not be detected and / or are not reusable, to collect separately.
Dabei ist es zweckmäßig, wenn das Auflageelement vier etwa kreuzförmig angeordnete Auflageplatten zur Bildung von vier in Drehrichtung hintereinander angeordneten Eingabefächern aufweist. Dies ermöglicht ein Kippen der Ware, um diese von verschiedenen Seiten abtasten zu können, mit einer geringen Drehbewegung, wodurch die Erkennungsgeschwindigkeit erhöht werden kann. Ebenso ist nur eine kurze Stellbewegung erforderlich, um das Auflageelement nach dem Abwerfen einer Ware in einen Sammelbehälter wieder in eine zum Einlegen einer neuen Ware geeigneten Position zu bringen.It is expedient if the support element has four approximately cross-shaped support plates to form four in the direction of rotation successively arranged input compartments. This allows a tilting of the goods to scan from different sides, with a small rotational movement, whereby the recognition speed can be increased. Likewise, only a short adjusting movement is required to bring the support element after dropping a product into a collecting container back into a suitable position for loading a new product.
Es ist vorteilhaft, wenn die Oberflächen der Auflageplatten weiß sind. Durch die sich dadurch ergebenden Kontraste der Ware gegenüber den Auflageplatten ist ein verbessertes Ergebnis bei der optischen Identifizierung der Ware möglich.It is advantageous if the surfaces of the support plates are white. Due to the resulting contrasts of the product compared to the support plates an improved result in the optical identification of the goods is possible.
Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform sieht vor, dass das Auflageelement und das Schließelement um eine gemeinsame Drehachse drehbar sind, und dass dazu eine Hohlwelle und eine darin gelagerte Welle vorgesehen sind, die jeweils mit dem Auflageelement oder dem Schließelement verbunden sind. Dies ermöglicht eine einfache und platzsparende Konstruktion und eine einfache Positionierung des Auflageelements und des Schließelements.A preferred embodiment provides that the support element and the closing element about a common axis of rotation are rotatable, and in that a hollow shaft and a shaft mounted therein are provided, which are respectively connected to the support element or the closing element. This allows a simple and space-saving design and easy positioning of the support element and the closing element.
Es ist auch möglich, dass das Auflageelement eine Waage aufweist, um die Ware anhand ihres Gewichtes zu identifizieren beziehungsweise eine Plausibilitätskontrolle durchzuführen.It is also possible that the support element has a scale to identify the goods based on their weight or perform a plausibility check.
Ein weiterführender Erfindungsgedanke sieht vor, dass eine Netzwerkschnittstelle zur Anbindung des Warenautomaten an ein Netzwerk vorgesehen ist.A further inventive concept provides that a network interface is provided for connecting the vending machine to a network.
Dies ermöglicht zahlreiche Anwendungen. Beispielsweise kann der Warenautomat mit einem Datenbank-Rechner verbunden oder verbindbar sein zum Abrufen von Verfügbarkeitsinformationen zu einer jeweiligen Ware. Der Warenautomat kann dem Datenbank-Rechner den jeweiligen Status des Warenvorrates übermitteln, so dass ein gezieltes Versorgen des Warenautomates mit fehlenden Waren möglich ist.This allows numerous applications. For example, the vending machine can be connected to a database computer or connectable for retrieving availability information about a respective product. The vending machine can transmit to the database computer the respective status of the stock of goods, so that a targeted provision of the goods machine with missing goods is possible.
Ebenso können Status- und Störungsmeldungen des Warenautomates übermittelt oder von dem Datenbank-Rechner abgefragt werden. Es ist auch möglich, mehrere Warenautomaten miteinander zu vernetzen, um einen Kunden an einen anderen Warenautomaten mit entsprechender Waren-Verfügbarkeit zu verweisen, falls die von ihm gewünschte Ware an dem jeweiligen Warenautomaten vergriffen sein sollte. Die einzelnen Warenautomaten können dabei entweder direkt oder indirekt über einen zentralen Datenbank-Rechner miteinander kommunizieren. Denkbar ist auch eine Anbindung an ein Internet-Bestellsystem, bei dem ein Kunde über das Internet einen bestimmten Artikel reservieren und an einem gewünschten Warenautomaten abholen kann.Likewise, status and fault messages of the goods machine can be transmitted or queried by the database computer. It is also possible to network several vending machines together in order to refer a customer to another vending machine with corresponding availability of goods, if the goods desired by him should be out of stock at the respective vending machine. The individual vending machines can communicate with each other either directly or indirectly via a central database computer. Also conceivable is a connection to an Internet ordering system, in which a customer over the Internet reserve a specific item and pick up at a desired vending machine.
Die Benutzerschnittstelle kann ein Display, eine Tastatur, ein Touchscreen, einen Münzeinwurf, eine Scheinzuführung, ein Kartenlesegerät und/oder ein Geldausgabefach aufweisen. Somit sind vielfältige Bedienungsarten möglich. Über ein Display können mögliche Bedienungsschritte angezeigt werden, und über eine Tastatur können entsprechende Eingaben getätigt werden. Das Display kann auch als Touchscreen ausgebildet sein, so dass eine separate Tastatur als Eingabemedium entfallen kann. Für Bezahlvorgänge können in üblicher Weise ein Münzeinwurf, eine Scheinzuführung für Geldscheine und/oder ein Kartenlesegerät zur bargeldlosen Bezahlung vorgesehen sein. Wechselgeld kann über ein Geldausgabefach zurückgegeben werden.The user interface may include a display, a keyboard, a touch screen, a coin slot, a bill dispenser, a card reader, and / or a cash dispenser. Thus, many different types of operation are possible. Via a display, possible operating steps can be displayed, and corresponding inputs can be made via a keyboard. The display can also be designed as a touchscreen, so that a separate keyboard can be omitted as an input medium. For payment transactions can be provided in a conventional manner a coin, a bill for bills and / or a card reader for cashless payment. Change can be returned via a cash dispenser.
Das Kartenlesegerät kann auch zum Auslesen von Kundenkarten vorgesehen sein. Dies ermöglicht eine individuelle Steuerung des Warenautomates. Anhand der Daten eines Nutzerprofils, die auf der Kundenkarte oder in einer zentralen Datenbank gespeichert sein können und im letzteren Fall durch Einstecken der Kundenkarte in das Kartenlesegerät und vorzugsweise nach Eingabe einer PIN abgerufen werden können, ist es möglich, beispielsweise von dem jeweiligen Kunden häufig gekaufte oder die zuletzt gekaufte Ware erneut anzubieten, um den Einkaufsvorgang zu beschleunigen. Gegebenenfalls kann auch ein Treue-Bonus-System vorgesehen sein, um beispielsweise nach einer bestimmten Anzahl von Einkäufen einen Sonderrabatt zu gewähren.The card reader may also be provided for reading customer cards. This allows individual control of the Warenautomates. On the basis of the data of a user profile that can be stored on the customer card or in a central database and in the latter case can be retrieved by inserting the customer card into the card reader and preferably after entering a PIN, it is possible, for example, frequently purchased by the respective customer or to re-offer the last purchased goods in order to accelerate the purchasing process. Optionally, a loyalty bonus system may be provided to grant, for example, after a certain number of purchases a special discount.
Es kann zweckmäßig sein, wenn der Warenvorrat mehrere, miteinander kaskadierbare Warenvorrats-Module aufweist. Der Warenautomat kann so hinsichtlich Warenverfügbarkeit und Anzahl der verschiedenen angebotenen Waren an die jeweiligen Erfordernisse angepasst werden. Es können beispielsweise bis zu 64 Warenvorrats-Module miteinander gekoppelt werden, um eine breite Produktpalette anbieten zu können. Zum Aufstellen eines Warenautomates an Standorten mit beengten Platzverhältnissen können dagegen weniger oder auch nur ein einziges Warenvorrats-Modul vorgesehen sein.It may be expedient if the stock of goods has a plurality of goods storage modules which can be cascaded with one another. The vending machine can be adapted to the respective requirements in terms of product availability and number of different goods offered. It can, for example, up to 64 Inventory modules are coupled together to offer a wide range of products. For setting up a Warenautomates in locations with limited space, however, less or even a single goods storage module may be provided.
Dabei ist es möglich, dass jedes Warenvorrats-Modul einen eigenen Warenausgabe-Bereich aufweist. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, dass die Warenausgabevorrichtung eine Einrichtung zum Transportieren der gewünschten Ware von dem jeweiligen Warenvorrats-Modul hin zu einem zentralen Warenausgabe-Bereich, insbesondere im Bereich der Benutzerschnittstelle aufweist, so dass ein Kunde die gekaufte Ware dort aus dem Warenautomat entnehmen kann.It is possible that each goods storage module has its own goods issue area. However, it is also possible for the goods issue device to have a device for transporting the desired goods from the respective goods store module to a central goods issue area, in particular in the area of the user interface, so that a customer can remove the purchased goods there from the vending machine ,
Vorteilhaft kann es sein, wenn der Wareneingabebereich ein drehbar gelagertes Auflageelement mit zumindest zwei etwa V-oder L-förmig angeordneten Auflageplatten für eine Ware aufweist.
Wie bereits zuvor beschrieben, kann die Ware so in den Wareneingabebereich eingelegt werden, dass sie mit einer Seite auf einer der Auflageplatten aufliegt. Wenn eine Identifizierungsvorrichtung die Ware in dieser Lage nicht identifizieren kann, so kann das Auflageelement gedreht werden, bis die Ware an der anderen Auflageplatte anliegt und somit die zuvor verdeckte Seite der Ware für die Identifizierungsvorrichtung sichtbar wird. Somit ist es auf konstruktiv einfache und somit kostengünstige Weise möglich, die Ware von mehreren Seiten abtasten zu können.It may be advantageous if the goods input area has a rotatably mounted support element with at least two approximately V-shaped or L-shaped support plates for a product.
As already described above, the goods can be placed in the goods input area so that it rests with one side on one of the support plates. If an identification device can not identify the goods in this position, then the support element can be rotated until the goods rests against the other support plate and thus the previously hidden side of the goods for the identification device is visible. Thus, it is possible in a structurally simple and thus cost-effective manner to be able to scan the goods from several sides.
Zudem ist es möglich, durch Drehen des Auflageelements in die eine oder die andere Richtung die aufgelegte Ware wahlweise in einen von zwei, unterhalb des Wareneingabebereichs nebeneinander angeordneten Sammelbehältern fallen zu lassen, und so Gutteile, die wiederverwendet werden können und Schlechtteile, die von der Identifizierungseinrichtung nicht erkannt werden konnten und/oder die nicht wieder verwendbar sind, getrennt sammeln zu können.In addition, it is possible by rotation of the support element in one or the other direction to drop the launched goods either in one of two, below the goods input area adjacent collecting containers, and so good parts that can be reused and bad parts that could not be recognized by the identification device and / or are not reusable to be able to collect separately.
Dabei ist es zweckmäßig, wenn das Auflageelement vier etwa kreuzförmig angeordnete Auflageplatten zur Bildung von vier in Drehrichtung hintereinander angeordneten Eingabefächern aufweist. Dies ermöglicht ein Kippen der Ware, um diese von verschiedenen Seiten abtasten zu können, mit einer geringen Drehbewegung, wodurch die Erkennungsgeschwindigkeit erhöht werden kann. Ebenso ist nur eine kurze Stellbewegung erforderlich, um das Auflageelement nach dem Abwerfen einer Ware in einen Sammelbehälter wieder in eine zum Einlegen einer neuen Ware geeigneten Position zu bringen.It is expedient if the support element has four approximately cross-shaped support plates to form four in the direction of rotation successively arranged input compartments. This allows a tilting of the goods to scan from different sides, with a small rotational movement, whereby the recognition speed can be increased. Likewise, only a short adjusting movement is required to bring the support element after dropping a product into a collecting container back into a suitable position for loading a new product.
Es ist vorteilhaft, wenn die Oberflächen der Auflageplatten weiß sind. Durch die sich dadurch ergebenden Kontraste der Ware gegenüber den Auflageplatten ist ein verbessertes Ergebnis bei der optischen Identifizierung der Ware möglich.It is advantageous if the surfaces of the support plates are white. Due to the resulting contrasts of the product compared to the support plates an improved result in the optical identification of the goods is possible.
Nachstehend ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Warenautomates und eines Wareneingabebereichs anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert.Hereinafter, an embodiment of a Warenautomates invention and a goods input area is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.
Es zeigt:
- Fig. 1
- eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Warenautomates,
- Fig. 2
- eine perspektivische Ansicht des Wareneingabebereichs des Warenautomates aus
Figur 1 , - Fig. 3 bis Fig. 6
- verschiedene Seitenansichten des Wareneingabebereichs aus
Figur 2 , - Fig. 7 und Fig. 8
- perspektivische Ansichten des Auflageelementes des Wareneingabebereichs mit einem Schließelement,
- Fig. 9 bis Fig. 11
- verschiedene Seitenansichten des Auflageelements mit Schließelement,
- Fig. 12
- eine Schnittdarstellung des Auflageelements mit Schließelement,
- Fig. 13
- eine perspektivische Ansicht des Auflageelements unter Weglassung der Auflageplatten,
- Fig. 14
- eine Schnittdarstellung des Auflageelements mit Schließelement,
- Fig. 15
- einen Warenautomaten, der zur Bevorratung einer Vielzahl von Waren eine Mehrzahl von Warenträgern hat, wobei der Warenautomat eine Identifizierungs-vorrichtung zur Erkennung von, in einen Wareneingabebereich eingelegter Altware hat, und wobei den Warenträgern oder einer Gruppe von Warenträgern jeweils zumindest ein Signalgeber zugeordnet ist, derart, dass nach Identifizierung einer in den Wareneingabebereich des Warenautomaten eingelegten Altware der Signalgeber oder die Signalgeber eines Warenträgers oder einer Gruppe von Warenträgern aktiviert wird/aktiviert werden, der/die zur Bevorratung einer der Altware zugeordneten Ware bestimmt ist/sind, und
- Fig. 16
- einen der Warenträger des in
Fig. 15 gezeigten Warenautomaten in einer perspektivischen Darstellung.
- Fig. 1
- a perspective view of a Warenautomates,
- Fig. 2
- a perspective view of the goods input area of the Warenautomates from
FIG. 1 . - Fig. 3 to Fig. 6
- different side views of the goods input area
FIG. 2 . - FIGS. 7 and 8
- perspective views of the support element of the goods input area with a closing element,
- Fig. 9 to Fig. 11
- different side views of the support element with closing element,
- Fig. 12
- a sectional view of the support element with closing element,
- Fig. 13
- a perspective view of the support element with omission of the support plates,
- Fig. 14
- a sectional view of the support element with closing element,
- Fig. 15
- a vending machine which has a plurality of goods carriers for stocking a plurality of goods, the vending machine having an identification device for recognizing used goods inserted in a goods input area, and wherein at least one signal generator is assigned to the goods carriers or to a group of goods carriers in such a way that, after identification of an old item inserted into the goods input area of the vending machine, the signal generator or the signal generator of a goods carrier or a group of goods carriers is / are activated, which is / are intended for stocking a product assigned to the old item, and
- Fig. 16
- one of the goods carriers of the
Fig. 15 shown vending machine in a perspective view.
Ein im Ganzen mit 1 bezeichneter Warenautomat weist gemäß
Die Benutzerschnittstelle 3 weist insbesondere ein Touchscreen 8 auf, über das Benutzereingaben sowie die Anzeige von Informationen für einen Benutzer erfolgen. Zudem sind seitlich weitere Bestandteile der Benutzerschnittstelle 3 schematisch dargestellt, insbesondere ein Münzeinwurf 9, eine Scheinzuführung 10 für Geldscheine, ein Kartenlesegerät 11 für Kredit- oder Kundenkarten sowie ein Geldausgabefach 12.The user interface 3 has, in particular, a touchscreen 8 via which user inputs and the display of information for a user take place. In addition, laterally further components of the user interface 3 are shown schematically, in particular a coin slot 9, a
Der Warenautomat 1 ermöglicht es, eine Ware 13, beispielsweise eine verbrauchte Drucker-Tintenpatrone, über den Wareneingabebereich 4 zurückzugeben, eine neue Ware zu kaufen oder diese beiden Vorgänge miteinander zu kombinieren.
Der jeweilige Vorgang, Neukauf oder Rückgabe einer Ware, oder die Kombination beider Vorgänge, kann über das Tochscreen 8 ausgewählt werden.
Zur Rückgabe einer Ware 13 wird diese durch eine Einführöffnung 14 des Wareneingabebereichs 4 auf ein Auflageelement 15 gelegt. Nach einer nachstehend näher erläuterten Identifizierung der Ware 13 kann dem Benutzer über das Touchscreen 8 ein Vergütungspreis für die Ware 13 angeboten werden, die der Benutzer über eine entsprechende Eingabe am Touchscreen 8 akzeptieren kann. Der Vergütungsbetrag kann dem Benutzer dann über das Geldausgabefach 12 bar ausbezahlt werden. Möglich ist auch eine Gutschrift auf einer Kundenkarte, die über das Kartenlesegerät 11 ausgelesen werden kann.
Denkbar ist auch eine Konstellation, in der der Benutzer das Vergütungsangebot ablehnt und die Ware 13 ohne Auszahlung eines Vergütungsbetrages aus dem Wareneingabebereich 4 wieder entnehmen kann.The vending machine 1 makes it possible to return a
The respective process, new purchase or return of a product, or the combination of both processes, can be selected via the touchscreen 8.
To return a
It is also conceivable a constellation in which the user rejects the remuneration offer and the
Bevorzugt findet jedoch eine Rückgabe einer Ware 13 in Verbindung mit einem Neukauf statt. Dabei wird über eine nicht näher dargestellte Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung geprüft, ob die zurückgegebene Ware 13 als Neu-Produkt in dem Warenvorrat 2 vorrätig ist und diese dann am Touchscreen 8 zum Kauf angeboten, wobei sich der Kaufpreis für diese Ware um den Vergütungsbetrag für die zurückgegeben Ware 13 reduziert. Wenn der Benutzer dieses Kaufangebot über entsprechende Eingaben am Touchscreen 8 annimmt, so wird er zur Bezahlung über den Münzeinwurf 9, die Scheinzuführung 10 oder für eine bargeldlose Zahlung durch Eingabe einer entsprechenden Bankkarte am Kartenlesegerät 11 aufgefordert. Nach erfolgter Bezahlung wird die gekaufte Ware an einer der Warenausgabevorrichtungen 6 ausgegeben.Preferably, however, a return of a
Selbstverständlich ist es auch möglich, eine neue Ware aus dem Warenvorrat 2 zu kaufen, ohne zuvor eine Ware 13 über den Wareneingabebereich 4 zurückzugeben. Ebenso ist es möglich, mehrere Waren in einem Einkaufsvorgang zu kaufen, zurückzugeben und/oder einen anderen Warentyp als die zurückgegebene Ware(n) 13 neu zu kaufen.Of course, it is also possible to buy a new product from the stock of
In den
Das Auflageelement 15 weist vier etwa kreuzförmig angeordnete Auflageplatten 17 auf, durch die vier in Drehrichtung hintereinander angeordnete Eingabefächer gebildet sind, von denen jeweils eines in Einlege-Position im Bereich der Einführöffnung 14 anordenbar ist.In the
The
Eine zurückzugebende Ware 13 wird in den Wareneingabebereich 4 eingelegt, so dass die Ware 13 mit einer Seite an einer der Auflageplatten 17 anliegt (
Falls die Ware 13 zunächst nicht identifiziert werden kann, beispielsweise weil der Benutzer die Ware 13 mit dem Barcode auf die Auflageplatte 17 gelegt hat, kann das Auflageelement 15 soweit gedreht werden, bis die Ware 13 kippt und auf der anderen Auflageplatte 17 des jeweiligen Eingabefachs aufliegt. Somit kann die zunächst verdeckte Seite der Ware 13 von der Kamera erfasst werden. Zudem kann die Lageveränderung der Ware 13 bei der dreidimensionalen Konturerfassung helfen.If the
Damit zwischen Auflageplatte 17 und Ware 13 ein guter Kontrast besteht und umso die Erkennungsrate zu optimieren sind die Oberflächen der Auflageplatten 17 weiß.So that a good contrast exists between the
Nach dem Identifizierungsvorgang kann das Auflageelement 15 soweit gedreht werden, dass die aufliegende Ware 13 in einen unterhalb des Auflageelements 15 angeordneten, nicht dargestellten Sammelbehälter fällt. Somit ist das Auflageelement 15 frei zum Einlegen einer weiteren Ware und die gesammelten Waren können einfach über den Sammelbehälter aus dem Warenautomat 1 entfernt werden.
Dabei ist es möglich, zwei Sammelbehälter nebeneinander anzuordnen, in die Waren wahlweise zugeführt werden. Dies kann erreicht werden durch Drehen des Auflageelements 15 wahlweise in die eine oder die andere Richtung. Somit ist es beispielsweise möglich, unterschiedliche Waren getrennt zu sammeln, oder solche Waren, für die eine Vergütung ausbezahlt oder verrechnet wurde, getrennt von solchen Waren zu sammeln, die nicht identifiziert werden konnten und somit für den Recyclingprozess ungeeignet sind.After the identification process, the
It is possible to arrange two collection containers side by side, are optionally supplied to the goods. This can be achieved by rotating the
Um einerseits störende Lichteinflüsse über die Einführöffnung 14 bei der Identifizierung der Ware 13 und andererseits Verletzungen durch Eingreifen eines Benutzers durch die Einführöffnung 14 während dem Drehen des Auflageelements 15 zu vermeiden, ist ein Schließelement 20 vorgesehen, das zwischen der Blende 16 und dem Auflageelement 15 angeordnet ist und mit dem die Einführöffnung 14 verschlossen werden kann. Die Anordnung des Schließelements 20 im Wareneingabebereich 4 ist insbesondere in
Wie insbesondere in
Das Auflageelement 15 und das Schließelement 20 sind um eine gemeinsame Drehachse 22 verdrehbar (
In
Die den Warenträgern 41 zugeordneten Signalgeber 42, 43 signalisieren die der Altware entsprechende Neuware durch ein optisches oder akustisches Signal der diese Neuware tragenden Warenträger 41.The
In
Der in den Warenautomaten 40 integrierte Wareneingabebereich kann lediglich zur Identifizierung einer nur vorübergehend eingelegten Altware bestimmt sein, möglich ist aber, dass auch hier die Altware noch ihrer Identifizierung einem Sammelbehälter zugeführt und dem Anwender gegebenenfalls gutgeschrieben wird.The integrated into the
In
Dem Warenautomaten 40 kann auch eine Verwaltungssoftware zugeordnet werden, über die der Anwender und insbesondere ein Retailer Verkaufsartikel, Daten und Preise für einen oder auch viele Warenautomaten einspielen kann. Über ein fein abgestuftes Rechtesystem können die Zugriffsrechte auf die Warenautomaten 40 an Shop-Mitarbeiter vergeben oder auf Regionalebene beziehungsweise Konzernebene verteilt werden. In
Claims (12)
- Vending machine (1, 40) which is allocated to a goods store (2) which is stored in ordered fashion by means of a plurality of goods carriers, the vending machine having a goods input region (4) for inserting used goods intended to be exchanged or repurchased,
having a data processing device and a data storage unit, having an identification device for detecting the used goods inserted into the goods input region (4), which identification device co-operates with the data processing device, and having at least one signal transducer (42, 43),
which is formed as an optically and/or acoustically signalling signal transducer (42, 43),
characterised in that a plurality of signal transducers (42, 43) are provided, which are each allocated to a goods carrier (41) or a group of goods carriers,
in that an item of used goods inserted into the goods input region (4) is detected by means of the identification device and is compared with the detection features which are allocated in the data storage unit to a stored item of new goods and the goods carriers (41) intended to store same,
in that the signal link between the data processing device and the signal transducers (42, 43) is such that, after identification of an item of used goods inserted into the goods input region (4), the signal transducer(s) (42, 43) of a goods carrier (41) or a group of goods carriers is/are activated, which goods carrier(s) is/are intended for storing new goods allocated to the used goods,
and in that the signal transducers (42, 43) allocated to the goods carriers signal the new goods corresponding to the used goods by an optical and/or acoustic signal from the freely accessible goods carriers (41) carrying these new goods. - Vending machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the vending machine has goods carriers (41) which have a protruding holding web or holding clip (44), and the goods (13) or the packaging thereof can be suspended on said holding web or holding clip (44).
- Vending machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the vending machine has goods carriers (41) which have a display (45) for displaying goods-specific data of the goods (13) stored in each case by means of the goods carrier (41).
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the vending machine (40) has goods carriers (41) which comprise at least one optical signal transducer (42).
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the vending machine (40) has at least one partition wall (46), and goods carriers (41) are fastened preferably detachably on said partition wall (46).
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the partition wall (46) of the vending machine (40) is divided into partition wall sections (47, 48), which partition wall sections (47, 48) comprise a group of goods carriers (41), and in that an optical and/or acoustic signal transducer (42, 43) is allocated to each partition wall section (47, 48).
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the vending machine (40) has goods carriers having a display (45) and/or a signal transducer (42, 43), which display (45) and/or signal transducer (42, 43) can be actuated by the data processing device via a wireless link.
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the vending machine (40) has goods carriers (41) which are connected to a transmitter/receiver unit of the data processing device via a corresponding transmitter/receiver unit.
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the transmitter/receiver unit of the goods carriers (41) is operated by a battery or cell, and in that the transmitter/receiver unit of a goods carrier (41), in the event of a load state not being reached, transmits a recharge signal to the data processing device, said recharge signal being readable at said data processing device.
- Vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the data processing device is connected to a user interface (3) for a user input depending upon the identification result of the identification device (18).
- Vending machine as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the vending machine (1, 40) comprises a collecting container for accommodating the returned goods (13) after identification thereof.
- Vending machine as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the goods input region (4) comprises an insertion opening (14) which can be closed by a closing element (20) which can be fixed between an open position and a closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL12751256T PL2740109T3 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2012-08-03 | Vending machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102011109373A DE102011109373A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2011-08-04 | Automatic vending machine e.g. beverage dispenser has collection container that receives returned goods according to goods identification result, and data processing unit connected to user interface based on identification result |
PCT/EP2012/003325 WO2013017288A2 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2012-08-03 | Vending machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2740109A2 EP2740109A2 (en) | 2014-06-11 |
EP2740109B1 true EP2740109B1 (en) | 2017-07-26 |
Family
ID=45896003
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12751256.4A Active EP2740109B1 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2012-08-03 | Vending machine |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9830763B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2740109B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6124887B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102011109373A1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK2740109T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2651158T3 (en) |
NO (1) | NO2740109T3 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2740109T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT2740109T (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013017288A2 (en) |
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CN105551143A (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2016-05-04 | 深圳低碳加科技有限公司 | Self-service beverage vending machine |
ITUA20162729A1 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2017-10-20 | Cefla Soc Cooperativa | METHOD FOR A CORRECT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANOGRAM WITHIN SALE POINTS |
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CN108154597A (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2018-06-12 | 汤维 | A kind of commodity transaction control system that can be achieved to give back automatically and storage medium |
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US10535214B2 (en) * | 2018-05-22 | 2020-01-14 | Pepsico, Inc. | Compact vending machine |
CN110706402B (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2022-02-15 | 杭州海康威视系统技术有限公司 | Self-service vending method, system, container, mobile terminal and server |
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EP3951729A1 (en) * | 2020-08-04 | 2022-02-09 | Markus Mayer | Storage system for buying containers filled with carbon dioxide and for returning empty fillable containers |
CN113066224B (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2022-07-15 | 农夫山泉股份有限公司 | Empty bottle and can recycling machine and recycling method thereof |
DE102021200745A1 (en) | 2021-01-28 | 2022-07-28 | Sielaff GmbH & Co. KG Automatenbau Herrieden | combination vending machine |
KR102490217B1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2023-01-18 | 이화여자대학교 산학협력단 | Smart vending machine system and waste collection method using the same |
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- 2012-08-03 ES ES12751256.4T patent/ES2651158T3/en active Active
- 2012-08-03 NO NO12751256A patent/NO2740109T3/no unknown
- 2012-08-03 PL PL12751256T patent/PL2740109T3/en unknown
- 2012-08-03 DK DK12751256.4T patent/DK2740109T3/en active
- 2012-08-03 EP EP12751256.4A patent/EP2740109B1/en active Active
- 2012-08-03 PT PT127512564T patent/PT2740109T/en unknown
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2740109A2 (en) | 2014-06-11 |
NO2740109T3 (en) | 2017-12-23 |
PL2740109T3 (en) | 2018-02-28 |
ES2651158T3 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
DK2740109T3 (en) | 2017-11-13 |
US20140172159A1 (en) | 2014-06-19 |
DE102011109373A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
WO2013017288A3 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
US9830763B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 |
JP2014522050A (en) | 2014-08-28 |
JP6124887B2 (en) | 2017-05-10 |
PT2740109T (en) | 2017-11-10 |
WO2013017288A2 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
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