WO2017089522A1

WO2017089522A1 - Method for issuing products from a vending machine system and a vending machine system

Info

Publication number: WO2017089522A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/078784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Werner SYNDIKUS
Original assignee: Tobaccoland Automatengesellschaft Mbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2015-11-27
Filing date: 2016-11-25
Publication date: 2017-06-01
Also published as: EP3381000A1; DE102015120688A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for issuing products from a vending machine system comprising at least one vending machine, at least one ticket apparatus, and at least one cloud server, wherein the at least one ticket apparatus comprises at least one apparatus selected from a group comprising a ticket dispenser, a ticket storage unit, a ticket selection device, and/or a ticket acquisition device, wherein the at least one cloud server comprises at least one software selected from a group comprising an online sales platform, a ticket database, at least one virtual vending machine and/or advertising software, wherein at least one ticket is generated by means of the at least one cloud server and the ticket is acquired via the at least one cloud server, wherein the ticket is dispensed via the ticket apparatus and the vending machine is prompted to issue a product by means of the ticket. The invention also relates to a vending machine system.

Description

A process for dispensing products from a vending machine system and a vending machine system

The invention relates to a method for the output of products from a vending machine system comprising at least one machine, at least one ticket device and at least one cloud server. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vending machine system.

Vending machine systems, in particular cigarette vending machines, are known from the prior art. These machines are operated by selecting the product by a user by means of a button. In the following, a payment process usually takes place with coin money that is thrown into a corresponding slot, or by means of a bank or debit card. Depending on the product offered, an age verification is required, for example, by inserting an identity card, a bank or money card in a corresponding reader in the machine.

In particular, statutory framework conditions, in particular advertising restrictions and prohibitions, are to be observed by the vending machine operators. Also, the protection of minors in the distribution of goods that are offered by a vending machine to comply.

DE 10 2012 104 672 A1 discloses a method for controlling a vending machine, wherein a server is controlled by means of a mobile part, which in turn drives an output unit of the vending machine. A disadvantage of the disclosed system is that the individual components handset, server and vending machine each have to be configured with extensive computer units and complex software. Furthermore, the method is not suitable for many conceivable business models.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved vending machine system.

The object is achieved by means of a method for the output of products from a vending machine system according to claim 1 and a vending machine system according to claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments can be taken from the following description, the figures and the dependent claims. However, the individual features of the described embodiments are not limited to these, but can be linked with each other and with other features to further embodiments.

A method is proposed for the output of products from a vending machine system comprising at least one machine, at least one ticket device and at least one cloud server. The at least one ticket device comprises at least one device selected from a group comprising a ticket issuing device, a ticket storage device, a ticket selection device and / or a ticket purchase device. The at least one cloud server comprises at least one software selected from a group comprising an online sales platform, a ticket database, at least one virtual machine and / or advertising software. By means of the at least one cloud server, at least one ticket is generated and the ticket is purchased via the at least one cloud server, the ticket being issued by means of the ticket device and the ticket machine causing the device to issue a product.

Exemplary enumerations in the description of the invention are each non-exhaustive listings.

The term "substantially" in the sense of the invention indicates a tolerance range which is to be represented for the skilled person from an economic and technical point of view, so that the corresponding feature can still be recognized or realized as such.

Products within the meaning of the inventions may be goods such as tobacco, food, telephone cards or flowers as well as services such as a car wash service or a solarium application.

A cloud server in the sense of the invention can be a host, that is to say a physical computer, or a server software, in particular a server operating system, for example a virtual server on a host. Preferably, the host comprises at least one server software.

In one embodiment, it is provided that all or individual software selected from the online sales platform, the ticket database, the at least one virtual machine and / or the advertising software are operated on a common cloud server. According to one embodiment, it is provided that the different software programs are operated on one host or on different virtualized servers. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the software programs are operated on a server software, in particular on the same operating system. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the software programs are distributed on a number of server programs and / or hosts. Thus, for example, the online sales platform and the ticket database are operated on a common server software and the at least one virtual machine and the advertising software on two other server software programs. Particularly advantageous is provided that the cloud server is connected to the machine and / or with the ticket machine. Advantageously, the cloud server is connected to the machine and / or to the ticket machine via a network, for example the Internet or a local area network. The connection is in particular a radio connection and / or a wired connection.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that a number of virtual machines are operated. Preferably, each machine in the vending machine system is assigned a virtual machine. Furthermore, an embodiment provides that the virtual machines are operated on a server or distributed to multiple servers. In particular, it is provided that the virtual machine or the virtual machines together are one or more databases. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the number of machines in a database are mapped to a server, wherein preferably at least one data record of the database maps a virtual machine. In a further refinement, the virtual automaton is a data model comprising a number of data records and / or tables. Particularly preferably, a number of tables with a number of data records form at least one virtual automaton.

The ticket device according to the invention may comprise different devices together or individually. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket issuing device, a ticket storage device, a ticket selection device and a ticket purchase device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket issuing device, a ticket storage device and a ticket selection device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket dispenser and a ticket storage device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket dispenser. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket storage device, a ticket selection device and a ticket purchase device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket storage device and a ticket selection device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket storage device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket selection device and a ticket purchase device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device comprises a ticket purchase device. Advantageously, in one embodiment it is provided that if a ticket device does not comprise a ticket issuing device, a ticket storage device, a ticket selection device and / or a ticket purchase device, the vending machine system comprises at least one further ticket device that has the missing functionalities. In a further embodiment, it is provided that at least one machine comprises a ticket device.

For example, a ticket is an optical code - such as a matrix code, a barcode, a QR code, an electronic certificate, or a number. The ticket can be printed, for example, on paper or in electronic form. According to one embodiment, the ticket comprises data on a product, for example an EAN number, data on a paid status and / or data on a campus affiliation.

In a further embodiment, the ticket comprises an assignment to a data record, for example on the ticket server and / or the virtual machine. In another embodiment, the ticket comprises a URL, that is, a unified resource indicator for a resource and its location in a network.

A ticket issuing device is, for example, a printer, a display or a chip device, in particular for the description of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), in particular Flash EEPROM, Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FeRAM) and / or other memory chips. A ticket storage device is for example an electronic storage medium or a chip - for example an NFC chip or a pocket, such as a purse or a trouser pocket. The ticket selection device is for example a smartphone, a computer, for example a tablet computer, or a keypad. The ticket purchase device is for example a cash register, a computer or a smartphone.

In one embodiment, the ticket dispenser is directly or indirectly connected to the cloud server. Particularly preferably, at least the ticket issuing device, the ticket selection device and / or the ticket purchase device is connected to the cloud server.

Data within the meaning of the invention are values, indications, characters or character strings or commands.

Advantage of the inventive method is that by using at least one cloud server on which at least the ticket is generated and purchased, both the machine and the ticket machine from the data mapping of most processes, such as product application, sale, management and / or issuing, be relieved. Thus, according to one embodiment, the automaton only accepts a forwarding function of data. In a particular embodiment, it is provided that the machine has a communication computer, in particular for the forwarding of data to or from the cloud server. In particular, the machine further has a machine controller for at least a display and / or a product output. Particularly preferably, it is provided that the display can be controlled by means of the communication computer.

For example, the machine reads the ticket and passes the ticket data to the cloud server, which then processes it. For example, it validates the ticket data, in particular by checking ticket authenticity, a paid status, a campus affiliation and / or a product request. Advantageously, the cloud server checks a product availability at the machine.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the server initiates the output of the goods. For example, the output of the goods is initiated by means of a virtual machine. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the virtual machine forwards data, in particular data for product output, in particular via the communication computer, to the machine control system. Advantageously, the virtual machine is confirmed by the machine control via the communication computer, the execution of the data. Advantageously, it is provided in one embodiment that an operating state of the machine is at least synchronized with the associated virtual machine, or is mapped electronically.

The operating state comprises in particular at least one data element selected from a group comprising at least one variety image, an activated ticket, an available product selection in the machine, a product level of the machine, at least one operating event and / or at least one error state. Operating events are for example: ticket read, power supply turned on, power off, hibernation, input made by a user, money thrown in, no money thrown in, money card inserted, money card not inserted, age certification successful, age certification failed, goods issue done and so on. Error conditions are, for example: goods issue jammed, coin not recognized, inventory empty, control unit defective, freeze or crash at least one program on the communication computer and / or machine control and so on. In one embodiment, error conditions additionally or alternatively error conditions or error codes according to the EVA DTS protocol, in particular according to the version 6.1.1., Which was still more current in November 2015, on.

It is also advantageous that different business models can be realized with a vending machine system by means of the proposed method. Thus, the method allows the use of the at least one cloud server for issuing tickets that can be redeemed at any machine, as well as tickets that are machine-tied or campus-bound. In one embodiment, it is provided that campus-bound and campus-independent machines are configured substantially the same and only the data in the respective assigned virtual machine distinguish them from one another.

Campus-bound within the meaning of the invention is at least one machine, preferably a number of machines, which are combined to form a sales unit. For example, the machines are located in a regional / local / limited area, for example in a canteen or on a company premises. Furthermore, for example, campus-bound machines can be set up in remote branches of one or more retail chains. If a ticket is purchased, which is campus bound, this can only be redeemed in the corresponding assigned machines.

For example, a ticket at a cafeteria, which includes, for example, ticket purchasing device and ticket issuing device, is purchased on a company premises. This ticket can be redeemed at any campus-based vending machine on the premises. Vending machines in the vending machine system, whose virtual vending machine does not include a corresponding campus affiliation, do not redeem the ticket. Furthermore, it is provided in one embodiment that a campus-free ticket can be redeemed at each machine in the vending machine system. In a further embodiment, it is provided that one or more campus networks prohibit the redemption of campus-free tickets.

Another advantage of the proposed method is that both pre-paid tickets and subsequently paid tickets can be issued. Tickets can be purchased, for example, via an online shop or an exemplary online sales platform. The settlement of a payment preferably takes place via the online sales platform. Different methods can be used for processing the payment of the ticket, for example: purchase on account, payment by credit card, an online payment system or a credit system, collection via a SEPA direct debit mandate or similar. The ticket is either handed out directly to an end customer or stored on a supplier server for further use, for example as a package insert, as a voucher and / or as a gift. In one embodiment, the ticket is paid only after redemption. For example, the SEPA direct debit mandate or the credit card is only debited when the ticket has been redeemed or when, for example, the virtual machine reports the ticket redemption to the online sales platform.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket is unlocked after acquisition on at least one virtual machine and / or in the ticket database. Preferably, an unlocked ticket is recognized by a vending machine as valid. In one embodiment, it is provided that campus-bound tickets are only released in virtual machines that have a corresponding campus affiliation. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket is unlocked on all virtual machines.

Preferably, after the purchase of the ticket this example issued electronically. For example, a purchase via a mobile phone as a variant of a ticket selection device and ticket purchase device - can be processed. For example, the online sales platform can be controlled by means of a program located on the mobile phone. In one embodiment, the ticket is stored on the phone. The mobile phone thus acts as a ticket storage device. In a further refinement, the ticket is output in a form that can be read by the machine, for example via an NFC chip, a loudspeaker or a display. The mobile phone thus acts as a ticket dispenser.

The ticket can be given according to another embodiment, in particular before redemption at the machine, passed on, for example, be sent to the smartphone of a third party. For example, a ticket may be purchased for one or a number of products and a third party agrees to pick up the product at the machine. For example, he collects the products from a number of colleagues at the vending machine. He receives from his colleague the tickets already purchased, for example via a special program, via a communication software and / or in printed form, and picks up the products, in particular without having to deal with the payment of the products.

The method further has the advantage that a number of tickets can be purchased or purchased and easily accessed when needed. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the method can be advantageously combined with special accounting systems, for example via a payroll.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one ticket issue and a goods issue are controlled via at least one cloud server. Preferably, the ticket is purchased after the ticket issue, that is paid in particular. In one embodiment it is provided that the issue of the ticket is independent of the purchase of the ticket. In particular, no connection to the cloud server is necessary for the purchase of the ticket. In one embodiment, it is provided that a first Ticktet is issued before the purchase and a second ticket after the acquisition. In particular, the first ticket confirms a declaration of intent by the customer for the purchase of the product encoded with the ticket. Furthermore, the second ticket, which is printed or handed out after acquisition, is preferably a confirmation of ownership of the product.

In one embodiment, it is provided that at least one ticket purchase, the ticket issue, a payment process and the goods issue are controlled via the at least one cloud server. In one embodiment, ticket purchase, ticket issue, payment process, and merchandise dispensing and advertisement processing are controlled by the cloud server. In a further embodiment, it is provided that essentially all data-related control operations are performed by the cloud server, in particular for all vending machines of the vending machine system. Advantageously, the centralization of the control operations saves costs in the machines. Furthermore, malfunctions can be detected and corrected faster. Another advantage is that the central control and virtual mapping of the machines on the cloud server allows a statistical sales analysis and more preferably a centrally controlled, preferably automated delivery or order processing.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that at least one ticket is acquired via the at least one cloud server by means of the at least one ticket device. It is particularly preferred that a ticket be purchased on the online sales platform by means of the ticket purchase device. The online sales platform can be, for example, an online shop and / or a trading platform for controlling via an app, that is to say a computer program. In one embodiment, it is provided that a cash register program can access the online sales platform. In one embodiment, it is preferably provided that the ticket or the product obtainable by means of the ticket can be acquired via the online sales platform. Preferably, a payment transaction via the online sales platform is executable. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the online sales platform offers a number of payment forms. Payment forms are, for example, pay by credit card, bank transfer, billing and / or an online payment system such as a virtual account of the company PayPal Inc.

The ticket is generated in the ticket database. More preferably, the ticket is managed in the ticket database. In a further embodiment, a ticket read in particular by automatic machines is validated. Preferably, in particular a ticket authenticity, a paid status, a campus affiliation and / or a product request of a ticket handed over to a ticket machine are validated.

In a further embodiment it is provided that before or after the purchase of the ticket, the ticket database is caused to send the ticket to a ticket storage device and / or to a ticket issuing device. In one embodiment, for example, it is provided that the ticket is in electronic form. The ticket is then stored according to an embodiment in the ticket storage device in the form of a memory, such as an SD card memory. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket should be available in printed form. The ticket is sent to a ticket dispenser in the form of a printer and printed there according to one embodiment.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the ticket is paid by means of the ticket purchase device. For example, the ticket database is caused to send the ticket to a ticket storage device and / or to a ticket dispenser. In particular, the ticket is paid in advance by means of the ticket purchase device. In particular, the online sales platform is used to pay for the ticket or the product that can be obtained with the ticket by means of the ticket purchase device. In one embodiment, it is provided that a money transfer or a payment transaction is made directly on the ticket purchase device, for example, if the ticket purchase device is a cash register, by paying with cash. Furthermore, it is advantageously provided in one embodiment that the ticket purchase device of the online sales platform confirms a payment.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket after the purchase or purchase or the payment on the ticket purchase device on at least one machine is enabled. In one embodiment, the ticket is unlocked on all machines, in particular all virtual machines, in the vending machine system. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket is activated on machines, in particular virtual machines, of a defined campus.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the activation is carried out via a virtual machine. Preferably, a data element is set in the virtual machine that indicates the activation of the ticket. In a further embodiment, it is provided that an activation in the ticket database is made. Preferably, after the ticket has been read in at the machine, the activation of the ticket in the virtual machine or in the ticket database is validated. Advantage of this method is that, for example, a paid status of the ticket can be controlled. It is also advantageous that by means of the activation of a marketing of the ticket can be controlled. This makes the tickets much more forgery-proof.

In a further embodiment it is provided that in each case the at least one machine is assigned a virtual machine, which maps at least one operating state of the machine. It is preferably provided that an operating state comprises at least one data element or a parameter selected from a group comprising at least one variety image, an activated ticket, an available product selection in the machine, a product level of the machine, at least one operating event and / or at least one error state. Preferably, the cloud server for each machine in the vending machine system comprises a virtual machine.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the advertising software controls and / or feeds the at least one ticket device and / or the at least one machine in order to output product information. In particular, the machine is fed with product information in the push process. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the machine calls the advertising software, for example, to download or stream product information, that is, download and output substantially simultaneously. In particular, it is provided that the advertising software drives and / or feeds at least one ticket selection device, at least one ticket acquisition device and / or one automatic display of at least one automatic device. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the advertising software controls or feeds the at least one ticket device and / or the at least one machine when a previously defined event is registered by the ticket machine and / or by the machine.

For the purposes of the invention, an infeed means that data is transmitted, in particular, from the cloud server to the ticket machine and / or the machine. In an embodiment, it is provided that an infeed is a data transmission in only one direction.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cloud server, preferably the advertising software, and the ticket device, preferably a mobile phone, communicate with each other, in particular without a user causing the ticket machine to read the advertising software. Particularly preferably, the vending machine system has an information unit that can connect at least with the ticket device. Further preferably, the information unit is arranged on a machine. In a further embodiment, the ticket device polls at least until an information unit answers. Polling is a cyclic query whether an information unit is nearby or responds to understand. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the advertising software pushes communication data, that is preferably cyclically emitted, so that the ticket machine receives the data of the advertising software as soon as the ticket machine is in a certain area, for example in the vicinity of a machine, or on a regionally limited Campus is located.

Preferably, it is provided that as soon as the ticket machine and the advertising software have exchanged data, that is to say in particular the ticket machine is in the vicinity of a machine, the ticket machine outputs or displays selected data which it receives either from the advertising software or from the cloud server , or notifies or alerts the user that an automaton is within easy reach. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the machine displays or outputs data when ticket machine and information unit have exchanged data. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device determines its own location by means of a GPS receiver and alerts the user to nearby vending machines and / or connects to the cloud server or the advertising software. An advantage of the output of data after the ticket machine and the advertising software have been connected with each other is that advertising is issued only to selected users, in particular users who basically have a buying interest. Thus, in one embodiment, it is provided that advertising or the display of the products in the machine are only displayed by the machine when a user approaches the machine with a ticket machine. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the advertising discreetly issued on the ticket machine and in particular promptly informed a user of the ticketing device that an automaton is within reach. If, for example, the automaton is so discreetly designed that a user can not recognize it at first glance, the proposed method ensures that the user nevertheless notices or can find and operate the automaton.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that an advertising software outputs product information by means of the machine or the ticket machine cyclically or time-controlled, preferably regularly. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a sporadic output of product information is provided, for example, if certain promotions are provided.

In another embodiment, a method for dispensing products from a vending machine system is provided, wherein the vending machine system includes at least a cloud server, a vending machine controller, an output unit, and an information unit. In the information unit are first data, which are read by means of an external ticket device. In the following, the ticket device in particular connects to the cloud server without wires and transmits selected product data to it. The machine control can preferably be connected to the cloud server via a communication computer, so that the machine controller receives the data associated with the product data from the cloud server. The machine controller then activates the output unit and the selected product is output.

A vending machine preferably comprises at least one vending machine controller, an information unit and an output unit. In one embodiment, the cloud server acts as a machine controller. In particular, it is provided in one embodiment that the machine control is arranged in the machine. In one embodiment, the machine control has a data processing system. In a further embodiment, the data processing system is the cloud server. For example, an automatic machine or a number of machines may have the cloud server (s), which preferably control further machines in the vending machine system.

Advantage of the method is that the machine is controlled by the external ticket device that communicates with the cloud server. More preferably, any number of external ticket devices can be used to control the machine. In one embodiment, the external ticket device is a mobile phone or a smartphone, which is able to read out the information unit, in particular the first data present therein, without wires. Preferably, the ticket device, such as a cell phone or tablet computer, an app, that is, a program that enables the ticket device for communication with the machine or to read the information unit.

According to one embodiment, the information unit comprises an optoelectronic writing unit, such as a bar code or a matrix code or a QR code representing unit, a near field communication enabling unit and / or a radio communication enabling unit. Near field communication may include, for example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Nearfield Communication (NFC). Radio communication may include, for example, industry standard IEEE 802.15.1 Bluetooth or an industry standard IEEE 802.11 family wireless network connection, particularly IEEE 802.11g, 802.11-2007, 802.11n, 802.11-12, 802.11ac, and / or 802.11 ad, include. If the information unit is embodied as a unit representing QR code, the information unit can, for example, have a sticker that represents or consists of a QR code. The external ticket device, which is able to read out and interpret the information unit, for example the matrix code, controls the cloud server with the first data, which are encrypted, for example, in the matrix code. For example, the matrix code encodes a URL, that is, a unified source indicator for a resource on a computer network, such as the Internet. The smartphone or the external ticket device determines the URL from the matrix code and consequently controls the cloud server, which can be controlled in accordance with a preferred embodiment by means of the URL. In a preferred embodiment, the cloud server is also connected via a computer network with the machine control of the machine. In a further embodiment it is provided that the machine control sends information such as the number of products in the product magazine and / or an operating state of the vending machine system to the cloud server. Further preferably, the matrix code comprises information about the location of the machine or the machine itself. By transmitting information from the information unit to the ticket machine, the machine can be designed so that there is no further information on it, for example in the form of an indication of cigarette types , are displayed.

Another advantage is that in one embodiment, the user only sees the products that are present in the machine. This avoids the user trying to obtain another product that does not exist. It is known from the prior art that a button is present on the machine, which stands for a particular product, but the product is already sold out. The proposed design avoids frustration and immediate deflation of the user from the machine. Advantageously, the ticket machine knows the favored product of the user and offers an alternative product or points the way to another machine in which the product still exists. Particularly preferably, the ticket device immediately gives the user feedback about whether the ticket can be redeemed at the operated machine.

The cloud server is spatially separated from the machine according to another embodiment and in particular designed as a web server. Advantage of this embodiment is that the cloud server can be used for a variety of machines. Thus, in one embodiment, it is provided that the coded URL further identifies the machine which is connected to the ticket machine via the information unit or which is to be operated by the ticket machine.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device receives product data from the cloud server that can be displayed on the ticket device. For example, a display on the external ticket device is provided depending on the operating state of the operated machine, its level and its product selection. A user can thus receive information about the products in the machine, their prices and their availability via the external ticket machine. In particular, certain offers can be offered to the user via the ticket machine from the cloud server. As a result, the user selects the desired product via the ticket device, for example by selecting on a displayed website or app, whereupon the cloud server activates the machine control of the operated machine and causes it to output the selected product.

According to a further embodiment, provision is made for authentication to authorize the output of the product by means of the cloud server and / or the ticket device. This can be done according to a further embodiment such that an authentication, for example, the age or the person who is stored on the ticket device and / or the cloud server is retrieved. For example, a user account can be created on the cloud server, which is protected in particular with a password. When the user account is created, the person or the age of the person is determined, so that in the following only the password must be used for identification. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device has a program in which the verification is stored, for example, as a certificate. The verification stored in the ticket machine makes it possible to ensure anonymous use of the vending machine system. In particular, it is provided that the verification occurs once, for example, when installing a program on the ticket machine and then sends the appropriate certificate to the cloud server to prove the age. The program can also fulfill other functions, such as a presentation of the product or offer data transmitted by the cloud server, the storage or reservation of one or more products, repeatedly purchased, and / or the finding of a machine in the environment.

According to a further variant, it is provided that a payment process is carried out before the product issue. For example, a user may utilize a payment unit of the vending machine system by inserting cash, a cash card chip, or a debit card into the payment unit. A further embodiment provides that a payment process is carried out by means of near-field communication. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the ticket device comprises an NFC chip which is designed for financial transaction.

Another embodiment provides that the payment process is carried out via the cloud server. For example, a user account can be created on the cloud server, wherein the user account includes bank or credit card information. If the machine is activated and a product output is executed, the payment process can be carried out by means of the stored bank or credit card information. Advantageously, the carrying of cash or payment cards for the user is no longer necessary if this carries the ticket machine. Also a misrecognition of cash or the non-recognition of payment cards in this way is excluded.

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the customer receives a first ticket by means of the ticket issuing device. The ticket issuing device preferably communicates with the cloud server that generates the ticket. In one embodiment, preferably a ticket for the same products, in particular products with the same European Article Number (EAN) or Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), any number generated. In particular, at least the device identification number of the ticket issuing device and / or a list of the product identification number, in particular the EAN, are transmitted to the cloud server by the ticket issuing device. In one embodiment, it is provided that the cloud server stores the device identification number of the ticket issuing device, ticket creation date, validity period of the ticket, a transaction number, at least one reserved ticket issuing device, a product identification number, a product number and / or a ticket number of the generated ticket , In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket is paid at a ticket purchase device, which in particular is not connected to the cloud server and / or does not communicate with the cloud server. In particular, the ticket is paid at a checkout. In one embodiment, the ticket purchase device generates from the product identification number and the quantity a second ticket, which is handed out to the customer in particular. The second ticket generated by the ticket purchase device has, in a preferred embodiment, a ticket number, preferably encrypted as an optical code. The ticket number preferably has a validation of the purchase of the ticket. The customer can preferably receive the product immediately after the purchase and receipt of the second ticket with the second ticket at the machine. For this purpose, the second ticket is scanned by the machine in one embodiment. More preferably, the machine communicates with the cloud server, which checks the second ticket or the validated ticket number. Preferably, in the case of a positive result of the validity check of the ticket number of the second ticket by the cloud server, it will cause the machine 0 to issue the product in the requested quantity.

A particularly preferred variant provides the following method for using the vending machine system. In a first step, the user, together with his smartphone, approaches the machine, reads the QR code by means of a camera of the smartphone or with an NFC reader the NFC code that is present in the information unit and decrypts it. As a result, the smartphone connects to the cloud server on the Internet. The information presented in the NFC code or QR code immediately verifies the cloud server the machine in front of which the user is located. Furthermore, by means of information stored on the smartphone, the user is identified on the cloud server and the age determined. The user is offered the available products on his smartphone via the ticket device from the cloud server, whereupon the user decides on a product and confirms the debit from his bank account. As a result, the cloud server instructs the machine controller of the machine in front of which the user is to issue the desired product. Preferably, the ticket, which authorizes the issue of the product, sent to the smartphone and this is preferably transmitted to the line, especially on instructions or after confirmation by the user. In a further embodiment, the ticket is sent directly to the machine. The user therefore only has to operate his smartphone to use the vending machine system and the dwell time in front of the vending machine is reduced to a minimum.

A further preferred variant of the method provides that a user approaches the machine with his smartphone. The information unit is read out by radio connection from the smartphone. As a result, the smartphone alerts the user to the machine within easy reach. The user selects by means of the ticket device a product whose product data has been transferred from the cloud server to the smartphone, whereupon the payment is carried out by means of a payment function stored in the smartphone and the machine dispenses the product.

Furthermore, a vending machine system comprising at least one machine, at least one ticket device and at least one cloud server is proposed. The at least one ticket device comprises at least one device selected from a group comprising a ticket issuing device, a ticket storage device, a ticket selection device and / or a ticket purchase device. The at least one cloud server comprises at least one software selected from a group comprising an online sales platform, a ticket database, at least one virtual machine and / or advertising software. By means of the cloud server at least one ticket can be generated, which can be output via the ticket machine, and by means of the ticket an output of a product can be initiated at the machine.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one machine, the at least one ticket device and / or the at least one cloud server are located at different locations. In one embodiment, it is provided that machines are assigned at different locations on a campus, in a region, a department store chain or, for example, set up worldwide. Furthermore, an embodiment provides that the ticket device is set up in a sales environment, for example as a terminal. In a further embodiment, a ticket device is a mobile device, in particular a device, which can be accommodated in the vending machine system, for example by means of software. Thus, according to one embodiment, it is provided that a smartphone can be accommodated in the vending machine system, for example by means of uploading a software, a so-called app, or calling an online shop. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cloud server is installed on a host or mainframe. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one cloud server is distributed to different hosts, for example mirrored or in individual components.

A further embodiment provides that the ticket issuing device, the ticket storage device, the ticket selection device and / or the ticket purchase device are individual devices or device combinations.

The ticket database is preferably a program on a cloud server. It is further preferred that the ticket database has program parts for generating tickets before, during and / or after the purchase of the ticket. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the ticket database has program parts for managing the tickets. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the ticket database has program parts for validating a ticket.

In one embodiment, the ticket device has the ticket issuing device, the ticket storage device, the ticket selection device and the ticket purchase device. For example, the ticket device is designed as a smartphone. In a further refinement, the ticket device has the ticket issuing device, the ticket storage device and the ticket selection device. For example, the ticket machine is designed as a terminal in a sales environment. In a further refinement, the ticket device has the ticket issuing device and the ticket storage device. For example, the ticket machine is designed as a chip card. In a further refinement, the ticket device has the ticket issuing device. For example, the ticket machine is designed as a printer. In a further embodiment, the ticket device has the ticket storage device, the ticket selection device and the ticket purchase device. For example, the ticket machine is designed as a stationary computer. In a further embodiment, the ticket device has the ticket storage device and the ticket selection device. In a further embodiment, the ticket device has the ticket storage device. For example, the ticket device is designed as a storage medium. In a further refinement, the ticket device has the ticket selection device and the ticket purchase device. In a further refinement, the ticket device has the ticket selection device. For example, the ticket machine is a keypad. In a further refinement, the ticket device has the ticket purchase device. For example, the ticket machine is a cash register. Particularly preferably, different or identical ticket devices can be combined with each other.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the online sales platform, the ticket database, the at least one virtual vending machine and / or the advertising software are distributed on one or more hosts. In one embodiment, it is provided that a host with several servers is provided in each case for one component. In a further embodiment, it is provided that hosts are provided for each component. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that selected components are present on a server and / or hosts.

In one embodiment, an automatic machine for the output of products is provided, wherein the machine comprises a machine control, an output unit, an information unit and / or a communication computer. By means of the information unit first data are made available, by means of the communication computer, the cloud server can be controlled via the first data. Furthermore, the cloud server is so connected to the machine control, in particular via the communication computer that an output of at least one product can be initiated by means of the cloud server.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the cloud server is spatially separate from the other system components of the machine. For example, it is provided in one embodiment that the cloud server can be used for several machines at the same time. For example, multiple machines located in different locations can access the resources of the cloud server. Preferably, the cloud server is a web server.

In a further variant, it is provided that the machine can be operated by means of an external ticket device, preferably non-line. The external ticket device is preferably a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone or a mobile computer of any kind, which in particular includes an Internet connection. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the external ticket device can be connected to the cloud server. For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the ticket device has an Internet connection means by means of which the ticket device can connect to the cloud server. Advantageously, the ticket device calls a web page, which allows the product selection and the payment process. The cloud server is further connected in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the machine control of the vending machine system, so that certain data such as a product quantity and a product condition or a locally completed payment can be read.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the automaton provides a hotspot, in particular with a connection to the Internet, for the ticket device, for example via WLAN, in particular according to the standard IEEE 802.11g, 802.11-2007, 802.11n, 802.11-12, 802.11ac and / or 802.11ad.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the vending machine system can be operated with a plurality of ticket machines.

According to a further variant, it is particularly preferably provided that the cloud server can be controlled via the external ticket device by means of first data which are present in the information unit. The first data is preferably a URL, a telephone number or any other address that can be used to control the cloud server on the one hand, and preferably also to identify with which vending machine the ticket machine has connected.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the ticket device and the information unit can be connected automatically, that is without the intervention of a user. In particular, it is provided that the ticket machine is automatically connectable to the information unit, more preferably alternatively or additionally to the cloud server, in particular as soon as the ticket machine is so close to the machine or information unit that the machine can be operated by the ticket machine.

Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the machine has a payment unit. The payment unit may have, for example, a coin acceptor, a money card, EC card and / or credit card holder or an NFC payment unit. When paying via the local payment unit present in the machine, according to one embodiment, the machine controller preferably sends at least one corresponding data element to the cloud server via the communication computer. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the automatic control systems initiates the product selection independently after successful payment. According to one embodiment, the cloud server comprises the payment unit. This can be done in particular by online payment in particular via the online sales platform, for example by the transmission or provision of the bank data or credit card information. In a further refinement, the user deposits his address data on the cloud server so that, for example, an invoice can be sent to the user.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following figures. However, the figures are not to be construed restrictively. Rather, the features described therein can be combined with each other and with the features described above to further embodiments. Furthermore, it should be noted that the reference numerals indicated in the figure description do not limit the scope of the present invention, but merely refer to the embodiments shown in the figures. Identical parts or parts with the same function have the same reference numerals below. Show it:

1A shows a method according to the invention for product information transmission and acquisition of a ticket;

1B shows a method according to the invention for dispensing products from a vending machine system; and

Fig. 2 is a vending machine system.

1A shows a sketched method for dispensing products from a vending machine system 10. The vending machine system 10 comprises at least a first vending machine AT1, a ticket machine TG and a cloud server ATG. The automaton AT1 comprises at least one automaton control ATS and one communication calculator ATK. The ticket machine in the example includes a ticket selection device TAW, a ticket purchase device TEW, a ticket issuing device TAG, and a ticket storage device TAU. The cloud server ATG comprises an online sales platform OS, a ticket database TS and an advertising software WS. Furthermore, a supplier server LS is shown. In the example, the advertising

besoftware WS with an event 102 time- or frequency-controlled advertising to the communication computer ATK of the machine AT1. The communication computer is preferably configured such that it can perform a control of a display of the machine AT1. In event 104, the advertisement is displayed on the display of the machine AT1. The advertising can be frequency or time controlled, in particular, at certain times, the generation of advertising in the event 102 can be done differently than at other times. Thus, in one embodiment, it is provided that from 22:00 clock advertising in the event 102 is generated, which is intended for adult audience. Regardless of the advertising generation 102, an event 108 may generate an activation of the advertising software WS. Due to the event 108, an event-driven advertisement is generated in the event 110 in the following. The event 108 may be, for example, a passer-by. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ticket device TG approaches the machine AT1. A corresponding event-driven advertisement is forwarded in an event 112 to the selection device TAW and displayed there in an event 114. In a further event 116, which does not necessarily have to follow the event 114, but can happen independently of this, a user makes a product selection which controls the forwarding to a ticketing device TEW. In a query 118 is queried whether the ticket purchase device TEW for the issue of prepaid tickets, that is, tickets T, which must be paid prior to receiving the costumed by the ticket T goods at machine AT, is provided. If a prepaid ticket is provided, the redistribution or product selection 116 will be made to the online sales platform OS. There, a payment request is generated in an event 120, which is mapped on the ticket purchase device TEW in the event 121. The user pays his ticket T in event 122, whereupon the online sales platform OS requests a ticket T from the ticket database TS. This request can for example be made directly by the ticket purchase device TEW, for example, if a payment of the ticket in advance of the product issue or before reading the ticket T in the machine AT1 is not provided. The ticket is generated in an event 126 and, if the user is not a vendor, sent via x forwarding to the ticket issuer TAG. In an event 132 the ticket T is issued and handed over to a ticket storage device TAU. If the user is, for example, a supplier and if he wishes to store the ticket T or the tickets T on a supplier server LS, the ticket T is handed over to the latter and stored in an event 130 on the supplier server LS.

Fig. 1B again shows the vending machine system 10, this system having already been preceded by the ticket purchase. The ticket storage device TAU passes in the event 134 the ticket T or ticket information to the communication computer ATK of the machine AT1. For example, it is provided that the automaton AT1 has an opto-electronic read-out device which makes it possible to read out the ticket or the information contained therein. In an event 136, the communication computer ATK sends a validation request to the ticket database TS. For example, it is checked in a query 138 whether the imported ticket T is a prepaid ticket. Here can be queried in another version also, whether the ticket is campus bound. If the query is denied, the ticket T is therefore not a prepaid ticket, is sent via the forwarding x in an event 146 a request to the communication computer ATK of the machine AT1 that a payment operation to be initiated. For this purpose, the communication computer calls in an event 148 the online sales platform OS, which generates a payment request 120. This payment request 120 is sent via the communication computer ATK in the event 142 to the machine controller 175 and displayed on a display of the machine AT1. In an event 122, the user pays the ticket T directly at the machine, for example by inserting coins.

In an event 140, if the ticket T is a prepaid ticket, the release and the name of the goods are forwarded to the communication computer of the machine AT1. The issue of the product is initiated in an event 142. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the communication computer ATK does not communicate directly with the online sales platform OS or the ticket database TS, but always first triggers a virtual machine VAT1, which then always displays the operating states of the machine AT1. The requests are then forwarded by the virtual vending machine VAT1 to the online sales platform OS and the ticket database TS.

After the issuing of the goods is initiated in the event 142, the goods issue takes place in an event 144. This is mapped in an event 152 via the communication computer ATK in an event 154 on the virtual machine VAT1. In an event 156, the virtual automaton VAT1 is updated, in particular it updates the product.

FIG. 2 shows a vending machine system 10. By way of example, a ticket device TG is shown here, which is designed as a smartphone. The smartphone preferably comprises the ticket dispenser TAG, the ticket storage device TAU and the ticket selector TAW. The ticket selector TAW is in this example a touchscreen monitor of the smartphone. For the illustration of offered products 12, the ticket selection device TAW connects to the online sales platform OS. In the example shown here, it is provided that the online sales platform OS forwards the request to a ticket database TS. The ticket T is generated in the ticket database TS and forwarded to the smartphone. There it is stored in the memory of the device, which acts as a ticket storage device TAU. In the ticket database TS remains the note that the ticket has not yet been paid. In the following step, the ticket can be read out from a cash register, which represents the ticket purchase device TEG, and also be paid there. The cash register passes this information on to the ticket database TS. There is now the note for the ticket T made that the ticket T is paid. In one embodiment, it is provided that the function in which the ticket T is forwarded to a virtual machine server VAS, which maps the virtual machine VAT1, VAT2 and VAT3. If the ticket T is bound to a campus 16, the ticket T or the ticket information, for example, is forwarded only to the virtual machines VAT2 and VAT3, which are campus 16 machines. The user can go with the stored in his smartphone ticket T to the machine and this can read via a readout unit 18. For this purpose, the ticket T is displayed on the display, which acts as ticket issuing unit TAU. The readout unit 18 is an optoelectronic sensor unit in this example. Via the communication computer ATK of the operated machine AT1 a request is made to the virtual machine VAT1 whether the product 12 may be issued, in particular whether the ticket T is paid, whether the ticket T is campus bound and, if so, whether the machine AT1 belongs to this campus. If the inquiry is in the affirmative, the product 12 is output via the machine controller ATS from a product store 20.

In a variant, it is provided that the ticket device TG or the smartphone can read an information unit 22 at the machine. The information unit allows the smartphone a direct connection to the online sales platform, which in turn preferably connects to the virtual machine VAT1 to reflect the product level and the product range of the machine AT1 on the display of the smartphone. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment provides that the ticket is purchased via the sales platform OS by means of the mobile phone, which then also functions as a ticket-purchasing device TEW. Particularly preferably, it is provided that the online sales platform OS has a profile 24 of the user in which, for example, payment information or preferred goods are stored.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that after acquisition of the ticket or a number of tickets T these are stored on a supplier server LS. In particular, these tickets are intended for later use or for resale.

Claims

Method for the output of products (12) from a vending machine system (10) comprising at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3), at least one ticket device (TG) and at least one cloud server (ATG), wherein the at least one ticket device (TG ) comprises at least one device selected from a group comprising a ticket issuing device (TAG), a ticket storage device (TAU), a ticket selection device (TAW) and / or a ticket purchase device (TEW), wherein the at least one cloud server (ATG) comprises at least one software comprises, selected from a group comprising an online sales platform (OS), a ticket database (TS), at least one virtual machine (VAT1, VAT2, VAT3) and / or an advertising software (WS), wherein by means of the at least one cloud server ( ATG) generates at least one ticket (T) and the ticket (T) is acquired via the at least one cloud server (ATG), the ticket (T) being issued via the ticket device (TG) and the ticket machine (T) being used (AT1, A T2, AT3) to an output of a product (12).
A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one ticket issue and a goods issue via at least one cloud server (ATG) are controlled.
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ticket purchase, the ticket issue, a payment process and the goods issue via the at least one cloud server (ATG) is controlled.
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ticket (T) is acquired via the at least one cloud server (ATG) by means of the at least one ticket device (TG).
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ticket (T) is purchased on the online sales platform (OS) by means of the ticket purchase device (TEW).
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ticket (T) is paid by means of the ticket purchase device (TEW).
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ticket database (TS) before or after the purchase of the ticket (T) is caused, the ticket (T) to a ticket storage device (TAU) and / or to a ticket dispenser (TAG ) to send.
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ticket (T) after the acquisition on at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3) is enabled.
A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the activation via a virtual machine (VAT1, VAT2, VAT3) is made.
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case the at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3) is associated with a virtual machine (VAT1, VAT2, VAT3), the at least one operating state of the machine (AT1, AT2, AT3 ) maps.
A method according to claim 10, characterized in that an operating state comprises at least one data element selected from a group comprising a variety image, an activated ticket (T), a stock product selection in the machine (AT1, AT2, AT3), a product level of the machine (AT1, AT2, AT3), at least one operating event and / or at least one error condition.
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the advertising software (WS) controls the at least one ticket device (TG) and / or the at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3) to output product information.
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the advertising software (WS) controls at least one ticket selection device (TAW), at least one ticket purchase device (TEW) and / or an automatic display (14) of at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3) ,
Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the advertising software (WS) controls the at least one ticket device (TG) and / or the at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3), if a previously defined event from the ticket device (TG ) and / or registered by the machine (AT1, AT2, AT3).
Vending machine system (10) comprising at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3), at least one ticket device (TG) and at least one cloud server (ATG), wherein the at least one ticket device (TG) comprises at least one device selected from a group comprising a ticket issuing device (TAG), a ticket storage device (TAU), a ticket selection device (TAW) and / or a ticket purchase device (TEW), wherein the at least one cloud server (ATG) comprises at least one software selected from a group comprising at least one online ticket Sales platform (OS), a ticket database (TS), at least one virtual machine (VAT1) and / or advertising software (WS), at least one ticket (T) can be generated by means of the cloud server (ATG), via the ticket device ( TG) can be output, and by means of the ticket (T) on the machine (AT1, AT2, AT3) an output of a product (12) is veranlassbar.
Vending machine system according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one machine (AT1, AT2, AT3), the at least one ticket device (TG) and / or the cloud server (ATG) are located at different locations.
Vending machine system according to one or more of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that the ticket issuing device (TAG), the ticket storage device (TAU), the ticket selection device (TAW) and / or the ticket purchase device (TEW) individual devices and / or device combinations.
Vending machine system according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the online sales platform (OS), the ticket database (TS), the at least one virtual machine (VAT1, VAT2, VAT3) and / or the advertising software (WS) one or more hosts are distributed.