JP2016521414A - Computer controlled unmanned automatic checkout store outlet - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer controlled unmanned automatic checkout store outlet has at least one bay. Normally, a locked door is associated with each bay, which allows the customer authorized by the automated store outlet computer to access the items in the bay. At least one tray is provided in the at least one bay, and such tray is adapted to hold goods to be stocked by the bay. The sensor system is adapted to detect the removal of a product from the bay and identify the retrieved product, for example, when a customer is retrieving the product for purchase. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention generally relates to unattended automatic checkout store outlets (also referred to as “outlet stores”) and related methods. This automatic store outlet system can be used as an unattended automatic checkout kiosk or micromarket as well as any other unattended automatic checkout minimarket or local store where consumer goods (consumer goods) are sealed glass Exhibited behind the door, these consumer goods (consumer goods) are “stock items” for sale.

  Typically, kiosks or micromarkets and minimarkets or regional convenience stores require the presence of store clerk and other employees and may be restricted to specific business hours. Such demands and constraints increase operating costs, and constrained business hours affect the actual total revenue.

  Some recent unmanned micromarkets operate in company break rooms or break corners, and use a self-report system to provide food and beverages “out of stock”. In such a micromarket, customers can pick up goods from bare and unprotected (unsecured) shelves, and then customers can use barcode scanners installed on nearby automated computer kiosks. It is required to scan the barcode of each product (item). Such bare shelf micromarkets are restricted to highly secure locations only, but result in loss due to theft. Therefore, such micromarkets must be installed only in the company break room or in such areas where the customer is known and potential theft is mitigated.

  In addition, the present invention can be an alternative to common vending machines, which are currently used to sell products stored in vending machines. Typically, vending machines are coin-operated, but many vending machines accept a variety of currency bills (eg, 1 dollar bills or 5 dollar bills) for vending. Some machines now accept credit or debit cards. Vending machines are often located in places where people gather, pass or meet, such as public buildings and transportation hubs including subways, airports, hospitals, schools, and the like.

  In a typical vending machine, after an appropriate number of coins or bills have been paid and the item has been selected, the item is typically in a built-in bin accessible to the customer to retrieve the product. Dropped or sent out. Such vending machines are limited to a small number of products and very few choices. Vending machines are typically associated with the sale of high sugar and low nutrient snacks and drinks, such as candy bars, potato chips, and soft drinks. Furthermore, ordinary metal square vending machines are often not eye-catching and do not have an attractive appearance. Today, vending machine notorieties and negative social stigma are counted as some of the major reasons why a large percentage of customers avoid using conventional vending machines. Furthermore, vending machines are not designed to allow customers to review sales or return to vending machines for sale. The sales process is unkind, and each sale becomes a final decision when the products are sold automatically.

  Traditional vending machines also do not have many security measures other than to prevent tampering. Thus, mischiefs and burglars may damage the vending machine, and in some cases, money stored in the vending machine may be taken out. There is no 24-hour live monitoring of such vending machines.

  Yet another drawback of the company's micromarket and traditional vending machines is that between the customer and the micromarket or vending machine operator should a problem or question arise. There is no real-time communication. The customer may attempt to call the micromarket or vending machine operator even if contact information for the micromarket or vending machine operator is written. If not, typically the customer will not be able to contact such operators during such visits to the micromarket or during use of the vending machine.

  Thus, under the current circumstances, and in most cases, if an individual desires a more edible or healthy eating or drinking than a candy bar, soda, etc. or any personal toiletries or conventional If he wishes to buy a product, the person must find or buy such product at a grocery store, restaurant or other type of convenience store. In other cases, there are gift shops, coffee shops, etc. that may be located in the lobby of a hotel or building or in the waiting area of an airport providing such products. However, these are typically only open for a limited time each day, and one or more people need to be resident to handle purchases from the general consumer.

  Accordingly, there continues to be a need for an automatic checkout store outlet that features an automatic “inventory” sales method and system that has an attractive and attractive appearance and provides a wide selection of products. There is also a need for such an automated system that can provide food that is better and more nutritious than most vending machines without any restrictions on location or business hours. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

  The present invention relates to an unattended automatic checkout store outlet. The computer controlled automatic store outlet of the present invention has at least one bay as a main component. Normally, a locked door is associated with each bay, allowing access to merchandise in the bay by customers authorized by the computer at the automated store outlet. At least one tray is provided in the at least one bay, and the at least one tray is adapted to hold goods. A sensor system is configured to detect the removal of a product from the bay and identify the retrieved product.

  The tray has a peripheral wall comprising a plurality of spaced apart slots, a platform, and at least one partition removably insertable into and into the slot of the wall, the peripheral wall, The platform and at least one partition form a product compartment. The at least one partition comprises a prefabricated partition having a prefabricated product compartment. As a variant, the at least one partition consists of a combination of a horizontal partition and a vertical partition which can be connected to each other. At least a portion of the horizontal or vertical partition is formed with a slot that receives a corresponding vertical or horizontal partition such that the connected horizontal and vertical partitions form a product compartment. The at least one partition is made up of a plurality of partitions that are spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, and each partition has a pressing mechanism provided in a space between the partitions. The pressing mechanism is biased toward the front wall of the tray.

  The tray may be made of a sheet-like material, and a plurality of commodity compartments are formed in the sheet-like material. The sheet-like material is typically made of a thermoplastic material and the commodity compartment is thermoplastic molded to form a tray. The molded compartment is generally isomorphic with at least a portion of the commodity to be held in the compartment. The molded compartment may be substantially isomorphic with the lower portion of the product to be held in the compartment. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of commodity compartments molded into the sheet-like material varies in size and shape.

  The sensor system may include a sensor array provided for the tray such that a sensor is associated with each commodity compartment. In one form, the sensor array comprises sensor racks having holes arranged in a grid arranged underneath the goods on the tray and each configured to receive a sensor in a location relative to each compartment of the tray. Including. The sensor may comprise an optical sensor that is activated when the item is removed from the tray compartment.

  The sensor system may alternatively include a tag and a wireless reader or receiver attached to each item, where the wireless reader or receiver is configured to measure the location or proximity of the tag relative to the reader or receiver. For example, the tag may comprise an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) tag that is tracked by a wireless RFID reader or receiver.

  The invention also relates to a method for distributing merchandise from a computer controlled automated store outlet. According to this method, a computer-controlled automatic store outlet is prepared. The automated store outlet has at least one check-in station and at least one bay, where the at least one bay contains goods that can be removed from the bay for purchase. The automated store outlet includes a check-in station for customer identification information, payments, and the like. One or more bays of an automated store outlet are normally locked to prevent access to goods in the bay. Typically, merchandise is placed in each tray compartment. A plurality of sensors are arranged to correspond to the products held by the tray.

  Enter customer identification information at the check-in station of the automatic store outlet, for example, enter at least one of customer identification code and / or password, customer specific image or QR code (registered trademark) image, etc. electronically Swipe a readable card or electronic device to read or provide customer biometric information such as facial recognition, fingerprints, eye scans, etc. Customer identification information is confirmed by a sensor system.

  The customer payment information is entered into the check-in station of the automatic store outlet, and the customer payment information is confirmed by the system. The customer payment information includes a step of inputting information related to an automatic store dedicated account or account of a customer opened in advance, a credit or debit card account information, or a step of depositing cash into a cash accepting device at the automatic store outlet. It is good to include. The customer may transfer funds to the customer's automated store dedicated account online or using an automated store outlet check-in station.

  In accordance with the present invention, the system first prompts the customer from at least one bay after determining at the automated store outlet that the customer payment information is of a level sufficient to purchase goods from at least one bay. Qualify for product retrieval.

  After identifying the customer, the customer's payment information is verified, the customer is qualified, and then the customer can shop at the automated store outlet. This requires unlocking the door to allow access to the bay. Typically, this requires the customer to provide identification information to the electronic unit associated with the lock at each bay door. This can be done by using an electronic unit that simultaneously performs a number of scanning functions, reading operation functions and display functions, such as motion detectors, electronic display screens, keypads, two-way audiovisual communication. Means, RFID readers, electronic code image readers, and biometric scanners. Confirm customer identification information and then unlock the door. Once the door is unlocked and opened, the system tracks customer behavior in that bay.

  When a product is removed from a compartment in a bay, such as a tray in the bay, the system detects the removal of the product from that bay. The system also identifies the retrieved item and sends the retrieved item identification information to an electronic shopping cart for the customer at a computer installed at the automatic store outlet.

  Detection of the removal of goods from the bay can be performed by various means. Typically, a sensor is associated with each item located in the bay. For example, the sensor may comprise a light sensor that is provided underneath the item and is thus exposed to light and activated when the item is removed from the tray. Typically, the compote surface is formed in the tray using horizontal and vertical partitions or prefabricated partitions, and merchandise and light sensors are assigned to each compartment. Since goods and sensors are arranged in conjunction with the trays in the bay, the removal of a particular goods triggers the sensor and the system can accurately determine which goods have been removed from the trays in the bay. it can.

  Alternatively, the step of detecting the removal of the item from the bay includes associating an RFID tag with each item on the tray. A corresponding RFID detector is used to detect the movement of the goods leaving the tray and bay. The RFID detector, in a particularly preferred embodiment, comprises a sensor array sandwiched between the upper layer and the base layer and positioned relative to the goods in the bay to detect movement and removal of goods from the tray and bay. Includes an RFID antenna to be formed.

  If the customer returns the item into the bay, the item is removed from the purchaser's electronic shopping cart. However, when the bay door is closed, the bay is automatically locked. After the customer completes his shopping session, the purchase transaction is terminated and the customer is charged for one or more retrieved items. The purchase transaction ending step may include a step in which the customer ends the purchase transaction using a check-in station at the automatic store outlet. The customer can request an indication of the items retrieved by looking at the shopping cart and the purchase price of these items at the computer controlled display unit of the check-in station. As a variant, the system automatically terminates the transaction and charges the customer for payment of the goods retrieved after the customer's predetermined refractory period at the automatic store outlet.

  Receipts may be issued for one or more purchased items. The receipt may be printed for the customer or sent electronically to the customer, for example via email. Purchase data from automated store outlets is also relayed to a central management center via a wired or wireless network.

  The present invention enables real-time video and audio communication and enables customers to communicate in real time with customer service at automated store outlets. Live customer service assistance in the form of a live guide at a remote location where the customer communicates with the customer via a voice link or audiovisual link, for example via a display monitor of the automatic store outlet, using the automatic store outlet May be able to request.

  Typically, an automatic store outlet is monitored by a monitoring device, which may be used in assisting customers with customer service. The monitoring device also provides security from the destruction of thieves and automated store outlets.

  In one embodiment, the advertisement is displayed on a monitor associated with the automated store outlet. Advertisements can be associated with automated store outlets, items and merchandise sold within automated store outlets, or unassociated promotions.

  The present invention can be used to overcome many of the limitations and restrictions of common kiosks or company micromarkets, as well as the limitations and restrictions of typical vending machines.

  Other features and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate the principle of the present invention by way of example.

It is the perspective view seen from the front of one check-in station which embodies the present invention and one bay type automatic store outlet. It is the perspective view seen from the front of another automatic store outlet which has the hot drink extraction dispenser which actualized this invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another automated store outlet with multiple bays according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of the system of the present invention. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating steps performed in accordance with the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and use of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating various components of a representative automated store outlet of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary lock mechanism used in accordance with the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray used in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of a sensor tray used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a region “11” in FIG. 10 and shows details of the sensor tray in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of an optical sensor plug in a region “12” in FIG. 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a tray used in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray having partition rails and pushers used according to the present invention. It is a top view of the tray of FIG. 3 is a partial exploded assembly schematic diagram of detection of a product taken from a sensor tray using RFID in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front of a tray used according to the present invention, showing the tray having a molded compartment. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary molded sheet material that constitutes a tray having a plurality of different articles provided in different molded compartments in accordance with the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a large micromarket system including a number of check-in stations and a number of modular bays in accordance with the present invention.

  As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to a system for providing an unattended automatic checkout store outlet for use in distributing products and goods to customers. As described more fully herein, each automated store outlet (ASO) is designed to be fully automated and unattended. However, this system provides an interactive raw measure that allows customers to communicate interactively with customer service agents and management via voice and / or video conferencing or chat or text chat. The present invention and related methods are currently provided by a conventional vending machine, with greater safety than the security currently provided by current micromarkets, with transactions still being conducted without the need for an attendant. Provides greater flexibility and higher product count than is available.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary automatic checkout store outlet (ASO) 10 is shown. The ASO 10 is an unattended automatic checkout kiosk or micro store outlet. ASO can be used for the sale of many types of food and beverages as well as all other types of suitable consumer products. The ASO has a check-in station 12 where an individual can log in personal identification information, select and enter payment form and payment information, and approve transactions. Can interface with customer service and close the transaction. The check-in station typically includes an electronic monitor or screen 14, which in a particularly preferred embodiment displays information and allows the customer to interact with the system and enter data into the system. It is a touch screen for enabling However, as will be appreciated, other data input means such as a mouse, keyboard, etc. can be used in conjunction with a non-touch screen for the same purpose. The check-in station 12 typically further includes a camera 16 and speakers that are used to identify the customer and / or allow the customer to communicate live with a customer service representative or the like.

  As part of using the present invention, a customer is identified. This can be done in various ways. For example, the user may simply enter a customer identification code and / or password using, for example, the touch screen monitor 14. Alternatively, biometric information may be obtained from the customer, for example using a camera 16 that can be used for facial recognition purposes or a scanner 18 that can be used to obtain a fingerprint from the customer to properly identify the customer. The scanner 18 can also be used to read the customer's RFID card or obtain a customer quick response imaging reading as an additional option to identify the customer. A card reader 20 is typically provided as part of the check-in station 12. This can be used to identify the customer and to provide payment information in the form of a dedicated card, debit card, credit card, etc. that the customer has previously issued for the system's ASO, for example. The check-in station 12 may further include a mechanism for receiving deposited cash in the form of bills and coins as a pass to accomplish the transaction.

  Each ASO 10 has one or more bays 22 that contain goods that can be removed from the bays 22 for purchase. The bays 22 may be arranged next to each other in a number of forms. Each bay 22 has a door 24 that is normally locked. Typically, the access door 24 is constructed of glass or transparent material so that the customer can view the contents of the bay 22 before opening the door 24. All doors 24 are self-closing spring-loaded doors that automatically close when the door handle is released.

  In a particularly preferred embodiment, an electronic unit, such as a scanner or data input device 26, for each bay 22 that must be used by the customer to unlock the door 24 and allow access to the contents in the bay 22. The access door 24 is linked. Typically, this is done after entering the identification state, selecting payment information, and after entering the qualified state via the check-in station 12. The customer enters the code, provides a fingerprint at the scanner 26, and scans or swipes the card, including a scan, such as a QR image, RFID card or other electronic device, at the electronic unit 26 to read and lock Access to each bay 22 can be gained through the door 24 of each.

  If desired, individual bays 22 can be frozen to hold frozen food, otherwise frozen food can be kept air-conditioned, or are in the bay A non-air-conditioned state can be provided depending on the product to be purchased. As shown in FIG. 3, the ASO 10 with multiple bays 22 may have bays 22 that are frozen, and some bays 22 may not.

  Means are provided for holding and providing the goods to be purchased in the bay 22. A tray 28 or other shelf is typically provided for these items. As described in further detail herein, the ASO can detect the removal of any item from each bay 22 to charge the customer for payment for each item removed.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates a built-in advertisement or sales monitor 30 that promotes and sells various products and services. These products and services may be associated with an ASO or a company that provides or conducts ASO, or may be associated with other companies. Promotional monitor 30 may also be used to advertise merchandise for sale within ASO. Alternatively, the advertising monitor 30 may be used to promote goods and services that are not fully associated with the ASO 10 or that are not fully associated with the product for purchase within the ASO. good. The promotional monitor 20 can also be used to explain to new customers how to use the ASO system. This may be done either at the advertising monitor 30 or at the monitor 14 associated with the check-in station 12, or a printed instruction manual may be provided in the ASO 10.

  The canopy 32 is typically used in modular units including bays 22, check-in stations 12, etc. to provide lighting, impressions, marketing, and to make the ASO 10 unit look great in other respects. It is attached.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, another ASO 10 is shown having a check-in station 12 as described above and a plurality of bays 22 located in two modular units. In this case, however, it will be appreciated that the modular bay 22 is of a different form and size than the modular bay shown in FIG. Further, one of the bays 22 includes merchandise associated with the drink dispenser 34. The drink dispenser 34 is typically made of a coffee maker, and can provide hot water for making tea, cold water for making a low-perfumed beverage, and the like. Coffee K cups, tea bags, fragrance packets, cups, etc. are accessed through the locked door 24 of the bay 22, and after taking out and purchasing these items, the customer can make a beverage using the beverage device 34. it can. The beverage device 34 may or may not be located behind the door 24 in the closed and locked state. Other types of hot or cold single cup beverage dispensers 34 may be provided. Such dispensers dispense selected beverages only to qualified customers controlled by an ASO computer system.

  With the ASO 10 shown in FIG. 2, an automatic unmanned coffee house can be operated. Customers will separately prepare their own hot or cold beverages, such as coffee or tea. The extractor 34 can only be activated after the customer has properly checked in and is qualified via the check-in station 12. The customer may also be able to purchase other products commonly sold in the coffee house, such as muffins, cakes, other bakery items, etc., which are one or more additional products The bay 22 can be obtained.

  Traditional coffee houses, such as Starbucks and others, are very popular and frequently come and go. However, in many cases, the coffee house is located a significant distance from the customer so that the customer has to walk a few blocks to the coffee house or drive his car to the coffee house. ing. Also, in many cases, such coffee houses have long queues of customers and take time to get served. In addition, such coffee houses are quite expensive for the goods in these stores. Automatic coffee house kiosk or ASO embodied as in the present invention that can be conveniently installed in lobby, office building, airport, dome, etc., and is fully automated and unattended, providing delicious coffee, tea etc. at low price Is desired.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, the ASO 10 of the present invention is modular, and multiple bays 22 are available in various forms as part of the same ASO 10 and single check-in station 12 as shown in FIG. Can be provided. Thus, for example, in a large building or airport where demand is large and there is sufficient space, a large ASO having a large number of bays 22 may be provided. However, in small buildings, dormitories, etc., for example, a small ASO shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be provided to meet the needs of such places. Modular ASO is extremely flexible and allows the design of ASO in various shapes and forms. Thus, the ASO may be as small as shown in FIG. 1, or as large as shown in FIG. 3, or based on location requirements and location physical form. And can be of any other size. ASO 10 operations are conducted in the same manner, regardless of the number of bays 22 and modular units provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the bays 22 detects the removal of goods from the bay by the customer accessing the bay 22 via an electronic identification unit 26 associated with the lock on the door 24. be able to. This information is located at each ASO from the circuit associated with each bay 22 and has been retrieved by that particular customer to determine exactly what each item has been retrieved by this particular customer. It is relayed to the main controller and local computer computing system (LCS) requesting payment for the goods. The main controller and LCS also control the functions of the check-in station 12. Thus, all functions of each ASO 10 are fully performed by the LCS located locally at each ASO. The LCS creates, keeps and maintains activity reports and history logs at each local ASO. Thus, if communication and network outages occur, the ASO of the present invention can still operate and function. This is because these ASOs are in a self-sufficient state by incorporating a circuit, a controller, a computer, software and the like necessary for conducting a transaction.

  However, referring now to FIG. 4, each ASO 10 (shown as ASO1-ASON) is typically a central management center or main control network facility (MCNF) for exchanging data, information and activities. 36 is always in communication. The MCNF 36 assists with all ASO and customer service network 38, network operations center (NOC) 40 and inventory / sales / reporting system 42 activities. The customer service network 38 allows customers to interface live with customer service staff. Network operations centers are typically coupled to company websites, which allow customers to create accounts, add funds to their accounts, get company news, and personal Activity records and / or reports etc. can be examined, eg related functions. Thus, ASO uses wired or wireless technology to relay information to MCNF 36, NOC 40, customer service network 38 or inventory / sales / reporting system 42 to receive communications back in the form of customer service, monitoring, remote control, etc. Using this, a two-way communication network is established. However, if a network outage occurs as described above, each ASO can make a transaction and record the transaction for later transfer to the MCNF 36 or other available unit or department.

  In accordance with the present invention, it is envisioned by the present invention that a customer opens a dedicated account in the system of the present invention, either via a website or a check-in station 12 at ASO 10. Funds may be placed in the account and a dedicated card or electronic device may be issued to the customer. As a modification, the customer may be provided with customer identification information, a PIN, a password, etc. so as to enter at the check-in station and / or the electronic scanner unit 26 and access the ASO for purchase. Dedicated account funds can be replenished with debit cards, credit cards, wire transfers from bank accounts or even cash deposited in ASO.

  Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the customer begins the process of using the present invention by identifying himself and making his choice of payment method (44). This is typically done at check-in station 12 as shown in step 56 of FIG.

  The first step a customer takes when the customer reaches ASO 10 is to perform an identification and qualification process. During this process, the local computerized system identifies the customer and then entitles the customer to shop at ASO. The customer may or may not be a member. A member is a person who is registered in advance with the company and possesses a customized member's card or identification code issued to the customer by the company.

  As mentioned above, the initial identification is usually done at the check-in station. If the customer is an authorized member, the customer has his own customized member card (eg, RFID card, NFC card, magnetic strip card, or other form of customized identification smart card) There will be. The customer will also typically have a personal identification number (PIN) already associated with the member's card. The customer scans his member's card on a scanner or card reader installed at check-in station 12, and then uses his / her PIN using the check-in station keypad or check-in station touch screen. Enter. In some cases, the customer may be required to enter additional information, such as a zip code, date of birth, name or other information that may be stored in connection with the customer's profile for security purposes There is.

  The present invention is a credit that represents the dollar amount on the issued member payment card either online on the company's website or on the check-in station screen at any ASO using a credit or debit card or bill. It is assumed that it will be replenished. Members can also authorize ACH transactions to replenish their payment cards.

  As a variant, if the customer is a member who has previously scanned and registered his / her face and / or fingerprint imaging, the customer can also biometrically by scanning his / her face or fingerprint at a check-in station scanner, for example. It may be identifiable by metric data. The system identifies the customer by comparing the facial image, fingerprint image, or other biometric image with the recorded biometric image.

  As another option, a member customer can enter their user name, password, etc. using the local check-in station touch screen or other data entry mechanism. The system compares this information with the database, and if the information entered by the system is found to match the database record, the system ends the identification process. Again, in some cases, the customer may be required to enter additional information where the customer's profile is stored for security purposes.

  As yet another option, a member customer can download a company's software application to a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, which allows an image downloaded to the customer's mobile device, such as a QR code image, to be downloaded. It is possible to identify the customer by using it. After accessing the application from the mobile phone and entering the customer's PIN to request a QR image, the QR image is sent to the customer's smartphone number. A new QR image will be sent to the customer's smartphone each time the customer accesses the application and requests an image. The filed smartphone number and the customer's PIN must match to receive a qualified QR image. Certain images are valid for one session within the ASO. If the QR image is not used for a predetermined period, the QR image becomes invalid.

  In addition, by using this option, customers get their active virtual shopping cart in real time during any shopping session in ASO directly on the mobile phone display. Also, from time to time, customers obtain notifications and promotional promotions that are sent to the customer's smartphone using a push notification feature or any other cellular technology.

  If the customer is not a member and wants to shop at the ASO using a credit or debit card, the customer can scan the card at the check-in station 12 with a reader. The customer may also be required to enter additional information such as billing zip codes, birthdays, or any other information that can associate the person with a payment credit or debit card. In addition, the customer may also be required to be scanned biometrically, for example providing a facial image or fingerprint from a check-in station camera.

  If the customer wants to use cash for a shopping session, the customer may be part of an ASO, for example a part of a check-in station, or a cash accepting machine that is a separate bay located near the check-in station. Cash bills or coins must be inserted. In one embodiment, the customer will enter his name, driver's license and be scanned biometrically and / or the customer will be provided with a PIN or other identifying information.

  In one embodiment, the machine issues a card loaded with the same amount of money that the customer has deposited into the machine at the ASO location. Provided that this amount exceeds the minimum required amount. As a variant, the machine may print customized QR images, barcodes, RFID tag cards, or other images on smart paper access cards that have been issued specifically for such transactions. In yet another variation, a temporary access PIN may be provided to the customer in place of or in addition to such a printed image or smart card. The PIN may be generated by the machine or may be selected by the customer on the cash machine touch screen. The access card, printed image, and / or PIN allow the customer to access the bay door 24 and shop at the ASO.

  At the end of the current shopping session, the customer inserts a temporary access card into the machine and returns or scans the balance remaining on the card (the remaining balance is the amount of goods purchased during the shopping session). The amount of cash (which is the amount loaded on the card less than the cost) can be returned or you can keep the card for future use. In addition, a cash access card of this type including a pre-loaded specific dollar amount may be offered for sale as a gift card or cash access card for shopping at any ASO.

  If the system detects that a person does not meet certain security criteria, the system may request additional information or may deny access to that person.

  After properly identified and providing acceptable payment choices (both of which are verified by the system), the system is then of a level sufficient for customer payment information to purchase goods from the ASO. Ensuring that a customer is eligible to retrieve goods from any bay. The qualification process is necessary to ensure that the customer's account has sufficient funds to meet the average number of shopping visits. The average number of shopping visits may be different at each location, and may be preset on the system. Thus, after the identification process is complete, the system prequalifies the customer's member card or account for debit or credit card or input cash for an average number of shopping visits. If the payment amount is not qualified, the system notifies the customer on the check-in station screen that there is not enough money associated with the payment type selected to make the purchase. Alternatively, the system may allow the customer to specify a low qualifying purchase amount on the touch screen based on the customer's intention to spend on this stop. If the unqualified customer is a member, the customer as a member can become eligible by adding funds to his account using a debit or credit card, ACH remittance, etc. If the customer is not a member, the customer may use a different debit or credit card to qualify, or insert additional cash into the ASO. If not, the person's access will be denied.

  Referring again to FIG. 5, if the system qualifies the payment method, the profile of the qualified customer is raised to PRESENT MODE (46). With reference to FIG. 6, this is done by the local computer system 58.

  The term present mode refers to the customer and the customer's card or other payment information passing the identification and identification process, and the person is present at the ASO and is eligible to open the bay door and shop at the outlet store. It is meant to be given. The customer profile in the present mode includes customer personal name and PIN, customer RFID / NFC or magnetic swipe card information and customer personal information including PIN number and recorded customer biometric information and Images, such as fingerprints and facial scan images or other available and suitable personal identification information.

  If the cash system issues a temporary access cash card, bar code or QR image access code, etc., the cash system approves that the card is available for shopping and raises the card credentials to present mode.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when in the present mode, for example, the door 24 shown in FIG. 8 and the buttons and switches associated with the lock shown in FIG. By simply pushing, one or more bay doors are either unlocked or selectively unlockable. However, this option can only be used with a very small ASO that allows a single customer to use ASO at a given time. In such a relatively small ASO 10 with only a single bay 22, this is not a concern and this option may be appropriate. However, this option presents a problem in ASO with multiple bays 22. If only one customer can shop at such a large ASO at a given time, an unqualified individual other than a qualified customer will open the door 24 and mistakenly charge a customer in present mode In some cases, the product in 22 is accessed.

  Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, each eligible customer will be able to shop and open many large ASO doors 24 with simultaneous access by many customers, Before opening any bay door 24 by the unit or scanner 26, it must be identified again. If the customer is identified in the present mode and an appropriate identification is provided at the scanner 26, the door will open (48). If not, the door remains locked. Nevertheless, one customer can open one door at a time. Such a customer is the responsible party for all goods removed from such bay 22 until such bay door 24 is closed and locked.

  Only customers who have their profile in their present mode or their cash access card can open the bay door and remove the product. To open any door, the customer scans his / her card, face or fingerprint or other biometric information or his / her PIN for each door 24 as shown in step 60 of FIG. It must be entered into the door scanner 26 installed by the side. Such door scanners and their components are multi-system scanners that can perform RFID / NFC scanning, barcode or QR code image reading, biometric facial or fingerprint scanning, or manual entry of username and PIN. Is good. The electronic scanner unit 26 of the present invention can accept any one of these methods or any combination thereof or any other identification means. For example, a customer who uses his credit or debit card to qualify can manually enter the last four digits of the card used during the identification and qualification process into the scanner unit or the identification and qualification process You can enter a PIN that you may have been given in, or use a printed barcode or QR access card issued to the customer by ASO during the check-in process. If the customer's credit or debit card is a smart card, the scanner will scan for RFID, NFC or other when the customer is scanning that particular card over the scanner in each door to open any bay door. Identification technology can be read. As an additional security measure, ASO may require the use of biometric faces, fingerprints or other imaging in addition to any of the above techniques. A customer's card or profile that is not in present mode will not be able to gain access to open any bay door.

  Instead of issuing a member's card, other electronic devices in the form of a smart RFID chip or a bracelet, ring or the like incorporating any other RF technology may be issued to the customer. By wearing such a bracelet or ring, the customer as a member only needs to hold the handle of any bay door and open the bay door. By grasping the door handle, the door scanner installed within a few inches (1 inch is 2.54 cm) near the door handle detects the customer's identification information in the bracelet or ring, and Enabling the opening of

  After the computer system confirms that the information entered in the door scanner matches the information in the customer profile at the present mode level, the computerized controller unlocks the door for the particular bay. As an alternative, instead of the main controller or LCS performing such functions, present mode information can be downloaded and updated in real time to all door scanners along with all customer profiles and access cards. All profiles and access cards can be temporarily stored in each scanner's memory as long as they are brought up in present mode and information is present in the customer's or card profile in present mode . Thus, when a customer scans his card, provides biometric information, and enters his PIN into a door scanner located beside each door, the scanner is stored in the scanner's memory. The profile informs the central controller and LCS of the match and requests the LCS to unlock the door.

  Thus, only one person at a time can open the door 24 of a given bay 22. Thus, the customer is the party responsible for all items removed from the bay as a result of opening the door, while many customers can shop at the ASO at the same time. Passing the customer through the identification and qualification process and going into present mode also facilitates the execution of a second identification step at the electronic device scanner associated with each bay door. Rather than the system having to search the database for the identification codes, passwords, fingerprints, etc. of all members belonging to the ASO, the ASO local computer system is already in present mode and currently exists and shopping at the ASO All you need to do is look up the identification code, password, biometric information, etc. that are assigned and known for the customer who is doing. This cross-match and decision can occur almost instantaneously, whereas looking up such a large database of information may require additional time.

  In one embodiment, upon identifying the customer and opening the bay door lock, the display screen of the electronic unit scanner 26 can display the customer's remaining balance and the customer's current virtual shopping cart. When the door closes and locks the door, the screen disappears again and waits for the next customer to be authenticated before entering the ID and providing that information to that customer.

  If the customer does not have enough funds in their account or the customer's purchase amount exceeds the amount that the card qualifies during the check-in process, the customer will exceed the authorized purchase amount A message notifying the customer that he will not unlock is provided to the customer, for example, on the scanner display. Notification of customer service and such customer service can intervene by means of video or audio connection means. The customer will offer another payment option or replenish existing payment options to continue shopping at the ASO.

  Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the customer has access to the door and opens the door toward the bay, where the customer can remove any item from the tray in the bay. The customer who opens the door is responsible for all goods removed from the bay until the door is closed and locked. As the item is removed from the bay, the product name, description and price are added to the customer's virtual shopping cart (50). This is shown in step 62 and step 64 of FIG. When the customer removes the item 70 from the tray 28, the sensor detects the removal of the item 70, and the system detects the name of the item 70, the description of the item 70 that was retrieved to add the item 70 to the virtual shopping cart 64. And you can pinpoint the price accurately. As described above, the virtual shopping cart is also provided on the user's mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, a display screen, and a screen associated with the electronic unit scanner 26 and / or a display screen 14 associated with the check-in station 12. Is good. This may be displayed automatically or only when requested by the customer.

  Thus, when a customer removes a product 70 from the tray 28 in the bay 22, the system detects in real time which product has been removed, and has identified the product that opened the door as a “pending product”. Log in the customer's virtual shopping cart. The system detects removal and identifies the product in the removal state based on preconfigured database information in each compartment of the tray. Detection of product removal can be achieved by using any optical or electrical sensor system or any digital measurement system and / or RFID or NFC identification tag system and any other suitable sensor technology.

  When the customer returns the item 70 to the tray 28, the system retrieves the item in real time from the customer's virtual shopping cart. In some cases, if the customer wants to return the item to the tray before closing the door, the customer must return the item to the same location from which the item was removed. In some cases, if the customer does not return the item to the correct location, no credit will be issued for such return and a warning and / or voice announcement will require the customer to move the item to the correct location. Misplaced merchandise may be logged and, if not repaired by the customer, products in such compartments may be automatically updated by the software. If the software is unable to update the database, the software issues a notification to the maintenance team indicating the product placed in the wrong location. When using several sensors, such as RFID tags, the location of each product is not critical and such functionality is modified accordingly based on the circumstances of each event.

  Referring again to FIG. 5, when the customer releases the door handle, the door automatically closes and locks (52). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the glass door 24 located in front of each modular bay 22 is a biased self-closing spring door that automatically closes when the door handle is released. When the door is fully closed, the locking mechanism detects that the door is fully closed, at which point the system activates an electrical deadbolt to lock the door.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, such an electronically actuated deadbolt lock 72 is shown. The deadbolt 74 is selectively moved from the open position to the closed lock position by an electric current, an electrically generated signal, or the like.

  In one embodiment, the door has a metal magnetic backing plate that is designed to receive the deadbolt 74 of the electrical locking mechanism 72 and to activate a reed switch within the lock when the door is fully closed. The electric locking mechanism 72 as shown in FIG. 8 detects a unit case 86, a dead bolt 74, a geared motor 78 that moves the dead bolt 74, and door closing, and receives a signal from a computerized controller or the like. The circuit 80 may be included, and the circuit 80 includes a limit switch, a magnetic reed switch, and the like. Typically, limit switches, reed switches, etc., always detect the position of the door. The magnet provided on the receiving plate is positioned so as to operate the reed switch when the door is completely closed, and at that time, the control panel operates the motor to slide the dead bolt to lock the door. The locking or unlocking of the bay door is typically based on a command from the main central control panel 90.

  If the customer wants to open the same door, after closing and locking the door, the customer needs to repeat the above steps. That is, the customer must scan his card, electronic device, provide biometric scanning, enter the proper code, etc. while in present mode. Once again, the central control panel or LCS activates the geared motor 78 to pull back the deadlock 74, thereby unlocking the door and allowing the customer to open the door and remove goods from the bay 22.

  Referring again to FIG. 5, once the customer has taken out all the desired items and finished shopping, does the customer manually end the transaction and receive a printed receipt at the check-in station or leave without completing the pickup? The system will then automatically terminate the transaction after the customer's predetermined refractory period (54). As shown in FIG. 6, the customer may return to the check-in station to provide identification information, thereby viewing the virtual shopping cart, closing the transaction, and receiving a printed receipt if desired. Is good. Upon scanning the customer's ID card or providing other identifying information, the system displays a particular customer's virtual shopping cart listing all the items that the customer has removed from the tray. The customer can view this list and then click OK to end the transaction. However, if the customer does not want to spend time to close the transaction, the customer may simply walk away from the ASO and the system will no longer be active in the ASO for a predetermined period of time. Once detected, the system automatically terminates that particular shopping session and charges the customer for payment for items that are picked up and shown in the virtual shopping cart. Instead of a printed receipt, the receipt can be sent electronically to the customer, for example by e-mail, text or the like. This is particularly desirable for customers who choose not to manually end the transaction at check-in station 66. After the transaction is complete, the software and LCS computer system take the customer out of present mode (68).

  As described above, a large number of customers can shop at the same time with ASO by a method that requires a second identification and confirmation at each door in each bay. The system distinguishes each customer's virtual shopping cart in real time based on the customer's access to a given bay and the retrieval of a given item in that bay, and each customer after opening the bay door Each customer is charged with accurate payment for the product to be removed from each tray. Purchase data from the ASO is relayed to a central management center, for example, the MCNF 36 shown in FIG.

  Also, as described above, in a small ASO, if only one person can shop at a time, the door scanner electronic unit may not be necessary. In such a situation, the identified and qualified customer is considered to be the only person who opened the door during one person's shopping session and that the customer removed the product from one or more bays. It is. Thus, the identified and qualified person is the party responsible for all products removed from any tray and bay during the shopping session.

  In such a case, the shopper may be required to unlock a given bay door by pressing a button, such as an illuminated green button. The other door remains locked to prevent a third party from opening the door and removing the product from the other bay. Thus, only one door can be opened at any given time for security purposes. If there is only one bay with a door, the above may not be necessary and the door will be unlocked to the customer as soon as it is identified and qualified.

  In such cases, to prevent two or more customers from attempting to log in at a given time and / or to allow the customer to manually close the transaction, the shopping session ends and the customer An electronic card reader may be used to hold a customer's member card, credit card or debit card until the transaction is manually terminated using a touch screen and charged to the customer's account. This would require the customer to manually terminate the transaction by viewing the virtual shopping card and approving the transaction. After closing the transaction and charging the customer's account, the electronic card reader releases the customer's card and the system shifts to standby mode to prepare for the next customer. If the customer uses a biometric scan, RFID or other card to be read through, the customer simply closes the transaction by pressing the OK button or other such instruction button at the check-in station touch screen. After charging the customer's account, the system will shift to standby mode to prepare for the next customer. A printed receipt or electronically emailed receipt will be provided to the customer.

  Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of various components of a typical ASO 10 is shown. Three bays are shown for purposes of illustration and illustration. Each bay is shown with four shelves or trays 28. Each bay 22 is shown with a corresponding electronic scanner unit 26, lock 72, and LED lamp 88.

  The components of the check-in station 12, the display screen 14, camera 16, scanner 18 and / or card reader payment acceptor 20 are shown in communication with a local computer computing system (LCS) 58. LCS 58 communicates with MCNF 36, NOC, customer service tech support unit 38, and the like. However, as mentioned above, all of the functions of ASO other than remote monitoring and customer service are typically at ASO 10 to prevent ASO from functioning in the event of a network interruption and unable to execute transactions. Implemented locally, such network interruptions may occur when the system is based on a cloud or remote computer computing system. In addition, to ensure the ability to efficiently provide service to customers to always have the fastest functional response and avoid downtime due to internet interference and inactivity The LCS of the system is deployed locally instead of in the cloud or remote computer computing system. Accordingly, the ASO 10 may remain in operation during the Internet inoperative state. The LCS performs a number of functions simultaneously during the operation of the ASO, including customer identification and qualification, operation of the locking mechanism and detection of the retrieved goods, billing, surveillance video and other customer interaction media. Functions such as video and audio live meetings. Thus, the LCS 58 responds locally to such functions without delay and is suitable for a high grade one or two to accommodate inoperability or interference that may occur by using a cloud or other remote computer computing system. Consists of more than one computer computing system.

  Each shelf or tray 28 includes a sensor tray 82 that incorporates one or more sensors that detect when goods are removed from the shelf or tray 28. This is typically relayed via the bridge board 84 to the local tray circuit board 86 and then further to the main circuit board 90, which directly interfaces with the LCS 58 or even the LCS 58's. It is a part. The tray circuit boards 86 may be interconnected in series as shown, or all may be directly connected to the main control panel 90 and the LCS 58. However, if the configuration shown in FIG. 7 is given, if a single sensor tray, bridge board, tray circuit board, etc. malfunctions, this malfunction will cause the remaining trays or shelves 28 to operate and in particular. It does not adversely affect the operation of other bays in the ASO 10.

  All ASO electrical functions are controlled by the main control board 90 and the tray circuit board 86 and together communicate with a software program that can claim ownership executed by the LCS 58. When any change is detected, such as the placement or removal of a product on or from tray 28, a serial data string signals such activity to the main control board 90. The central or main control panel 90 communicates with the LCS 58, which uses a local database to determine which items have been retrieved or placed and apply such activities to the appropriate current customer's virtual shopping cart. .

  In addition, the main control board 90 and the tray circuit board 86 activate the bright mode LED lights 88, 130 whenever the system shifts to purchase mode or when any bay door is opened. LED lights can go dark when the bay door is closed. The main control panel 90 controls the opening and closing positions of the locking mechanism.

  In addition to the above, the present invention and its software provide a large inventory control program and replenishment / fulfillment program. This allows the ASO operator to have a complete reading of all products present in each of the trays or shelves 28 in real time and to create a replenishment list for each ASO as needed. Can do. When entering the inventory replenishment mode, the system creates an inventory file that points to all inventory of products currently present in each compartment throughout the ASO. At that time, all locks or locks of that particular part of the ASO are unlocked for inventory replenishment. Upon reconfiguration, the system again provides a complete reading of all tray compartments and creates a file showing the changes before and after the inventory replenishment session. The file can be used to check whether refilling has been done correctly. After reconfiguration, the system changes and returns to standby or purchase mode.

  The software manages the entire operation of ASO, including all management activities and reports. All activity is reported to the main control network facility (MCNF) 36 via a network connection, eg, the Internet. In addition, the software activates the NOC and customer service interface 38. Such interfaces include interactive features that allow customers to communicate live with the company's customer service or network operating center via audio and video conferencing. By touching the appropriate area on the touch screen monitor 14, the customer can initiate an audio and video conference call with the customer service. The customer service agent appears live on the screen and helps the customer's request. In addition, the software allows the customer service representative to remotely lock or unlock the door, turn the LED light on or off, charge the customer account or fill in the credit for the customer account, If the customer wants to replenish his account balance, he can add funds to the customer's account. In addition, the customer service can access a remote viewing feature that allows the customer service to remotely view the ASO site, for example, via a camera 16 or surveillance system.

  Each ASO is equipped with a surveillance video camera. In addition to the surveillance video camera, it is assumed that one or more display screens indicating what the surveillance video camera contains are provided in each bay, for example. , The user who opened the bay door, and one or more items removed from the bay. All video sessions are stored on the local computer and can be viewed locally or remotely. If any bay door is opened without proper command from the main control panel 90, a security alarm is activated and customer service remote observation is turned on. All customer activity is fully logged in or saved. If a mischief is discovered, management can look at the activity log and video records to determine who made the mischief by the system. Thus, such a system can also be used to confirm customer retrieval of goods from an ASO.

  In one embodiment of the invention, ASO 10 includes a motion detector. The motion detector may be part of the identification scanner 26, or may be independent and located at one or more locations throughout the ASO. The motion detector detects the movement of someone approaching or passing through the ASO. In this case, motion detection by the motion sensor turns on the ASO light, for example the LED light 88 in the various bays 22, turns on the initial prompt screen at the screen 14 of the check-in station 12, and the advertising monitor 30. Can be used to operate the In addition, motion detection by motion detectors can be used to activate surveillance video cameras and systems and to activate live remote viewing for security or even customer service purposes.

  Until the current qualified customer opens any bay door, all doors are closed and locked. A qualified customer can only open one door at a time. Such a customer is the responsible party for all goods that have been removed from the bay during the time between the door being closed and locked. If any machine malfunction or mischief restricts the door from closing completely for a predetermined period of time, an alarm is activated and customer service remote vision is turned on and activated.

  In addition, if a qualified customer retrieves a product from the tray or shelf 28 whose total cost exceeds the amount that the customer can qualify, the customer's profile is removed from the present mode and the customer opens an additional door. Restricts opening and activates local door alerts and activates video and / or audio sessions, which allows the customer service agent to store excess products until the customer's balance is sufficient to purchase such products. You can ask to return. Additional security measures can also be used as needed.

  The MCNF 36 is a central management center that manages all ASO locations and company management and reporting needs. MCNF hosts the company's network operating center, the company's customer service, and the company's website. The MCNF communicates with each ASO's LCS 58 via a network connection, exchanges data, and assists the operation of each ASO. However, all local functions, mechanical and electrical functions, and all detected identifications and entitlements for each customer are primarily controlled by each ASO's local LCS. However, MCNF may use the software to manage the company's management, including all sales reports and inventory, inventory replenishment reports, customer account activities and balances, membership database and various other functions and special programs. it can. In addition, MCNF hosts and manages the company's website, which provides company information and allows members to log on (connect) to their profile for reports, Can be added to your balance, can interact with company special programs, and communicate with company staff via chat, email or live video / audio.

  Referring now to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, each tray or shelf 28 has an upper portion 92 and a base portion or unit 94. The upper unit 92 is substantially sealed, and a plurality of spaced apart grooves 96 are formed in the wall of the upper unit. The spaced apart grooves allow for selective positioning of the horizontal and vertical partitions 98,100. As can be appreciated, at least one of the partitions has a groove 102 that is spaced to allow insertion of the other partition, in this case the horizontal partition 98. It is also envisioned that the present invention uses a prefabricated partition 104 that provides a fixed size compartment. The advantage of the horizontal and vertical dividers 98, 100 is that the size of the compartment for each item can vary, so that the tray 28 can accept items of different sizes. is there. For example, prefabricated dividers 104 may be useful for coffee K cups, tea bags, or other items of fixed and given size. With large dividers 98, 100, compartments can be formed that accept various sizes of merchandise including sandwiches, salads, boxed merchandise, drugs, cosmetics, and the like. The divider rests on a shelf or platform 106, which is typically made of glass or other transparent or light transmissive material and separates the upper unit 92 and the lower unit 94 into two. Divide equally.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-15, a sensor rack 108 containing one or more sensors is disposed within the base unit 94 of the tray 92. The photosensor 110 may be provided in one of the holes 112 arranged in an array sized and shaped to receive the photosensor 110. The light sensor 110 is arranged such that there is a light sensor associated with each compartment formed by the partitions 98, 100, 104. Thus, when the product is positioned on the light sensor 110, the light sensor is shielded from the light source disposed above the tray 92 and the light sensor is not activated. However, once the goods are removed, light is received by the light sensor 110, which emits a signal, which is received by the tray circuit board 86, and this signal is received by the main control board 90 and Relayed to LCS 58. As will be appreciated, the light sensor may comprise an infrared sensor, which detects the presence of infrared generated light from, for example, an infrared LED or other light source disposed above the tray 92.

  A bracket 114 or the like is used to attach each shelf or tray 28 to the inside of each bay 22. A cover 116 may be used to position wires, leads, etc. that extend from one tray 28 to another tray or main control panel 90, for example.

  Referring now to FIG. 10, a bottom view of the sensor array 108 is shown. As will be appreciated, the sensor array 108 has holes arranged in a grid or array. Each row (horizontal arrangement) of the holes 118 is indicated by, for example, symbols in order of small size as shown in the figure. Each column (vertical arrangement) of holes is similarly displayed, for example, with alphabetic characters. Thus, each hole in the array has a unique alphanumeric display that represents the cross-section of the column and row with respect to that hole. This can be seen more clearly in FIG.

  As shown and described above, the optical sensor 110, which may be provided in the plug as shown in FIG. 12, provides a given and for the product in the compartment in which the product will be located. It is provided in the assigned hole. Thus, typically, not all holes have photosensors. In contrast, depending on the product type and the wide variety of product types located in the compartment, the light sensor 110 is placed in the compartment to be shielded from light sources that illuminate from above the compartment and tray 28. It will be arranged at intervals so as to be centered as a whole for the goods to be produced. FIG. 12 shows such an optical sensor 110 or an optical sensor provided in the plug in an upside down orientation, so that the opening of the optical sensor is located at the bottom of the drawing and the lead wire 122 signals. It is connected to at least one bridge board 124 for relaying to the circuit board 86 of the tray.

  Referring now to FIG. 13, one or more tray circuit boards 86 are provided in the base unit 94 of the tray 28. A male bridge board plug 126 can be inserted into the female receptacle socket 124 to form a bridge board when the sensor array tray 108 is slid into place, thereby providing one or more tray circuits. A plate 86 is interconnected with the sensor board array 108. A ribbon wire (flat string) 128 or the like enables interconnection and communication with the main control panel 90.

  Typically, LED lighting strips 130 are operatively attached to the bottom of each tray 28 to illuminate the tray located directly below. Of course, LED lighting strips or other light sources may be provided on the topmost tray or all trays 28. As described above, such a light source may be visible light and / or invisible light, such as infrared light, to activate an infrared light sensor or the like.

  In the case of a bag, can, or other product that can be placed in line or stacked and can be pushed forward after one removal, the rail divider / biasing push mechanism is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. The rail 132 is inserted into the groove 96 to form a vertical partition having a predetermined width corresponding to a product to be inserted between the rails. Thus, the rails 132 cooperate to form a compartment between them. The slider-pusher unit 134 is urged by, for example, a spring and moves forward toward the front portion of the tray 28 to push cans, baskets and the like arranged in a row toward the front portion. As will be appreciated, the number of rail dividers 132 can be varied according to the size of the can or jar to accept a large jar or can. Similarly, the slider-pusher 134 can be modified to properly push a bag, can or any other item, for example by attaching an extension member, thereby providing a wide pressing surface for the slider-pusher 134, etc. Is provided.

  As can be seen from FIG. 15, the slider-pusher 134 moves from the rear end of the tray 28 toward the front end of the tray. When the slider-pusher performs such a movement, the hole of the sensor tray 108 provided below them is exposed. Typically, an optical sensor 110 located near the front of the tray 28 will be provided in this hole, so that when a can or basket is being removed from the front of the basket and can row. As the pusher-slider unit 134 pushes the remaining rows of baskets and cans toward the front of the tray 28, the light sensor is activated within a fraction of a second. Alternatively, photosensors 110 arranged in a row may be arranged along the length of the row of cans and cans, and these photosensors are activated upon removal of the foremost can or can, This exposes the holes and photosensors located behind in the sequential order. However, a light sensor located behind a bag, can or other product being pushed by the pusher is shielded from the light source, for example by a pusher spring or a housing or mask that is moved by the pusher when the product is removed from the tray. Can be done.

  Using the optical sensor system described above with reference to FIGS. 9-15, a signal is generated as soon as the product is removed from the compartment and the optical sensor 110 is exposed to the light source. The system knows which light sensor 110 has been activated and the compartment to which this light sensor is assigned. From pre-placed merchandise for a particular compartment and tray and sensor tray 108, the system can pinpoint which merchandise has been removed from which compartment and identify that merchandise and virtualize its cost. It can be presented to customers in the cart. If the customer returns the item to the compartment from which the item was removed, the shopping cart deletes the item from the shopping cart and does not charge the customer for payment for the item.

  It will also be appreciated that the present invention can utilize other sensor technologies. For example, the bottom sensor shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 may comprise a reed switch, and a magnet may be attached to the bottom of the pusher unit. Each position of the pusher 134 activates a reed switch located below it. Based on an indication of which reed switch has been activated, the system will determine the number of product units remaining in the slider-pusher compartment row.

  Of course, the sensor tray can also be configured to include an RFID antenna and / or any other sensor technology that can accurately and very specifically detect the removal of a particular item from the NFC system or tray 28. By using different sensor technologies, it is possible to identify each item that has been removed, for example to identify the removal of a tag attached to a product located within the reading distance of the NFC or RFID sensor. However, when the system is restocked, it has the merchandise arranged to correspond with the sensors provided in the tray 28 of that particular bay 22 and therefore tracks the location and identity of the merchandise. Can be done.

  Referring now to FIG. 16, an RFID sensor tray 136 is shown. The sensor tray 136 typically includes a cover 138, a base 140, and an RFID antenna device 142 sandwiched between the cover 138 and the base 140 to form a single unit. This unit, which is typically rectangular as a whole, replaces the sensor tray 108 shown in FIG. Typically, this unit is still slid into a suitable slot or compartment in the base 92 of the tray 28, for example under the shelf 106. The tray 28 is shown in FIG. 9 and described above with reference to FIG. 9, and for other purposes, for example, controls the light intensity in the bays and the scanner or reader 26 associated with each bay 22. The tray circuit board 86 shown in FIG. 13 may still be included for purposes such as serving as an interface to the.

  With continued reference to FIG. 16, goods 70 are typically provided and arranged in trays in a compartmented compartment, but this is not necessarily the case when utilizing the RFID technology of this embodiment. There is no. Each product 70 has an RFID tag 144 attached thereto. When the product 70 is removed from the tray as indicated by the upwardly pointing arrow in FIG. 16, a signal 146 is generated indicating that the product 70 and RFID tag 144 have been removed, and this signal is transmitted to the RFID antenna. , The RFID antenna 142 sends a signal to the RFID reader 150 via the cable 148. Typically, the RFID antenna device 142 periodically sends a signal 146 to detect the presence of the RFID tag 144 on the item 70 associated with the tray. When the product 70 and thus the RFID tag 144 attached thereto are removed, this removal is detected and a signal is sent to the reader 150.

  Reader 150 can receive input from multiple RFID antenna devices 142. Typically, a single RFID antenna device 142 associated with each sensor tray 136 is provided, and this single RFID antenna device is used for each tray 28 in a given bay 22. Thus, for example, one or more readers 150 may be required for each bay 22 depending on the number of trays 28 in the bay 22. In this case, the reader 150 relays this information to the LCS 58.

  It is determined what the product 70 is. This is due to the placement of the goods in the compartment on the tray 136, that all goods on a given tray 136 are identical, or the RFID tag 144 identifies what the goods 70 are. Or by any other satisfactory means. In this way, what the product is and its price are provided to the customer in the virtual shopping cart 64.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the trays used to hold goods or products within the bay of the unit may be of various forms and materials. Such trays should be "universal" in nature, so that the size and shape of the compartment for holding the product can be manually changed and configured. Yes. A single tray per bay may be used, or multiple trays may be used for each bay or shelf, including “universal” configurations, pushers, fixed compartments, etc. A combination is included. It will also be appreciated that the materials used in connection with such trays can vary and include plastics, metals, and the like. An important aspect of the present invention is that the goods to be dispensed can be held removably and the goods are removed from a particular compartment of the tray or from a tray in a bay with or without a separate compartment. It can be designed to work with a sensor system to track the time of retrieval.

  Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, another type of tray 152 used in accordance with the present invention is shown. The tray 152 is made of a sheet-like material, and a plurality of product compartments 156 are molded (molded) in the sheet-like material. The molded sheet-like material 154 may be placed within the tray wall 94 and above the sensor array, eg, the photosensor array described above and illustrated, so that the photosensor 110 for each compartment 156. Is provided so that the time at which the item is removed from its compartment 156 can be ascertained. In some cases, with the “generic” tray having a configurable compartment, the product or product in the compartment does not properly cover the light sensor under the compartment, or the product is in the compartment It has been found that when the product is removed, the product does not properly cover the light sensor. However, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 and in the accompanying description of these figures, a tray with a molded compartment can hold the product more steadily in place, and the product is lighter. It can be further provided that it is located on a sensor or other sensor, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk that the sensor will be accidentally activated, for example by movement of goods in the compartment. .

  One approach to forming the tray 152 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is to thermoform the plastic sheet into a desired mold with a plurality of compartments 156 using a sheet of thermoplastic material. It is a method by. To make the molded sheet-like material 154, the plastic sheet is heated to the flexible molding temperature, then shaped to the specific shape of the mold and trimmed to form the desired tray 152 or tray insert. As will be appreciated, the tray 152 can also be formed by vacuum forming, in which case the sheet material is heated to the forming temperature and stretched onto the mold and pressed against the mold by vacuum. Once the sheet material is cooled, it retains the desired degree of rigidity.

  In one embodiment, the molded tray 152 is constructed of a material that is light transmissive so that light passes through the molded tray into a photosensor disposed below in the photosensor array rack 108; Then, the time when the product is removed from the compartment 156 is detected. However, in other cases, for example, when using the wireless detection system described and illustrated above, such as the RFID system disclosed in connection with FIG. 16, the sheet-like material 154 need not be transparent or translucent. It is also envisioned that only the lower portion of the tray or the lower portion of each compartment of the tray is light transmissive. The remainder of the tray may be composed of a light opaque material, or may be painted or otherwise covered with a light opaque material. In this way, light or other light leakage that may come from the side of the tray from the outside of the bay does not activate the light sensor, but sufficient light is removed by simply removing the product from the compartment. Can be reached and actuated.

  Referring now to FIG. 18, the molded sheet material forming the tray 152 is shown. As can be seen in both FIGS. 17 and 18, the sheet-like material 154 may be formed with compartments 156 of various sizes and configurations. These compartments allow for the removably inserted product 158 with different dimensions and configurations. Typically, the molded compartment is at least generally isomorphic with at least a portion of the article 158 to be held in the compartment 156. For example, if the compartment is to hold a generally spherical product, such as an apple, orange, etc., the compartment is shaped into a hemisphere. However, if the article is generally a cube, the compartment 156 may be formed to be generally cubic and slightly larger than the item to be inserted therein.

  Referring to FIG. 18 again, it can be understood that the shape of the article at the upper left of the figure is a rectangle as a whole. The corresponding molded compartment 156 is sized and configured to be generally isomorphic to at least a portion of the article 158 so that the item 158 can be removably inserted into the compartment 156. As will be appreciated, the compartment may be shaped so that it is generally rectangular or square in shape, but is generally a product or product that is generally spherical, disk-shaped, or has a round or curved shape. The rounded, spherical, curved, etc. part of the product can be fitted or stowed in a square or rectangular compartment, and the product can be stored in this compartment. And the sensor is prevented from being activated until the product is removed from the compartment. Molded compartment 156 may be of various sizes and configurations as shown in FIG. 18 to accept articles 158 having different configurations. Thus, the generally disc-shaped product 158 located in the far right part of FIG. 18 is inserted into the compartment 156 that is smaller in width but longer than the compartment 156 that is generally intended for the product 158 that is rectangular. The

  In accordance with the present invention, it is envisioned that the molded compartment 156 is substantially isomorphous to a portion of the product to be held therein, typically the lower portion of the product to be held in the compartment. Thus, if there is a known product that is to be provided periodically through the automated store outlet of the present invention, the mold provides at least a portion of such product, typically its lower portion. As a result, the compartment 156 of that particular tray insert 154 may be unique to that item. This can help both the individual stock the product in the bay of the automated store outlet and the customer can retrieve the product and return it later. This is because it is easy to know which compartment or set of compartments 156 the item was removed because the overall size and form matches the overall size and form of the previously removed item. Because it becomes.

  However, it will be appreciated that the compartments 156 need not be substantially isomorphic with the lower portion of the goods to be held in them, and in contrast, will accept more than one type of goods in the compartments. It may be of a more general size and form. Such a molded tray insert 154 also provides some limitations on the types of items that the molded compartment 156 can accept, but significantly reduces the time and effort required to form the compartment described, for example, in connection with FIG. These compartments are more natural in nature due to the interconnection of vertical and horizontal partitions that can be made into compartments of a wide variety of dimensions to accept a wide variety of goods placed in these compartments. It is general purpose. The use of the molded compartment 156 can also be used, for example, when the bay door is opened or closed, when the user's hand hits the product, etc. Shifts enough so that it can be actuated, thereby causing the system to count the product as being removed by the user), and a sensor, eg a light sensor, is accidentally actuated by product misalignment or movement Significantly reduce or even eliminate fear.

  Referring now to FIG. 19, it is envisioned that the present invention will shape the ASO to form a micromarket or ministore variant. This allows the company to operate customer outlets such as mini-markets, nearby markets and convenience stores or general store-type outlets in an unattended and fully automated manner. This can be located, for example, in a strip mall, in a dedicated room of a building, in a sufficiently large open area of the building, or the like. One or more check-in stations 12 are provided for customer identification and payment authorization and qualification. Thereafter, a large number of customers can shop at the same time in the micromarket and can access the bay 22 to remove goods from the bay 22 as desired, and the ASO system is routed through a locked door 24. Track the retrieval of each product from each bay by each customer accessing a particular bay. Since only one customer can access a given bay 22 at the time of authentication, many customers can shop at the same time while maintaining an accurate record of each customer's purchases.

  Thus, in addition to food and beverage business-type locations with small ASOs that can be eaten at any time, the present invention also provides any consumer goods available from self-checkout, automated neighborhood or convenience stores or inventory It can be used to operate other types of stores. The present invention and method allows consumers to enter store facilities using various identification systems as described above, and to make their own purchases using the method of the present invention. Products can be removed from the tray 28 by opening the bay door. The system recognizes the customer who opened the door and picked up the product and identified which product was picked up and bills the customer for payment of the price of the next picked-up product accordingly.

  Use such automated facilities for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in an easy-to-use environment with no automatic workers and no expense, with no employees present be able to. Such forms of automated checkouts, automated minimarkets or convenience stores can provide a variety of consumer goods, including neighborhoods, universities, military bases, airports, office complexes, malls and 24 It can be highly desirable in any other area that has been open to the general public over time or accessible as a whole. Thus, such a need for a quick and unattended automatic checkout store that can be operated 24 hours a day without the expense of resident staff is very strong and can be met by the present invention.

  With regard to security measures, one or more revolving doors may be provided to control the customer's access or locked doors, etc. to enter large ASO micromarkets or nearby stores. Locked doors, revolving doors, etc., may be used to require customers to scan their cards and provide other identifying information, etc. The purpose is to enter and exit the ASO and shopping sessions It is to identify the customer who has taken out a product with a price exceeding the original balance of his / her card or account.

  Apart from its use as a store and shopping system, the system of the present invention can be used in any environment that requires the maintenance of a personal record of the item being removed from the shelf and the identification of the item being removed. Such an environment can be used in schools, companies, laboratories, hospitals, and pharmaceutical facilities, or any other entity or facility to track inventory of parts and accessories, consumables, or any other product retrieval. May exist within. The system records the identity (including date and time) of each person who removes goods from the bay and tray, maintains a complete inventory of all products placed on or removed from the general purpose tray, And provide full inventory replenishment reports as needed.

  Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined based only on the description of the scope of claims.

Claims (32)

A computer controlled automatic store outlet,
At least one bay,
Associated with each bay, and a normally locked door that provides access to the goods in the bay by a customer authorized by the computer of the automated store outlet;
At least one tray provided in at least one bay and configured to hold the goods;
An automatic store outlet comprising: a sensor system configured to detect the removal of the product from the bay and identify the retrieved product.   The tray includes a peripheral wall comprising a plurality of spaced apart slots, a platform, and at least one that removably inserts into and onto the slot in the wall to form a commodity compartment. The automatic store outlet according to claim 1, further comprising a partition.   The automatic store outlet according to claim 2, wherein the at least one partition is a combination of a horizontal partition and a vertical partition that can be connected to each other.   The automatic of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the horizontal or vertical partition is formed with a slot for receiving a corresponding vertical or horizontal partition such that the interconnected horizontal and vertical partitions form a product compartment. Store outlet.   The automatic store outlet of claim 2, wherein the at least one partition comprises a prefabricated partition having a prefabricated product compartment.   The at least one partition includes a plurality of partitions which are spaced apart from each other as a whole and are parallel to each other. The partition includes a pressing mechanism body provided in a space between the partitions. The pressing mechanism body includes: The automatic store outlet according to claim 2, being biased toward the front wall of the tray.   The automatic store outlet according to claim 1, wherein the tray includes a sheet-like material in which a plurality of commodity compartments are formed.   The automatic store outlet according to claim 7, wherein the sheet-like material is made of a thermoplastic material.   The automated store outlet of claim 7, wherein the molded compartment is generally isomorphic with at least a portion of the item to be held in the compartment.   The automated store outlet of claim 9, wherein the molded compartment is substantially identical in shape to the lower portion of the item to be held in the compartment.   The automated store outlet of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of commodity compartments molded into the sheet-like material varies in size and shape.   The automated store outlet of claim 1, wherein the sensor system includes a sensor array provided for the tray such that a sensor is associated with each merchandise compartment.   The sensor array includes a sensor rack provided under the product on the tray and having holes arranged in a grid, each of the holes arranged in a grid being relative to each compartment of the tray. The automated store outlet of claim 12, wherein the automatic store outlet is configured to receive a sensor in a secure location.   The automated store outlet of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a light sensor that is activated when a product is removed from the compartment of the tray.   The sensor system includes a tag attached to each item and a wireless reader or receiver, the wireless reader or receiver configured to measure the location or proximity of the tag relative to the wireless reader or receiver. The automatic store outlet according to claim 1.   The automated store outlet of claim 15, wherein the tag comprises an RFID tag tracked by a wireless RFID reader or receiver. A method of distributing goods from a computer controlled automatic store outlet,
Providing a computer controlled automated store outlet, the computer controlled automated store outlet having at least one bay, wherein the at least one bay contains goods that can be removed from the bay for purchase. And
Entering customer identification information into a check-in station of the automatic store outlet;
Confirming the customer identification information,
Entering customer payment information into the check-in station of the automated store outlet,
Confirming the customer payment information,
Qualifying the customer to retrieve goods from the at least one bay by determining that the customer payment information is of a level sufficient to purchase the goods from the at least one bay;
After the customer identification information and payment information has been verified and the customer is entitled to retrieve goods from the at least one bay, the door unlocking and providing access to the bay;
Removing the product from the bay,
Detecting the removal of the item from the bay;
Including identifying the retrieved product,
Sending the identification of the retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart of a computer installed at the automatic store outlet;
Closing the bay door and automatically locking the bay door;
Closing the purchase transaction and charging the customer for payment of the retrieved goods.   The step of inputting the customer identification information includes the step of inputting at least one of a customer identification code and / or a password, swiping and reading an electronically readable card or electronic device, or the bio of the customer The method of claim 17, comprising providing metric information.   The step of inputting the customer payment information is a step of inputting information relating to a customer's automatic store-dedicated account opened in advance, credit or debit card account information, or a step of depositing cash into a cash receiving device of the automatic store outlet. The method of claim 17, comprising:   The step of unlocking the door includes providing customer identification information to an electronic unit associated with the door lock of each bay, and confirming the customer identification information prior to unlocking the door. 18. The method according to 17.   The method of claim 17, wherein the removal of the product is detected by a sensor associated with each product in the bay.   24. The method of claim 21, comprising placing corresponding sensors associated with the merchandise and trays in the bay.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor provided under the product and exposed to light when the product is removed from the tray.   The method of claim 17, comprising returning the item into the bay and removing the item from the purchaser's electronic shopping cart.   18. The method of claim 17, comprising displaying the identification of the retrieved item and its purchase price on a computer controlled display unit.   The step of ending the purchase transaction is to use the check-in station at the automatic store outlet to cause the customer to end the purchase transaction or to automatically end the transaction to cause a predetermined response to the customer. The method of claim 17, comprising charging the customer for payment of the retrieved goods after a period of time.   18. The method of claim 17, comprising relaying purchase data from the automated store outlet to a central management center.   The method of claim 17, comprising providing live customer service assistance to a customer using the automated store outlet.   The method of claim 17, comprising monitoring the automated store outlet with a monitoring device.   Detecting removal of the item from the bay includes associating an RFID tag with each item on the tray and detecting movement of the item from the bay using a corresponding RFID detector. The method of claim 17, comprising:   24. The method of claim 23, including the step of forming partitioned tray compartments, wherein each compartment is provided with a single commodity and a single light sensor associated with the compartment.   18. A method comprising forming a plurality of compartments in a sheet of material that comprises the tray of the bay, wherein the compartment is generally isomorphic with at least a portion of the commodity to be inserted into the compartment. the method of.

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