Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
  • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
  • G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
  • G06Q20/18—Payment architectures involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
  • G06Q20/32—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using wireless devices
  • G06Q20/327—Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
  • G07F5/18—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
  • G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
  • G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a system for managing a plurality of vending machines placed within a predetermined distance using a management network- through the management of only one of those vending machines, without the need to periodically visit and check all the machines, and managing a plurality of vending machines even from a remote place using a wire or wireless Internet system.
• vending machines are installed in office buildings, convenience stores and streets to automatically sell and dispense soft drinks, coffee, etc., to customers without salesclerks.
• a customer puts coins or a bill into a cash (coin or bill) acceptor of a vending machine, which is stocked with items such as coffee or soft drinks, and presses an item selection button, the vending machine automatically dispenses the selected item and the change, if any.
• Vending machines can sell more than one item. Although vending machines eliminate the need for a human salesclerk, servicers are required to restock the machines with products periodically. Since one servicer generally manages more than one vending machine, he or she should visit and check the vending machines every day, carrying products using a vehicle to restock the machines. Vending machine servicers restock the machines with products, collect money and refill coins as change. They also keep the machines clean and sometimes repair the machines for proper operation. The servicers have no way of knowing the exact sales amount of each item before restocking the vending machines. If more than one item is sold, the servicers should carry various items of products in large amounts whenever visiting the vending machines.
• the servicers cannot know immediately when a problem occurs in operation of a vending machine. They become aware of the problem only when visiting and checking the problematic machine. This will reduce the sales of products, because customers cannot use the machine until it is repaired.
• an object of the present invention is to provide a system for managing a plurality of vending machines, which enables a servicer to easily know the stock levels and the sales amount of each item in each vending machine, without the need to periodically visit and check the machines, and which enables easy management of the vending machines in real time even from a remote place using a wire or wireless Internet system.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for managing vending machines, which enables a customer to call a servicer using a Bluetooth communication module installed on each vending machine, without using a separate communication means, when a vending machine does not properly operate.
• a main vending machine and a plurality of sub-vending machines said main vending machine comprising: a controller for controlling a vending machine mechanism and processing data transmitted from each sub-vending machine to store it in a memory; a Bluetooth communication module for transmitting various data from each sub-vending machine to the controller through a data signal processing section; a sensor for sensing items on sale and sending data concerning the items to the controller; a display means for displaying sales and management information of each sub-vending machine, as well as a moving picture outputted by a graphic controller according to a signal outputted from the controller; and a keypad for controlling the controller and the display means and selecting items.
• Each sub-vending machine comprises: a Bluetooth communication module for communicating with that installed on the main vending machine; a controller for receiving and transmitting various data from and to the Bluetooth communication module through a data processing section and controlling a vending machine mechanism; and a sensor for transmitting data concerning items on sale to the controller.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for managing vending machines according to the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the front side of a vending machine of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction of a main vending machine of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction of a sub-vending machine of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process of stocking and selling products in a vending machine according to the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process of lending and retrieving a product in a vending machine according to the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a process of displaying an advertisement of a product according to the present invention.
• FIG. 8a is a flow chart showing a process of managing vending machines from a remote place according to the present invention.
• FIG. 8b is a flow chart showing a process of managing vending machines using a management PDA according to the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a process of calling a vending machine servicer according to the present invention.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for managing vending machines according to the present invention.
• main machine any one installed at a location easily accessible by a servicer. for example, the machine at the first floor
• the other machines in the same building can be sub-vending machines 120-1 to 120-n (hereinafter “sub-machines”).
• the main machine 1 10 is connected to each of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n by a wire or wireless LAN 102.
• the main machine 1 10 is also connected through a wire or wireless communication network to a card company's server 150 for processing payment by credit card and to a vending machine management server website 130 for managing the vending machines according to the present invention.
• a PDA 140 handheld by a servicer is used to communicate with the main machine 1 10 or the sub-machines 120- 1 to 120-n through Bluetooth. As shown in FIG. 2, the main machine 1 10 or each of the sub-machines 120-
• 1 to 120-n comprises a display section 210, such as a LCD display, for advertising a product; an item display window 208 for showing a sample of each item on sale: a button 205 for showing a price of each item and selecting a desired item to buy; a keypad 240; a digital camera 250; a change dispenser 204; an item dispenser 202: a cash acceptor 220 for accepting a coin or a bill; and a card reader 230R and a printer 23 OP for processing payment by credit card.
• a display section 210 such as a LCD display, for advertising a product
• an item display window 208 for showing a sample of each item on sale: a button 205 for showing a price of each item and selecting a desired item to buy
• a keypad 240 for showing a price of each item and selecting a desired item to buy
• a keypad 240 for showing a price of each item and selecting a desired item to buy
• a keypad 240 for showing a price of each item
• the card reader 230R installed on the main machine 1 10 is connected to the card company's server 150 for wire or wireless communication through a communication network 104 in order to request and receive an approval for payment by credit card.
• the card reader 230R installed on each of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n communicates with the main machine 1 10 through Bluetooth to receive an approval for payment by credit card.
• the card reader 230R is a credit card checker including the built-in printer 230P (thermal, dot, ink-jet or the like) for printing a credit card receipt.
• the card reader 230R of the main machine 1 10 includes a wire or wireless communication means (e.g., a wire or wireless Internet system) for communication with the card company's server 150.
• the "portable payment device” is a contactless payment device which can access a card company ' s server for payment through a Bluetooth communication module.
• the main machine or each sub-machine comprises the display section 210. such as a LCD display, for moving picture or still picture advertisement of a product, the keypad 240 (or a touch screen) and the button 206 for selecting a desired item.
• the digital camera 250 is provided to take a still or moving picture of the machine itself or take a photo of a customer for security purpose.
• the card reader 230R is protruded outwardly from the front surface of the vending machine so that a customer can easily use it to buy an expensive article, such as a DVD disc, without cash.
• the sensor provided on the main and sub-machines senses items sold and released out, and checks the sales amount of each item.
• Each vending machine is generally stocked with various items (soft drinks, DVD discs, etc.). If a sensor, such as a photocoupler, is installed in each passage dropping down an item into the item dispenser, it will be possible to easily know the items on sale and the sales amount of each item.
• an encryption module is provided to encipher all data, which is transmitted or received through the Bluetooth module, or which is transmitted through the wire or wireless communication module, thereby preventing wiretapping or hacking during transmission of important payment data.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction of the main vending machine of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction of the sub-vending machine of FIG. 1.
• the main machine 1 10 comprises a Bluetooth communication module 326 for data communication and voice communication with sub-vending machines 120-1 to 120-n; a data signal processing section 324 for processing data received from and transmitted to the sub-vending machines 120- 1 to 120-n through the Bluetooth communication module 326; a voice signal processing section 322 for processing voice data; a controller 302 for controlling each part of the main machine 1 10 and processing data transmitted from each of the sub-vending machines 120-1 to 120-n; a card reader 304 for reading information about a credit card: a memory 320 having a driving program for each part of the main machine and storing credit card information read through the card reader 304.
• the main machine 1 10 also comprises a digital camera 250 for taking photos of the main machine itself and customers for security purpose.
• the main machine 110 is provided with an analog to digital converter (ADC) 328 for converting an analog voice signal inputted from an ear microphone 332 during voice communication into a digital voice signal and outputting the converted signal to the voice signal processing section 322; and a digital to analog converter (DAC) 330 for converting a digital voice signal received through the Bluetooth communication module 326 and processed at the voice signal processing section 322 into an analog voice signal and outputting the converted signal to the ear microphone 332.
• ADC analog to digital converter
• DAC digital to analog converter
• the controller 302 is connected to a graphic controller 314 for projecting and displaying a moving picture or the like on a LCD display 316.
• the controller 302 is also connected to a bar code reader 310 for verifying a bar code labeled on each item.
• each of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n comprises: a digital camera 250, a Bluetooth communication module 326 for data communication and voice communication with the main machine 1 10; a data signal processing section
• a voice signal processing section for processing data received from and transmitted to the main machine 1 10 through the Bluetooth communication module 326; a voice signal processing section
• a controller 302 for controlling each part of each sub-machine 120-1 to 120-n; a card reader 304 for reading information about a credit card; a memory 320 having a driving program for each part of the sub-machine and temporarily storing credit card information read through the card reader 304 when checking a credit card; a print mechanism 308 for printing a credit card receipt; a printer driving section 306 for driving the print mechanism 308 under the control of the controller 308; and a keypad 312 provided with a plurality of function buttons and number buttons for selecting an item and checking the validity of a credit card and controlling a display means.
• each sub-machine is provided with an analog to digital converter (ADC) 328 for converting an analog voice signal inputted from an ear microphone 332 during voice communication into a digital voice signal and outputting the converted signal to the voice signal processing section 322; and a digital to analog converter (DAC) 330 for converting a digital voice signal received through the Bluetooth communication module 326 and processed at the voice signal processing section 322 into an analog voice signal and outputting the converted signal to the ear microphone 332.
• ADC analog to digital converter
• DAC digital to analog converter
• the controller 302 is connected to a graphic controller 314 for projecting and displaying a moving picture or the like on a LCD display 316.
• the controller 302 is also connected to a bar code reader 310 for verifying a bar code labeled on each item.
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process of stocking and selling products in a vending machine according to the present invention.
• a plurality of vending machines installed in every floor of a building are stocked with items to be sold (S501), and information about the amount of each item is stored (S502).
• the LCD display 316 of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n and the main machine 110 shows a moving picture which advertises the items on sale to increase the customers' desire to buy them.
• the controller 302 controls the graphic controller 314 based on the information, which has been previously inputted from the keypad 314, to continuously feature a moving picture advertisement on the LCD display 316 (S701 to S705). If a customer selects an item using the button 206 or the keypad 240, the vending machine will demand payment (S503, S504).
• the customer can directly pay for the item by inserting cash (coins or a bill) into the cash acceptor.
• the customer can use the card reader 230R installed on the front side of the vending machine or a portable payment device for wireless payment.
• the portable payment device comprises a Bluetooth communication module, a data signal processing section, a password processing section, a key input section, a payment and deposit button, a rechargeable chip, a wire or wireless communication module, a controller and an LCD.
• the portable payment device can communicate with the vending machine through the Bluetooth communication module for wireless transfer of data in the rechargeable chip or authentication information (information required to use a credit card).
• a sensor fixed to the cash acceptor 220 will sense the inserted coins or bill. If an amount greater than the price of the selected item is inserted, a vending machine mechanism 340 will be controlled to dispense an appropriate amount of change, together with the selected item itself (S505, S506, S513).
• the vending machine will transfer the amount to be paid and request for payment.
• the customer will confirm the amount and will pay by deducting the amount from the rechargeable chip or will pay by credit card by providing authentication information (information required to use a credit card). If the customer pays by credit card using the portable payment device, the general flow of processing the payment will be the same as the flow when using the card reader.
• the card reader 230R will communicate with the main machine 110 through Bluetooth network and will access the card company's server 150 through the wire or wireless communication network 104 to request an approval for payment by credit card. If the card reader 230R receives the approval, the vending machine mechanism 340 will be controlled to dispense the selected item. (S509 to S513). The amounts of items stocked are compared with the amounts of items dispensed out to determine whether a vending machine should be restocked. When a vending machine runs out of a particular item, it accesses the vending machine management server website 130 through the wire or wireless communication network and informs the out-of-stock item (S514 to S516). For example, if soft drinks or DVD discs are sold from the sub-machines
• the sensor 310 will sense and scan each of the sold items and will send a recognized signal to the controller 302.
• the controller 302 will then send the signal to the main machine 1 10 through the data signal processing section 324 and the Bluetooth communication module 326.
• Various data (items on sale, stock levels, etc.) transmitted to the main machine 1 10 from the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n are stored in the memory 320 under the control of the controller 302.
• the main machine 1 10 When a servicer visits the main machine 1 10, he or she can see the sales amount and stock level of each item in the main machine 1 10 and the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n, which are stored in the memory 320 by the controller 302. by operating the keypad 312 to display such data on the LCD display 316.
• the memory 320 of the main machine 110 stores all information about the sub- machines 120-1 to 120-n.
• the servicer can see the information through the LCD display 316 of the main machine 110. When information (for example, management information) is displayed on the LCD display 316, the servicer can monitor the sales and stock levels in each of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n at a glance and make sure the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n operate properly.
• the servicer determines which sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n should be restocked and which items are required in each machine. The servicer can visit the machines, carrying only the required items.
• the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n are identified by their unique identification numbers.
• the controller 302 of the main machine 1 10 uses the identification numbers when storing information about the sub-machines in the memory 320.
• the servicer can easily manage a plurality of sub-machines by visiting only a sub-machine requiring restocking, bringing only the item or items required in the sub-machine.
• the servicer can easily get information about the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n, even without visiting all the machines. This greatly reduces the time required to manage a plurality of vending machines.
• the controller 302 of the main machine or the sub-machine will promptly send the information stored in the memory 320 to the servicer, together with an urgency signal, so that the servicer can restock the machine with the required item as soon as possible. This will prevent a sales reduction caused when a vending machine completely runs out of an item.
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process of lending and retrieving an item in a vending machine according to the present invention.
• a vending machine can provide product (e.g., DVD discs) rental services through rental and retrieval processes.
• a rental fee including a guarantee deposit is charged.
• the vending machine dispenses the selected item (S601 to S604).
• An appropriate amount of guarantee deposit is needed to provide for a case when the item is not retrieved.
• the customer can directly pa> the rental fee by inserting cash (coins or bills) into the cash acceptor or use the card reader 230R installed on the front side of the vending machine or a portable payment device for wireless payment.
• the vending machine confirms whether the item is normally retrieved. The vending machine returns the guarantee deposit to the customer in case of normal retrieval. If the item is not normally retrieved, the vending machine will inform the customer of the problem (S605 to S608). As will be described below, the customer can call the servicer to settle the problem.
• customers may swipe their credit cards through the card reader 304 installed on each of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n.
• Information of a credit card which has been read by the card reader 304 of a sub-machine, is transmitted to the main machine 1 10 through the data signal processing section 324 and the Bluetooth communication module 326. Subsequently, the information is transmitted to the card company's server 150 through the wire or wireless communication module 318 and the communication network 104 to request and receive an approval for payment by credit card.
• the card reader 304 sends a signal to the controller 302 of the sub-machine through the data signal processing section 324 and the Bluetooth communication module 326. and prints out a credit card receipt through the printer 308.
• a vending machine provides rental services for expensive items, such as DVD discs, it should additionally include a separate compartment for retrieving items and a bar code scanner for scanning retrieved items.
• the customer In order to borrow an item, the customer should input his or her personal information using the keypad 312 so that the vending machine can make inquiries about the customer (for example, check the customer ' s resident registration number) before lending the selected item. If any of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n has a problem in operation, the controller 302 of the problematic sub-machine will output an error signal.
• the signal will be transmitted to the main machine 1 10 through the Bluetooth communication module 326 so that the wire or wireless communication module 318 of the main machine 1 10 can send the signal to the management server website 130 or to the servicer ' s PDA 140 or mobile phone through the Internet. Accordingly, it is possible to easily manage a plurality of sub-vending machines, by checking only one main vending machine.
• FIG. 8a is a flow chart showing a process of managing vending machines from a remote place according to the present invention.
• a servicer access the vending machine management server website 130 using a computer and demands information required to manage vending machines (for example, information about any error and stock level of each vending machine)
• the management server website 130 will access the main machine 1 10 through the communication network 104 to demand the same information.
• the main machine 110 will then request the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n, to which it is connected through the Bluetooth network 102, to provide the information. Accordingly, the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n will provide information about any errors, stock levels, sales amounts, etc., to the main machine 1 10.
• the main machine 1 10 will integrate all information received from the sub- machines 120-1 to 120-n and will send the integrated information to the management server website 130 through the communication network 104.
• the management server website 130 will store the received information in its database and at the same time send the information to the servicer's computer.
• Information about the sub-machines can be provided unperiodically upon the servicer's demand.
• the main machine 1 10 itself can periodically provide the information collected from the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n to the vending machine management server website 130.
• FIG. 8b is a flow chart showing a process of managing vending machines using a management PDA according to the present invention.
• a servicer carrying a management PDA 140 can demand information about the sub-machines at a place near the main machine 1 10. If the main machine 1 10 stores up-to-date information about the sub-machines, it will promptly provide the information. If the main machine 1 10 stores out-of-date information or no information about the sub-machines, it will request the sub- machines 120-1 to 120-n to provide information about their current state. The main machine 1 10 will then provide the information collected from the sub-machines to the servicer's PDA 140. It is also possible to directly communicate with a particular sub-machine through the PDA 140 to check the state of the sub-machine.
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a process of calling a vending machine servicer according to the present invention.
• a customer confronts an error in using a vending machine to buy an item or to return a borrowed item, he or she can call a servicer using an ear microphone 332 installed on each of the sub-machines 120-1 to 120-n. Then, the problematic sub-machine will access the main machine 110.
• the main machine 1 10 will transfer the customer's demand for a call to the vending machine management server website 130 through the communication network 104. Subsequently, the management server website 130 will call the servicer. After responding to the call, the servicer will transfer a response to the customer in an inverse sequence to speak with the customer.
• the present invention connects a plurality of sub-vending machines to a main vending machine through a Bluetooth communication module to enable a servicer to get various information about the sub-vending machines from the main vending machine. According to the present invention, it is possible to send information about the sub-vending machines to the servicer or the management server through the wireless Internet, thereby reducing the time, cost and effort to manage a plurality of vending machines.
• the present invention is applicable to the manufacture of vending machines, which sell soft drinks, cup noodles or other products, and to a system for automatic rental services for DVD discs or CDs.
• the present invention enables a servicer to effectively manage a plurality of vending machines from a main vending machine through a Bluetooth communication module. Also, the servicer can effectively manage a plurality of vending machines even from a remote place using a wire or wireless Internet system.

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• 2002
  • 2002-05-16 KR KR1020020027085A patent/KR20030089626A/ko active IP Right Grant
• 2003
  • 2003-05-16 CN CNA03811187XA patent/CN1653495A/zh active Pending
  • 2003-05-16 US US10/514,479 patent/US20060096997A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-05-16 WO PCT/KR2003/000973 patent/WO2003098561A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2003-05-16 JP JP2004505981A patent/JP2005526325A/ja active Pending

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