JP2022520303A - Adapter device for acquiring the payment amount of vending machines and monitoring the inventory amount - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a vending machine monitoring system comprising a first mobile phone housed inside a vending machine. The system also comprises an adapter device configured to be installed or incorporated within a vending machine. The adapter device is communicably coupled to the control device of the vending machine and monitors and controls various operations of the vending machine. In particular, the adapter device acts as a bridge between the various cables and carries signals for the operation and control of the vending machine. In addition, the first mobile device is installed in a vending machine that communicates wirelessly or by wire with the adapter device, which allows the vending machine to receive contactless payments and record inventory and payment information. .. The adapter device, like the computing device, provides the additional function of remotely monitoring and controlling the vending machine. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to vending machines in general, and more particularly to adapter devices for improving the functionality of new or existing vending machines.

Description of Advanced Technology Vending machines are often used to distribute groceries such as beverages and snacks, or other merchandise such as newspapers, to consumers in restaurants, entertainment venues, retail stores, office buildings, and other facilities. It is used in. Vending machines act primarily as point-of-sale (POS) devices that operate in an autonomous manner, thereby providing a cost-effective solution to the sale of goods. These vending machines allow customers to select their desired products via the user interface. The user interface of a conventional vending machine generally includes a push button for the user to select a desired product. In addition, in some cases, the vending machine is equipped with a control device for controlling the lighting, temperature, and other climatic conditions inside the vending machine. Vending machines may also be equipped with an interface for receiving payments such as currency detectors, coin changers, banknote acceptors and the like. Some vending machines may also include cashless payment devices such as credit / debit card readers, mobile payment devices and the like.

As a result of advances in vending machine technology, hardware and software improvements have been made to improve functionality in modern vending machines. These advances include contactless payment devices, vending machines that are pre-fitted with touch screens for displaying and selecting products, and the like. These modern interfaces for product selection and payments are convenient for consumers, especially in an era when touch screens are used everywhere and mobile payments have become the preferred retail purchase payment option for most consumers. It enhances the sex. On the other hand, existing vending machines already installed in various facilities remain a barrier to conventional performance. Completely replacing such conventional vending machines with modern vending machines can be considered costly. Therefore, as described above, there is a need for a device that can improve the existing conventional vending machine with the latest functions.

Applicant, the relevant reference falls under US Pat. No. 8,856,045 B1 (hereinafter referred to as "'045 patent"), and the user preferably at least from a payment receiving device having an input mechanism. It is deemed to disclose a payment system between mobile devices and machines to facilitate cashless transactions for purchasing one product or service. The user has a mobile device having both short-range communication technology and long-range communication technology. The payment receiving device can distribute at least one goods or services. The system includes an adapter module and a server. The adapter module relates to a payment receiving device and has a short-range communication technology for communicating with a short-range communication technology of a mobile device. The server has a long-distance communication technology for communicating with the long-distance communication technology of a mobile device. Adapter modules are used to send funding approval requests to mobile devices using short-range communication technology. The mobile device then uses long-distance communication technology to transfer the funding request to the server. The server is for sending approval of funds to mobile devices using long-distance communication technology. The mobile device then uses short-range communication technology to transfer the approval of funds to the adapter module. The payment receiving device distributes at least one goods or service in response to receiving the user input to the payment receiving device input mechanism when the adapter module receives the approval permission.

While the mobile device-machine payment system disclosed in the '045 patent provides a convenient payment method for vending machines, the adapter receives a contactless payment method as described in the '045 patent. It provides such a function for, and does not appear to be designed for installation or incorporation into existing vending machines, but rather is incorporated into vending machines at the time of manufacture. Moreover, the '045 patent does not disclose any means of providing a state-of-the-art touch interface for displaying and selecting goods within existing vending machines without undue redesign. In the present invention, instead of having to actually go to take out the adapter and repair it, the repair / update can be performed remotely by using the system in the vending machine by the telephone housed in the vending machine. It is possible.

In addition, existing technology is vulnerable to fraud because once the user's mobile phone communicates with the payment reader, the session is open in the vending machine. If the user turns off the phone, the goods can be distributed without sending the payment details.

Other references describing the subject of the most similar inventions provide more or less complex features that cannot be solved in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggests novel features of the invention.

It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a device that can be incorporated into an existing vending machine and that improves its function.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device in which an existing vending machine can be configured to receive contactless payments.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device capable of remotely monitoring and controlling an existing vending machine in a reliable manner.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device in which an existing vending machine can be configured to provide a touch interface for displaying and selecting goods.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that is inexpensive to mount and maintain while maintaining its effectiveness.

A further object of the present invention is set forth in the following parts of the specification, and detailed description thereof is intended to fully disclose the invention without limitation.

Considering the above and other related purposes, the invention, when construed with the accompanying drawings below, is present in detail in the structure and combination of the parts, as more fully understood from the description below.

FIG. 1 shows an equiangular side view of a typical vending machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a vending machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows inventory and payment information in a remotely computerized (computer-controlled) station where the vending machine administrator uses or instead uses a second mobile phone outside the vending machine. The operating environment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 4 shows an operating environment in which a vending machine administrator can obtain payment and inventory information by wiring and connecting to the vending machine using a wired means. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the control panel of the vending machine and the adapter. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the processor used in the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a bus connector used in the adapter of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows an outline of the electric control used inside the vending machine.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. The following description is for a complete understanding of these embodiments and also provides specific details that enable the description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is feasible without such details. In some cases, known structures, processes and functions are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of embodiments.

The terms "equipped", "included", etc. have a comprehensive meaning, that is, "indicated," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive meaning, unless there is an explicit request in the context that this is not the case. It shall be interpreted in the sense of "including, but not limited to". Words that use the singular or plural also include the singular or plural, respectively, while adhering to the concepts of the invention. Furthermore, reference to "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the cited features.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical vending machine 100. As used herein, the term "vending machine" is used in a broader sense to mean a vending machine (for distributing light meals), a soda water dispenser (for distributing beverages), and a temperature-controlled commodity storage. Includes, but is not limited to, a visi cooler (for opening a unit), or any device on which the customer can purchase goods and / or services himself. Typically, as shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 100 comprises a cabinet 102 that provides a housing in which various components are installed. The cabinet 102 provides a storage unit 104 inside the vending machine 100, which is typically visible from the outside of the vending machine 100, such as through transparent glass, and where various products for sale are displayed in a predetermined manner. A chute (not shown) is provided to connect the storage unit 104 to a distribution door 106 for distributing goods and, if necessary, for consumers to take out of the vending machine 100. Various systems and appliances used to control the distribution of desired goods from vending machines are known in the industry and are therefore described in detail herein for the sake of brevity of disclosure. do not do.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the vending machine 100 of the present disclosure. The vending machine 100 may be an electrical and / or electromechanical configuration. In particular, the vending machine 100 comprises a control device 108 configured to perform various operations of the vending machine 100. As described herein, the controller 108 includes a microcontroller, a reduction instruction set computer (RISC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). ), Logic circuits, and any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems that use any other circuit capable of performing the functions required by the vending machine 100. The control device 108 can generally be installed inside the cabinet 102 of the vending machine 100. In some alternative embodiments, the control device 108 can be located remotely from the location of the vending machine 100. In another embodiment, the control device 108 is a plurality of electrons arranged at one or more locations such as inside the cabinet 102 of the vending machine 100 and / or at one or more positions remote from the position of the vending machine 100. It can be equipped with a processing device.

The vending machine 100 may further include a plurality of devices and systems (generally referred to as "peripherals") that are generally installed inside the cabinet 102. For example, the vending machine 100 can be equipped with various payment devices 110 such as a coin acceptor / discriminator, a bill acceptor / discriminator, a cashless credit / debit card terminal, and a similar device. Further, the vending machine 100 is a climate control system 112 for maintaining an appropriate temperature and humidity level inside the vending unit 104 of the vending machine 100, especially when the fresh food items are stored inside the storage unit 104. May include. In some embodiments, the vending machine 100 may further include a lighting control system 114 for irradiating the vending machine 100's storage section 104 to appropriately indicate the goods stored therein to the consumer. .. These peripherals are well known in the vending machine industry and are not described in detail herein for the sake of brevity. Such peripherals may be equipped with various switches, sensors and motors that are coupled to the control device 108 in operation.

Further, the vending machine 100 is generally wired inside the cabinet 102 and comprises a plurality of cables 116 communicably coupling various peripherals of the vending machine 100 to the control device 108 therein. Typically, each cable is supplied, for example, from a payment device 110 to send transaction information (eg, whether payment is made by credit card, coin or banknote), or to a climate control system 112, lighting control system 114, and the like. It has a predetermined function for managing power. The control device 108 can implement the protocol and communication means necessary for operating the attached peripheral devices in the vending machine 100. In one embodiment, the vending machine 100 provides electronic communication between various peripheral devices and a control device 108 for an electronically controlled vending machine, as defined by NAMA (National Automatic Merchandising Association) MDB (Multi). Standard serial bus interface such as drop bus / internal communication protocol) standard can be used.

In certain embodiments, the adapter device 118 is provided within the vending machine 100 of the present disclosure. The adapter device 118 can function as a bridge between the control device 108 inside the vending machine 100 and the multiplex cable 116, i.e. the cable 116 inside the cabinet 102 can communicate with the adapter device 118 from one end. It is connectable and the other end of the adapter device 118 is communicably connectable to the control device 108. As described above, the adapter device 118 may be arranged to control the supply of signals from various peripheral devices to the control device 108 and vice versa, whereby the overall operation of the vending machine 100 can be managed. In most cases, the adapter device 118 can replicate all received signals from various peripherals and transmit the same signal to the control device 108 via the cable 116.

In this embodiment, the adapter device 118 may generally be a separate stand-alone component of shape and size to be installed in the vending machine 100. In particular, the adapter device 118 may include one input port 120 or an array of input ports 120 for receiving the connection ends of the multiplex cables 116 therein. Further, the adapter device 118 may include an output port 122 from which a serial bus or the like can be connected to the input terminal of the control device 108. In most cases, the adapter device 118 can be incorporated into the vending machine 100 without significantly changing the existing design and / or system. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter device 118 may comprise a circuit or chip (not shown) for enabling communication according to Bluetooth and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) standards. This allows the adapter device 118 to function as a transmitter for wireless communication with other Bluetooth, NFC or wireless communication devices (eg, smartphones), as described in the following paragraphs.

In one embodiment, the adapter device 118 can be a retrofit device. As used herein, the term "retrofit device" is generally used, for example, as an aftermarket add-on for adding and / or modifying post-manufacturing and / or functionality thereof, such as, for example, an "aftermarket" retrofit device. It can refer to any device that can be added to a standard vending machine. In another embodiment, the retrofit device adds the functionality of a manufacturing vending machine described herein, such as a retrofit device of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It can be a device that is modified and coupled to a vending machine at the time of manufacture. The following disclosure describes an adapter device 118 installed in an existing vending machine such as the vending machine 100 of the present disclosure. However, as described, the same adapter device 118 can be installed at the time of manufacture or assembly of the new vending machine 100 without any limitation. The adapter device 118 is an existing vending machine in which the multiplex cable 116 is a node or the like that can be soldered to the circuit board of the control device 108, and the connection between the control device 108 and the multiplex cable 116 is first disconnected. It can be intended by those skilled in the art that it can be installed within 100. The open end of the multiplex cable 116 can then be connected to the various input ports 120 of the adapter device 118. Further, the serial bus cable can be connected from one end to the output port 122 of the adapter device 118, and the other end is connected to the input terminal of the control device 108.

Further, in one embodiment, the vending machine 100 comprises a computing device 124 installed either inside or outside the cabinet 102. In certain embodiments, the computing device 124 can be incorporated into an existing vending machine such as the vending machine 100 of the present disclosure. The computing device 124 can be mounted to the outside of the cabinet 102 by any known mounting method, including, but not limited to, the use of a mounting container secured to the cabinet 102 by a fastening device. In one embodiment, the computer 124 may be a smartphone or tablet computer communicably coupled to the adapter device 118 of the vending machine 100 by a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth and / or NFC. Instead, the arithmetic unit 124 can be connected to the adapter device 118 by wired communication that also supplies power to the arithmetic unit 124.

It can be understood that the adapter device 118 and the computing device 124 may have bidirectional communication between them. In the vending machine 100, the adapter device 118, in addition to the control device 108, uses a multiplex cable 116 to provide information about the distribution of goods from the distribution system, transaction information from the payment device 110, temperature and humidity levels from the climate control system 112. Information about the lighting state, information about the lighting state from the lighting control system 114, and the like can be received. The adapter device 118 can further transmit received information to the computing device 124 by means of a standard wireless communication protocol. In some cases, the computing device 124 can send instructions to the adapter device 118 to control one or more operations of the vending machine 100.

In one embodiment, the computer 124 of the present disclosure is further configurable by the vending machine 100 to facilitate contactless payment. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 124 can mount a Bluetooth or NFC chip capable of communicating with the consumer's smartphone. When the consumer selects the desired product, the payment amount will be presented on the display of the arithmetic unit 124 or the like. Consumers can tap their smartphone "A" on the arithmetic unit 124 and pay the displayed amount if the conditions are met. It may be intended that the payment method may include any contactless payment protocol such as Apple-Pay ™, Android-Pay ™, S-Pay ™. In another embodiment, the payment amount can be directly communicated with the consumer's smartphone by the calculation device 124, and the consumer can use any known method such as inputting a personal identification number, biometric verification, remote verification, or the like. , Payment can be confirmed. Therefore, if the calculation device 124 is added in the same manner as the adapter device 118, a well-known function of contactless payment can be added to an existing vending machine such as the vending machine 100 of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the vending machine 100 is a remote system 126 that allows a user, such as the owner of the vending machine 100, to track inventory in the vending machine 100 and monitor payments and transactions made in the vending machine. It is possible to connect so that communication is possible. FIG. 3 shows a typical configuration for communicably connecting the arithmetic unit 124 in the vending machine 100 to the remote system 126. As shown, the arithmetic unit 124 or the vending machine 100 can be connected to the cloud-based network 128. For this purpose, the computer 124 may include means for connecting to an internet / communication network such as a WiFi module, a GSM / cellular module, and the like. The computing device 124 can be communicably coupled to the cloud-based network 128 constituting the server 130 for establishing a connection between the vending machine 100 and the remote system 126 via the Internet / communication network. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter device 118 may include an internet connection means for direct communication with the remote system 126.

It can be understood that the arithmetic unit 124 can be configured to transmit received information about the current state from the adapter device 118 to the remote system 126. Next, the remote system 126 automatically performs sales services such as tracking inventory inside the vending machine 100, collating cashless payment information, and updating the software code of the operating system of the vending machine 100 based on the received information. It can be configured to provide to the owner of the vending machine 100. Such operations of the remote system 126 may be understood by those of skill in the art and are not described in detail herein. In some embodiments, the remote system 126 may also be able to process received information and create instructions based on that information. Further, the remote system 126 is capable of transmitting these instructions to the computer 124 and includes, but is not limited to, a climate control system 112 and a lighting control system 114 for controlling the energy use of the vending machine 100. It controls various systems of the vending machine 100. In the vending machine 100, the computer 124 then receives such an instruction by implementing a control device 108 for controlling an essential operation of the vending machine 100 in some cases. Can be intended to be sent to the adapter device 118, which translates into a command.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment for a user, such as the owner of the vending machine 100, to track inventory in the vending machine 100 and monitor payments and transactions made in the vending machine. As shown in the figure, the user can first open the door 101 of the vending machine 100 to access the port 125 of the arithmetic unit 124. The door 102 may normally be in a locked state, and the user may intend to unlock and open the door with some key, PIN, or the like. When the port 125 is accessible, the user can plug in the cable 127 to connect the user device "B" to the port 125 and download the desired information regarding the operation of the vending machine 100 such as inventory and payment information. In such a case, it may be intended that the user apparatus "B" may have a compatible application for displaying received information in a user-understandable way, such as by the method illustrated.

In some embodiments, the arithmetic unit 124 can provide additional functionality by replacing the existing pushbuttons, numeric keypad and other input interfaces of the vending machine 100. In such cases, the calculator 124 can be installed on the existing input interface of the vending machine 100, or the calculator 124 uses another interface device as a second input means, or in some cases. Can be installed in several other suitable locations that are redundant. The touch screen display of the arithmetic unit 124 can be configured to display an assortment of goods currently stored in the vending machine 100 and ready for distribution. The touch screen provides the advantage that the product list can be updated in real time based on the inventory of the products remaining in the distribution system. Further, the touch screen of the arithmetic unit 124 provides a more user-friendly interface for product selection because the consumer can select a product by touching the same photo as the desired product displayed on the screen. It is possible. The calculator 124 can transmit information about the selection of goods to the adapter device 118, and then the control device 108 operates the distribution system to move the goods from the storage unit 104 to the distribution door 106 so that the consumer can move the goods. It is understandable to take it out.

The combination of the adapter device 118 and the computing device 124 can improve an existing vending machine such as the vending machine 100 to receive the latest contactless payment means. Further, by adding the calculation device 124, for example, a sales service agent or an owner of the vending machine 100 can remotely monitor and control the vending machine 100. In some cases, additional systems such as alarm systems can also be incorporated into the arithmetic unit 124 to prevent theft and the like. Further, the arithmetic unit 124 can improve the operation of the vending machine 100 by providing an additional function of a touch interface for displaying and selecting products. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a simple and cost-effective way to improve existing vending machines and provides features already introduced in most modern vending machines.

According to the present invention, the vending machine manager can monitor the inventory amount in real time and remotely. In the system currently known in the field, the manager needs to actually go to the vending machine to acquire inventory information. In addition, the invention can provide information about sales made using any type of financial instrument, including cash, coins, debit / credit cards, and contactless payments. The payment reader monitors all types of payments made using tangible goods, and the adapter and / or the first mobile phone can consider contactless payments. The adapter can be connected to the coil that holds the goods, monitors the number of sold goods based on the number of goods initially stocked, and determines the remaining inventory.

The present invention can be configured to function with a third party application for receiving payments such as Google Wallet or Apple Pay, as well as gift certificates. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, the owner or customer of a vending machine can connect to an adapter or a telephone housed inside or outside the vending machine by using short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth, wiring, or a combination thereof. ..

The adapter of the present invention can be equipped with six ports that receive six cables used for power, grounding, and sending and receiving data. The adapter uses the multiple drop bus to communicate with the payment reader. The adapter is connected to the contained mobile phone using USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or near field communication. The adapter is connected to the vending machine's payment reader via a hub or bus connector. In one embodiment, the adapter sends information only to the mobile phone, not outside the vending machine.

The present invention is connected to the CPU of a vending machine and tracks sales made using any payment method, but current technology only tracks payments made by the system. In addition, the invention can remotely add more companies and / or applications that fit the payment recipients of contactless payment vending machines.

When a customer approaches a vending machine, the customer's phone is registered in a server that recognizes the customer, uses the customer's available balance, and allows the purchase of goods. The phone inside the vending machine has a downloaded application that communicates with the server.

The above description conveys the objects and advantages of the present invention in a manner that best understands them. Different embodiments may consist of the invention concept of the present invention. It should be understood that the subject matter of all inventions disclosed herein is to be construed as merely exemplary and not limiting.

Industrial applicability of the present invention includes a vending machine monitoring system that includes a first mobile phone inside the vending machine and is connected to the vending machine control device using an adapter. The first mobile phone is connected to a server and can connect to a second mobile phone operated by a vending machine user or service provider. The present invention can be incorporated into an existing vending machine and improves its function and reliability. Further, the present invention can easily perform contactless payment. The present invention also allows a vending machine service provider or owner to remotely repair or monitor a vending machine.

Claims (10)

It comprises a CPU for vending, a first mobile phone housed in a vending machine connected to an adapter, and a control device connected to peripheral devices of a plurality of vending machines. The telephone is adapted to transmit inventory and sales information derived from payment information provided to the server by the automatic sales CPU, and the adapter is a USB port, a converter, and a transformer between RS-232 and USB. And an MDB bus for connecting the adapter to the control device, an inventory monitoring device for a vending machine. The monitoring device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the first mobile phone receives contactless payment. The vending machine monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the second mobile phone is arranged outside the vending machine and is configured to collect the inventory information transmitted by the first mobile phone. Device. The monitoring device for a vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the first and second mobile phones do not require a downloadable application and communicate using Bluetooth or short-range wireless communication. The monitoring device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the first mobile phone is configured to receive a data command in order to update the firmware of the vending machine. The payment is transmitted from the user's mobile phone to the first telephone connected to the adapter, and the adapter is an order to sell the goods when the payment is received by the first mobile phone. The vending machine monitoring device according to claim 1, which is connected to the control device of the vending machine. The vending machine monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the first mobile phone is always on and transmits inventory and payment information to a remote computerized station by Wi-Fi or cellular data. .. The monitoring device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device of the plurality of vending machines includes a payment reader, and the payment reader is a coin reader, a banknote reader, and / or a card reader. The transformer between RS-232 and USB transforms 34 volts input from the control device to 5 volts when input to the first mobile phone, thereby charging the first mobile phone. The monitoring device for a vending machine according to claim 1, which is a voltage transformer that keeps the state. The USB port is located at the first end of the adapter, the MDB is located at the second end of the adapter, and the first end and the second end face each other. Or an adjacent monitoring device for a vending machine according to claim 1.

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