RU2671767C2 - Computer-controlled, unattended, automated checkout store outlet - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: control systems.

SUBSTANCE: computer-controlled, automated checkout store outlet comprises at least one bay. Normally locked door is associated with each bay, and provides access to items within the bay by customers approved by a computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed within at least one bay, and adapted to hold items to be stocked by the bay. Sensor system is configured to detect the removal of an item from the bay and identify the removed item.

EFFECT: computer-controlled, unattended, automated checkout store outlet is disclosed.

67 cl, 19 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a kiosk with automatic payment that does not require the presence of a seller, and a corresponding method. The automatic store system can be used as a kiosk or micro-market with automatic payment, operating in the absence of the seller, as well as any other mini-market or retail outlet of the microdistrict that does not require the presence of the seller, where consumer goods are laid out behind closed glass doors and sold from cash stock.

Typically, kiosks or micro-markets, as well as mini-markets or convenience stores, require the presence of a clerk or other employee, and their working hours may be limited to certain hours. Such requirements and restrictions increase the cost of work, and limited hours of work affect real incomes.

Recently, some micro-markets without sellers began to operate in company lounges, offering food products and drinks from the cash reserve under the guarantee of honesty. In such micro-markets, customers can pick up goods from open unprotected shelves, and then customers must scan the barcodes with a barcode scanner installed in the local automatic computer kiosk. Such open-market micro-markets are installed only in well-guarded places and may incur losses as a result of thefts. Therefore, such micro-markets should be located only within the restrooms of companies or in places where the identities of customers are known, and the risks of theft are minimal.

Additionally, the invention is also an alternative to conventional vending machines that are currently used to sell products stored inside the vending machine. Typically, vending machines operate on coins, although many vending machines accept paper currency of various denominations (for example, one-dollar or five-dollar banknotes), and some accept payment by credit or debit cards. Vending machines are usually installed where people get together, walk past or expect something, for example, in public buildings and transport hubs, including in the subway and airports, in hospitals, schools, etc.

In public vending machines, after paying a certain amount of coins or banknotes and choosing products, products usually fall or are delivered to the built-in baskets available to the buyer to receive the product. Such vending machines are very limited by having a small number of products and a very small selection. Vending machines are commonly used to sell high-sugar snacks and low-nutrient drinks such as sweet bars, potato chips, and soft drinks. In addition, in most cases, ordinary metal square vending machines are not of interest and have an unattractive appearance. As many believe, currently the poor reputation and negative social stigmatization of vending machines are among the main reasons why a large percentage of buyers avoid using traditional vending machines. In addition, vending machines do not give customers the opportunity to check or return products to the machine and change the purchase. The sales process is unfriendly, and after purchasing the product, each purchase is final.

Traditional vending machines are deprived of many remedies, with the exception of protection against inept handling. So, hooligans and thieves can damage the vending machine, and in some cases even steal the money inside the vending machine. There is no round-the-clock control of such vending machines.

Another drawback of micro-markets of companies and traditional vending machines is the lack of real-time communication between the buyer and the operator of the micro-market or vending machine in case of any problems or questions. The buyer may try to call the operator of the micromarket or vending machine if the contact information of the operator is displayed. Otherwise, as it often happens, the buyer cannot contact the operator while visiting the micromarket or using the vending machine.

But if a person wants to eat or drink something more substantial and more beneficial to health than a sweet bar, soda water, etc., or wants to purchase any personal items, toiletries or common goods, he must find and buy such items and goods at a grocery store, restaurant or other convenience store. Such goods may be offered by souvenir shops, cafes or similar establishments, which may be located in the lobby of hotels or buildings or within the airport waiting areas. However, such establishments are usually open daily only at certain hours, and the presence of one or more persons is required to issue purchases.

In this regard, there is a constant need for kiosks with automatic payment, which are characterized by the method of automatic sale from cash stock, which are of interest, have an attractive appearance and a wide selection of goods. It is also necessary that such an automated system can offer better and more nutritious foods than most vending machines, without restrictions on location and hours of operation. The present invention meets these requirements and provides other advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to create a kiosk with automatic payment that does not require the presence of a seller. A computer-controlled automatic kiosk in accordance with the present invention includes at least one section. A normally closed door is connected to each section and provides access within the section for customers confirmed by an automatic kiosk computer. At least one pallet is within one or more sections, the pallet is adapted to place objects in it. The sensor system is adapted to record the removal of goods from the section and identification of the removed goods.

The pallet may include a peripheral wall with a plurality of slots at some distance from each other, a platform and at least one separator, which can be movably inserted into the wall slots above the platform, forming compartments for goods. At least one separator may include a prefabricated separator comprising prefabricated product compartments. Alternatively, at least one separator comprises a combination of interconnected horizontal and vertical separators. At least part of the horizontal and vertical separators has slots formed therein with the possibility of receiving the corresponding vertical or horizontal separator so that the interconnected horizontal and vertical separators form compartments for goods. At least one separator may comprise a plurality of separators arranged in parallel at a certain distance from each other, while a pushing device is installed between these separators. The pushing device is directed towards the front wall of the pallet.

The pallet may also comprise a sheet of material with a plurality of compartments for goods formed therein. The sheet of material typically contains thermoplastic so that compartments can be molded to form a pallet. Molded compartments typically correspond to at least a portion of an object that must be in the compartment. The molded compartment may generally correspond to at least a portion of an object that must be in the compartment. In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the product compartments formed in the material sheet is different in size and configuration.

The sensor system may include a group of sensors located relative to the pallet so that the sensor is associated with each compartment for goods. In one form, the group of sensors comprises a sensor rack located under the platform or the pallet and having a grid with holes, the configuration of each of which ensures the placement of a sensor in it relative to each compartment of the pallet. The sensor may contain a photosensitive element that is triggered when the product is removed from the compartment of the pallet.

Alternatively, the sensor system may include a contact pin attached to each item and a wireless reader or wireless receiver, the configuration of which allows you to determine the location or proximity of the contact pin relative to the reader. Thus, the contact pin may comprise a pin of an RFID device that is monitored by a wireless reader or receiver of an RFID device.

The present invention is also the creation of a method of selling goods using the specified computer-controlled automatic kiosk. In accordance with this method, a computer-controlled automatic kiosk is provided. An automatic kiosk has at least one automatic payment point and one section containing goods that can be removed from the purchase section. The automatic kiosk contains an automatic payment item for customer identification, payment, etc. One or more sections of the automatic kiosk are usually closed to prevent access to the goods in them. Usually the goods are laid out in the compartments of each pallet. Many sensors are arranged according to goods on pallets.

The customer’s identification (data) is entered at the automatic payment point of the automatic kiosk, for example, by entering the customer’s code and / or password, unique images or two-dimensional image of the customer’s barcode, etc., by sending an electronic card or electronic device to the reader or providing biometric information such as facial identification, fingerprints, eye retinal scan, etc. Buyer identification is verified by the system.

Buyer payment data is also entered at the automatic kiosk automatic payment point, and payment data is verified by the system. Buyer's payment data may contain information related to the buyer's account created during his previous purchases in the automatic kiosk, to the account on his credit or debit card, or to the money deposited in the cash register of the automatic kiosk. The buyer can transfer money to his special account in the automatic kiosk via the Internet or using the automatic kiosk payment point.

In accordance with this invention, the system gives the buyer the right to receive goods from at least one section after the first confirmation that the payment data of the buyer are sufficient to purchase goods from at least one section of the automatic kiosk.

After identifying the buyer, verifying the buyer’s payment details and the qualifications of the buyer, he is allowed to make purchases at the automatic kiosk. This requires opening the door to provide access to the section. It is usually required that the buyer provide identification information to an electronic device associated with the section lock. This can be due to the use of electronic device means that simultaneously carry out multiple scans, readings and indications, including a motion detector, an electronic indication screen, a keypad, transceiver audio-visual communication devices, a radio frequency identification reader, an electronic encoded image reader, and a biometric scanner. Before opening the door, customer identification is carried out. As soon as the door opens, the system monitors the actions of the buyer in the section.

When the product is removed from the section, for example, from the compartment tray of the section, the system captures the extraction of the goods. The system also identifies the extracted goods and sends the identification of the extracted goods to the electronic shopping cart of this customer in the computer installed in the automatic kiosk.

The determination of the extraction of goods from the section can be made by various means. Usually, a sensor is associated with each item of goods within a section. So, the sensor may contain a photosensitive element located under the item of goods, exposed to light and triggered when the item is removed from the section. Usually compartments are molded in a pallet using horizontal and vertical dividers or dividers prefabricated in it, the item and a photosensitive element are assigned to each compartment. Since within the section the goods and sensors are located in relation to the pallet, the extraction of a particular item includes a sensor and a system that accurately determines which item is removed from the pallet within the section.

Alternatively, securing the removal of an item from the section includes the steps of linking the contact pin of the RFID device to each item on the pallet. A suitable RFID detector is used to record the movement of an object from the pallet and from the section. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the RFID sensor includes an RFID antenna between the upper and lower layers, with the formation of a sensor tray, which is located in the section relative to the goods in such a way as to capture the movement and removal of goods from the pallet and from the section.

If the buyer returns the item to the section, the item is removed from the electronic shopping basket of the buyer. However, when the section door closes, it automatically locks. After the buyer completes his purchase session, the purchase transaction is closed and the buyer is billed for one or more items received. Closing a purchasing transaction may include closing a purchasing transaction by a buyer using an automatic kiosk payment item. The buyer can request an indication of the recovered goods and their purchase prices with a shopping cart on the screen of the display device of the computer-controlled automatic payment point. Alternatively, the system can automatically close the transaction and bill the customer for the recovered goods after the expiration of the pre-set time of inactivity of the buyer in the automatic kiosk.

A check may be provided for one or more items of goods. The check can be printed for the buyer or sent to him by electronic means, for example, by e-mail. Purchasing data is also transferred from the automatic kiosk to the central control station via a wired or wireless network.

The present invention provides real-time video and audio communications, enabling customers to contact real-time automatic kiosk customer support. When using an automatic kiosk, the buyer can request real-time help from customer support, which can be in the form of direct video / audio communication between an employee at a remote location and the seller, for example, through the on-screen monitor of the automatic kiosk.

Typically, an automatic kiosk is monitored by monitoring devices that can be used to assist customer support. Surveillance devices also protect the automatic kiosk from theft and destruction.

In one embodiment, advertisements are shown on a monitor associated with an automatic kiosk. Advertisements may refer to an automatic kiosk and the goods sold therein, or may not be associated with an automatic kiosk.

The use of this invention can overcome many of the limitations found in public kiosks or micromarket companies, as well as the limitations of conventional vending machines.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent based on the following more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, which illustrate the principles of the invention with specific examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one automatic payment point and one automatic kiosk section illustrating the present invention;

in FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of another automatic kiosk, a dispenser of disposable hot drinks illustrating the present invention;

in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another automatic kiosk having a plurality of sections in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 4 is a thumbnail illustrating various aspects of the system of the present invention;

in FIG. 5 is a functional diagram representing operations performed in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 6 is a thumbnail illustrating the operation and use of the present invention;

in FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating various components of a typical automatic kiosk in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example of a locking mechanism in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pallet used in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a touch pan in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

in FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a zone 11 of figure 10, showing details of the touch pan of figure 10;

in FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a zone 12 of figure 10;

in FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a pallet used in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pallet having dividing rails and pushers used in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 15 is a top view of the pallet of figure 14;

in FIG. 16 is a schematic depiction with a partial spatial separation of the details of fixing the extraction of objects from the sensor tray based on radio frequency identification in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a pallet having molded compartments used in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an example of a molded sheet of material containing a pallet having a plurality of molded compartments in accordance with this invention;

in FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of an enlarged micromarket system including a plurality of automatic payment points and a plurality of modular compartments, in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention aims to create a system that provides a kiosk with automatic payment that does not require the presence of a seller, for use in the sale of goods and products to customers. As will be fully described in this document, each automatic kiosk is designed as a fully automated system and does not require the presence of a seller. However, the system provides real-time interactive solutions, enabling customers to interact interactively with customer support agents and manage through audio and / or video conferencing, chat, or text chat. The present invention and the corresponding method provide more reliable protection compared to existing micro-markets, as well as more flexibility and wider offer of goods compared to traditional vending machines, while transactions do not require attendance.

In FIG. 1 shows an example of a kiosk with automatic payment 10. The automatic kiosk 10 is an automated micro-store or an automated retail outlet that does not require the presence of a seller. An automatic kiosk can be used to sell many types of foods and drinks, as well as all kinds of other consumer goods. The automatic kiosk includes an automatic payment point 12, in which a person can enter his personal identification information, select and enter the type of payment and information, obtain approval for the transaction, contact customer support, close transactions. The automatic payment point is an electronic monitor or screen 14, which in a particular preferred embodiment of the invention is a touch screen to both display information and enable the buyer to contact the system and enter data into it. However, it is also important that for the same purposes it will also be possible to use a mouse, keyboard, etc., associated with the touch screen as means of data input. The automatic payment point 12 typically also includes a camera 16 and speakers used to identify the customer and / or to allow the customer to communicate in real time with customer support representatives.

As part of the use of the invention, customer identification occurs. There are several ways to do this. For example, a user can simply enter a customer identification code and / or password, for example, using the touch screen of a monitor 14. Alternatively, a camera 16 may be used for facial identification, or a scanner 18 may be used to obtain fingerprints of the customer in order to produce it properly identification. Scanner 18 can also be used to read a customer’s RFID card or to read a customer’s quick image as an additional identification option. A card reader 20 is also provided as part of an automatic payment point 12. This can be used to identify the buyer and enable the buyer to transmit payment data, for example, in the form of pre-issued specialized cards for the automatic kiosk system, debit cards, credit cards, etc. . Automatic payment item 12 may include a mechanism for receiving cash in the form of banknotes and coins in order to execute transactions.

Each automatic kiosk includes one or more sections 22 that contain items of goods that can be retrieved from sections 22 for sale. Section 22 can be located next to each other in many different configurations. Each section 22 has a normally closed door 24. Typically, the access door 24 is made of glass or other transparent materials so that the customer can see the contents of the sections 22 before opening the doors 24. All doors 24 are self-closing spring-loaded doors that close when the door handle is released.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic device, such as a scanner or data input device 26, is connected to each access door 24 of each section 22, and should be used by the customer to open the door 24 and access the contents of section 22. This is usually done after determination of identification, introduction of payment information and qualifications in the automatic payment point 12. To gain access to each section 22 through door 24, the buyer must enter a code, submit a print fingerprints into the scanner 26, scan a card or pass a card in an electronic device 26, or scan a quick-play image, a radio frequency identification card, or other electronic device in an electronic device 26.

If necessary, individual compartments 22 may be cooled by a refrigerator, contain and store frozen products, provided with other climate control means, or not have any climate control means, depending on the products sold. Automatic payment kiosk 10 with compartments 22, as shown in FIG. 3, may have some compartments 22 cooled by a refrigerator, and other compartments 22 without such cooling.

Compartments 22 are provided with means of storage and display of goods intended for sale. Typically, other types of pallets or shelves are used for such products. As will be more fully described in this description, the kiosk with automatic payment has the ability to record the extraction of each item of goods from section 22 to bill the buyer for each item recovered.

In FIG. 1, the present invention provides for the use of an advertising or sales monitor 30 to provide advertising and marketing for various products and services. These products and services may refer to an automatic payment kiosk or to a company that provides and maintains an automatic payment kiosk, or may relate to other companies. Advertising monitor 30 may also be used to advertise goods sold at a kiosk with automatic payment. Alternatively, the advertising monitor 30 can be used to advertise goods and services that have nothing to do with the automatic payment kiosk 10 or the goods sold therein. The advertising monitor 30 may also be used to describe the use of the kiosk with automatic payment for new customers. This can be done in the advertising monitor 30, in the monitor 14 associated with the automatic payment point 12, or in the printed instructions provided by the automatic payment kiosk 10.

Modular structures, including sections 22, an automatic payment point, etc., are usually supplemented with decorative superstructures 32 to provide lighting, corporate identity and marketing to give the automatic payment kiosk 10 a beautiful aesthetic.

In FIG. 2 shows another automatic payment kiosk 10 having an automatic payment point 12 as described above and a plurality of sections 22 within two modular structures. However, in this case, it will be seen that the modular sections 22 have a different configuration and a different size compared to the system shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, one of the sections 22 contains products related to the beverage vending machine 34. The beverage vending machine 34 typically includes a coffee maker, but also provides hot water for making tea, cold water for making cold drinks with flavoring fillings, etc. d. Access to Kaurig coffee cups, tea bags, tea bags, paper cups, etc. can be obtained through the door 24 of section 22, and after accessing and purchasing these items, the buyer can prepare the desired drink using the beverage preparation device 34. The beverage preparation device 34 may or may not be located behind closed door 24. Vending machines for selling hot or cold drinks can be used. other types. Such vending machines are controlled by a computer-based kiosk system with automatic payment and give selected drinks only to qualified customers.

The automatic payment kiosk shown in FIG. 2, provides the operation of an automatic cafe that does not require the presence of maintenance personnel. Customers can prepare their own hot or cold drinks, such as coffee or tea, separately. The device for making drinks can be turned on only after the buyer has registered and passed the check in the automatic payment point 12. The buyer can also buy other products that are usually sold in cafes, such as mini muffins, cakes, other pastries, etc., which can be purchased through one or more additional sections 22.

Traditional cafes, such as Starbucks and others, have become very popular and frequented. However, in many cases, such cafes are quite far from the buyer, and he is forced to either walk several blocks to the cafe or go to him by car. In many cases, there are also long lines at such cafes, and this is time consuming. In addition, in such cafes prices are quite high. There is a need for automatic coffee kiosks or kiosks proposed by the present invention, which would normally be located in vestibules, office buildings, airports, dormitories, etc., which would be fully automated, working without attendants, offering quality coffee, tea etc. at low prices.

As shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with the present invention, the automatic payment kiosk 10 is a modular design and may have a plurality of sections 22 in various configurations as part of an automatic payment kiosk and a single automatic payment point, as shown in FIG. 3. So, for example, in large buildings, airports, etc., where there is great demand and sufficient space, a larger kiosk with automatic payment with many sections can be installed 22. However, in small buildings, dormitories and similar premises, a kiosk with smaller automatic payments as shown in FIG. 1 or 2 can be installed to meet the needs of these places. The modular design of the kiosk with automatic payment is very flexible, it can be created in various forms and configurations. Therefore, the automatic payment kiosk may be small, as shown in FIG. 1, or larger, as shown in FIG. 3, or any other size based on the needs of the respective locations and local physical configurations. The kiosk with automatic payment 10 works in the same mode regardless of the number of sections 22 and modular designs.

As shown in FIG. 6 and 7, each of the sections 22 will be able to record the extraction of an item of goods from it by the buyer, who gained access to section 22 through an electronic identification device associated with the door lock 24. This information is transmitted from the circuit associated with each section 22 to the main a control device and a local information and computer complex of each kiosk with automatic payment to determine the exact identity of each item retrieved by a specific customer, and billing this specific customer Tieliu for extracted objects. The main control device and the local information and computer complex also checks the operation of the automatic payment point 12. Thus, all the functions of each kiosk with automatic payment 10 are fully controlled by the local information and computer complex located locally in each kiosk with automatic payment. The local information and computer complex creates, saves and maintains reports on completed actions and a chronological registration log in each local kiosk with automatic payment. So, in cases of communication failure and network outages, kiosks with automatic payment in accordance with the present invention will still function, since they are independent in conducting transactions due to the presence of serving electronic circuits, a control device, computers, software, etc. .d.

As shown in FIG. 4, however, each of the kiosks with automatic payment 10 (designated ASO1-ASON) are usually in constant communication with the central control post or the main control network complex 36 for exchanging data, information and operations. The main managing network complex 36 facilitates the work of kiosks with automatic payment, as well as the customer support network 38, the network operations center 40, inventory, sales and the information collection system 42. The customer support network 38 enables customers to communicate in real time with the service staff customer support. A network operations center is usually associated with a company’s website and gives customers the opportunity to create accounts, add funds to their accounts, receive news from the company, check personal reports on actions taken, and perform other functions. Thus, a two-way communication network is established using wire and wireless technologies for kiosks with automatic payment for transferring information to the main control network complex 36, network operations center 40, customer support 38 or inventory, sales and information collection system 42, and to obtain feedback in the form of customer support, control, remote service, etc. However, in the event of a network failure, as mentioned above, each kiosk with automatic payment can carry out transactions and register these transactions for future transfer to the main control network complex 36, or to other relevant devices or departments.

The present invention provides that the buyer creates an account intended for the system according to the invention through the website or the automatic payment point 12 of the automatic payment kiosk 10. Cash is loaded into the account and a specialized card or electronic device may be issued to the customer. As an alternative, the customer may be given a customer identification code, pin code, password, etc. to enter the automatic payment point and / or electronic scanners 26, to access the kiosk with automatic payment and make purchases, etc. Funds in a specialized account can be replenished using debit cards, credit cards, wireless transfers from bank accounts, or even by depositing cash into a kiosk with automatic payment.

According to FIG. 5 and 6, customers begin the method of the present invention by identifying their personalities and choosing a payment method 44. This is usually done at the automatic payment point, as shown in step 56 of FIG. 6.

The first step that the buyer takes when they reach the kiosk with automatic payment 10 is to go through the identification and qualification process. During this operation, a local computerized system identifies the buyer and qualifies the buyer to make purchases at a kiosk with automatic payment. The buyer may or may not be a member of the organization. A member of the organization may be a person who is pre-registered with the company and has an individual card or identification code or similar means issued by the company.

As indicated above, initial identification is usually performed at the automatic payment point. If the buyer is a registered member of the organization, he will have his own individual card (such as a radio frequency identification card, near proximity card, magnetic code card or other type of smart card to identify the buyer). Typically, the buyer will also have a personal identification code (PIN), already pre-associated with the card of a member of the organization. The buyer scans his or her membership card in a scanner or card reader of the automatic payment point 12 and then enters his PIN code using the auxiliary keypad or touch screen of this item. In some cases, the buyer must enter additional information, such as a zip code, date of birth, name of the beloved pet, or other information that may be stored in the system in connection with the evaluation of the characteristics of the buyer for security reasons.

According to the present invention, it is intended to replenish the issued payment card of a member of the organization with loans in the form of dollar amounts on-line to the company’s website, or to the point of automatic payment of any kiosk with automatic payment using a credit, debit or cash card. Members can also authorize an automated clearing house transaction to replenish their payment card.

Alternatively, if a customer is a member of an organization and has previously scanned or registered their fingerprints or face image, they can also be identified by their biometric data by scanning the face image or fingerprints in the scanner of the automatic payment center. The system compares a face image, fingerprints or other biometric image with a previously registered biometric image and identifies the buyer.

As another alternative, a customer, a member of the organization, can enter his name, password, etc. using a touch screen or other automatic data entry device. The system compares the information with the database, and if it determines that this information matches the records in the database, it completes the identification process. In some cases, the system may require the buyer to enter additional information stored in the customer’s profile for security reasons.

As another alternative, a member customer can download the company’s software application to a mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, which allows the customer to identify themselves using an image uploaded to the customer’s mobile device. After accessing the application from a mobile phone, entering a buyer’s PIN code and requesting a quick playback image, the quick playback image is transferred to the customer’s smart phone number. A new quick-play image is transferred to the customer’s smart phone number each time a customer accesses the application and requests an image. The smart phone number in the file and the buyer's PIN code must match each other to qualify for access using the fast playback image. A specific image is enough for one session at a kiosk with automatic payment. If the fast playback image is not used for a certain period of time, the fast playback image is no longer valid.

In addition, using this option, the buyer receives his active virtual basket for the selection of goods in real time on the mobile phone screen during a shopping session at a kiosk with automatic payment. Also, from time to time, the buyer receives notifications and advertisements for sales promotion events on his smart phone, while sending messages without request and any other cellular technology is used.

If the buyer is not a member of the organization and wants to make purchases at the kiosk with automatic payment using a credit or debit card, he can scan the card in the reader at the automatic payment point 12. The buyer may also be required to enter additional information, such as a billing zip code, date of birth or other information that may be associated with a credit or debit card. In addition, a biometric scan may also be required from the buyer, providing an image of the face from the camera of the automatic payment point and / or fingerprints.

If the buyer wishes to use cash to make purchases, he must enter banknotes or coins into the cash receiving module, which is part of an automatic payment kiosk, for example, as part of an automatic payment point or as a separate module at the back of the automatic payment point. In one embodiment of the invention, the buyer enters his name, a license to drive a car, scans himself biometrically and / or presents a PIN code or other identification information.

In one embodiment of the invention, the machine will issue at the location of the kiosk with automatic payment a card with the funds loaded into it in the same amount in which the seller entered the funds into the machine, if this amount is not less than the established minimum. Alternatively, the machine can print an individualized quick-play image, barcode, tag, radio frequency identification card, or other image on high-tech access card paper, which is issued specifically for such transactions. As another alternative, a temporary access pin may be issued to the customer instead of printing an image or smart card or as an addition to them. The pin code can be generated by the machine or selected by the buyer on the touch screen of an automatic cash register. Access cards, a printout of images and / or a PIN code give the buyer access to the doors of 24 sections and the ability to make purchases at a kiosk with automatic payment.

After making purchases, the buyer can enter or scan the temporary access card back into the device to return cash in the amount of unused balance on the card (unused balance is equal to the amount loaded on the card minus the cost of goods purchased during the purchase), or save the card for use in future. In addition, this type of access card with money pre-loaded into it can be offered for sale as gift cards or paid access cards for shopping at any kiosk with automatic payment.

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

After the buyer has been identified appropriately and has chosen an acceptable type of payment, the system qualifies the buyer to retrieve goods from any section, confirming that the buyer’s payment information is of sufficient level to purchase goods at a kiosk with automatic payment. The process of determining access rights is necessary to confirm that there is enough money in the buyer's account for the average volume of purchases with one visit to the kiosk. The average volume of purchases at one visit to the kiosk can be different in different kiosks and can be pre-installed in the system. So, after the identification process is completed, the system pre-qualifies a member’s card or a customer’s account, a debit or credit card, or a cash deposit for the average volume of purchases at one visit to the kiosk. If the payment amount is not qualified, the system informs the buyer on the screen of the automatic payment item that there is not enough amount for the selected payment type to make purchases. Alternatively, the system may allow the buyer to determine on the touch screen a lower qualification for the amount of purchases based on the buyer's intentions for the costs of the visit. If the buyer who does not qualify is a member of the organization, he can replenish the funds in his account using a debit or credit card, transfer through an automated clearing house, etc., to qualify. If the buyer is not a member of the organization, he can use another debit or credit card that will be qualified, or deposit additional cash into a kiosk with automatic payment. Otherwise, he will be denied access.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the system qualifies the payment method, the qualified customer profile rises to the level of the valid mode 46. As shown in FIG. 6, this is done by the local computer system 58.

Valid mode means that the buyer and his card or other payment information have passed the identification and qualification process, and that the buyer is present at the kiosk with automatic payment and is qualified to open the section doors and make purchases at the kiosk. The online customer profile includes the customer’s personal information, including the customer’s registration name and PIN code, radio frequency identification / near proximity card, magnetic contact card information, as well as biometric information and registered images, such as fingerprints and scanned face images or other available and applicable types of personal identification information.

In the event that the cash payment system issues a temporary access card for cash payments, a bar code, a quick access image access card or similar tools, it means that it accepts the card for shopping and raises the card’s identification data to the valid mode.

In one embodiment of the invention, in real mode, doors to one or more sections are opened or can be opened by choice, for example, only by pressing a button, switch, etc., associated with the door 24 and the lock shown in FIG. 8, and without a secondary identification scan by the door scanner 26. However, this option is only possible in a very small kiosk with automatic payment, which allows you to use the kiosk with automatic payment at the same time for one customer. In the case of a relatively small kiosk with automatic payment 10, having only one section 22, this does not matter, and this option is applicable. However, this option is a problem in an automatic payment kiosk that has several sections 22. If only one buyer is able to make purchases in such a larger automatic payment kiosk at the same time, then a non-qualified person, but not a qualified buyer, will be able to open door 24 and gain access to the goods in section 22, which will erroneously invoice the buyer, who is in real mode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in order to allow multiple buyers to simultaneously access purchases and open multiple doors 24 of a larger kiosk with automatic payment, each qualified customer must be identified again before opening doors 24 with an electronic device or scanner 26, associated with each door 24. If the buyer is identified to obtain a valid mode and the corresponding identification is presented in scanner 26, Eph open. Otherwise, the doors remain closed. However, at one time, one customer can open one door. Such a buyer is the party responsible for all goods removed from section 22 before closing door 24.

Only a buyer whose profile or paid access card is in valid mode can open the door and retrieve goods. To open any door, the buyer must scan his card, face image or fingerprints or other biometric information, or enter a PIN code into the scanner 26 located at each door 24, as shown in step 60 of FIG. 6. Such door scanners and their components can be multi-system scanners that can scan using radio frequency identification / near contactless methods or read a quick-response image code, scan a biometric image of a face or fingerprints, or provide a manual entry of a username and pin code. Electronic scanners 26 in accordance with the present invention can perceive the actions of one of these methods or any combination thereof, or any other means of identification. For example, customers who use credit or debit cards for qualification can manually enter the last four digits of the card used in the identification and qualification process, or enter the pin code that they assigned in the identification and qualification process, or use printouts barcode or quick access card issued to the buyer during the registration process. If the customer’s credit or debit card is an intelligent card, the scanner can read information from radio frequency identification, near proximity communication or other technology when the buyer scans a specific card in the scanner of any door to open it. As an additional security measure, a kiosk with automatic payment may additionally require the use of a biometric face image, fingerprint or other image. The card or profile of a non-current buyer cannot provide access to open any section door.

Instead of issuing cards to members of the organization, the buyer may be given other electronic devices in the form of bracelets, rings, etc. containing an intelligent RFID chip or other RF technology. Having such bracelets, rings, etc., the buyer - a member of the organization can simply hold the door handle of any section and open the door. When the buyer takes the door handle, a scanner located a few inches from the door will record the customer identification code in the bracelet or ring and allow the door to open.

After the computer system confirms that the information entered into the door scanner matches the profile information of the customer having a valid mode, the automated control device opens a specific section door. Alternatively, instead of such a function of the main control unit or the local information and computer complex, the actual mode information can be downloaded and updated in real time in all door scanners with all customer profiles and access cards that are upgraded to the actual mode, so that this information is temporarily stored in each scanner as long as the profiles or cards of the buyer are in real mode. So, when the buyer scans his card, provides biometric information, enters his PIN code into the door scanner located at each door, the scanner determines the equivalence of the identification information of the customer’s profile stored in the scanner’s memory, the scanner reports this equivalence to the control device and requires so that the local computer complex opens the door.

In this way, the condition is provided that at a certain time only one person can open the door 24 of a certain section 22. Moreover, the buyer is the party responsible for all items of goods that were removed from the section as a result of opening the door and allowing many buyers to make purchases at the kiosk at the same time. with automatic payment. Passing the buyer through the identification and qualification process and raising his level to the actual mode also facilitates the second stage of identification in the scanner of the electronic device associated with each door. Instead of searching the database for an identification code, password, fingerprint, etc. for all members of the organization associated with a kiosk system with automatic payment, the local computer kiosk system can simply search for assigned and known identification codes, passwords, biometric information, etc. for those buyers who already have a valid mode and are currently present at the kiosk and make purchases. Cross-checking for compliance and issuing an opinion can occur almost instantly, while finding such information in a large database can take extra time.

In one embodiment of the invention, after identifying the buyer and opening the door of the section, the display screen of the scanner 26 of the electronic device may show the unused balance of the buyer’s money and his virtual basket for selecting goods. When the door closes, the screen clears again and is in standby mode for entering the identification code by the next buyer and authorizing him before presenting him with information of the above type.

If the buyer does not have sufficient funds in his account or his purchase amount exceeds the amount by which his card was qualified during the registration process, the buyer is given a message, for example, on the scanner screen, that the buyer has exceeded the amount of purchases allowed to him, and the door does not will be open. Customer support may be informed of this, which may intervene through video or audio communications. The buyer will be allowed to submit another payment option or replenish the existing payment option to continue shopping at a kiosk with automatic payment.

As shown in FIG. 5 and 6, the buyer gains access to the door and opens the door to this section to retrieve goods from the pallets of the section. The buyer who opens the door is responsible for all goods removed from this section before closing the door. When the goods are removed from the section, the name, description and price of the product are added to the virtual shopping basket 50. This is shown in steps 62 and 64 of FIG. 6. When the buyer retrieves the item 70 from the pallet 28, the sensor detects the extraction of the item 70, and the system can accurately determine the name, description and price of the product of the item 70 to add them to the virtual shopping basket 64. As described above, virtual the basket for the selection of goods can also be loaded into the user's mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, a display screen, as well as on the screen associated with the scanner 26 of the electronic device and / or on the display screen 14 associated with nktom automatic payment 12. It can be automatically displayed on the screen, or output only at the buyer's request.

So, when the buyer retrieves the item 70 from the pallet 28 of section 22, the system captures in real time which product is retrieved and registers the item as an item of incomplete sale in the buyer's virtual shopping cart for selecting goods. The system records the extraction and identifies the extracted products based on a pre-configured information database of each pallet compartment. The extraction of products can be fixed using an optical or electrical sensor system or other digital measurement system and / or using any radio frequency identification or short-range proximity tag identification system, as well as any suitable sensor technology.

If the buyer returns the item 70 to the pallet 28, the system in real time removes the item from the virtual basket of the buyer for the selection of goods. In some cases, if the buyer wishes to return the item to the pallet before the door is closed, the buyer must return the item to the same place from which it was removed. In some cases, if the buyer does not return the item to the right place, a discount may not be given for such a return, a warning signal and / or voice announcement will require the buyer to move the item to the right place. An incorrectly placed item of goods will be registered, and if this is not corrected by the buyer, the registration of the goods will be automatically updated by software. If the software cannot update the database, it issues a notification to the maintenance team indicating the incorrectly placed product. When using some sensors, such as RFID tags, etc., the location of each product is less critical, and such functions change accordingly depending on the situation at each event.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the buyer releases the door handle, the door automatically closes (52). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the glass door 24 in front of each modular section 22 is a one-sided self-closing spring-loaded door. When the door is fully closed, the locking mechanism locks the door completely closed, and then the system includes an electric deadbolt to lock the door.

In FIG. 8 illustrates such an electronically controlled lock 72. The bolt 74 selectively moves from an open position to a closed and locked position at the command of electric current, electrically generated signals, etc.

In one embodiment, the door comprises a metal magnetic locking plate, the structure of which includes a deadbolt 74 of the electric locking mechanism 72, and also includes a reed lock switch when the door is completely closed. The electric locking mechanism 72, as shown in FIG. 8 may include a housing 76, a deadbolt 74, an engine, and a transmission mechanism 78 for moving the deadbolt 74 and serving electronic circuits 80 including limit switches, magnetic reed switches, etc. for fixing the door closing, receiving signals from the automatic control device, etc. Usually limit switches, magnetic reed switches, etc. fix the position of the door at any time. The magnet of the locking plate is positioned to turn on the reed switch when the door is completely closed, and at that moment the control panel turns on the engine to push the bolt and close the door. Closing and opening section doors is usually done by commands from the central control panel 90.

If the buyer wishes to open the same door that was closed and locked, he must repeat the above steps. That is, the buyer must scan his card, electronic device, submit a biometric scan, enter the appropriate code, etc., while being in real mode. Once again, the central control panel or local computer complex includes an engine and a transmission mechanism 78 and pushes the deadbolt 74 back to unlock the door and allow the customer to open it and remove items from section 22.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the buyer retrieves all the desired items and completes the purchase, he can either manually close the transaction and receive a printout of the check at the automatic payment point, or leave the transaction without closing it, and the system will automatically close the transaction after a certain period of inactivity of the buyer 54. As shown in FIG. . 6, the buyer can return to the automatic payment point and present his identification to see the virtual basket for selecting goods, close the transaction and receive a printout of the check, if he wishes. After scanning the customer’s identification card or providing another means of identification, the system displays a specific virtual shopping cart for the selection of goods, which lists all the items of goods removed by the buyer from the pallets. The buyer can check this list and then press the OK button to complete the transaction. However, if the buyer does not want to spend time closing the transaction, he can simply leave the kiosk with automatic payment, and then the system will record that the buyer is no longer active in the kiosk with automatic payment for a predetermined period of time, therefore, it automatically closes this session purchases and invoices the buyer for items of goods recovered and displayed in the virtual basket. Instead of printing, the check can be sent to the buyer electronically, for example, via e-mail, text, etc. This is especially desirable for the buyer who decides not to close the transaction manually at the automatic payment point 66. After the transaction is closed, the software and the computer system of the local information and computer complex removes the buyer from the actual mode 68.

As indicated above, the method of requesting a second identification and verification at each door of each section allows a large number of buyers to make purchases at a kiosk with automatic payment at the same time. The system real-time determines the difference between virtual shopping carts for selecting goods based on customer access to this section and extracting items from this section and invoices each customer for the goods that he removed from each pallet after opening the section door. Purchasing data from a kiosk with automatic payment is transmitted to a central control station, for example, to the main control network complex 36, as shown in FIG. four.

As mentioned above, in small kiosks with automatic payment, only one customer can shop at a time, and scanning electronic door devices may not be required. In such a situation, the buyer who has been identified and qualified is considered the only person who opens the door during a shopping session and retrieves items from one or more sections. Thus, the person who has passed identification and qualification is the party responsible for all goods removed from any pallet of any compartment during the shopping session.

In this case, the buyer may be required to unlock the door of a certain section by pressing a button, for example, a green button that lights up. Other doors will remain locked to prevent third parties from opening and removing goods from other sections. Thus, for security reasons, only one door can be opened at any particular time period. If there is only one section with one door, this precaution may not be required, and the door may immediately open after the buyer has been identified and qualified.

In this case, in order to prevent the situation when more than one buyer is trying to register in a given period of time and / or not force the buyer to close the transaction manually, an electric card reader can be used to hold the buyer's card - a member of the organization, credit or debit card until until the purchase is completed, the buyer will not close the transaction manually using the touch screen of the automatic payment point, and the buyer will not be billed. This will require the buyer to close the transaction manually after checking the virtual basket to select products and approve the transaction. After the transaction is closed and the customer is billed, the electric card reader releases the customer’s card and the system switches to standby mode, ready for the next customer. In the event that the buyer uses biometric scanning, radio frequency identification or another scanned card, he simply closes the transaction by pressing the OK button or another indicated button on the touch screen of the automatic payment point, and after invoicing the buyer, the system switches to standby mode, ready for the next to the buyer. The buyer will be issued a printed check or sent the check in electronic form by e-mail.

In FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating connecting lines of various components of a typical kiosk with automatic payment 10. Three sections are shown for purposes of explanation and illustration. Each section is shown with four shelves or pallets 28. Each section 22 is shown with corresponding electronic scanners 26, locks 72, and LED warning lights 88.

The connection between the components of the automatic payment point 12, such as a display screen 14, a camera 16, a scanner 18 and / or a payment acceptor 20 with a card reader, is shown with a local information and computer complex 58. The local information and computer complex 58 is connected with the main manager a network complex 36, a network operations center, a technical support device 38 customer support services, etc. However, as noted above, all the functions of the kiosk with automatic payment, with the exception of remote monitoring and customer support, are usually carried out locally at the kiosk 10 in order to prevent malfunctioning of the kiosk 10 and conducting transactions in the event of a malfunction in the communication network, which would be the case if the system worked on the basis of a remote data warehouse and a remote data processing system. Moreover, for efficient customer service and the fastest functional response at any time, as well as to avoid downtime due to disconnections and interference on the Internet, the local information and computer complex of the kiosk computer system with automatic payment is located locally instead of using a remote data warehouse and remote data processing systems. Therefore, the kiosk with automatic payment 10 will continue to work in case of disconnection of the Internet. The local information and computing complex provides simultaneous multiple functions in the operation of the kiosk with automatic payment, which include the identification and qualification of customers, the operation of the locking mechanism and fixing of recoverable items, charging accounts, video surveillance functions, as well as all the functions of interactive customer communication systems, such as functions real-time video and audio conferences. Therefore, the local information and computer complex 58 includes one or more appropriate high-speed information and computer systems to provide such functions locally without the delays, outages, and interference that may occur when using cloud computing or other remote data processing systems.

Each shelf or pallet 28 comprises a sensor pallet 82 equipped with one or more sensors for detecting the removal of goods from the shelf or pallet 28. The extraction information is usually transmitted through the bridge circuit 84 to the pallet circuit board 86 and then to the main board 90, which is directly It is connected with the local information-computer complex 58 or even is a part of it. The circuit boards 86 of the pallets may be connected in series, as shown, or may be connected directly to the main board 90 and the local computer complex 58. However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, in the event of a malfunction of the pallet a, bridge circuit, printed circuit board of a pallet or similar component, such a malfunction will not affect the operation of the remaining pallets or shelves 28, and the operation of other sections of the kiosk with automatic payment 10.

The electrical parameters of the operation of each kiosk with automatic payment are controlled by the main board 90 printed circuit boards 86 pallets, while being in common connection with the proprietary software of the local information and computer complex 58. If any changes are detected, such as removing items from pallets 28 or the room items on pallets 28, a signal is generated that reports such events with a serial data chain to the main board 90. The central or main board 90 is exchanged information with local information and computing system 58, which uses a local database to determine what subject the goods removed or placed in the system, and uses the information to the appropriate form of virtual shopping cart for the selection of goods.

In addition, the main board 90 and the printed circuit boards 86 include LED warning lights 88 and 130 when the system switches to purchasing mode or when any section door opens. The LED warning light may turn off when the section door closes. The main board 90 also controls the opening and closing positions of the locking mechanism.

In addition to the foregoing, this invention and associated software provide a patented comprehensive management program and a replenishment / accounting program. This allows the kiosk operator with automatic payment to have a real-time full readout of all goods on each shelf or pallet 28 and, if necessary, generate a replenishment list for each kiosk with automatic payment. After entering the replenishment mode, the system generates an inventory data file that includes an inventory list of all items of goods available in each compartment of the entire kiosk with automatic payment. At this time, all the locks or locks of only a certain part of the kiosk with automatic payment are open for replenishment. After returning to the starting position, the system again provides a full reading of the compartments of all pallets and creates a file showing the changes before and after the replenishment process. The file can be used to confirm the accuracy of replenishment. After returning to the starting position, the system switches back to standby mode or shopping mode.

Software tools fully ensure the operation of the kiosk with automatic payment, including all administrative actions and preparation of reports. All actions are reported to the main control network complex 36 through a communication network, for example, via the Internet. Additionally, the software manages the operation of the network operations center interface and customer support interfaces 38. These interfaces have interactive communication tools, giving the buyer the opportunity to communicate in real time through audio and video conferencing with the company's customer support service or network operations center. By touching a specific area of the touch screen of the monitor 14, a customer can initiate an audio and video conferencing call with customer support. Customer support staff will appear on-screen in real time and assist customers. In addition, the software enables the customer support representative to remotely close or open doors, turn on or off the LED warning lights, issue invoices or credit the buyer’s account, add funds to the buyer’s account when the buyer wishes to replenish the balance of his account, etc. In addition, the customer support service has access to the remote monitoring function, allowing the customer support service to remotely monitor the kiosk with automatic payment, for example, using camera 16 or a surveillance system.

Each kiosk with automatic payment is equipped with CCTV cameras. It is assumed that in addition to the surveillance cameras, display screens are provided, for example, in each section, showing what the surveillance camera is shooting, including the user who opens the section door, as well as one or more items removed from the section. All video sessions are stored in the local computer and can be viewed locally or remotely. If any section door opens without proper command from the main board 90, a security breach signal and a remote customer support system are activated. All customers are fully registered in the action log or stored in the system memory. If any unauthorized access is detected, the management service can view the action log and video to determine who made unauthorized access to the system. Thus, this system can also be used to confirm that the buyer has recovered the goods from the kiosk with automatic payment.

In one embodiment, the automatic payment kiosk 10 includes a motion detector. The motion detector may be part of an identification scanner 26, or may be a standalone device and placed in one place or in several places within the kiosk with automatic payment. A motion detector will detect someone approaching a kiosk with automatic payment or passing someone near a kiosk. In this case, the motion detection by the motion detector can be used to turn on the kiosk light signals with automatic payment, for example, LED signal lights 88 in various sections 22, to turn on the initial on-screen help on the screen 14 of the automatic payment point 12, and also to turn on the advertising monitor 30 and etc. Moreover, motion detection by a motion detector can be used to turn on cameras and video surveillance systems, to enable real-time remote monitoring for protection purposes or even for the purposes of customer support.

All doors are in a closed and locked position until the moment a qualified customer has opened any section door. Qualified buyers can only open one door at a given time. Such a buyer is the party responsible for all items of goods removed from the section during this period of time until the door is closed and locked. If any mechanical failure or unauthorized access prevents the door from completely closing within a predetermined period of time, an alarm and remote monitoring by the customer support service are activated.

Moreover, if qualified buyers retrieve from the pallets or shelves 28 items of goods whose total value exceeds the amount by which the buyer is qualified, the buyer’s profile will be removed from the current mode, preventing the buyer from opening any additional doors. At the same time, the local door alarm and video and / or audio session will turn on, enabling the customer support service employees to demand that the buyer return excess items until the balance in the customer’s account is sufficient to purchase such items. If necessary, additional protective measures may be used.

The main manager of the network complex 36 is the central control post, which manages all the kiosks with automatic payment, located in different places, and also provides company administration and the necessary reporting. The main manager of the network complex includes a network operations center and a customer support service of the company, as well as the website of the company. The main managing network complex has communication with each local information and computer complex of 58 kiosks with automatic payment through a network connection, exchanges data and assists in the operation of each kiosk with automatic payment. However, all local functions, mechanical and electrical, as well as determining the identification and qualifications of each customer, are mainly controlled by local information-computer complexes of kiosks with automatic payment. Nevertheless, the main managing director of the network complex can use the software to manage the administration of the company, including all reports on sales and inventory, reports on replenishment of goods, operations with accounts and balances on customer accounts, a database of members of the organization, as well as many other functions and special programs. In addition, the main managing director of the network complex manages the company’s website included in it. The site provides information about the company, enables members of the organization to register their profiles and receive reports, add funds to the balances of their accounts, interact with special programs of the company and communicate with company personnel using live chat, email or video audio communication.

As shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, each pallet or shelf 28 has an upper part 92 and a lower part 94. The upper part 92 is generally closed and has a plurality of grooves 96 at some distance from each other formed on the wall of this part. The grooves made at a distance from each other allow the horizontal and vertical dividers 98 and 100 to be installed. As you can see, at least one of the dividers contains grooves 102 at some distance from each other to insert another separator, in this case a horizontal separator 98. Hereby the invention also provides that prefabricated dividers 104 will be used to form a compartment of a certain size. The advantage of the horizontal and vertical dividers 98 and 100 is that the dimensions of the compartments for items of goods can vary so that the pallet 28 can accommodate objects of different sizes. For example, prefabricated spacer 104 may be used for Kaurig lockable coffee cups, tea bags, or other items of a given size. Larger dividers 98 and 100 can be used for compartments that will hold items of various sizes, such as sandwiches, salads, boxed items, medicines, cosmetics, etc. The dividers rest on a shelf or platform 106, which is usually made of glass or other transparent or translucent material and separates the upper and lower parts 92 and 94.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9-15, a sensor unit 108 comprising one or more sensors is located in the lower portion 94 of the pallet 92. The photocells 110 may be mounted in one of a plurality of holes 112, the dimensions and configuration of which are adapted to accommodate photosensitive elements. The solar cells 110 are arranged so that a solar cell is connected to each of the compartments formed by the dividers 98, 100, and 104. Thus, when the item is located above the photocell 110, the photocell is closed from the light source by the item located on the pallet 92, and is not included. However, as soon as the object is removed, light enters the photocell 110, the photocell generates a signal to the printed circuit board 86, which is transmitted to the main board 90 and to the local computer complex 58. It is clear that the photocell can have an IR sensor that detects IR radiation, for example, from IR LEDs or other light sources located above the tray 92.

Brackets 114 or similar devices can be used to secure a shelf or pallet 28 inside each section 22. Cover 116 can be used to place wires, conductors, and the like, leading from one pallet 28 to another, or to the main board 90.

In FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the sensor matrix 108. It can be seen that the sensor matrix 108 includes a grid or a grid of holes. Each row of holes 118 is identified, for example, by an increasing row of numbers, as shown. Each hole column is similarly labeled, for example, with alphabetical characters. Thus, each hole in the matrix has a unique alphanumeric designation representing the intersection point of the column and row for that hole. This is more clearly shown in FIG. eleven.

As shown and described above, the photocell 110, which may be located inside the sleeve shown in FIG. 12, is located in a specific hole attributed to the compartment above which the item will be. Thus, usually each hole will not have a photocell. Instead, depending on the type of item and the variety of item types in the upper compartments, the photocells 110 will be positioned to be predominantly in the center of the compartment, and the item will be located within the compartment so as to be closed from the light source located above pallet 28. FIG. 12 shows a photocell 110 or a photocell in a sleeve in a mirror image, where the photocell is at the bottom of the illustration, and wires 122 are connected to at least one bridge circuit 124 to transmit a signal to the pallet circuit board 86.

As shown in FIG. 13, the lower portion 94 of the pallet 28 includes one or more printed circuit boards 86. The pin portion of the bridge connector 126 may be inserted into the receptacle 124 to form a bridge when the sensor unit 108 slides into place to connect one or more printed circuit boards 86 to a sensor unit 108. Ribbon wires 128 or the like provide connection and communication with the main board 90.

Typically, LED strips 130 are connected from below to each pallet 28 to immediately illuminate the pallet from below. Of course, LED strips or other light sources can be connected to the upper pallet or to all pallets 28. As indicated above, such light sources can be visible and / or invisible, for example, IR sources, to include IR photocells or the like.

If bottles, cans or other objects can be placed in one line or in bulk and pushed forward after removing one of the bottles, cans, etc., a rack divider and a spring-loaded pusher mechanism are used in the pallet 28, as shown in FIG. 14 and 15. The rails 132 in the grooves 96 so as to form vertical dividers of a certain width corresponding to the items of goods to be inserted between the rails. Thus, compartments are formed between the rails 132. The sliding pusher 134 is spring loaded to move forward on the pallet 28 and push forward a number of cans, bottles, and the like. It is understood that the number of rack dividers 132 can be varied according to the size of the cans or bottles so that larger cans or bottles can be accommodated. Similarly, the slide pusher 134 can be modified to adequately push bottles, cans or the like, for example, by attaching an extension cord, increasing the pushing surface of the slide pusher 134, etc.

As will be seen in FIG. 15, the slide pusher 134 moves from the back of the pallet 28 to the end of the pallet. This will open the holes of the sensor tray 108. Typically, the photocell 110 will be located in the hole that is in front of the pallet 28 so that when removing the can or bottle in front of the row of cans and bottles, the photocell turns on for a split second when the sliding pusher 134 pushes the remaining row cans and bottles in the front of the pallet 28. Alternatively, a number of photocells 110 can be arranged along a series of bottles and cans, and the photocells are turned on when the front can or bottle is removed, after opening the hole and photocell at the end of the row. However, photocells that close a series of bottles, cans and other goods, when pushed by the pusher, may turn out to be closed from the light source, for example, by the pusher spring, its body or mask, which are moved by the pusher as the goods are removed from the pallet.

When using the photocell system described above with respect to FIG. 9-15, as soon as the item is removed from the compartment and opens the photocell 110 to radiation from a light source, a signal is generated. The system recognizes which photocell 110 is turned on and to which compartment it is assigned. Based on a specific compartment and the order of preliminary arrangement of items of goods relative to the pallet and sensor pallet 108, the system is able to accurately determine which item has been removed from the compartment, identify this item and inform its cost to the buyer in his virtual basket for selecting goods. If the buyer returns the item back to the compartment from which it was removed, then the basket for selecting goods will remove it from its list and will not invoice the buyer for this item.

It is understood that the present invention contemplates the possibility of using other sensory technologies. For example, the lower sensor in FIG. 14 and 15 may consist of reed switches, and the pusher may be equipped with a magnet mounted in its lower part. At each position of the pusher 134, it will include a reed switch located below. Based on the indication of which reed switch is turned on, the system determines the number of units of products that remain in the row of compartments with a sliding pusher.

Of course, the touch pallet can also be manufactured with the inclusion of radio frequency identification antennas and / or near contact systems or any other means of sensor technology capable of accurately and specifically recording the extraction of a particular item from the pallet 28. Using various means of sensor technology will provide identification each retrievable item, for example, by removing the tag of the item within the reading distance of the proximity sensor or radio frequency different identification. However, when replenishing goods, items are placed in the system in accordance with how the sensors are located within the pallet 28 of a particular section 22, so that you can track the location and identity of the items.

In FIG. 16 shows an RFID touch pan 136. The sensor tray 136 typically includes a lid 138, a base 140, and an RFID antenna device 142 located between the lid 138 and the base 140 to form a single unit. This device, usually of a substantially rectangular shape, replaces the touch tray 108 shown in FIG. 10. Usually, it will also slide into the seat or compartment of the base 92 of the pallet 28, for example, from the bottom of the shelf 106. Shown in FIG. 9 dividers and compartments of the pallet 28 and shown in FIG. 13, the printed circuit boards 86 of the pallet can also be used for other purposes, such as controlling the degree of illumination within a section, performing the functions of a device for interfacing with a scanner or reader 26 associated with each section 22, etc.

As shown in FIG. 16, items 70 are arranged in a specific order on a pallet, usually in separated compartments, but the use of radio frequency identification in this embodiment is not necessary. Each item 70 has its own tag 144 radio frequency identification. When the item 70 is removed from the pallet, as shown by the upward arrow in FIG. 16, the signal 146 indicates that the object 70 and the radio frequency identification tag 144 are removed, which is detected by the radio frequency identification antenna 142, which sends the signal via cable 148 to the radio frequency identification reader 150. Typically, the RFID antenna device 142 periodically sends a signal 146 to detect the presence of RFID tags 144 on objects 70 associated with a given pallet. When the item 70 and, accordingly, its radio frequency identification tag 144 are removed, this deletion is fixed and a signal is sent to the reader 150.

The reader 150 may receive signals from a plurality of radio frequency identification antenna devices 142. Typically, RFID antenna device 142 is associated with each sensor tray 136 that is used for each pallet 28 of a given section 22. For example, one or two readers 150 may be required for each section 22, depending on the number of pallets 28 in section 22. The reader 150 then transmits this information to the local computer complex 58.

The identity of the item 70 is determined. This can be done at its location on the pallet 136, if all items of the product on the pallet 136 are the same, or by the radio frequency identification tag 144 that identifies the identity of the item 70, or by any other suitable means. In this way, the identity of the item and its value are transferred to the buyer in a virtual basket for the selection of goods 64.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a pallet used to place goods or products within sections of a system can be made in different configurations and from different materials. Such pallets can be universal, while the dimensions and configurations of the compartments that place goods can be changed manually. For one section, one pallet or multiple pallets can be used, including combinations of devices of universal configurations, pushers, fixed compartments, etc. can be used. It is also clear that the materials for these pallets may be different and include plastic, metal, etc. An important aspect of this invention is that the pallet may contain items of goods with the possibility of their extraction and sale, while its design should provide work with a system of sensors to track the extraction of items from a particular compartment of the pallet or the removal of objects from the pallet section, with or without separate compartments.

In FIG. 17 and 18 show another type of pallet 152 in accordance with the present invention. The pallet 152 comprises a sheet of material with a plurality of compartments 152 for objects formed therein. The molded sheet of material 154 can be placed within the walls 94 of the pallet and located above the sensor matrix, similar to the photocell matrix shown and described above, with the photocell 110 being positioned relative to each compartment 156 in such a way as to fix the removal of the object from compartment 156. It was found that in In some cases, in a universal pallet with compartments with a configurable configuration, the item of goods in the compartment either does not adequately cover the photocell under the compartment, or the item has such a degree of izheniya within the compartment, that when it moves it adequately covers the photocell. However, a tray with molded compartments, as shown in FIG. 17 and 18, and in the corresponding description, can reliably hold an object in place and better ensure that the object is positioned above the photocell or above another sensor to reduce or even exclude the possibility of unintentional activation of the photocell, for example, as a result of movement of the object within the compartment.

One method of manufacturing a pallet 152, as shown in FIG. 17 and 18, the use of a thermoplastic material and the hot molding of a plastic sheet to form a desired molded product with a plurality of compartments 156. To create a molded sheet of material 154, the plastic sheet is heated to a plastic molding temperature, molded into a product of a special shape and then cut to produce a pallet 152 or insert pallet. It will be appreciated that the pallet 152 may also be vacuum formed when the sheet of material is heated to the molding temperature, stretched and pressed into the molded article in vacuum. After cooling, the sheet of material retains the desired degree of stiffness.

In one embodiment of the invention, the molded sheet 154 contains translucent material, light passes through it to the photocells below it in the photocell grid 108 to fix the removal of the object from the compartment 156. However, in other cases, for example, when using the wireless system shown and described above sensors, such as the radio frequency identification system shown in FIG. 16, it is not required that the sheet of material 154 be transparent or translucent. It is also envisaged that only the lower part of the pallet or the lower part of each compartment of the pallet is transparent. The rest of the pallet may be made of opaque material or painted or otherwise covered with opaque material. Thus, the light that can penetrate the section from the outside on all sides of the pallet, or otherwise penetrate inside, will not include photocells, but only the removal of goods from the compartment will provide sufficient penetration of light to the photocell to turn it on.

In FIG. 18 shows a molded sheet of material forming a pallet 154. As can be seen in FIG. 17 and 18, a sheet of material 154 can be molded to create compartments 156 of various sizes and configurations. They provide retrieval of 158 items of various sizes and configurations. Typically molded compartments typically correspond to at least substantially at least a portion of an object 158 that must be in the compartment. For example, if the compartment should contain a mostly spherical product, such as an apple, an orange, etc., then the compartment can be made in the form of a hemisphere. However, if the item of goods has a generally cubic shape, then the compartment can be made mainly in the form of a slightly larger cube than the item so that such an item can be placed in it.

In FIG. 18, it can be seen that the object in the upper left part of the illustration has a generally rectangular configuration. The corresponding molded compartment 156 is dimensioned and configured to generally correspond to at least a portion of the item 156 so that the item 158 can be retractable in the compartment 156. It is clear that the compartment can be molded so that it, in general, has a rectangular or square configuration, but would have the ability to place objects or products, in general, a spherical, disk or other round or curved configuration. But it should be possible to place spherical, round, curved and similar parts of the product in a square or rectangular compartment in such a way as to prevent the sensor from triggering before the product is removed from the compartment. The molded compartments 156 may be of various sizes and configurations, as shown in FIG. 18 to accommodate items 158 having a different configuration. So, the object 158 is mainly disk-shaped in the far right part of FIG. 18 is housed in a compartment 156 having a smaller width but longer than a compartment 156 for an item 158 that is generally rectangular in shape.

The present invention provides that the molded compartments 156 practically correspond to the part of the object that should be in the compartment, while usually the lower part of the object should be in the compartment. Thus, if there are known items of goods that are to be regularly offered for sale through an automatic kiosk in accordance with the present invention, molded articles should be manufactured in accordance with at least a portion of such items, usually with their bottom and part, so that compartments 256 specific insertion 154 pallets were specifically designed for such items. This will facilitate both the creation of inventories for the automatic kiosk, and the return of goods by the buyer after they are removed, as well as more convenient information about which compartment or group of compartments 156 are removed from, since the overall dimensions and configuration of the compartments will correspond to the overall dimensions and configuration previously recovered items.

It is understood, however, that compartments 156 do not have to correspond exactly to the bottom of the enclosed objects, but must have a more general size and configuration to accommodate more than one type of object. Such molded pallet inserts 154 have some restrictions on the types of goods to be placed in the compartments 156, but significantly reduce the time and labor involved in creating the compartments shown in FIG. 9, which can be more versatile thanks to a combination of vertical and horizontal dividers. This allows you to create compartments of various sizes to accommodate a wide variety of objects. The use of molded compartments 156 also significantly reduces or even eliminates the possibility of unintentionally turning on a sensor, for example, a photocell, as a result of displacement or movement of an object, for example, when opening or closing a door, touching an object with a customer’s hand, etc. Without molded compartments, it could cause a significant displacement of the item of goods, the penetration of light to the photocell and its inclusion, forcing the system to consider that this item was removed by the buyer.

As shown in FIG. 19, the present invention provides that an automatic payment kiosk may be configured to provide micro-market or mini-store changes. This may allow companies to maintain fully automated outlets for consumer goods such as micro-markets, district outlets, convenience stores or open-source outlets. This can be, for example, in a shopping center, in a specially allocated room of a building, in a sufficiently large open area of the building, etc. One or more automatic payment points will be provided to identify buyers, authorize payments and qualifications. After that, many buyers can make purchases within the micromarket at the same time, gaining access to the micromarket and extracting items of goods from compartments 22 as desired, while a kiosk system with automatic payment will track the extraction of each item by each buyer who has access to a specific section through a lockable door 24 Although only one customer can have access to a specific section 22 at a specific time, many customers can shop at the same time when performing accurate accounting of recoverable Redmet each customer.

So, in addition to placing ready-made food and drinks in small kiosks with automatic payment, the invention can also be used to operate automated regional retail outlets or convenience stores with self-service cash desks, or other types of stores offering consumer goods from cash stock. In accordance with the invention, customers are allowed to access the kiosk using various identification systems, as described above, and make purchases using the method of the invention, open kiosk doors to retrieve goods from pallets 28. The system recognizes customers who open doors and retrieve goods, and also identifies recoverable goods and bills the buyer for the recovered goods.

Such automatic enterprises can be used around the clock, seven days a week, without the cost of attendants in an automated, user-friendly, friendly environment with self-service checkouts. These types of automated checkpoints, automatic mini-markets or convenience stores can offer various types of consumer goods and will be in great demand in residential areas, military bases, office complexes, shopping centers and other venues that are open and accessible to the general public. public around the clock. Accordingly, the need for marketable kiosks with automatic payment that do not require the presence of a seller, which could work around the clock without the cost of maintenance personnel, is very great and can be satisfied using this invention.

As for security measures, one or more entrance turnstiles can be installed to control the approach or exit of the buyer, or closing a door or similar processes to enter a large kiosk with automatic payment, micromarket or store of a residential microdistrict. Closed doors, entrance turnstiles, etc. can be used to require customers to scan their cards, provide other means of identification to enter and exit the kiosk with automatic payment, and to identify customers who extract goods in excess of the balances on their cards or accounts before making purchases.

In addition to being used as a kiosk and purchasing system, the system of the present invention can be used in any environment that requires keeping records of persons who are retrieving items from shelves and identifying retrievable items. Such environments can be in schools, companies, laboratories, hospitals and pharmaceutical enterprises, or within other enterprises or production facilities to track the removal of inventory items and accessories. The system registers the identification of each person retrieving items from the section and from the pallet, including the date and time, and keeps a record of all products placed on and removed from universal pallets, providing complete replenishment reports if necessary.

Although several examples of the invention 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 invention cannot be limited by anything, with the exception of the paragraphs of the attached claims.

Claims (119)

1. A method for distributing items of goods from a computer-controlled automatic kiosk, comprising the following operations: ensuring the availability of a computer-controlled automatic kiosk containing at least one section containing items to be removed from the section for purchase in a purchase transaction, an entry registration post, an electronic device associated with each section, at least one pallet within at least one sections adapted to accommodate items of goods, and at least one sensor for identifying the extraction of individual items from at least one section or the return of individual items then at least one section, each section including a door that allows the buyer access to the removal or return of manually selected items contained in the section before the buyer makes a purchase, obtaining the identification of at least one buyer and / or information on receipt of payment from the buyer by an electronic device associated with each section of the automatic kiosk, unlocking the door of at least one section to provide access to items of goods contained in the section, after obtaining the identification of at least one buyer and / or information about the receipt of payment from the buyer, fixing the buyer manually extracting one or more items from at least one section using at least one sensor, identification of each extracted item based on information from the database of each item on each pallet of each section, transferring the identification of each manually retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart that interacts with the buyer in response to fixing each retrieved item using at least one sensor, further configuration of the automatic kiosk for fixing, using at least one manually returned sensor, one or more items retrieved by the buyer into at least one pallets located in the section until the buyer purchases any item retrieved and to remove each manually returned item from the electronic basket for goods selection in response to fixing a specified returned item using at least one sensor, automatic locking of the door of at least one section after the buyer completes the extraction of items from at least one section and the return of items to at least one section, closing a purchase transaction after automatically locking the door of at least one section opened by the buyer, and billing the buyer for all items recovered. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the operation of obtaining the identification of the buyer includes the operation of obtaining at least one identification code and / or password of the buyer, holding an electronic card or electronic device, or providing biometric information to the buyer. 3. The method according to claim 1, in which the operation of obtaining the payment information of the buyer includes receiving at least one information related to the account of the buyer created during his previous purchases in the automatic kiosk, to the account on his credit or debit card, to the money deposited to the cash register of an automatic kiosk, or to funds transferred electronically. 4. The method according to claim 1, in which the operation of unlocking the door includes the operation of obtaining customer identification in an electronic device associated with the door lock of at least one section, before unlocking the door of at least one section. 5. The method according to claim 4, in which the electronic device includes a device having at least one electronic display, a keyboard, a radio frequency identification device, a proximity contact device or other identification device, a credit / debit card reader, a biometric reader and / or motion detector. 6. The method according to p. 1, in which the extraction of the subject is fixed to at least one mechanical, electrical, electronic or optical detection system of an automatic kiosk. 7. The method according to claim 1, in which the extraction of each item is fixed electronically by reading the tag associated with each item in the section. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which the operation of fixing the extraction of one or more items from the section includes the operation of linking the RFID tag with each item on the pallet and using an appropriate RFID detector to detect the movement of the item from the section. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the radio frequency identification detector comprises an radio frequency identification antenna located between the lid and the base, forming a sensor tray that is mounted relative to one or more objects located above the radio frequency identification detector so as to provide radio frequency identification of the presence in the section or movement from a section of one or more objects. 10. The method according to p. 1, in which at least one sensor includes a photosensitive element interconnected with an object located on the pallet, exposed to light and triggered when the object is removed from the section pallet. 11. The method according to p. 10, including the operation of forming compartments dividing the pallet, with each compartment associated with one object and one specified sensor. 12. The method according to p. 1, in which the extraction and return of the subject is fixed to at least one mechanical, electrical, electronic or optical detection system of an automatic kiosk. 13. The method according to p. 1, including the operation of providing a check for purchased items. 14. The method according to p. 13, including the operation of sending the buyer a check in electronic form. 15. The method according to p. 13, including the operation of printing a check for the buyer. 16. The method according to claim 1, including the operation of deriving the identification of the recovered item and the purchase price of the item on the screen of a computer-controlled display device of an automatic kiosk. 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the closing transaction of a purchase transaction includes receiving at the check-in point or an electronic kiosk device an instruction manually entered by the buyer to close the transaction and issuing an invoice to the buyer for the items recovered, or the operation of closing the transaction and issuing an invoice to the buyer the extracted items are produced automatically after a predetermined time of inaction of the buyer in the automatic kiosk. 18. The method according to claim 1, in which the operation of obtaining the identification of the buyer and / or payment information includes the operation of obtaining at the registration point at the input or electronic device at least a password or a two-dimensional barcode available and reproduced in the mobile electronic device of the buyer. 19. The method according to p. 1, including the operation of reproducing the electronic basket of the buyer for the selection of goods in the mobile device of the buyer during use by the buyer of an automatic kiosk. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the purchase transaction is closed using a mobile electronic device. 21. The method according to p. 1, including the operation of electronic exchange of information between the automatic kiosk and the remote central control station. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the central control post provides at least one of a customer identification, verification of customer payment information, and payment processing. 23. The method according to p. 21, including the operation of transmitting purchase data from an automatic kiosk to a central control station. 24. The method according to p. 23, including the operation of using a central control post to monitor sales activities and generate reports. 25. The method according to p. 21, including the operation of using a Central control station to control the automatic kiosk and maintain its operation. 26. The method according to claim 1, comprising the operation of providing customer support in real time to a customer who uses an automatic kiosk. 27. The method according to p. 1, including the operation of monitoring an automatic kiosk using monitoring devices. 28. The method according to claim 1, including the operation of reproducing instructions or advertisements on a monitor associated with an automatic kiosk. 29. The method according to p. 3, including the operation of receiving electronic funds transmitted to a customer’s account specially designed for these purposes in an automated kiosk. 30. The method according to claim 1, comprising the operation of qualifying the buyer to access at least one section and retrieve one or more items from at least one section after confirming that the payment data of the buyer is of sufficient level to purchase items from at least one sections. 31. The method according to p. 1, including the operation of adding items retrieved by the buyer from several sections to an electronic basket for selecting goods, while the electronic basket exchanges information between sections, and a single purchase transaction can be closed for all items extracted by the buyer from all sections automatic kiosk. 32. The method according to p. 1, including the operation of unlocking the doors of one or more sections of the automatic kiosk to provide simultaneous access to items in one or more sections for a plurality of customers not exceeding the number of sections, tracking each customer to extract all items from one or several sections and billing each customer accordingly. 33. A method for distributing items of goods from a computer-controlled automatic kiosk, including operations: ensuring the availability of a computer-controlled automatic kiosk containing at least one section containing items removed from the section during the purchase transaction, entry check-in, electronic access device associated with each section, at least one pallet within each section for placement items of goods, and at least one sensor for fixing the extraction of individual items of goods from the section, each section includes a door that allows the buyer access to the extract Theological or return manually selectable items contained in the section before making a purchase by the buyer, receipt of customer identification and payment information from the customer in the registration post at the entrance of the automatic kiosk or in the electronic access module associated with at least one section, unlocking the door of at least one section to provide access to objects in the section, fixing the buyer retrieving one or more items from at least one section using at least one sensor, identification of the extracted item on the basis of information from the database of each item on each pallet of each section, transferring the identification of each manually retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart that interacts with the buyer in response to fixing the retrieved item using at least one sensor, automatic locking of the door of at least one section after the buyer completes the extraction of objects from the section and automatic closing of the purchase transaction and invoicing of the buyer for one or more items recovered after a specified period of time after automatically locking the door of at least one section or in response to the buyer receiving a manual purchase transaction in the automatic kiosk. 34. A method for distributing items of goods from a computer-controlled automatic kiosk, including operations: ensuring the availability of a computer-controlled automatic kiosk containing at least one section containing items to be removed from the section during the purchase transaction, an entry registration post associated with each section, at least one pallet within each section for placing items of goods and at least one sensor for detecting the removal of individual objects from at least one section and their return to the section, with each section including a door that allows the customer to be removed or returning manually selected items contained in the section prior to the purchase by the buyer, obtaining the identification of at least one buyer and / or information on receipt of payment from the buyer by an electronic device associated with at least one section of the automatic kiosk, unlocking the door of at least one section to provide access to items of goods contained in the section, after obtaining the identification of at least one buyer and / or information about the receipt of payment from the buyer at the automatic kiosk, fixing the buyer retrieving one or more items from at least one section using at least one sensor, identification of each recovered item based on information from each item on each pallet of each section, transferring the identification of each manually retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart that interacts with the buyer in response to fixing each retrieved item using at least one sensor, the further configuration of the automatic kiosk for fixing, using at least one manually returned buyer’s item, of one or more retrieved items to at least one pallet located in the section until the buyer makes a purchase of any retrieved item and to remove each manually returned item from the electronic shopping basket in response to fixing a specified returned item using at least one sensor, automatic locking of the door of at least one section after the buyer completes the extraction of items from at least one section and the return of items to at least one section, closing a purchase transaction after automatically locking the door of at least one section and invoicing the buyer for all items that have been removed but not returned after a specified period of time after automatically locking the door of at least one section or in response to receipt of confirmation by the buyer in the manual mode of the purchase transaction at the automatic kiosk. 35. The method according to p. 34, in which the operation of obtaining customer identification includes the operation of obtaining an electronic device at least one customer identification code, conducting an electronic card or electronic device or providing biometric information to the buyer. 36. The method according to p. 34, in which the operation of obtaining the payment information of the buyer includes receiving an electronic device information related to at least the customer’s account created during his previous purchases in the automatic kiosk, the account on his credit or debit card. 37. The method of claim 34, wherein the electronic device includes an electronic display, a keyboard, a radio frequency identification device, a near proximity communication device or other identification device, an electronic image reader, a credit / debit card reader, a biometric reader and / or detector movement. 38. The method according to p. 34, in which the extraction of the subject is fixed to at least one mechanical, electrical, electronic or optical detection system of an automatic kiosk. 39. The method according to p. 34, in which the extraction of each item is fixed electronically by reading the tag associated with each item in the section. 40. The method according to p. 34, in which the operation of fixing the extraction of one or more items from the section includes the operation of linking the RFID tag with each item on the pallet and using an appropriate RFID detector to detect the movement of the item from the section. 41. The method according to p. 40, in which the radio frequency identification detector includes a radio frequency identification antenna located between the cover and the base, forming a touch pan that is mounted relative to located above the radio frequency identification detector of one or more objects in such a way as to provide radio frequency identification of the presence in the section or movement from a section of one or more objects. 42. The method according to p. 34, in which at least one sensor includes a photosensitive element interconnected with an object located on the pallet, exposed to light and triggered when the object is removed from the section pallet. 43. The method according to p. 42, including the operation of forming compartments dividing the pallet, with each compartment associated with one object and one photocell. 44. The method according to p. 34, in which the return of the subject is fixed to at least one mechanical, electrical, electronic or optical detection system of an automatic kiosk. 45. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of providing a check for purchased items. 46. The method according to p. 45, including the operation of sending the buyer a check in electronic form. 47. The method according to p. 45, including the operation of printing a check for the buyer. 48. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of displaying the identification of the extracted item and the purchase price of the item on the screen of a computer-controlled display device of an automatic kiosk. 49. The method of claim 34, wherein the closing transaction of a purchasing transaction includes receiving an electronic device manual instructions for the buyer to close the purchase transaction and billing the buyer for the recovered items or automatically closing the transaction and billing the buyer for the recovered items after a certain period of inactivity of the buyer . 50. The method according to p. 34, in which the operation of obtaining the identification of the buyer and / or payment information includes the step of obtaining at the registration point at the input or electronic device at least a password or a two-dimensional barcode that is available and reproduced in the mobile electronic device of the buyer. 51. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of reproducing the electronic basket of the buyer for the selection of goods in the mobile device of the buyer during use by the buyer of an automatic kiosk. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the purchase transaction is closed using a mobile electronic device. 53. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of electronic exchange of information between the automatic kiosk and the remote central control station. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the central control post provides at least one of a customer identification, verification of customer payment information, and payment processing. 55. The method according to p. 53, including the operation of transmitting purchase data from an automatic kiosk to a central control station. 56. The method according to p. 55, comprising the operation of using a central control post to monitor sales activities and generate reports. 57. The method according to p. 53, including the operation of using a Central control station to control the automatic kiosk and maintain its operation. 58. The method according to p. 34, comprising the operation of providing customer support in real time to a customer who uses an automatic kiosk. 59. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of monitoring an automatic kiosk using monitoring devices. 60. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of reproducing instructions or advertisements on a monitor associated with an automatic kiosk. 61. The method according to p. 36, including the operation of receiving electronic funds transmitted to a customer’s account specially designed for these purposes in an automated kiosk. 62. The method according to p. 34, comprising the operation of qualifying the buyer to access at least one section and manually extract one or more items from at least one section after confirming that the payment information of the buyer is sufficient to purchase items from at least one section. 63. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of adding items retrieved by the buyer from several sections into an electronic basket for selecting goods, while for all items retrieved by the buyer from all sections of the automatic kiosk, a single purchase transaction can be closed. 64. The method according to p. 34, including the operation of unlocking the door of the first section of the automatic kiosk to ensure that the first buyer has access to items located in the first section, unlocking the door of the second section of the automatic kiosk to ensure simultaneous access of the second buyer to items in the second section, and tracking retrieval of items by each buyer from the first and second sections. 65. A method for distributing items of goods from a computer-controlled automatic kiosk, including operations: ensuring the availability of a computer-controlled automatic kiosk containing at least one section containing items removed from the section for purchase in a purchase transaction, an electronic device associated with each section, and at least one tray for storing items located in each section, at in this case, each section includes a door that provides the buyer with access to the extraction or return of manually selected items contained in the section prior to the purchase by the buyer, obtaining the identification of at least one buyer and / or information on receipt of payment from the buyer by an electronic device associated with at least one section of the automatic kiosk, unlocking the door of at least one section to provide access to items contained in the section, after obtaining the identification of at least one buyer and / or information about the receipt of payment from the buyer, receipt of a machine-readable code of each item retrieved by the buyer from at least one section on an automatic kiosk scanner and identification of each retrieved item based on information from the database of each item on each pallet of each section, transferring the identification of each manually retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart that interacts with the buyer in response to fixing each retrieved item using a scanner, the further configuration of the automatic kiosk for fixing using a scanner by the buyer manually returning one or more extracted items to at least one pallet located in the section before the buyer purchases any extracted item and to remove each manually returned item from the electronic basket to select goods in response to the fixing specified returned item using a scanner, automatic locking of the door of at least one section after the buyer completes the extraction of objects from at least one section, closing a purchase transaction after automatically locking the door of at least one section and invoicing the buyer for all items that have been removed but not returned after a specified period of time after automatically locking the door of at least one section. 66. A method for distributing items of goods from a computer-controlled automatic kiosk, including operations: the availability of a computer-controlled automatic kiosk containing at least one section containing items to be removed from the purchase section in a purchase transaction, and at least one sensor for detecting the extraction of items from at least one section and returning items to at least one a section, with each section including a door ensuring the buyer’s access to the removal or return of manually selected items contained in the section prior to the purchase by the buyer, obtaining identification of at least one buyer and / or information on receipt of payment from the buyer at the automatic kiosk, unlocking the door of at least one section to provide access to items of goods contained in the section, after identifying at least one buyer and / or receiving payment information from the buyer, fixing the buyer retrieving one or more items from at least one section using at least one sensor, identification of each extracted item on the basis of information from the information base about each item in each section, transferring the identification of each manually retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart that interacts with the buyer in response to fixing each retrieved item using at least one sensor, the further configuration of the automatic kiosk for fixing using at least one manually returning item by the buyer of one or more checked items to the section until the buyer makes a purchase of any checked item and to remove each manually returned item from the electronic basket to select goods in response to fixing the specified returned item using at least one sensor, automatic locking of the door of at least one section after the buyer completes the extraction of items from at least one section and the return of items to at least one section, closing a purchase transaction after automatically locking the door of at least one section and invoicing the buyer for all items that have been removed but not returned after a specified period of time after automatically locking the door of at least one section or in response to receipt of confirmation by the buyer in the manual mode of the purchase transaction at the automatic kiosk. 67. A method for distributing items of goods from a computer-controlled automatic kiosk, including operations: the availability of a computer-controlled automatic kiosk containing at least one section containing items removed from the section during the purchase transaction, the local computer system and at least one sensor for detecting the extraction of items from at least one section and returning items of at least in one section, with each section including a door that ensures the buyer’s access to the removal or return of manually selected items contained in the section before making folder on the buyer, obtaining identification of at least one buyer and / or information on receipt of payment from the buyer at the automatic kiosk, unlocking the door of at least one section to provide access to items of goods contained in the section, after identifying at least one buyer and / or receiving payment information from the buyer, fixing the buyer retrieving one or more items from at least one section using at least one sensor, identification of each extracted item on the basis of information from the information base about each item in each section, transferring the identification of each manually retrieved item to an electronic shopping cart that interacts with the buyer in response to fixing each retrieved item using at least one sensor, the further configuration of the automatic kiosk for fixing using at least one manually returning item by the buyer of one or more checked items to the section until the buyer makes a purchase of any checked item and to remove each manually returned item from the electronic basket to select goods in response to fixing the specified returned item using at least one sensor, automatic locking of the door of at least one section after the buyer completes the extraction of items from at least one section and the return of items to at least one section, closing a purchase transaction after automatically locking the door of at least one section and invoicing the buyer for all items that have been removed but not returned after a specified period of time after automatically locking the door of at least one section or in response to receipt of confirmation by the buyer in the manual mode of the purchase transaction to the automatic kiosk.

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