JP2001516088A - Remote electronic retail - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] Based on controller, input means for product selection, security authentication means (ie access card, credit card, driver's license, etc.) and security information (sufficient credit information, age) A product ordering device (electronic retail or vending machine) having means for enabling or disabling delivery of a product (goods). In addition, product ordering can be performed through a communication network such as the Internet. Payment processing is completed through another secure payment network. This device is also provided for taxes or duties which are automatically added to the selling price of the order depending on the geographical area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the automatic supply of goods and services, and in particular to electronic goods and services.
It relates to the retailing and sale of services and the provision through sites and / or communication media for sale.

[0002]

[Prior art]

Applicants have developed electronic vending devices and devices that facilitate electronic retail through networks such as the Internet. Examples of conventional systems are described in Applicant's International Patent Application No. PCT / AU93 / 00146 (WO 94/04446), PC
T / AU95 / 00154 (WO95 / 26004), and PCT / AU97 /
00005. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. PCT / AU93 / 00416 relates to vending machines that recycle complex items such as printers and toner cartridges. PCT / A
U95 / 00154 discloses an electronic catalog device and system that enables remote ordering of goods and services. PCT / AU97 / 00058 is a product (
Products and services), including electronic vending machines, PCs, and order-only kiosks that can be remotely ordered electronically and that can monitor and control vending machine inventory.
An electronic remote ordering system for goods and services is disclosed.

[0003] It is known that merchandise and services are retailed through communication networks such as the Internet. For example, a user can purchase an information service by logging on to the Internet and accessing a site that provides services such as information and computer software. However, this system has many problems.

[0004]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

First, there are no or limited control methods to control access to purchase products over the Internet. For example, there is no adequate control to prevent young people from accessing or obtaining information that is usually restricted to minors. This is also a problem with currently used vending machines. When young people have access to secure, unoccupied vending machines, there is generally no adequate security to prevent minors from purchasing alcohol, cigarettes, and the like.

Another problem associated with purchasing goods and services through a network such as the Internet is controlling payment of taxes and duties. The Internet extends beyond state and national boundaries. For states and governments, it is very difficult to monitor products and services purchased from the Internet and sent from another country. Therefore, tax evasion of taxes and customs is generally easy.

[0006] Yet another problem relates to payment methods and user account security. For example, people are generally reluctant to give credit card details over the Internet because the Internet is not secure and credit card details can be obtained fraudulently and used by criminals. I have.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

From a first aspect, the present invention provides a control means for controlling an order of a product, an input means for allowing a user to select a product, a security authentication means for obtaining security-related information from a user, and a delivery of a product according to the security information. Means for enabling or disabling product ordering.

[0008] Available products can include goods and / or services.

Preferably, the apparatus also includes communication means for communicating with a communication network from which products can be obtained and ordered. The communication network includes the Internet, but may be any other type of network.

[0010] The security-related information obtained by the security authentication means may be of any type, but in one embodiment the security authentication means is configured to use a device to confirm the age of the person and is capable of doing so. Is configured to determine whether the person is old enough to obtain the goods / services he / she wants to order. If the products to be ordered are security sensitive, such as passports, tickets, licenses, etc., the security authentication means needs to confirm the correct identity of the person. In this case, the security authentication means may require information such as a driver's license and a PIN number (personal identification number) and other security information, as well as a bank requiring accurate identity information.

The sensing device is preferably provided for reading a driver's license or other ID device containing an identification card, a bar code, and required security information.

Alternatively or additionally, once the user of the machine has been authenticated, the device can access a database containing security information, for example information that can verify age and other authorization characteristics. In such a case, the security authentication means can only confirm the identity of the person by reading a combination of, for example, a credit card or smart card and a PIN number. The database can then be accessed to obtain more security information.

[0013] The ordering device may, as an alternative or in addition to communication means, also include means for delivering the goods locally, such as those described in the applicant's prior application. The delivery of goods on site is controlled in accordance with security information, as well as services, goods, information, etc., ordered through the communication network.

In other words, the device can operate as a vending machine. The vending machine may be a single unit, or may be connectable to a communication network capable of ordering and delivering goods and services in addition to local sales operations.

[0015] The ordering device can include a suitably configured PC. Products ordered from a PC can be delivered at a later date (or delivered online if available online).

Instead of delivering the product at a later date, the product can be stored in a vending machine and the PC user can receive the address of the vending machine.

[0017] The security code or means can be provided to the user for access to the vending device.

This may include, for example, a PIN code. Smart card,
It may also include a magnetic stripe code or the like. The user can then go to the location where the product is located and use the security code to retrieve the product.

The present invention further provides control means for controlling the order of the product, input means by which the user can select the product, and taxes or taxes applicable at the geographical location where the product is located / delivery. There is provided a product ordering apparatus including means for providing information on customs duties and means for adjusting a selling price of a product according to local taxes or customs information.

The order device can include a combination of an order device and a vending machine, so that it can be sold locally at the site. Alternatively, the ordering device may include a suitably configured PC. The PC provides information about the region of the product that the user is ordering. The user can then go to the area to get the product. The PC is preferably connected to a network, which may include the Internet, but may be of any type. Information on the location of the product can be obtained through the network. Payments can also be made over the network. For example, payments can be made through the "web". If payment is made on the web by a PC, taxes or duties are appropriately imposed at the time of payment, depending on the location of the product.

[0021] The product ordering device can also include a dedicated kiosk that can also be connected to a communication network such as the Internet. If the ordering device includes a combination of an ordering device and a vending machine, the device can also be connected to a communication network (eg, the Internet) and order products available at other locations from the ordering device. You can also. Information about the region of the product is provided to the user, and taxes and duties are taxed accordingly.

When goods are ordered over the Internet, and thus across states or worldwide, the appropriate tax or tariff rate can be imposed at the location / device to which it is delivered. The means for enabling payment preferably includes a card reader or the like that reads the details of a credit or bank card. Payment is preferably made via a separate payment network, such as an EFT network, or by any set standard, for example, via the Internet.

Alternatively, the payment means can be provided on the delivery device, ie where the product is available. A person can order and secure a product by placing an order with the remote ordering device, and can go to the place where the product is installed and pay there. In this case, the delivery device (which may be a combination of an ordering device and a vending machine) contains information about the appropriate taxes or duties to be imposed.

If the user orders and secures the product before going to the location where the product is installed, security measures such as a PIN number can be provided to the user. Thus, the user can go to the device where the product is installed, input the PIN number and other security measures, and take out the product. Payment can be made on any of the original ordering devices (PCs or kiosks connected to the web, or a combination of ordering device and vending machine).

[0025] Payment of taxes and duties is preferably required before the product is taken out and delivered.

When goods are ordered across state or national borders, taxes and duties can be imposed appropriately. For example, if a product is imported into a state or country, taxes and duties may be levied on the amount of taxes and duties normally applied by the importing state or country. In addition, the export source
National taxes and duties may be applied depending on the location of the product, such as where the product is delivered.

From a further aspect, the present invention provides a means for storing a product for sale, an input means for allowing a user to select or recognize the product, and a tax applicable at the geographical location where the product is located. Alternatively, there is provided a delivery device including means for providing information on customs duties, and means for adjusting a selling price of a product given according to local taxes or customs information.

Preferably, the delivery device can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet.

In the above aspect of the invention, the means for providing information on taxes or customs duties includes:
Preferably, the order / delivery device is a database having access rights.
This database can be built in the order / delivery device itself, or can be used from a host through a communication network.

The database is preferably updatable to change the tax or tariff rates, and is also preferably updatable from the host processor or locally at the location of the device.

Alternatively, use tax and customs information available through the Internet (eg, from a government / business website) or access this information online to apply the appropriate taxes and duties on products. Sometimes we maintain a database of taxable and customizable taxes and duties.

The ordering device is preferably only of the type described in applicant's earlier patent application referenced above.

From a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for storing information about a tax or customs duty and enabling access of the ordering device to that information, and
Adjusting the selling price of the product for which an order has been placed on the ordering device in accordance with the tax or customs information, and applying a tax or customs duty at a remote product retailing.

Preferably, the method also includes only those steps that allow the sale or ordering of the product if taxes or duties have already been applied.

From a further aspect, the present invention provides a separate method comprising a control means for controlling the order of a product / service, an input means by which a user can select a product, and an input means for inputting secure user account information. Product ordering apparatus, comprising: a payment processing means by which a user can process payments by a secure payment processing network of the present invention; and means for enabling or disabling a user's payment processing via a separate network.

[0036] The separate network can be an EFT or other type of payment processing network. The advantage of using a secure, separate network to process payments is that it reduces the chances of thieves and criminals.

The present apparatus preferably includes communication means for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet. Through the communication network, goods and services can be ordered through the network, but there is no need to make payments through the network because payment is made by a separate secure network. The device preferably controls whether to order the product depending on whether the payment is positively processed by a separate network. In this way, the device controls the order of goods / services. Payment of the service / goods supplier is made separately, for example, by the owner of the device.

The input means is preferably a card reader for reading details of a credit card, details of a bank card, and the like. An interface is provided between the payment processing network and the ordering device, and is configured to enable or disable orders locally through the communication network or on the device depending on the outcome of the payment processing. .

From a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for requesting account information from a user of a network and then processing the payment using the account information using a separate secure network, and a separate secure payment processing network Enabling the ordering of products through a communication network in response to the results of the payment processing through the Internet.

The present invention allows a user to order goods on a network such as the Internet, for example, but pay for the goods using a separate network such as EFT. Conventionally, in order to purchase a product via the Internet, it is necessary to transmit details of the credit card and other details of user authentication via the Internet. In the present invention, the provision of the peripheral device allows the user to obtain payment authorization through a separate secure payment network such as EFT through a credit card or bank card. A software interface on the PC between the network and the secure payment transaction device allows a transaction approval signal or number to be sent to the Internet or other networks, thus providing the product for transaction approval.

In the present invention, two separate networks are accessed, one for obtaining the product and one for obtaining payment authorization. Verify that the software interface is effectively interfacing between the two networks and that the transaction has been approved for the network providing the product.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a "one stop shop" remote ordering device 100 is schematically illustrated in a block diagram. The device 101 is a host 101 that can be sold in the field or to which the device 101 can be connected by communication 102 (which can be a telephone line connection, for example another type of network connection such as a dedicated line or the Internet).
It is configured so that a user can purchase a product that can be ordered from and then deliver it at a later date. In addition, this device allows a user to input information or merchandise (for example, connection 10
5 to the Internet 106) can be input and purchased, and can be operated without cash. Instead, the user's credit information is stored
3 (e.g., EFT) connection 104.

Both host 101 and remote ordering device 100 include a remote ordering / bending system.

The device can be installed in highly convenient locations, such as shops, companies, company lobbies, factories, shopping centers, city streets, etc. to provide a number of “one-step shop” automatic functions provided by the device and system. Of users have access.

The remote ordering device 100 includes control means 110 including a computer for controlling the local operation of the device. This computer contains the appropriate software to control the device. In addition, the device 100 stores data such as a card reader 111 used to authenticate the user by passing through a magnetic card and obtaining account details for a payment transaction, and an audio interface for digitizing voice and sound. Data input means 11 which can include any means for inputting
2, a printer 113, a video display 114 (in this embodiment, a touch screen, which can also be operated as the data input means 112), product information,
A database 115 that can contain information about the user and the like (in this embodiment, the database 115 is in the memory of the device 100 and the control means 110 is actually stored in a computer memory including a computer,
A portion of the database, such as user and user information, can be stored off-site, for example, in the host device 101, and the device 100 can be
0 can be accessed only by the amount of the database that needs to be used immediately) and storage and supply means 11 for storing and supplying products locally on site.
6 and product identification means 117 configured to authenticate the item so that a product associated with the item can be determined. The goods include bar codes, magnetic cards, objects, returned goods, etc., and communication means 118 with an interface for communication connection to host 101, bank network 104, Internet 106 and other necessary connections.

Another embodiment of the apparatus is configured to supply product from a storage room or storage rack to a small product outlet.

Other devices 200, 300, 400 can be connected to the host 101 in the system. Such devices may be the same and may provide the same functions as device 100, or may provide various functions. For example, they can provide various types of products. One or more devices cannot provide a sales function, but do provide an electronic ordering function.

The device is, in one embodiment, a simple PC-based device that does not have a sales function and allows a user to order services and goods over the Internet, for example from a host or other retail site available through the Internet. Can be

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device according to FIG. 1, showing the hardware configuration. The hardware preferably includes the following components, and the reference numbers in parentheses indicate how the components relate to the functional blocks of FIG.

The magnetic card reader 210a (card reader 111) is provided for user authentication. Note that a smart card reader or the like is a card reader 210.
A can be provided instead of or in addition to A. A VDU (visual display unit) 210 (display 114) is provided to provide user information in connection with the operation of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the color monitor 210 has a touch screen function so that the data input means 112 can include a touch screen input. This allows for dialogue with the customer. Customized pin pad 208 and interface button 20
8a is also provided in the illustrated embodiment, but with pin pad 208 and button 208
All the functions of A may be replaced by the touch screen 210 in another embodiment, and the pin pad 208 and the button 208a may be eliminated.

Storage means are provided in the form of compartments 201 (116), each having a individually lockable door (116). It will also be appreciated that the storage means may have many other configurations (see our earlier PCT application PCT
T / AU93 / 00416). In this embodiment, each compartment 2
Door 01 includes a latch that can be controlled by control means 110 to open the door, and when opened, the user removes the product stored therein or replaces the product returned in the compartment. You can close the door above. A suitable mechanism for retail and door opening is PCT / AU93 / 00416
Therefore, no further description will be given here. In addition, although compartments with doors are the preferred storage means, other types of storage means can be provided. For example, the product can be delivered from the product inventory by a chute (see the preceding PCT application PCT / AU93 / 00416). The device also includes a computer module 220 (control means 110). The computer module 220 is located in the cabinet and is inaccessible to the user except for user input means. Computer module 2
An overview of the 20 components is shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the appropriate configuration of the components of the computer module 220 from this description. The computer module 220 has an Intel-based “pentium” processor 221 and a communication speed of 3 for communicating with the host device 300.
3,300 bits / second external modem 222 (communication means 118), 420 to 2200 Mb hard disk drive 223, 3.5-inch floppy disk drive and CD-ROM 224, and memory for computer 220 And 64 megabytes of RAM 225. A sound card 226 for reproducing an audio file is provided. Suitable audio means, including speakers (not shown), are provided for reproducing the sound. MPEG
, And Quicktime for video images. The input / output controller card 227 is provided to receive a signal indicating that the product is removed from or installed in the compartment 201 (open compartment door and detects the installation of the product there or removal of the product therefrom). The disclosure of such a sensing device has been published and is not further described herein since it is disclosed in the above-mentioned PCT application which is incorporated herein by reference). The input / output controller card 227 senses whether the product has been returned or removed from the compartment and sends an appropriate signal to the processor 221. A receipt printer 228 (221) is also provided for printing a user receipt.

The keypads 208, 208 A can be any convenient type of keypad that allows a user to operate the device according to the following description. In general, scrolling the display shown on screen 210, including the number keys from 0 to 9, scroll keys, and using the select key 208A, the specific key displayed on the screen next to the specific key 208A Items can be selected. Since the above is a preferred embodiment with a touch screen interface, some keys may be eliminated or the keyboard may be eliminated altogether.

A bar code scanner 229 is also provided for scanning a bar code to identify a product (product identification means 117).

For the operation control of the hardware of the device according to this embodiment, it would be conceivable to perform most of the control of the device with software. A detailed description of the software system configuration is unnecessary. The functionality of this device can be implemented in software in various ways, using standard software tools available to skilled software engineers. This description describes the functions required for the device and is sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to execute the appropriate software.

The device described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 corresponds to the applicant's prior patent application PCT
/ AU97 / 00058 has many of the features of a similar device. However, according to the present invention, there are some additions and changes as follows.

The security authentication means 119 is provided for obtaining security information from a user of the device, which is used to make the order possible or impossible. As mentioned in the introduction to the specification, there are many products where it is important to limit supply and to only those who have legal qualifications to obtain and use goods and services. Examples are, of course, alcohol and tobacco. The security authentication means require the submission of security information, for example, to properly authenticate the user and to determine details of the user, for example the age of the user, for example to read details from a driver's license It can include a card reader. Once the age of the user is known and the product required by the user is known, control means 110 can then determine whether the user is old enough to be offered the product. If the user is not old enough, the product cannot be ordered.

Features other than the age of the user can be authenticated to enable or disable product supply and delivery. Since the database 115 contains information about the user, once the user is authenticated, it is preferable to be able to access information in the database to determine whether to reject the user or provide a particular product. If a database of user information is held, it is sufficient to authenticate the user with a credit card or bank card reader 111, so that a separate security authentication unit 119 for reading a driver's license or the like may be unnecessary. The age and other characteristics of the user can thus be obtained from the database so that the order of the products can be controlled.

The security authentication feature is particularly useful for controlling product ordering and delivery over the Internet, where there was previously little or no effective security controlling product delivery. The device according to the present invention acts as an intelligent delivery device that can determine whether any user is eligible to receive a particular product.

If a sales function is also provided, as in the described embodiment, the security authentication means is effective in determining whether a particular product should be sold to a particular person.

It is not necessary to keep a database including security information, and all security information may be obtained from ID means (such as a driver's license) scanned by the security authentication means 119. A person having the required ID means can access the device in this way and order goods through a network (Internet) or the like.

The security authentication function can be applied to a single vending machine to enable or disable the delivery of a product. (That is, “single” means a device that is not connected to the network.)

As also mentioned in the introduction, regarding currently available vending systems,
Another problem, particularly for merchandise transactions conducted over communications networks such as the Internet, is that taxes and duties may be evaded when placing electronic orders across states and / or countries. In this embodiment of the invention, database 115 includes a database of tax and customs information for the particular area where device 100 is located. The amount of taxes and duties associated with a particular region are added by the control means for pricing the particular product that can be ordered or sold through the machine. When ordering products over the Internet, for example, the control means adds appropriate amounts of taxes and duties before being processed through the secure payment processing network 104. In this way, the system owner can pay appropriate taxes and duties on the ordered products to the relevant agencies. Alternatively, customs duties can be calculated and included (and paid at the point of delivery). As noted above, the ordering device includes a PC or kiosk that does not require the product to be located. The location of the product is advised to the user. When paying with a kiosk or PC or other type of ordering equipment, the amount of taxes and duties incurred will correspond to the taxes or duties appropriate to the location of the product and the place of delivery and ensure that appropriate taxes are imposed. Is done.

The database can be updated at regular intervals from the host through the communication network to take into account changes in tax and customs information.

In another embodiment, the database 115 can be maintained on the host, and the device 100 can obtain necessary information online by communicating with the host 101. Alternatively, the tariff information can be obtained from a service provider or a web page and used to update the database or calculate it online to calculate the payable amount.

This feature also has particular use for products ordered through the Internet. Providing controlled retrieval for products ordered through the Internet operable to ensure that the appropriate amount of taxes and duties are added to the price of the products ordered through the device To prevent the possibility of tax evasion.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of payment for goods ordered over the Internet by a separate payment processing network that provides payment security and account details.

Referring to FIG. 4, a payment processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The device includes a card reader 111 that reads the details of a credit card, smart card, or bank card. The device architecture (FIG. 5) also includes payment authorization and processing software, which interfaces with a card reader and is further configured to make payment authorization or payment transactions through a secure payment processing network. It also interfaces with the processing module 120. The payment processing module 120 is actually a peripheral device of the device 100 and can provide any bank security or the like normally required in a secure payment processing network such as EFT.
For example, the payment processing module can be delegated by an account holder, such as a bank, and can include security information, encryption, and the like. The payment authorization processing software of the device 100 interfaces with a device that can enable or disable the ordering and delivery of goods depending on the results of the payment processing transaction. This feature is also particularly suitable for paying for goods and services ordered through a relatively insecure communication network such as the Internet 106. At present, users generally have to provide credit card details over the Internet, which can lead to crime and fraud.

In operation, the user 500 accesses the machine 100 to access the Internet 1
06 or other commodities / services that can be selected or ordered through a communication network. Next, the user is required to make a payment through the card reader 111 and the payment processing module 120. The payment processing module makes a local call to obtain authorization or conduct a transaction and a collection is made from the user's bank 100 (or will be collected at a later date if the transaction is not real-time). The price is passed to the host 101, which is used to pay the seller or retailer providing the product 502. If the retailer is on the Internet, the retailer may have a web server 503 to which device 100 has access.

Here, an example of the operation of the device will be described with reference to FIG.

The control means 110 is adapted to control the display means 114 to generate a number of screens in response to a user operation of the device 100. As an initial step, an “introduction screen” 801 is displayed by the display means 114. The introductory screen can give the user information about the access method, such as the device, at the location where the authentication means for proceeding with the transaction is located.

After reviewing the introduction screen 801, the user can proceed to step 802 and insert the magnetic card into the card reader 210 A to authenticate the device.

If a separate security authentication means 119 is provided, the user can
It is required to perform security authentication by scanning a driver's license and so on. Alternatively, the information from the magnetic card reader is sufficient with the information stored about the user in database 115 to provide the required security information.

When the user is authenticated (803), the control means 110 controls the display to display the “main menu” (804). This is one screen,
Or provide the user with many choices of goods and services available in the order, allowing the user to scroll and indicate whether the goods are "local" at storage location 201 or available only from a remote site , Can include multiple screens. Alternatively, this cannot be indicated unless the operation of the apparatus is performed later. This display means can provide a high-resolution graphical image of the catalog product (depending on the software).

Since an example of the electronic catalog menu is described in the applicant's prior application, no further description will be given here.

In the next step 805, the user selects the required product (goods / services, or both) by activating the input means 112 (which in the preferred embodiment is a touch screen). Alternatively, if the inventory is kept and kept for the user for a particular period of time, the user can query the order by entering a card or PIN number specific order number.

Next, the control unit 110 determines whether to supply the selected specific product to the user from the security information available to the user and the knowledge of the product (
Step 900). If, for example, the product is not supplied to the user when the user is younger, the process returns to step 805, where the user is given the opportunity to select another product. If the security information is appropriate to provide the product to the user, the process proceeds to payment processing step 901. If the order is accepted and recorded using a PC connected to the Internet and communicated with a device that pre-pays the order and authorizes the payment, the payment processing step is bypassed. Whether the product is purchased over the Internet (or other communication network) or sold locally on the device, the payment transaction is the same, via the secure network described above. Upon receiving payment approval, the control means determines whether the product is available locally or remotely (step 806).

If the product is available locally, in the next step 807 the product:
Supplied from one of the storage locations 201, the control unit activates the latch mechanism to the specific storage location 201, and the user opens the designated door or the delivery bin where the product is supplied from the storage room in the apparatus. So that you can access it. Suitable storage latch mechanisms and configurations are described in PCT /
It is described in PCT applications prior to AU93 / 00416.

The preferred embodiment incorporates a recycling function as well as a sales function (previously PCT application and pending application PO 4828 LODGED 6 Aug).
ust 1007). Thus, the user can recycle a complicated item such as a toner cartridge of a laser printer. At step 808, the user can return the used product to an appropriate storage location 201 for recycling. Damaged and unnecessary items can also be returned. This option does not have to be included, but is preferred. At step 809, the receipt is printed and passed to the user through slot 228. The receipt includes details that inform the user of the transaction.

If the result of the determination in step 806 is that the product is not locally available,
The device advises, via a communication link, the nearest device with available products,
At step 810, the display indicates to the user whether the order has been confirmed. If the order is confirmed, the control unit requests the order from the host device via the communication link 102 in step 811.

Alternatively, if the product is ordered over the Internet, the order is placed on the web server of the Internet provider.

At step 812, a receipt is printed to the user through slot 211 to convey details of the delivery.

The details of the user account transaction are transmitted via the communication link 102 to the host device 10.
1 is periodically uploaded (step 813) and supported by the network management organization of the system (814).

The device can include many other features described in the applicant's prior application, and will not be described further herein.

FIG. 5 discloses an example of the architecture of the device. This architecture includes the payment authorization and processing software 600 previously described. The architecture also includes OLE automation that utilizes Microsoft® message passing standards and allows for the removal and replacement of non-call modules. Also included is a user interface that controls the interface with the user, some of which has been described above and described in the prior application. The software architecture allows many user interfaces, such as the consumer user interface, to be the default, but when the restocker enters the card, the restocker user interface appears and the technician Once inserted, the technician interface can be displayed. The data manager performs all user interface database operations including the security information interface with the control means 110. The event manager controls the processes in the device and processes the sequence by using a state transition table to facilitate changes. The shopping cart service architecture retains the customer's selected product request card authorization, prints a receipt, and requests that the "take away" item (sold on site) be supplied from storage and supply means 116. The device manager controls the interaction with peripheral devices such as a card reader and a door sensor to remove and replace the peripheral devices. The communication manager connects the device to the host and downloads data from the host to the device and also uploads data from the host to the device. The watchdog monitors the operation of the device, intercepts software, performs error management, collects error information, and restarts the system if necessary.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a complex delivery device that also includes a vending function, it will be appreciated that the functionality of the invention may be incorporated into a PC-based device that does not have a vending function. The invention is not limited to devices that must incorporate a sales function. The applicants of the earlier application PCT / AU97 / 00058 disclose retail systems that incorporate many different device types, such as kiosks, PC-based devices that have access to a network through a local area network.
These types of devices can incorporate the features of the present invention.

The software system can be configured to insert an API (Application Programmable Interface) between the user interface and the OLE automation layer. This allows a third party to develop user interface software for vending machines and kiosks while keeping the same program code for payment processing, hardware device control, communication, shopping basket, and the like. Similarly, each certified module can be assigned in its own right (eg, a device manager that supports different hardware devices, or even a different hardware device) without modifying or retesting other functional modules in the system. Communication manager supporting different communication methods) Can be modified. The pre-defined structure of each operating part of a vending machine, kiosk or PC-based software also allows each software module to be written in a different operating language without affecting the operation of separate parts of the system. Thus, the developer of the order software can create an individual shopping basket on the web server, pass the transaction volume to the payment processing module for authorization, and the payment processing module The device manager reading the credit card information may request that the user's credit card be inserted into a card reader controlled by the device manager. All operations are controlled by the event manager with all information controlled by the data manager and all user interactions controlled through the user interface.

Embodiments of the present invention can be utilized to enable ordering of products from web pages on the Internet, thus enabling security to be applied,
Tax and customs duties and secure payments can be made at the location where the product is delivered.

Changes and modifications may be made to the invention as set forth in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the broadly described invention. Accordingly, the present invention is to be considered in all illustrated embodiments, and is not limited thereto.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ordering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown connected to a network in a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ordering device illustrating various components.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating various operations of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a payment processing system and method according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the structure of the device of FIG. 1;

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP , KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (71) Applicant 110 Alexander Road, Crows Nest, NSW 2065, Australia (72) Inventor Smith , Gower Australia, 2065 New South Wales, Crows Nest, Alexander Road 110, Imaging Technologies Proprietary Limited F-term (reference) 5B049 AA05 CC05 CC09 DD01 EE00 GG00

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A control means for controlling an order of a product, an input means for allowing a user to select a product, a security authentication means for obtaining security-related information from a user, and a delivery of a product according to the security information. Device for ordering products, including means for enabling and disabling. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the security authentication unit includes a sensor unit that reads information from a barcode, a driver's license, a credit card, or the like. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a database storing security information about a user of the device, wherein the control means is configured to access the database for security information of a user authenticated by the device. 1
Or the apparatus according to 2. 4. A control means for controlling the order of the product, an input means by which the user can select the product, and a tax or customs duty applicable at the geographical location where the product is located / delivery. A device for ordering a product, comprising: means for providing information; and means for adjusting the selling price of the product according to local tax or tariff information. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said tax and customs information is stored in a database, and means are provided for updating said database. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the database is maintained on a host device, the device configured to access the host to obtain the tax and tariff information. 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the database is maintained on the device and updates are performed from a remote location. 8. storing tax or customs information and enabling the device to access the information; and adjusting a selling price of the ordered product according to the tax or customs information. Applying taxes or duties at a remote retailer of the product. 9. A separate secure payment processing network including control means for controlling product ordering, input means for allowing a user to select a product, and input means for inputting secure user account information. An apparatus for ordering a product, comprising: payment processing means for processing payments by a user by means of the user; and means for enabling and disabling orders for processing the user's payments through the separate network. 10. A method of processing payment for a product ordered through a communication network, such as an Internet network, wherein the user requests account information from a user of the network, uses the account information, and uses a separate secure network. A method comprising: processing a payment; and enabling ordering of a product through said separate secure payment processing network through said communication network in response to a result of the payment processing. 11. A product ordering apparatus, which controls a product order through a computer network such as the Internet, an input means by which a user can select a product, and inputs secure user account information. Payment processing means for the user to process payments through a separate secure payment processing network, including input means for enabling and disabling orders for user payment processing through the separate secure network. A device whereby a user can order products from a network such as the Internet and make payments through a separate secure network. 12. The product ordering device according to claim 1, wherein the product ordering device is a vending machine. 13. The product ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for enabling a product order through a computer network such as the Internet. 14. The product ordering apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9, or 11 to 13, connected to a network to form a retail system. 15. The product ordering device according to claim 14, further comprising a host controller that controls the product ordering device.