WO2007100257A1 - Method and apparatus for overriding a reverse vending machine - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for overriding a reverse vending machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007100257A1 WO2007100257A1 PCT/NO2007/000080 NO2007000080W WO2007100257A1 WO 2007100257 A1 WO2007100257 A1 WO 2007100257A1 NO 2007000080 W NO2007000080 W NO 2007000080W WO 2007100257 A1 WO2007100257 A1 WO 2007100257A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- vending machine
- reverse vending
- override
- code
- disclosed
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
- G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for causing override of a reverse vending machine, where before or during execution of the selected normal usage applications, such as receiving articles in the form of empty beverage containers, the reverse vending machine utilizes an optically acting detection device to detect machine readable optical codes and/or article characteristics, and where the overriding is related to in situ-based application programming, diagnosis, maintenance, troubleshooting, error recovery or usage statistics.
- More expensive models of reverse vending machines such as, for example, "TOMRA 820" from Tomra Systems ASA, have a more advanced display system, which also incorporates an advanced yet user-friendly maintenance and problem-solving procedure with guidance provided for the personnel via a large display panel. The same screen is also used for the display of detailed user instruction information to the customer.
- the invention provides a method as introduced above, which is characterized by
- the reverse vending machine has as a detection device either a barcode reader or a camera, or both, and that the camera is also designed with capability to detect a barcode, the use of the reverse vending machine's own such device(s) would be applicable for reading of the override code on the code carrier.
- the apparatus introduced above is characterized, according to the invention, by a code carrier having at least one optically machine-readable, dedicated override code which, on insertion of the code carrier into the reverse vending machine, is detectable by the reverse vending machine's detection device, said apparatus being coupled to a processor operative with the reverse vending machine which causes the desired override operation.
- Hg. 1 and 2 show a known reverse vending machine equipped with an override key pad.
- Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the principle behind the present invention.
- Fig. 4 shows a simplified block diagram of a known perse reverse vending machine.
- Fig. 5 - 8 show alternative embodiments of a code carrier for use in carrying out the invention.
- Fig. 1 and 2 show a known reverse vending machine 1 which in front panel 2 has a feed opening 2' for empty beverage containers.
- the reverse vending machine has a printer 3 that is normally intended for issuing a receipt for the return goods that are delivered, a display panel 4, and an actuating button 5 which the user can push for issuing of a receipt.
- the reverse vending machine is provided with a conveyor belt device 6, a key pad 7 for input of an override code and a sound emitter 8.
- a reverse vending machine will be provided with a detection device, which may consist of a camera 9 capable of viewing, optionally via a mirror 10, an article such as, for example, an empty beverage container (not shown) and/or a bar code reader 11.
- a detection device which may consist of a camera 9 capable of viewing, optionally via a mirror 10, an article such as, for example, an empty beverage container (not shown) and/or a bar code reader 11.
- Fig. 4 indicates that the reverse vending machine has a central processor 17 to which are attached, inter alia, the printer 3 and the display panel 4, together with at least one said camera 9 and said barcode detector 11.
- a camera 9 will be able not only to detect an article's contour, but also to detect other characteristics of an article such as, for example, a barcode.
- An additional printer and/or display panel 16 may be remotely located relative to the reverse vending machine, permitting a complete status report to be viewed at a different location.
- the blocks 18i .... 18 n represent other functional devices in the reverse vending machine, such as, for example, position sensors, security detectors, motors, light emitters, etc.
- a code carrier 12; 13; 14; 15 which displays at least one optically machine readable, dedicated override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15', non-restrictive examples of which are shown in Fig. 5 - 8.
- the code carrier 12; 13; 14; 15 is inserted by hand 19 into the reverse vending machine, so that the override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15' located on the code carrier may be read by the detection device, i.e., the camera 9 and/or the barcode reader 11 , depending on which type of detection device the reverse vending machine 1 is equipped with.
- the detected override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15' when transmitted from the detection device to the processor 17, will cause the processor in or connected to the reverse vending machine to execute a desired override operation.
- the code carrier 12; 13; 14; 15 is capable of displaying by means of lettering, signs, or symbols information concerning the intended effect of the override code on the operation of the reverse vending machine.
- the display of the information may be permanent or temporary.
- the display will be permanent if the code carrier is an optically readable card 12, a print-out 12 from a printer or information 13" printed in a book 13, as shown on Fig. 5 and 6, while it will be temporary in those cases where the code carrier constitutes, for example, a display panel on a mobile phone 14 or a display panel on a handheld computer 15, a so-called personal digital assistant (PDA).
- PDA personal digital assistant
- the override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15' will be distinctly visible to the detection device.
- a mobile phone 14 may be beneficial in those instances where a specific override code is needed to make a diagnosis on the reverse vending machine 1 and such override code is not available to the owner of the reverse vending machine.
- the owner may have a special code sent from the supplier of the reverse vending machine, which may be used on that occasion.
- PDA personal digital assistant
- the use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 15 enables easy updating of service guides and override codes for the reverse vending machine, and allows the owner to obtain both detailed instructions associated with the individual override functions and the required code in changing the display images.
- PDA personal digital assistant
- the processor 17 would be able to cause issuing of an operational report either locally on the printer 3 or display panel 4 of the reverse vending machine and/or to a remote control unit 16, for example a printer or screen.
Abstract
A method and apparatus for causing override of a reverse vending machine, where before or during execution of the selected normal usage applications, such as receiving articles in the form of empty beverage containers, the reverse vending machine utilizes an optically acting detection device to detect machine readable optical codes and/or article characteristics, and where the overriding is related to in situ-based application programming, diagnosis, maintenance, troubleshooting, error recovery or usage statistics. A code carrier (12; 13; 14; 15) is used, which shows at least one optically machine readable dedicated override code (12'; 13'; 14'; 15'). The code carrier is inserted into the reverse vending machine to reach the detection device (9, 10; 11) for detection of the override code, and the detected override code causes a processor (17) in or connected to the reverse vending machine to execute a desired override operation.
Description
Method and apparatus for overriding a reverse vending machine
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for causing override of a reverse vending machine, where before or during execution of the selected normal usage applications, such as receiving articles in the form of empty beverage containers, the reverse vending machine utilizes an optically acting detection device to detect machine readable optical codes and/or article characteristics, and where the overriding is related to in situ-based application programming, diagnosis, maintenance, troubleshooting, error recovery or usage statistics.
There are previously known reverse vending machines, for example, "TOMRA 710" from Tomra Systems ASA, where the overriding is done by punching the necessary override code on a key pad. The method requires assistance from a user manual where the various codes are given, and requires in addition that the correct code be inputted via the key pad. In a stressful situation where the customer may be waiting for an operative problem with the reverse vending machine to be solved quickly by the shop or supermarket personnel, it is often easy to punch in the wrong code. In certain instances it may happen that the personnel remember the codes that are most frequently used, and that they base their service on such methodology instead of bringing forth the user manuals.
Many of the less expensive models of reverse vending machines utilize such key pads, and in addition have very simple display panels. In some cases it is possible to connect a lap-top computer to the reverse vending machine in order to carry out more advanced overriding, especially for troubleshooting, but in general this becomes too complicated for the shop personnel to do.
More expensive models of reverse vending machines, such as, for example, "TOMRA 820" from Tomra Systems ASA, have a more advanced display system, which also incorporates an advanced yet user-friendly maintenance and problem-solving procedure with guidance provided for the personnel via a large display panel. The same screen is also used for the display of detailed user instruction information to the customer.
For the large number of reverse vending machines already in use, as well as the simpler models that are still being marketed, there has been a long-felt need to be able to simplify the input of the override code in a more rapid and secure manner, in addition
to being able to quickly obtain override codes from the supplier of the reverse vending machine as needed. This latter function may be relevant in those cases where, for example, advanced troubleshooting is required to determine if it is necessary to have more comprehensive maintenance or repair, perhaps of such a nature that would call for assistance from the supplier's service personnel. But even for an advanced reverse vending machine like "TOMRA 820," it may be an advantage in a number of situations to be able to initiate an override function quickly, without having to resort to use of the display panel of the touch-type.
For this objective, the invention provides a method as introduced above, which is characterized by
- obtaining a code carrier that shows at least one optically machine-readable, dedicated override code,
- inserting the code carrier into the reverse vending machine to reach the detection device for detection of the override code, and
- allowing the detected override code to cause a processor in or connected to the reverse vending machine to execute a desired override operation.
Recognizing that the reverse vending machine has as a detection device either a barcode reader or a camera, or both, and that the camera is also designed with capability to detect a barcode, the use of the reverse vending machine's own such device(s) would be applicable for reading of the override code on the code carrier.
Additional features of the method will be apparent from the attached subclaims 2 - 6.
The apparatus introduced above is characterized, according to the invention, by a code carrier having at least one optically machine-readable, dedicated override code which, on insertion of the code carrier into the reverse vending machine, is detectable by the reverse vending machine's detection device, said apparatus being coupled to a processor operative with the reverse vending machine which causes the desired override operation.
Additional features of the apparatus are apparent from the attached subclaims 8 - 12.
The invention shall now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures.
Hg. 1 and 2 show a known reverse vending machine equipped with an override key pad.
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the principle behind the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows a simplified block diagram of a known perse reverse vending machine.
Fig. 5 - 8 show alternative embodiments of a code carrier for use in carrying out the invention.
Fig. 1 and 2 show a known reverse vending machine 1 which in front panel 2 has a feed opening 2' for empty beverage containers. The reverse vending machine has a printer 3 that is normally intended for issuing a receipt for the return goods that are delivered, a display panel 4, and an actuating button 5 which the user can push for issuing of a receipt. Further, the reverse vending machine is provided with a conveyor belt device 6, a key pad 7 for input of an override code and a sound emitter 8.
As indicated in Fig. 3, such a reverse vending machine will be provided with a detection device, which may consist of a camera 9 capable of viewing, optionally via a mirror 10, an article such as, for example, an empty beverage container (not shown) and/or a bar code reader 11.
Fig. 4 indicates that the reverse vending machine has a central processor 17 to which are attached, inter alia, the printer 3 and the display panel 4, together with at least one said camera 9 and said barcode detector 11. Such a camera 9 will be able not only to detect an article's contour, but also to detect other characteristics of an article such as, for example, a barcode. An additional printer and/or display panel 16 may be remotely located relative to the reverse vending machine, permitting a complete status report to be viewed at a different location. The blocks 18i .... 18n represent other functional devices in the reverse vending machine, such as, for example, position sensors, security detectors, motors, light emitters, etc.
To facilitate initiation of the override function of the reverse vending machine, it is proposed according to the invention to provide a code carrier 12; 13; 14; 15 which displays at least one optically machine readable, dedicated override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15', non-restrictive examples of which are shown in Fig. 5 - 8.
The code carrier 12; 13; 14; 15 is inserted by hand 19 into the reverse vending machine, so that the override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15' located on the code carrier may be read by the detection device, i.e., the camera 9 and/or the barcode reader 11 , depending on which type of detection device the reverse vending machine 1 is equipped with.
The detected override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15', when transmitted from the detection device to the processor 17, will cause the processor in or connected to the reverse vending machine to execute a desired override operation.
It is of course an advantage that when reading the override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15', one is able in this way to use the reverse vending machine's own detection device(s).
As shown in Hg. 5 - 8, the code carrier 12; 13; 14; 15 is capable of displaying by means of lettering, signs, or symbols information concerning the intended effect of the override code on the operation of the reverse vending machine. The display of the information may be permanent or temporary. The display will be permanent if the code carrier is an optically readable card 12, a print-out 12 from a printer or information 13" printed in a book 13, as shown on Fig. 5 and 6, while it will be temporary in those cases where the code carrier constitutes, for example, a display panel on a mobile phone 14 or a display panel on a handheld computer 15, a so-called personal digital assistant (PDA). In all of these cases the override code 12'; 13'; 14'; 15' will be distinctly visible to the detection device.
Use of a mobile phone 14 may be beneficial in those instances where a specific override code is needed to make a diagnosis on the reverse vending machine 1 and such override code is not available to the owner of the reverse vending machine. In such a case, the owner may have a special code sent from the supplier of the reverse vending machine, which may be used on that occasion. The use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 15 enables easy updating of service guides and override codes for the reverse vending machine, and allows the owner to obtain both detailed instructions associated with the individual override functions and the required code in changing the display images. Of course, instead of using a PDA, it is also possible to envision the use of a similar, but simpler and less expensive unit that is provided by the supplier of the reverse vending machine.
After completion of the override operation, the processor 17 would be able to cause issuing of an operational report either locally on the printer 3 or display panel 4 of the reverse vending machine and/or to a remote control unit 16, for example a printer or screen.
Claims
1.
A method for causing override of a reverse vending machine, where before or during
5 execution of the selected normal usage applications, such as receiving articles in the form of empty beverage containers, the reverse vending machine utilizes an optically acting detection device to detect machine readable optical codes and/or article characteristics, and where the overriding is related to in situ-based application programming, diagnosis, maintenance, troubleshooting, error recovery or usage Q statistics, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y
- obtaining a code carrier that shows at least one optically machine-readable, dedicated override code,
- inserting the code carrier into the reverse vending machine to reach the detection s device for detection of the override code, and
- allowing the detected override code to cause a processor in or connected to the reverse vending machine to execute a desired override operation.
2. Q A method as disclosed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the code carrier is designed to display by means of lettering, signs, or symbols information concerning the intended effect of the override code on the operation of the reverse vending machine.
5 3.
A method as disclosed in claim 1 or2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the display on the code carrier, depending on the nature of the code carrier, is of either permanent or temporary type.
Q
4.
A method as disclosed in claim 1,2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the code carrier is selected from the group consisting of: an optically readable card, a print-out from a printer, a book, a display panel on a mobile phone, and a display panel of a handheld computer, so-called personal digital assistant (PDA). 5
5.
A method as disclosed in claim 1,2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that after the override operation is completed, the processor causes the issuing of an operational report either locally on the reverse vending machine and/or to a remote control unit.
6.
A method as disclosed in claim 1 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that as a detection device there is used at least one of a barcode reader and a camera.
7.
An apparatus for causing override of a reverse vending machine, where before or during execution of the selected normal usage applications, such as receiving articles in the form of empty beverage containers, the reverse vending machine utilizes an optically acting detection device to detect machine readable optical codes and/or article characteristics, and where the overriding is related to in situ-based application programming, diagnosis, maintenance, troubleshooting, error recovery or usage statistics, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y a code carrier having at least one optically machine-readable, dedicated override code which, on insertion of the code carrier into the reverse vending machine, is detectable by the reverse vending machine's detection device, said apparatus being coupled to a processor operative with the reverse vending machine which causes the desired override operation.
8.
An apparatus as disclosed in claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the code carrier is in addition adapted to display information concerning the operative and intended effect of the override code on the reverse vending machine.
9.
An apparatus as disclosed in claim 7 or 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the code carrier, as a function of its nature, is adapted to provide said display permanently or temporarily.
10.
An apparatus as disclosed in claim 7, 8 or 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the code carrier is selected from the group: an optically readable card, a print-out from a printer, a book, a display panel on a mobile phone, and a display panel of a handheld computer, so-called personal digital assistant (PDA).
11. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the processor is coupled to a display or printer in order to cause the issuing of a readable operational report after completion of the override operation.
12. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the detection device constitutes at least one of a barcode reader and a camera.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20060983 | 2006-02-28 | ||
| NO20060983A NO323842B1 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2006-02-28 | Method and apparatus for overriding the return machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2007100257A1 true WO2007100257A1 (en) | 2007-09-07 |
Family
ID=38141317
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NO2007/000080 WO2007100257A1 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2007-02-28 | Method and apparatus for overriding a reverse vending machine |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NO (1) | NO323842B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007100257A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010002271A1 (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2010-01-07 | Tomra Systems Asa | Device and method related to return of empty beverage containers |
| DE102010060921A1 (en) * | 2010-12-01 | 2012-06-06 | Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh | Self-service system e.g. automated teller machine (ATM) system has document processing unit that scans barcode of document and performs optical character recognition of document based on input data of surveillance camera |
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| US4656510A (en) * | 1984-08-29 | 1987-04-07 | Halton Oy | Apparatus for identifying and recording bottles and/or bottle hampers |
| US4784251A (en) * | 1987-01-16 | 1988-11-15 | Environmental Products Corporation | Reverse vending machine |
| US5469783A (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1995-11-28 | Eugene L. Fry | Collector for empty used recyclable beverage cans |
| WO2001080047A2 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2001-10-25 | British Airways Plc | A method of operating a ticketing system |
| DE10207405A1 (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-09-18 | Prokent Ag | Collection and classification of deposit articles, such as empty drinks containers and bottles, comprises scanners arranged around the inlet opening to a storage container so that barcodes can be quickly read and evaluated |
| EP1515287A2 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-16 | NTT DoCoMo, Inc. | Program control apparatus and program control method |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US5111927A (en) * | 1990-01-05 | 1992-05-12 | Schulze Jr Everett E | Automated recycling machine |
| NO306661B1 (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-12-06 | Tomra Systems Asa | Method and apparatus for detecting liquid containers |
| EP1398738A1 (en) * | 2002-09-16 | 2004-03-17 | Trion AG | Return device for articles with return deposit or lent articles |
-
2006
- 2006-02-28 NO NO20060983A patent/NO323842B1/en unknown
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2007
- 2007-02-28 WO PCT/NO2007/000080 patent/WO2007100257A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4656510A (en) * | 1984-08-29 | 1987-04-07 | Halton Oy | Apparatus for identifying and recording bottles and/or bottle hampers |
| US4784251A (en) * | 1987-01-16 | 1988-11-15 | Environmental Products Corporation | Reverse vending machine |
| US5469783A (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1995-11-28 | Eugene L. Fry | Collector for empty used recyclable beverage cans |
| WO2001080047A2 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2001-10-25 | British Airways Plc | A method of operating a ticketing system |
| DE10207405A1 (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-09-18 | Prokent Ag | Collection and classification of deposit articles, such as empty drinks containers and bottles, comprises scanners arranged around the inlet opening to a storage container so that barcodes can be quickly read and evaluated |
| EP1515287A2 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-16 | NTT DoCoMo, Inc. | Program control apparatus and program control method |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010002271A1 (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2010-01-07 | Tomra Systems Asa | Device and method related to return of empty beverage containers |
| CN102084401A (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2011-06-01 | 托姆拉系统公司 | Device and method related to return of empty beverage containers |
| US8718818B2 (en) | 2008-07-03 | 2014-05-06 | Tomra Systems Asa | Device and method related to return of empty beverage containers |
| DE102010060921A1 (en) * | 2010-12-01 | 2012-06-06 | Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh | Self-service system e.g. automated teller machine (ATM) system has document processing unit that scans barcode of document and performs optical character recognition of document based on input data of surveillance camera |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO20060983A (en) | 2007-07-09 |
| NO323842B1 (en) | 2007-07-09 |
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