IL284932A - Remotely controllable article dispensing and depository systems, devices, and methods - Google Patents
Remotely controllable article dispensing and depository systems, devices, and methodsInfo
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- IL284932A IL284932A IL284932A IL28493221A IL284932A IL 284932 A IL284932 A IL 284932A IL 284932 A IL284932 A IL 284932A IL 28493221 A IL28493221 A IL 28493221A IL 284932 A IL284932 A IL 284932A
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- article
- machine
- item
- dispensing device
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 49
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 claims description 18
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- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000306 recurrent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 5
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- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000013334 alcoholic beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 235000019505 tobacco product Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008186 active pharmaceutical agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001476 alcoholic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021270 cold food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
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- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 235000019520 non-alcoholic beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/18—Payment architectures involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/32—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using wireless devices
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- 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
- G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
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- 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
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- 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
- G07F9/006—Details of the software used for the vending machines
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- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
Description
Remotely Controllable Article Dispensing and Depository Systems, Devices, And Methods Related Applications This application claims the benefit of US Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 15/700,242 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/423,208 filed on November 17, 2016. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of and is incorporated by reference in the disclosure of this application.
Field of the Invention The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates generally to selectable article dispensing systems, and more particularly to systems that can be controlled remotely to deliver selected items and information to and from a person using the system and to provide inventory management and operational status information for the system manager. According to some embodiments, the invention is applicable to vending machine systems that can be activated using smart devices.For purposes of the following description, vending machine systems according to the invention will sometimes be referred to as "Market Merchandising Element Dispensing Systems" or "MMEDS". The term "user" is to be understood to apply to individuals seeking to obtain a selected item from an article dispensing system according to the invention. The term "system manager" is to be understood as including entities that own or service the system, while suppliers of articles available for selection by a user, are referred to as brand owners.
Background of the Invention Vending machines and other merchandising element dispensing machines have long been known in the art. Typically, these devices were coin operated dispensing machines which dispensed a selected product after cash was introduced into a money box. In some cases, they were mechanically activated, as by pulling a selected lever. More modern machines were operated electrically, for example, with a keypad.
With the advent of cellular telephones and the growing popularity of other portable smart devices, merchandising element dispensing machines were developed that dispensed a selected product after payment via a cellular phone account or using a credit card.However, these machines were actuated and maintained as individual machines, with no contact or intercommunication with one another or with a central hub. Typically, a vendor and/or machine manager would visit each machine to determine which products were dispensed and must be replaced. Vending machine companies would benefit greatly from a system that would allow remote inventory management,Further, while targeted marketing (i.e., directing advertising to potential patrons according to their apparent interests) has adapted itself easily to the online world though mechanisms such as social media and internet search engines, this has essentially eluded the vending machine industry. Gaining this capability would also greatly benefit the industry.The present invention seeks to satisfy these needs.
Summary of the Invention There is provided according to the present invention a remotely controlled system for pre-ordering and/or delegated delivery of dispensed articles or services, the system comprising:a central hub including a server with installed software for implementing service functionality; andat least one article dispensing device at selected location(s), said dispensing devices being connectable to the hub server by a communication channel and including a processing unit responsive to external commands to operate the dispensing device,wherein the hub server is responsive to pre-ordering of a selected item from a smart device of a first user over a communication channel to the hub server; and the hub server is further configured tosend a notification of pickup authorization to a smart device of a designated second user; verify, in cooperation with a specified said article dispensing device, the identity of the second user present at the specified article dispensing device; and instruct the specified dispensing device to deliver the selected item to the second user; and the article dispensing device is configured to dispense the item, in response to the instruction.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, a location of the article dispensing device is selectable by the second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the remotely controlled system is further configured to process initial registrations of said first user and second user, whereby the central hub provides and/or receives one or more authentication credentials of each said user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the remotely controlled system is further configured to enable access to the system to said first user device upon receiving the authentication credentials of said first user and to said second user device upon receiving the authentication credentials of said second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the first user device is further configured to send a message to the central hub designating the second user, said message comprising one or more of a phone number, email address, national identity number, system ID number, driver’s license number, passport number, or any combination thereof of said second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the central hub is in communication with one or more authorization servers from which the central hub receives verification that said first user is authorized to purchase the item and said second user is allowed by law to pick up the item.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the authorization server is provided by one or more of a blockchain network, a distributed-ledger technology, or a P2P network.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the order from the first user further includes payment information comprising payment means and the central hub is in communication with one or more payment verification servers to confirm payment information and to ensure payment is made for the item.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the payment means comprises a reimbursement means and the central hub is further configured to discount an amount of payment by the reimbursement means from an amount of payment charged to a personal payment means of the first user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the first user selects a second user from one of a group consisting of a delivery company, a group of trusted users, a delivery drone, or any combination thereof.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the second user device enables the second user to respond to notification of pickup authorization with one or more response in a group comprising selecting article dispensing device, selecting a time for pickup, and refusing to pick up the item.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the dispensing device comprises a robot storing the articles or retrieving the articles.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, one or more article dispensing devices are equipped with an ID interface comprising one or more of 1) one or more biometric sensors for the second user to provide biometric information for the identity verification; and 2) a communication link with the second user device, wherein the second user device is equipped with one or more biometric sensors for the second user to provide biometric information for the identity verification; and wherein the hub server is in communication with one or more identification servers from which the central hub receives verification that the biometric identification belongs to the second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the identification server is provided by one or more of a blockchain network, a distributed-ledger technology, or a P2P network.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the ID verification is made via an OTP sent to the second user device and keyed in to an ID interface of the selected article dispensing device, or vice versa.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the first user device and second user device are the same smart device or belong to the same user.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the dispensing device is an MMED.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the user interface between the user devices and users is made by any combination of textually and spoken.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article dispensing device is further configure to transmit operational status information to the hub server.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the transaction is controlled by software running on the hub server accessed by the users through available web access software alone or in cooperation with software running on a user's smart device or accessed through an input device in the dispensing device.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the hub server is further configured to: collect data reflective of tax due on the item from the first user; transmit the collected information to a relevant tax authority; and transfer the tax due to an account of the tax authority.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the service comprises fulfillment of a balance of cash or goods ordered, of a subscription, or of a recurrent order for consumable goods.There is further provided according to the present invention a method for preordering and/or delegated delivery of dispensed articles or services, the method comprising steps of:providing a remotely controlled system for pre-ordering and/or delegated delivery of dispensed articles or services;receiving an order for a dispensed item from a first user;wherein the method further comprises steps ofsending a notification of pickup authorization to a designated second user;verifying, in cooperation with a specified dispensing device, the identity of the second user present at the specified article dispensing device;instructing the specified dispensing device to deliver the selected item to the second user; anddispensing the item, in response to the instruction.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of processing initial registrations of the first user and second user, whereby the central hub provides and/or receives one or more authentication credentials of each user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of enabling access to the system to the first user device upon receiving the authentication credentials of the first user and to the second user device upon receiving the authentication credentials of the second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of sending a message to the central hub designating the second user, the message comprising one or more of a phone number, email address, national identity number, system ID number, driver’s license number, passport number, or any combination thereof.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of the central hub communicating with one or more authorization servers and receiving verification that the first user is authorized to purchase the item and the second user is allowed by law to pick up the item.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of including payment information comprising one or more payment means with the order; the central hub communicating with one or more payment verification servers and receiving verification confirming the payment information and that payment is made for the item.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the payment means comprises a reimbursement means and the method further comprises a step of the central hub discounting an amount of payment by the reimbursement means from an amount of payment charged to a personal payment means of the first user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of the first user selecting a second user from one of a group consisting of a delivery company, a group of trusted users, a delivery drone, or any combination thereof.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of enabling the second user to respond to the notification of pickup authorization with one or more responses in a group comprising selecting article dispensing device, selecting a time for pickup, and refusing to pick up the item.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of providing the dispensing device as a robot storing the articles or providing a robot retrieving the articles.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of equipping one or more of the article dispensing devices with an ID interface comprising one or more of 1) one or more biometric sensors for the second user to provide biometric information for the identity verification; and 2) a communication link with the second user device, wherein the second user device is equipped with one or more biometric sensors for the second user to provide biometric information for the identity verification; and further comprising steps of the central communicating with one or more ID servers and receiving verification that the biometric identification belongs to the second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the ID verification is made via an OTP sent to the second user device and keyed in to an ID interface of the selected article dispensing device, or vice versa.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the first user and second user are the same person.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the dispensing device is an MMED.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the user interface between the user devices and users is made by any combination of textually and spoken.The method of claim 19, further comprising a step of the article dispensing device transmitting operational status information to the hub server.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of controlling the transaction by software running on the hub server accessed by the users through available web access software alone or in cooperation with software running on a user's smart device or accessed through an input device in the dispensing device.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises further comprising steps of the hub server collecting data reflective of tax due on the item from the first user; transmitting the collected information to a relevant tax authority; and transferring the tax due to an account of the tax authority.There is further provided according to the present invention a machine for providing an automated article depository, comprisingan article receptacle, configured to receive a deposited article and to convey the deposited article to the inside of the machine;an article sensing unit, configured to identify the deposited article, its provenance, its destination, or any combination thereof;one or more article storage bins each configured for storage of one type of identified deposited articles;one or more access hatches, each access hatch openable to provide access and removal of the contents of a the article storage bin.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article sensing unit comprises one or more sensors selected from a group consisting of a weight-measuring scale, a code reader, and a camera.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article depository is further configured to receive and identify the articles deposited one at a time or as a plurality of the articles deposited at once.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the machine services anonymous, pseudo-anonymous, or subscribed users, or any combination thereof.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article depository is further configured to receive authentication credentials, verification of which is employed for one or more of a rewards program, return of a surcharged deposit, and acceptance of said article..According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the credentials comprise one or more of a password, a security token, a one-time pass-code, a driver’s license, a passport number, a self-sovereign identity (SSI), a decentralized identifier (DID) and a biometric signature.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the machine further comprises an article dispenser.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the automated depository accepts packaging of items dispensed by the article dispenser.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the machine is further configured to transmit a list of dispensed products to a user device, the user device configured to prompt a user to select an item from the list.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article dispenser further configured to transmit a purchase token to a user device upon purchase of the item and the automated depository is further configured accept the packaging upon receiving the token from the user device.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article depository is further configured to identify the packaging as empty, partially empty, or containing product that is expired and accept the packaging.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article depository is further configured to communicate to clients of on or recycling agency, for each dispensed product, how many items were dispensed and how many packages were deposited.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article depository is further configured to dispense and receive money.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the dispensed and received moneys are two different types of currency.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the automated depository is configured to receive an article for return shipment to a vendor and wherein the article sensor unit is configured to read a code identifying the vendor and an article ID of the vendor.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, wherein the access hatches are openable upon the machine receiving one or more authorization credentials from a device of an authorized collector.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the authorized collector is in a group consisting of a recycling company, a material salvage company, a bottling company, a retailer, or a brand owner.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article depository and article dispenser are mounted within the same machine chassis.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the deposit of the article is delegated by a first user to a second user.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the article dispenser and article depository service two different subscribed users.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, there is provided network comprising a plurality of any one of the above machines, wherein the depositories are configured to accept packaging of products purchased at other machines.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the network of machines is further configured to report purchases and deposits to one or more stakeholder clients.There is further provided according to the present invention a method for operating a machine for automated article depository, comprising steps of1, -°ElEl، iff 0-1.S O-^m'^OFUffireceiving a deposited article and conveying the deposited article to the inside of the machine;identifying the deposited article, its provenance, its destination, or any combination thereof;storing each type of identified deposited articles in one or more article storage bins;opening an access hatch to provide access and removal of the contents of a article storage bin.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of furnishing the sensing unit of the machine with one or more sensors selected from a group consisting of a weight-measuring scale, a code reader, and a camera.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of receiving and identifying the articles deposited one at a time or as a plurality of articles deposited at once.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of receiving an identifying token from a user device and verifying that the identifying token is associated with the deposited article identified by the sensor unit.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of furnishing the machine with an article dispenser.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of the automated depository accepting packaging of items dispensed by the article dispenser.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of transmitting a list of dispensed products to a user device prompting a user to select an item from the list.The According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of transmitting a purchase token to a user device upon purchase of the item and accepting the packaging upon receiving the token from the user device.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of identifying the packaging as empty, partially empty, or containing product that is expired and accepting the packaging.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises a step of communicating to an environmental or recycling agency, for each dispensed product, how many items were dispensed and how many packages were deposited.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of dispensing and receiving money.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the dispensed and received money is two different types of currency.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises receiving an article for shipment to a vendor and reading a code identifying the vendor and an article ID of the vendor.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises steps of receiving a one or more authorization credentials from a device of an authorized collector and opening a the access hatch upon the machine receiving the authorization credentials.According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the authorized collector is in a group consisting of a recycling company, a material salvage company, a bottling company, a retailer, or a brand owner.
Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be further understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:Figure 1A is a schematic illustration of a merchandising element dispensing machine system constructed and operative in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;Figure 1B is a detail block diagram illustration of a merchandising element dispensing machine controller according to some embodiments of the present invention;Figure 2 is a block diagram illustration of a method of operation of a merchandising element dispensing machine system, according to some embodiments of the invention;Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of exemplary system architecture and an authentication method, according to embodiments of the invention;Figure 4A is a schematic illustration of a method of ordering a product, according to alternative embodiments of the invention;Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of an authentication method, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention;Figure 5 illustrates a method of generating targeted promotional materials according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a method of ordering a product, according to further alternative embodiments of the invention;Figure 7 is a block diagram of an article dispensing system providing for delayed or delegated pickup, according to some embodiments of the invention;Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a method for dispensing and article with delayed or delegated pickup, according to some embodiments of the invention.Figure 9 is a diagram of a system for depositing of articles, according to some embodiments of the invention.Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a method for depositing of articles, according to some embodiments of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention Introductory Overview The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates generally to selectable article dispensing systems, and more particularly to systems that can be controlled remotely to deliver selected items and information to and from a person using the system and to provide inventory management and operational status information for the system manager and/or for a brand owner. According to some embodiments, the invention is applicable to vending machine systems that can be activated using smart devices.As previously noted, for purposes of the following description, vending machine systems according to the invention will sometimes be referred to as "Market Merchandising Element Dispensing Systems" or "MMEDS" and the term "user" is to be understood to apply to individuals seeking to obtain a selected item from an article dispensing system according to the invention. The term "system manager" is to be understood as including entities that own or service the system, while a supplier of articles available for selection by a user, is referred to as a "brand owner" or "vendor".MMEDS according to the present invention include dispensing systems for hot and cold foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, health care products and a variety of other articles. They may be in the form of conventional vending machines or in other forms such as mini-coolers, coolers, dispensers, fountain 13 dispensers, chest coolers, merchandisers, freezers, or other similarly-functioning devices such as lockers, industrial vending machines, etc.The MMEDS may be at fixed locations or they may be mobile and movable by a towing or carrying vehicle or in the form of self-powered vehicles.According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system comprised of a central hub, one or more remotely located article dispensing devices, each dispensing device including a processor, a communication channel, and computer software operative to provide intercommunication between the hub, users, the dispensing devices and system managers.According to some embodiments, the hub server is responsive to pre-ordering of a selected item selection requests provided from a smart device of a first user over a communication channel from the first user smart device to the hub server; and the hub server is further configured to:send a notification of pickup authorization to a smart device of a designated second user;verify, in cooperation with a specified said article dispensing device, the identity of the second user present at the specified article dispensing device;instruct the specified dispensing device to deliver the selected item to the second user; and the article dispensing device is configured to dispense the item, in response to the instruction.According to some embodiments, there is provided a machine for automated article depository, comprisingan article receptacle, configured to receive a deposited article and to convey the deposited article to the inside of the machine;an article sensing unit, configured to identify the deposited article, its provenance, its destination, or any combination thereof;one or more article storage bins each configured for storage of one type of said identified deposited articles;one or more access hatches, each said access hatch openable to provide access and removal of the contents of a said article storage bin.
According to some embodiments, the systems or machines include at least one, and preferably a plurality of MMEDS, as described above.According to some embodiments, software runs on a server located at the central hub. Optionally, the software includes an application ("app") downloadable to run on user smart devices.According to some embodiments, the central hub is a dedicated website. Optionally, it may be accessible as a service of one or more social media websites. It may be accessible for third party integrations through APIs, server-to-server, architecture, etc.According to some embodiments, the smart devices are, for example, smart phones, tablets, phablets, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), desktop and laptop computers, and more exotic devices such as wearables, 3D holograph interfaces (clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies), for example, smart watches and the like.According to some embodiments, all the software, including the app, runs on a server comprised in the central hub and is accessible by a user’s smart device over the internet through an internet service provider or a telecommunication service provider.According to some embodiments, two-way communication is effected over wired communication channels. According to other embodiments, the communication channels are wireless.According to some embodiments, the software and the hub can provide services for multiple system managers and/or brand owners.According to some embodiments, the software permits the dispensing device processors to provide one or more functions and/or services, including, but not limited to:• accessing one or more payment verification services for a potential consumer;• transferring a payment to an account of a brand owner;• providing information to tax authorities concerning taxable transactions;• delivering a selected item to a user; • accessing an identification server and/or authorization server to obtain positive identification of a potential user and his or her age and or compliance with other legal requirements, for example, to assure that he or she is legally permitted to receive a desired item, for example, a medication, tobacco product or alcoholic beverage, from the dispensing device;• providing system managers and/or brand owners with inventory control and machine operational status information for their dispensing devices to alert them to the need to restock or repair the devices;• subject to prior approval of a user, allowing system managers and brand owners to receive information through the hub as to past item and/or brand selection patterns of particular users from dispensing devices or other sources and responsively, to provide targeted advertising messages on a display unit of the dispensing device or on the user’s smart device; and• Allowing system managers and/or brand owners to receive item selection pattern data from dispensing devices at different locations from which decisions can be made as to what items should be available in dispensing devices in particular locations.• Anonymous users (traffic) around the MMEDS.According to some embodiments, the delivery device includes an input device and the delivery device processor is operative to initiate positive identification based on biometric data obtained by the input device.Other functions that can be provided according to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts.According to some embodiments of the invention, the central hub includes middleware of various functionalities and the distribution devices include processors that create an automated system which converts otherwise passive assets, such as a number of conventional MMEDSs, into a network of digital access points through which users can obtain desired items using their personal smart devices. The system also provides a communication channel for real time conversations with the users.
The system architecture creates an intelligent network that allows Consumer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (including hardware and software to manage consumer data thereby allowing targeted marketing for vending machine system owners and owners of brands of the available items, as well as convenient remote inventory and system functionality management.Systems according to the invention may be considered to be part of an Industrial Internet of Things and may also be considered to be part of a Block Chain architecture, as they include a network of physical objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to enable the objects to exchange data with a manufacturer (brand owner), service organizations, with or without human intervention.According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there are provided dispensing devices that are connectable to a central hub through a communication channel and which are remotely controllable through the channel by software installed on a server at the hub. Optionally, part of the software includes an app downloadable for installation on a user’s smart device.In some embodiments, the dispensing devices are MMEDS as defined above.In some embodiments, the central hub is a dedicated website. Optionally, it may be accessible through one or more social media websites.In some embodiments, the dispensing devices include sensors that provide data as to the current inventory of items available to potential users. In some embodiments, sensors are also included that provide operational status information.According to some embodiments, the dispensing devices are responsive to queries from the central hub to transmit current sensor data to the hub over the communication channel. In some embodiments, the dispensing devices are operative to contact the hub to initiate data transmission.In some embodiments, the dispensing devices are operable to transmit consumer identification and item selection data to the hub, and in response to display a targeted advertising or other message tailored to likely interest of the identified user.In some embodiments, the dispensing devices are operable to deliver an item selected by a user in response to a confirmation message from the hub.
In some embodiments, the confirmation message concerns one or more of payment, consumer identity, legal permission to obtain the item, or other information.In some embodiments, the dispensing devices include input units by which users can establish their identity. In some embodiments, the identification is provided by biometric data, for example, a facial, retinal or fingerprint scan.In some embodiments, the dispensing devices include display units by which messages may be delivered to users.According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of remotely controlling a dispensing device to deliver an item selected by a user from among several available items, the selection being made using a smart device.According to some such method embodiments, a dispensing device including a processing unit and containing the items available for selection is placed at a desired location, When a user attempts obtain an item, the processor of the delivery device is connected through a communication channel to a central hub, and upon selection by a user of a desired item and verification of permission for the transaction, a delivery command is transmitted to the dispensing device from the central hub. In conjunction with delivery of the selected item, information is transmitted from the dispensing device processor to the central hub concerning the transaction.
According to some embodiments, the transaction is controlled by software running on a server at the hub. Optionally, the transaction is partially controlled by an app running on a user’s smart device.
According to some embodiments, the transaction information transmitted to the hub includes, but is not limited to one or more of inventory status information, operational status information, and information about the user. Optionally, the user information includes identification of the item he or she selected.
According to some embodiments, transmission of the transaction information is initiated by the dispensing device processor. Optionally, transmission is initiated by a request from the central hub.
According to some embodiments, subject to prior approval by the user, a targeted message is delivered to the user by way of his or her smart device or a display unit that is part of the dispensing device.
According to some embodiments, the message transmitted to the user is determined in part by information about the user’s prior selection of items from delivery devices. Optionally the message is also determined by other information about the user’s interests.
According to some embodiments, the method further includes transmission to tax authorities of information about a transaction that is a taxable event.
According to some embodiments, approval for the transaction is based on verification of payment for the item. Optionally, the method further includes transferring the payment to the account of the system manager.
According to some embodiments, for transactions involving legally regulated age or other limits, approval of the transaction is based on verification of the identity of the user and confirmation that the user meets the legal requirements for the transaction. Optionally, verification of the user’s identity is based biometric data obtained by an input unit comprised in the delivery device. Optionally, the biometric data is one or more of a facial, retinal or fingerprint scan.
Claims (45)
1. A remotely controlled system for pre-ordering and/or delegated delivery of dispensed articles or services, the system comprising: a central hub including a server with installed software for implementing service functionality; and at least one article dispensing device at selected location(s), said dispensing devices being connectable to the hub server by a communication channel and including a processing unit responsive to external commands to operate the dispensing device, wherein the hub server is responsive to pre-ordering of a selected item from a smart device of a first user over a communication channel to the hub server; and the hub server is further configured to send a notification of pickup authorization to a smart device of a designated second user; verify, in cooperation with a specified said article dispensing device, the identity of the second user present at the specified article dispensing device; and instruct the specified dispensing device to deliver the selected item to the second user; and the article dispensing device is configured to dispense the item, in response to the instruction.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein a location of said article dispensing device is selectable by said second user.
3. The system of claim 1, further configured to process initial registrations of said first user and second user, whereby the central hub provides and/or receives one or more authentication credentials of each said user.
4. The system of claim 3, further configured to enable access to the system to said first user device upon receiving the authentication credentials of said first user and to said second user device upon receiving the authentication credentials of said second user.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first user device is further configured to send a message to the central hub designating the second user, said message comprising one or more of a phone number, email address, national identity number, system ID number, driver’s license number, passport number, or any combination thereof of said second user.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the central hub is in communication with one or more authorization servers from which the central hub receives verification that said first user is authorized to purchase the item and said second user is allowed by law to pick up the item.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said authorization server is provided by one or more of a blockchain network, a distributed-ledger technology, or a P2P network.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the order from the first user further includes payment information comprising payment means and the central hub is in communication with one or more payment verification servers to confirm payment information and to ensure payment is made for the item.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said payment means comprises a reimbursement means and the central hub is further configured to discount an amount of payment by said reimbursement means from an amount of payment charged to a personal payment means of the first user.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said first user selects a second user from one of a group consisting of a delivery company, a group of trusted users, a delivery drone, or any combination thereof.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the second user device enables the second user to respond to notification of pickup authorization with one or more response in a group comprising selecting article dispensing device, selecting a time for pickup, and refusing to pick up the item.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein said dispensing device comprises a robot storing said articles or retrieving said articles.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of said article dispensing devices are equipped with an ID interface comprising one or more of 1) one or more biometric sensors for said second user to provide biometric information for the identity verification; and 2) a communication link with said second user device, wherein the second user device is equipped with one or more biometric sensors for said second user to provide biometric information for the identity verification; and wherein the hub server is in communication with one or more identification servers from which the central hub receives verification that the biometric identification belongs to the second user.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said identification server is provided by one or more of a blockchain network, a distributed-ledger technology, or a P2P network.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said ID verification is made via an OTP sent to the second user device and keyed in to an ID interface of the selected article dispensing device, or vice versa.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the first user device and second user device are the same smart device or belong to the same user.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device is an MMED.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface between the user devices and users is made by any combination of textually and spoken.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the article dispensing device is further configure to transmit operational status information to the hub server.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the transaction is controlled by software running on the hub server accessed by the users through available web access software alone or in cooperation with software running on a user's smart device or accessed through an input device in the dispensing device.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the hub server is further configured to: collect data reflective of tax due on the item from the first user; transmit the collected information to a relevant tax authority; and transfer the tax due to an account of the tax authority.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein said service comprises fulfillment of a balance of cash or goods ordered, of a subscription, or of a recurrent order for consumable goods.
23. A method for pre-ordering and/or delegated delivery of dispensed articles or services, the method comprising steps of: providing the system of claim 1; receiving an order for a dispensed item from a first user; wherein the method further comprises steps of sending a notification of pickup authorization to a designated second user; verifying, in cooperation with a specified said dispensing device, the identity of the second user present at the specified article dispensing device; instructing the specified dispensing device to deliver the selected item to the second user; and dispensing the item, in response to the instruction.
24. A machine for providing an automated article depository, comprising a processor and an article receptacle, configured to receive a deposited article and to convey the deposited article to the inside of the machine; an article sensing unit, configured to identify the type and one or more properties of said deposited article; one or more article storage bins each configured for storage of one type of said identified deposited articles; one or more access hatches, each said access hatch openable to provide access and removal of the contents of a said article storage bin.
25. The machine of claim 24, wherein the article sensing unit comprises one or more sensors selected from a group consisting of a weight-measuring scale, a code reader, and a camera.
26. The machine of claim 24, configured to receive and identify said articles deposited one at a time or as a plurality of said articles deposited at once.
27. The machine of claim 24, wherein said machine services anonymous, pseudoanonymous, or subscribed users, or any combination thereof.
28. The machine of claim 24, further comprising an interface configured to receive authentication credentials from a user device, verification of which is employed for one or more of a rewards program, return of a surcharged deposit, and acceptance of said article.
29. The machine of claim 25, wherein said credentials comprise one or more of a password, a security token, a one-time pass-code, a driver’s license, a passport number, a selfsovereign identity (SSI), a decentralized identifier (DID) and a biometric signature.
30. The machine of claim 21, further comprising an article dispenser.
31. The machine of claim 30, wherein the automated depository accepts packaging of items dispensed by the article dispenser.
32. The machine of claim 31, wherein the article dispenser further configured to transmit a purchase token to a user device upon purchase of the item and the automated depository is further configured accept the packaging upon receiving the token from the user device.
33. The machine of claim 31, further configured to identify said packaging as empty, partially empty, or containing product that is expired and accept said packaging.
34. The machine of claim 31, further configured to communicate to clients of one or more stakeholders, for each dispensed product, how many items were dispensed and how many packages were deposited.
35. The machine of claim 30, configured to dispense and receive money.
36. The machine of claim 35, wherein the dispensed and received money are two different types of currency.
37. The machine of claim 24, wherein the automated depository is configured to receive an article for return shipment to a vendor and wherein the article sensor unit is configured to read a code identifying the vendor and an article ID of the vendor.
38. The machine of claim 24, wherein the access hatches are openable upon the machine receiving one or more authorization credentials from a device of an authorized collector.
39. The machine of claim 38, wherein said authorized collector is in a group consisting of a recycling company, a material salvage company, a bottling company, a retailer, or a brand owner.
40. The machine of claim 30, wherein said article depository and article dispenser are mounted within the same machine chassis.
41. The machine of claim 24, wherein said deposit of said article is delegated by a first user to a second user.
42. The machine of claim 30, wherein the article dispenser and article depository service two different subscribed users.
43. A network comprising a plurality of machines of claim 24 or 30, wherein said depositories are configured to accept packaging of products purchased at other machines.
44. The network of machines of claim 43, further configured to report purchases and deposits to one or more stakeholder clients.
45. A method for operating a machine for automated article depository, comprising steps of obtaining the machine of claim 24; receiving a deposited article and conveying the deposited article to the inside of the machine; identifying the type and one or more properties of said deposited article; storing each type of said identified deposited articles in one or more article storage bins; opening an access hatch to provide access and removal of the contents of a said article storage bin. Agent for Applicant
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL284932A IL284932A (en) | 2021-07-18 | 2021-07-18 | Remotely controllable article dispensing and depository systems, devices, and methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL284932A IL284932A (en) | 2021-07-18 | 2021-07-18 | Remotely controllable article dispensing and depository systems, devices, and methods |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IL284932A true IL284932A (en) | 2023-02-01 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| IL284932A IL284932A (en) | 2021-07-18 | 2021-07-18 | Remotely controllable article dispensing and depository systems, devices, and methods |
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