WO2020012395A1 - Procédé et système pour fournir un ou plusieurs articles physiques à un utilisateur - Google Patents

Procédé et système pour fournir un ou plusieurs articles physiques à un utilisateur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020012395A1
WO2020012395A1 PCT/IB2019/055900 IB2019055900W WO2020012395A1 WO 2020012395 A1 WO2020012395 A1 WO 2020012395A1 IB 2019055900 W IB2019055900 W IB 2019055900W WO 2020012395 A1 WO2020012395 A1 WO 2020012395A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
content
examples
touch screen
screen
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Application number
PCT/IB2019/055900
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Wadih KARAM
Original Assignee
Atoz Consult Dmcc
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2020012395A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020012395A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251—Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0268—Targeted advertisements at point-of-sale [POS]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/13338—Input devices, e.g. touch panels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0207—Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251—Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0261—Targeted advertisements based on user location
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251—Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0269—Targeted advertisements based on user profile or attribute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
    • G06Q40/02—Banking, e.g. interest calculation or account maintenance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/01—Social networking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/006—Details of the software used for the vending machines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • G07F9/023—Arrangements for display, data presentation or advertising
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • G07F9/023—Arrangements for display, data presentation or advertising
    • G07F9/0235—Arrangements for display, data presentation or advertising the arrangements being full-front touchscreens
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/01—Details for indicating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/18—Payment architectures involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a method and system for supplying one or more physical items to a user.
  • Vending machines were first introduced in the late nineteenth century and have since developed to include many different items and products, as well as methods for payment and product display. For example, a user may select an item for purchase from those available from the vending machine, and obtain the selected item by pressing a selection button or buttons, and providing payment, typically via a coin operated payment mechanism. Such vending machines are typically suited to lower value goods such as snacks and drinks. In some vending machines, there is an option for payment using a bank card for example. These type of vending machines may be more suited to higher value goods such as consumer electronics.
  • vending machines have started to include a display screen for displaying media content, for example to advertise to items that are available from the vending machine.
  • typical vending machines tend to be stand-alone devices, and although some machines are starting to incorporate functionality to connect with the internet, there may still be limited interactive media and the possible content and interaction with a user may be uninspiring to a possible consumer.
  • the present disclosure seeks to alleviate or mitigate the above problems.
  • a method for supplying one or more physical items to a user using a system comprising a content unit, and a control module operable to communicate with the content unit via a network
  • the content unit comprising a housing comprising an object display area within the housing for displaying one or more physical items for purchase by a user and a transparent touch screen mounted to the housing, the transparent touch screen being arranged with respect to the object display area so that the physical items can be visible through the screen and so that images related to the physical items can be displayed on the transparent touch screen, the touch screen being operable to receive user input from the user
  • the method comprising: displaying, on the touch screen, media content related to one or more of the physical items in the object display area, in which the media content that is displayed is dependent upon inventory data indicative of items available for purchase; receiving, via the touch screen , a user input indicative of a selected item which is selected by the user for purchase; processing, by the control module via the network, payment for the selected item ; supplying the selected item to the user
  • a system for supplying one or more physical items to a user comprising : a content unit; and a control module operable to communicate with the content unit via a network
  • the content unit comprises a housing comprising an object display area within the housing for displaying one or more physical items for purchase by a user and a transparent touch screen mounted to the housing, the transparent touch screen being arranged with respect to the object display area so that the physical items can be visible through the screen and so that images related to the physical items can be displayed on the transparent touch screen
  • the touch screen is operable to display media content related to one or more of the physical items in the object display area, in which the media content for display is dependent upon inventory data indicative of items available for purchase
  • the touch screen is operable to receive a user input from the user that is indicative of a selected item which is selected by the user for purchase
  • the control module is operable to process, via the network, payment for the selected item
  • the system is operable to supply the selected item to the user, and update the
  • a user may be provided with a more interactive purchasing experience.
  • a vendor of the items can be kept informed about stock levels in the content unit (such as a vending machine) so that this may be managed more easily, especially since a user may be more likely to make a purchase if they are attracted to the content displayed on the screen.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for providing one or more items for purchase to a user
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a content unit according to an example of the disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagrammatic front view of a content unit according to examples of the disclosure.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagrammatic top view of the content unit of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of connection of a plurality of content units to a cloud server via a network according to examples of the disclosure
  • Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for supplying one or more physical items to a user using a system comprising a content unit according to examples of the disclosure.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of content unit comprising a plurality of secure lockers according to examples of the disclosure.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for providing one or more items for purchase to a user.
  • Figure 1 shows a system 10, comprising a plurality of modules for implementing the functionality of the system.
  • the modules are software modules running on appropriate hardware such as on one or more processors implemented in respective devices such as mobile devices 12, desktop computing device 14, one or more servers such as one or more cloud servers, and content units 16a and 16b.
  • the system 10 comprises the mobile devices 12, the desktop computing device 14, the content unit 16a and and/or content unit 16b, a payments and identity module 18, an interactive content module 20, a social media module 22, and a cloud hosting module 24.
  • one or more of the payments and identity module 18, interactive content module 20, social media module 22, and cloud hosting module 24 run on appropriate servers such as cloud servers. In examples, one or more the payments and identity module 18, social media module 22, and cloud hosting module 24 may cooperate together to act as a control module of the system.
  • a content unit may be taken to mean a unit, machine, apparatus, device or the like capable of holding and providing one or more physical items, for example for purchase by a user.
  • a content unit may be a vending machine, although a content unit may be digital showcase, chiller or cooler unit, food or beverage dispensing unit or any other suitable apparatus.
  • the content units 16a and 16b are vending machines, although in other examples, the content units could be display cabinets or units for displaying physical items for purchase in conjunction with media images displayed on a display (a so-called digital showcase) as will be described in more detail below.
  • one or more of the content units 16a, and/or content unit 16b is a cooler or chiller unit for dispensing or providing drinks.
  • the interactive content module 20 could provide interactive contents such as games, surveys, or other media content to the content unit 16a, and/or content unit 16b via the cloud hosting module 24.
  • the payments and identity module 18 may process payments via credit or debit cards, and verify a user identity using facial identification or fingerprint identification carried out on a user’s device such as mobile devices 12 or desktop computing device 14. Additionally, the payments and identity module 18 may provide loyalty and/or rewards points functionality for a user or users.
  • the social media module 22 may cooperate with one or more social media providers to provide interaction between the content unit 16a, and/or content unit 16b, for example to promote certain items available from the content unit 16a, and/or content unit 16b to a user’s social media account.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a content unit 100 according to an example of the disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagrammatic front view of the content unit 100 according to examples of the disclosure.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagrammatic top view of the content unit 1 00 of Figure 3.
  • the content unit 16a and/or content unit 16b comprises the content unit 1 00, although it will be appreciated that other types of content unit may be used for content unit 1 6a, and/or content unit 16b.
  • the content unit 100 comprises a housing 102.
  • the housing 102 comprises an object display area 104 within the housing for displaying one or more physical items for purchase by a user.
  • the object display area 104 comprises a plurality of content display portions 1 06a, 106b, 106c, and 106d.
  • the content display portions may be shelves upon which one or more items may be placed, or they may be conveyor belts on which items may be placed for dispensing.
  • the content display portions could have any appropriate arrangement.
  • the object display area 104 comprises four content display portions, although it will be appreciated that any suitable number could be used.
  • the object display unit 104 is arranged to be able to hold one or more items for purchase by a user.
  • the content display portion 106a may hold one or more types of mobile telephones (e.g. smart phones)
  • the content display portion 106b may hold one or more accessories associated with the items of content display portion 106a
  • the content display portion 106c may hold one or more types of wrist watch
  • the content display portion 106d may hold different types of makeup or perfume for example.
  • any suitable type of item could be used.
  • the content unit 100 comprises a transparent touch screen 108 mounted to the housing 102.
  • the transparent touch screen 108 is arranged with respect to the object display unit 104 so that the physical items can be visible through the transparent touch screen 108 and so that images related to the physical items can be displayed on the transparent touch screen 108.
  • a degree to which objects may be visible through the touch screen 108 may depend on a level of transparency of images displayed on the touch screen 108.
  • the transparent touch screen 108 is operable to receive user input from the user, for example by applying known touch input techniques, such as capacitive or resistive sensing.
  • the transparent touch screen 108 is a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD), although other display technologies may be used.
  • the transparent touch screen 108 comprises a plurality of display areas, such as screen display areas 1 10a, 1 10b, 110c, and 1 10d.
  • the screen display area 1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c, and 1 10d may be implemented by dividing a single transparent touch screen into a plurality of different areas.
  • the screen display area 1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c, and 110d may be implemented as individual transparent touch screen displays.
  • each screen display area 1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c, and 110d is associated with a respective content display portion.
  • content display portion 106a is associated with transparent touch screen 108
  • content display portion 106b is associated with screen display area 110b
  • content display portion 1 06c is associated with screen display area 1 10c
  • content display portion 106d is associated with screen display area 110d, although it will be appreciated that they could be associated with each other in any appropriate manner.
  • the screen display portions 1 10a-1 10d may be used to display media content related to the respective content display portions 106a-1 06d.
  • media content such as advertising content could be displayed on the transparent touch screen 108 which relates to the respective products in the object display unit 104.
  • the content unit 100 comprises an item dispensing unit 112 operable to provide one or more items from the object display unit 104 to a user.
  • the content unit 100 comprises an item transport unit 1 14 operable to cooperate with the object display unit 104 and the item dispensing unit 1 12 so as to move an item from the object display unit 1 04 to the item dispensing unit 1 12.
  • the item transport unit 1 14 is an x-y robotic stage such as that provided by a Colosseo machine manufactured by MagexUSA, although it will be appreciated that any other suitable arrangement could be used to move the items between the object display unit 104 and the item dispensing unit 112.
  • the content unit 100 comprises a video camera arranged to capture images of a field of view in front of the transparent touch screen 108.
  • the content unit 100 comprises a video camera 116.
  • the content unit 100 comprises a central processing unit operable to analyse images captured by the video camera 1 16, for example to detect one or more objects such as a user or person within a field of view of the video camera 1 16.
  • the video camera 1 16 is operable to communicate with the cloud hosting module 24 so that the cloud hosting module 24 can perform image processing analysis, for example to detect one or more objects within the field of view.
  • the image processing functionality is distributed between the processing unit of the content unit 100 and one or more other modules of the system 10.
  • the central processing unit of the content unit 100 may act as the control module, although it will be appreciated the cooperation of different modules of the system 10 could be used as well or instead of the central processing unit to provide the functionality of the control module.
  • the content unit 100 comprises a plurality of video cameras to provide image analysis of captured images, for example to detect attributes of a user or users within the fields of view of the video cameras.
  • the content unit 100 comprises four video cameras, although it will be appreciated that any suitable number could be used.
  • the content unit 100 comprises an information display screen 1 18.
  • the information display screen 1 18 is operable to display information related to one or more items in the object display unit 104, such as price information.
  • the information display screen may be configured to allow touch input for example for interaction via a suitable user interface.
  • the information display screen 118 may be used to allow a user to purchase an item.
  • the information display screen 1 18 may be omitted.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of connection of a plurality of content units to a cloud server via a network according to examples of the disclosure.
  • the 10 comprises a plurality of content units such as content units 1 00a-h.
  • the content units 100a-h are the same as the content unit 100, although it will be appreciated that they could be different from each other.
  • each content units 1 00a-100f may have a unique identification number and associated attributes stored in the cloud server(s) 120, for example to allow addressing an operation.
  • At least two or more of the content units 100a-100h are associated with each other as a common group.
  • content units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d may be associated with each other as a first group
  • content units 1 00e, 10Of , 10Og , and 100h may be associated with each other as a second group.
  • the types of physical items within a respective object display area of each content unit within the common group are the same as each other. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the types of physical items may be different from each other.
  • the system 10 comprises one or more cloud servers 120.
  • the 1 00a-100h are operable to communicate with the cloud server(s) 120 via the internet, a firewall 122, and a cloud SQL (structured query language) module 124, for example, implemented on the cloud server(s) 120 and/or on other network devices.
  • each content unit may be operated as a virtual machine running on the cloud server(s) 120 for example.
  • Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for supplying one or more physical items to a user using a system comprising a content unit according to examples of the disclosure.
  • media content related to one or more of the physical items in the object display unit 104 is displayed on the transparent touch screen 108.
  • the media content that is displayed is dependent upon inventory data indicative of items available for purchase.
  • media content may be displayed for a predetermined time period.
  • the media content may relate to advertising content relating the physical items, and/or additional information such as purchase price, selected features or optional features of the item, availability and the like.
  • media content relating to a first advertisement may be played for 15 seconds, and media content relating to a second advertisement may be played for 1 5 seconds before returning to playback of the first media content.
  • the media content may be displayed on the content display portions 106a-106d as unified media content for example as a contiguous image, although it will be appreciated that different media content could be displayed on different content display portions.
  • the cloud server(s) 120 are operable to store the inventory data using a suitable storage arrangement such as one or more hard drives, tape drives, or solid state media, although it will be appreciated that other suitable systems could be used to store the inventory data.
  • the inventory data relates to items available for purchase and comprises related item data such as price data relating to a recommended retail price of the item, offer data relating to one or more special offers for the item, user ratings data indicative of ratings of the item provided by users, item metadata such as classification of item type, and location data indicative of where the item or items are located.
  • the inventory data could include other suitable types of item data related to the one or more items.
  • a user input indicative of a selected item which is selected by the user for purchase is received via the transparent touch screen 108, for example via a shopping module implemented by the content unit which comprises a virtual shopping cart.
  • a user may select an item that they wish to purchase by touching the transparent touch screen 108 at the location of a displayed icon corresponding to that item.
  • the user may then enter payment details, for example via the transparent touch screen 108, and/or their details may be verified by the payments and identity module 1 8, for example based on biometric information from images captured by the video camera 1 16.
  • any suitable method for verifying the user’s identity could be used.
  • a content display portion such as content display portion 106a that is detected to be in front of the user, for example by image analysis of the images captured by the video camera 1 16, may be caused to display a user interface for purchase of the item.
  • Other content display portions such as content display portions 1 06b-106d may continue to be used to display other media content such as that related to items in the object display unit 104 with which those 106 are associated.
  • information display screen 1 18 may be used to enable the user to purchase the item or a combination of the information display screen 11 8 with one or more 106.
  • payment for the selected item is processed by the control module via the network.
  • the payments and identity module 18 may cooperate with the central processing unit of the content unit 100 in order to process payment via the cloud hosting module 24 for example hosted on the cloud server(s) 120.
  • the selected item is supplied to the user.
  • the content unit 100 is operable to select the selected item from the object display unit 104 and provide the selected item to the user via the item dispensing unit 112.
  • the item transport unit 1 14 may operate so as to receive the selected item from the object display unit 104 by suitable positioning of an x-y stage of the item transport unit 1 14 and move so that the selected item is carried to the item dispensing unit 1 12 for collection by the user.
  • a software module running on the virtual machine for the content unit may enable functionality such as one or more of:“Reduce or Add Quantity” of each distinct product/item; add a product to the cart; check the cart; confirmation screen and follow up to a next screen, or directly to the payment gateway; add items to the cart when moving screen ; and a request to proceed to the Payment Gateway.
  • a purchase signal is sent by the control module (for example by the central processing unit of the content unit 100) to a vendor of the selected item so as to initiate dispatch of the selected item to the user.
  • the selected item may be dispatched by post to the user based on details of the user stored in a user database, for example as administered by the payments and identity module 1 8.
  • the selected item may be dispatched or provided to the user, for example by provision of the selected item to the user at a hotel reception desk when in receipt of the purchase signal.
  • the inventory data is updated substantially in real time based on the selected item supplied to the user. Therefore, for example, the inventory data may reflect more accurately the items that are available from the content unit 100, for example to indicate when restocking might be needed. This functionality will be described in more detail later below.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of content unit comprising a plurality of secure lockers according to examples of the disclosure.
  • the example of Figure 7 shows a content unit 200.
  • the content unit 200 has similar functionality to the content unit 100.
  • the content unit 200 according to examples of the disclosure comprises a first transparent touch screen 208a and a second transparent touch screen 208b which cooperate together to implement the screen display areas 1 10a, 1 10b, 110c, and 1 10d in a similar manner to that described above with reference to the content unit 100.
  • the transparent touch screen 108, first transparent touch screen 208a and second transparent touch screen 208b may be implemented as one or more transparent touch screens cooperating together, for example as a plurality of screens acting together as one screen.
  • two horizontally or vertically mounted transparent touch screens could be used to form the second transparent touch screen 208b, although it will be appreciated that any suitable number or arrangement could be used depending on the desired size and/or configuration of the screen display areas 1 10a-1 10d.
  • the content unit 200 comprises a secure locker unit 230.
  • the secure locker unit 230 comprises a plurality of lockers, such as lockers 232a and 232b that can be controlled by the content unit 200 so as to allow a user access to contents of the locker.
  • each locker comprises a door and a remotely controllable lock to hold the door shut.
  • the lock can be operated remotely in response to a control signal from the central processing unit or from one or more other modules of the system 10.
  • a user may purchase an item using a retail application running on a mobile devices such as mobile devices 12 or desktop computing device 14, and collect the purchased item from the locker of the content unit 200.
  • the retail application running on the user’s mobile device such as mobile device 12, may detect where the user’s device is located, for example, via location services implemented by the device.
  • content units such as the content unit 200 within a predetermined distance of the user may be indicated to the user on their device by the retail application.
  • types of products or items associated with those content units may also be indicated to the user by the retail application.
  • the payments and identity module 18 is operable to control access to one or more of the lockers of the secure locker unit 230 based on verification information provided by the user. For example, a QR code may be sent to the user’s device which can then be displayed for image capture by the video camera 1 16 of the content unit 200 to allow the user to access the content of a locker in which their selected and purchased item may be located.
  • a QR code may be sent to the user’s device which can then be displayed for image capture by the video camera 1 16 of the content unit 200 to allow the user to access the content of a locker in which their selected and purchased item may be located.
  • the content unit 100 and/or content unit 200 may be used in a travel retail scenario.
  • one or more content units such as content unit 100 and/or content unit 200 may be placed in transport hub locations such as at departure gates and/or at baggage collection belts of airports.
  • the content units could be placed at other transport locations such as bus or railway stations.
  • brand owners or vendors may arrange to have their products available from the object display unit 104 of the content units.
  • different categories of brands may be available such as electronics, perfumes and cosmetics, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, clothing , handbags, and confectionary, although any type of brand or type of product could be used.
  • a user who may have not had time to purchase anything at duty free may still be able to purchase a desired item from a content unit positioned at a departure gate of an airport.
  • a user forgot to purchase a gift before they boarded the aircraft they may be able to purchase a gift from a content unit positioned near a baggage collection belt at the airport on arrival.
  • the user may use a suitable vending application running on their mobile devices 12 or desktop computing device 14 to pre-order an item that is available from a content unit.
  • the user may enter details into the vending application such as flight number and whether they are boarding from a gate or lounge.
  • the control module or cloud hosting module 24 may then communicate with a content unit such as content unit 16a, and/or content unit 16b and/or content unit 100 or content unit 200 to ensure that the selected item is available for pickup by the user.
  • a QR (quick response) code may be sent to the user’s mobile device via SMS (short message service) to allow them to collect their selected item from the content unit on presentation of the QR code to the video camera 11 6 or other QR code reader.
  • SMS short message service
  • a locker such as 232a may be caused to be accessible to the user so the contents may be accessed, or the item transport unit 1 14 may cause the selected item to be provided from the object display unit 104 to the item dispensing unit 1 12 for collection by the user.
  • the control module may also send one or more reminders to the user’s device to collect their selected item and to confirm gate number for example. In examples, if a user does not collect their selected item, then that item may be returned to the object display unit 104, or retained within the locker. In examples, a refund may be provided in the case of uncollected items.
  • one or more content units such as content unit 16a, and/or content unit 1 6b, content unit 100, and content unit 200 may be positioned within an institution such as a customer service centre or bank for example.
  • Such institutions typically feature a queueing service where customers are served sequentially, based on a ticket number provided by a ticket queue dispensing machine. While waiting to be served, a user may view media content displayed on the transparent touch screen 1 08, first transparent touch screen 208a, or second transparent touch screen 208b that relates to items available from the object display unit 104.
  • the screen(s) of the content units may be caused to display media content that relates to products or offers associated with the institution.
  • an administration system of the institution may be in communication with the control module of the 1 0 so that items provided by the content unit at that institution may be available for purchase via interaction with the institution, for example in conjunction with payment to the institution.
  • the user may then receive a QR code or other verification that allows them to retrieve the selected item from the content unit.
  • the QR code may be provided to the user by a bank teller when serving the user, for redemption by the user at the content unit to obtain the selected item.
  • one or more of the content units may be configured to act as a digital showcase, for example positioned within a hotel lobby.
  • the item transport unit 1 14 and item dispensing unit 1 12 may be omitted or not used.
  • the transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b may be configured to have only one 1 10, although it will be appreciated that any suitable number of screens and screen display areas could be used.
  • the digital showcase may be configured to display luxury items such as jewellery, watches and accessories, although it will be appreciated that any suitable items could be displayed in the object display unit 104 of the content unit.
  • control module is operable to detect one or more attributes of a user within a field of view of the video camera 1 16.
  • the media content is displayed on the transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b based on the detected attributes of the user, for example based on age or gender.
  • the content unit is operable to cause a price of the item or items within the object display unit 104 to be displayed on the transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b.
  • the user may select, via touch input to a suitable user interface, a desired currency for display, as well as other options such as language of display, and delivery or collection options.
  • control module is operable to detect the presence of one or more users within a field of view of the video camera 1 16.
  • the video camera 116 is positioned so that the field of view encompasses an area in front of the transparent touch screen 1 08 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b.
  • the content unit may be configured as a cooler or chiller unit for holding refrigerated or frozen food or beverage products such as ice cream or alcoholic beverages.
  • the item dispensing unit 1 12 and item transport unit 1 14 may be omitted and the object display unit 104 configured as one or more shelves on which food and/or drink items may be placed for collection by the user.
  • the content unit comprises a door which includes the transparent touch screen 108 such that items in the object display unit 104 can be visible through the transparent touch screen 108 when the door is closed.
  • items within the object display unit 1 04 may be accessed by opening the door.
  • the door may be secured by a remotely controllable lock that may be controlled by the central processing module of the content unit for example, or via the cloud hosting module 24.
  • audience metrics may be collected via the video camera 116 based on image analysis of the captured images.
  • the audience metrics may be stored in the cloud server(s) 120 to assist with marketing strategies of the products provided by the content units.
  • one or more users may interact with the content unit via social media, for example by functionality provided by the social media module 22.
  • images captured by the video camera 1 16 may be associated with a user by the social media module 22 for the user to upload to their social media account.
  • control module is operable to receive images captured by the video camera, and analyse the captured images to detect the presence of one or more users within the field of view.
  • control module is operable to detect, by image analysis of the captured images, one or more attributes of the user or users, for example within the field of view of the video camera 1 16.
  • the attributes may relate to one or more of age, gender, height, position of the user with respect to the video camera 1 16, velocity of the user with respect to the video camera 1 16, number of users within the field of view of the video camera 1 16, dwell time within the field of view of the video camera 11 6 (e.g.
  • content is displayed on the screen such as the transparent touch screen 108, or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b based on the one or more attributes.
  • control module is operable to perform gaze detection by carrying out image analysis of the captured images using known techniques so as to detect or estimate a position that a user is looking at on the screen.
  • a content unit such as content unit 100 or content unit 200 may be displaying advertising media content on the transparent touch screen 108 that relates to items in the object display unit 1 04 of that content unit as default display condition. For example, a user may be walking past the content unit while advertising media is being displayed and then the user may pause in front of the content unit.
  • the control module may control the playback of the media content based on the user’s actions.
  • the one or more attributes comprises a location of a user with respect to the screen.
  • media content is displayed on the screen based on the location of the user.
  • the user may be within a first threshold distance of the transparent touch screen 1 08 as detected by image analysis of images captured by the video camera 11 6. If, for example, the user is detected to be with the first threshold distance, then the control unit can cause a change in the media content that is displayed. For example, playback of the media content could be halted, and/or the transparency of the media content could be modified so that the items in the object display unit 104 are more visible.
  • the control module is operable to employ gaze direction detection based on the images captured by the video camera 1 16 and control output of the media content based on the direction of the user’s gaze.
  • the user may look at a particular item in the object display unit 104 and, in response, the control module may cause media content associated with that item, such as specification or price details of that item, to be displayed on the transparent touch screen 108.
  • the control module is operable to detect a length of time that a user is within the first threshold distance.
  • the control module is operable to cause first media content to be displayed and second media content to be displayed, in which the second media content is different from the first media content.
  • the first media content may be advertising content related to the items in the object display unit 104 and the second media content may be product details of the one or more items in the object display unit 104 or a virtual shopping basket for example.
  • the control module is operable to detect if the user is within a second threshold distance of the screen such as transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b. In examples, if the user is then detected as being within the second threshold distance after the predetermined time, then the control module is operable to cause the second media content to be displayed. In examples, if the user is not within the first predetermined distance for greater than the predetermined time, and/or the user is not within the second threshold distance after the predetermined time, then the control module is operable to cause the first media content to be displayed. In examples, the second threshold distance is closer to the transparent touch screen 108 than the first threshold distance. In other words, in examples, displaying the content on the screen is dependent upon a threshold distance (such as the first threshold distance or second threshold distance) between the user and the screen.
  • a threshold distance such as the first threshold distance or second threshold distance
  • control module is operable to stop display of content (such as the first media content) and cause at least a portion of the screen to be substantially transparent when the user is within the threshold distance (such as the first threshold distance or the second threshold distance) of the screen, so that one or more of the items in the object display unit 104 can be visible to the user through the screen.
  • the second media content may be such that the transparent touch screen 108 is substantially transparent.
  • media content may be displayed which relates to possible sale of one or more items in the object display area when the user is within the threshold distance of the screen, such as within the first threshold distance or the second threshold distance.
  • a user may pause within the first threshold distance (for example within 5 meters of the transparent touch screen 108) to view the first media content such as advertising content, but may not be interested in the items or advertising and so move further away again.
  • the first media content may remain being output by the transparent touch screen 1 08.
  • the user may move to within the second threshold distance (for example within 2 meters of the transparent touch screen 108) after having remained within the first threshold distance for greater than the predetermined time (for example 6 seconds). Therefore, the second media content may then be displayed, for example to allow a user to view product details or purchase an item.
  • the predetermined time for example 6 seconds
  • This may help reduce the likelihood that the media content that is displayed is changed when not desired because, for example, users who are walking past the content unit are less likely to be detected as users who are interested in the displayed items of the object display unit 1 04. Furthermore, for example, this may help reduce processing resources needed for displaying the media content, because a likelihood that different media content may need to be accessed and processed frequently may be reduced.
  • display of the content on the screen is dependent upon a duration of time that the user is determined to remain at the same location.
  • media content that is displayed is dependent upon a length of time that the user is within the predetermined distance.
  • the touch screen such as the transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b is operable to receive user input via touch input.
  • the second media content comprises content related to a shopping cart functionality.
  • the control module is operable to receive user input via the touch screen for example to allow a user to purchase an item.
  • the control module may cause a list of available items from the object display unit 104 to be displayed on the touch screen.
  • a user may select one or more items by dragging and dropping them to a shopping cart icon displayed on the touch screen.
  • items may be removed from the shopping cart by a user inputting a touch input at a position corresponding to a trash can icon or“X” icon for example.
  • control module is operable to cause a confirmation icon to be displayed on the touch screen transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b for example.
  • a user may confirm their purchase by touch input at a position corresponding to the confirmation icon.
  • the control module is operable to cause a verification procedure to be carried out, for example via the payments and identity module 1 8.
  • the verification procedure comprises displaying a request for a user’s identification card to be scanned or shown within the field of view of the video camera 1 16 for example for image analysis to determine authenticity.
  • suitable verification techniques could be used, such as user name and password entry, finger print identification, facial recognition , and voice recognition.
  • a payment procedure may be implemented, for example by the payments and identity module 18 to allow the user to pay using a credit or debit card, near field communication (NFC) with a mobile device or mobile wallet, or previously stored payment details for example, although it will be appreciated that any suitable payment method could be used.
  • NFC near field communication
  • a receipt may be provided in soft copy or hard copy via a suitable printing means.
  • the selected item or items can be dispensed from the object display unit 104 using the item transport unit 1 14 to the item dispensing unit 1 12.
  • the user may interact with the information display screen 1 18 which may provide similar functionality.
  • one or more touch screens such as transparent touch screen 108, first transparent touch screen 208a and second transparent touch screen 208b may cooperate together with each other and/or with the information display screen 1 18 to provide shopping cart functionality.
  • the user may interact with the touch screen via gesture recognition based on image analysis of the images captured by the video camera 1 16. For example, gesture recognition may be used to control a user interface of the content unit.
  • control module is operable to cause one or more distinguishing attributes of a user in a user identification database, for examples stored in the cloud server(s) 120.
  • control module is operable to cause a message to be displayed asking the user if they wish their details such as payment details, purchase details, distinguishing attributes and the like to be stored in the user identification database. If the user selects an option allowing their data to be stored, then this data may be used to provide recommendations of other items or products the user might be interested in, and to provide personalised media content for display for example when the user is detected to be within the first threshold distance of the touch screen as detected by facial recognition techniques carried out on the images captured by the video camera 1 16.
  • one or more of the content units may act as a digital showcase.
  • a visitor or guest at a hotel may view a wrist watch displayed in the object display unit 1 04 of a content unit acting as a digital showcase that is located in a hotel lobby.
  • first media content relating to the wrist watch may be displayed on the touch screen.
  • the control module detects from analysis of the images captured by the video camera 1 16 that the user is within the first threshold distance, then playback of the first media content may be halted and the touch screen caused to become substantially transparent so that the wrist watch can be visible through the touch screen.
  • the control module is operable to cause a language selection screen to be displayed on the touch screen so that the user can select their preferred language for interaction for example by touch input at a location on the touch screen corresponding to where an indication of the preferred language is displayed.
  • control module is operable to detect one or more attributes of the user based on image analysis of the captured images.
  • the user may be identified as a male over the age of 18.
  • content displayed may depend on the detected user attributes. For example, if the user is detected to be under an age threshold, such as under the age of 18, then certain types of content or items or merchandise may not be displayed e.g. in relation to alcohol or cigarettes.
  • product recommendations and/or display of media content may be provided based on one or more of: age; gender; ethnicity; and demographics.
  • the 10 is operable to cause a message to be displayed on the touch screen such as the transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b in dependence upon a detected emotion of a user within the field of view of the video camera 1 16 for example.
  • media content may be displayed based on the age or demographic of the user, for example based on previous market research as to what a particular demographic would like to purchase or finds attractive.
  • a message may be displayed asking if the selected item is a gift, for example a gift for a spouse or other family member, partner, friend or acquaintance. If the user selects an affirmative answer, then further media content may be displayed that provides and allows for additional personalisation for example.
  • User verification and payment may be similar to that described above with reference to
  • the user may be presented with an option to have the item delivered to a selected location for example by post.
  • the user may select an option to collect the item from a geographical/physical location, such as the hotel reception desk for example, or other location associated with the content unit.
  • the item may be provided with a personalised note based on information entered by the user when they purchased the item. For example, if the user is intending to check out of the hotel, they may select to have the wrist watch gift wrapped and delivered to their office.
  • the user may select an option to collect the wrist watch from the hotel reception desk or meet a delivery person when the wrist watch is delivered to the hotel so as to be able to check if the item is as desired. If the user is not satisfied, then a refund may be provided, for example via cancellation of the order by interaction with the content unit.
  • the content unit may be a cooler or chiller unit for providing food and/or beverages.
  • the control module is operable to detect an age of a user within the captured images for example by image analysis of the captured images based on machine learning. In some examples, access to items within the content unit may be restricted based on the detected age of the user. In examples, the control module is operable to detect if the age of the user is below an age threshold. In examples, the age threshold is 18 years old, although it will be appreciated that any suitable age could be used.
  • a first user such as a 12 year old boy may walk past the content unit (e.g. configured as a chiller or cooler unit for providing alcoholic beverages).
  • the first user may be attracted by media content being displayed on the touch screen (such as transparent touch screen 108 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b) that relates to extreme sports at an extreme sports event.
  • the control module is operable to detect if a user is within a threshold distance of the screen. For example, the first user may move so as to be within the first distance threshold hold for greater than the predetermined time.
  • control module may detect the first user’s age to be less than the age threshold and so as to cause the screen to display a message that the items in the content unit are only available to users over the age threshold.
  • the door of the cooler unit may thus be controlled so as to restrict access so that it cannot be opened. If, for example, the first user tries open the door, then they may be prevented from doing so, and the cooler unit may optionally display a message informing the first user that access is restricted.
  • a second user who is over the threshold age may wish to obtain a beverage from the cooler unit. If the cooler unit detects that the second user is over the threshold age, then the cooler unit may display media asking if the second user would like to participate in a game in order to win a free beverage. If, for example, the second user selects“yes” via input to the touch screen, then the control module may initiate execution of the game.
  • the game may comprise a user controlling an image of hands displayed on the touch screen to catch branded drinks cans that are shown falling on the touch screen.
  • the cooler unit may be operable to detect one or more gestures of the user to control the game so that the number of cans that are caught within the game may be redeemed for a real beverage in the cooler unit.
  • the game may become more difficult with time, for example by speeding up the rate that the cans are shown to fall or increasing the number of cans.
  • the control module may control the door to allow the user access to the beverages within the cooler unit.
  • the cooler unit is operable to detect a number of items removed by the user, for example by image analysis or by weight sensitive sensor pads located beneath respective items in the object display unit 1 04. If a user is detected as removing a number of items that does not match an authorised number of items, then an alarm may be caused to be output, for example to deter the user from removing an incorrect number of items for which they are not authorised.
  • the interaction with the media content displayed on the screen may be controlled by user gesture recognition performed on the captured images.
  • the system 10 is operable to detect, by image analysis of the captured images, a speed of motion of the user towards the screen, such as the transparent touch screen 1 08 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b.
  • a speed of motion of the user towards the screen such as the transparent touch screen 1 08 or first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b.
  • an alarm may be triggered.
  • motion towards the screen which is greater than the threshold speed may indicate that a user may be trying to smash the screen so as to obtain unauthorised access to one or more of the items in the object display unit 104. Therefore, by triggering an alarm, such as an audible alert and/or displaying warning media content on the screen, as would-be thief may be deterred, thus helping to improve the security of the content unit.
  • the system 10 is operable to cause the content unit, such as the content unit 1 00 or content unit 200 to reduce a power output of the screen if no users are detected within the field of view.
  • the contrast, or display brightness may be reduced if no users are detected within the field of view of the video camera 116 by image analysis.
  • one or more software modules may be provided, for example hosted on the cloud server(s) 120 or implemented in one or more of the content units, or in cooperation with other modules of the system 10.
  • the system may implement as software running on appropriate hardware as one or more of : a brand owner management module; a landlord management and access module; a field operator management and access module; a customer access module; and an administrator module.
  • the brand owners management module may allow brand owners to update product-related details and monitor buying and consumption patterns at different points of sale such as different content units.
  • the brand owners management module may provide one or more of the following functionality and data by way of example only.
  • a user such as each brand manager, may have access to the system 10 to be able to update the products of their brand that will be available at each location such as for each content unit.
  • a location hierarchy for each content unit is distributed as follows: i. Country, ii. Channel, iii. Group, iv. Network.
  • at least two or more of the content units may be associated with each other as a common group.
  • the types of physical items within a respective object display area of each content unit within the common group may be the same as each other.
  • the same media content may be displayed on respective transparent touch screens of each of the content units in the common group.
  • Grouping the content units as a common group, for example based on location, may help better manage transactions and maintain an efficient supply chain processes.
  • the add/delete/edit products function may allow brand managers to manage product details for example by adding, deleting or editing product or items details.
  • content units may be grouped. This may allow brand managers to save time on content dissemination and remote management. For example, when advertisement content is created, activating the ad on a group of content units at substantially the same time may help save time for disseminating the content and give a unified marketing strategy across different content unit.
  • the access vending machine by group/by location function may allow network access to content units by location facilitates management of the content and transactions.
  • data relating to a product or item may be stored in a product information database, in the inventory, or other suitable database and may comprise one or more of :
  • Basic description data provides basic information, for example to allow the product/item to be identified.
  • Detailed description data provides a detailed description of a product/item that includes more details about the product/item than the basic description in a more explanatory manner.
  • the detailed description includes data relating to product/item variations and complementary products/items.
  • Price data includes information about the price of the products/item.
  • price data may be modified or added/removed only by certain categories of users such as brand owners or system administrators. However, it will be appreciated that other categories of user’s could be allowed access to modify the price data.
  • Image and media data may be stored which relates to one or more products/items.
  • image data relating to a picture or view of the product may be stored, for example to be displayed when a user selects an item by touch input to an icon of view of that item on the transparent touch screen 1 08.
  • Category data relates to one or more categories of a product/item such as item type (e.g. consumer electronics, food and beverage, jewelry, perfumes, and so forth). For example, this may help identify an appropriate location for placing those products/items in one or more of the content units.
  • item type e.g. consumer electronics, food and beverage, jewelry, perfumes, and so forth.
  • this may help identify an appropriate location for placing those products/items in one or more of the content units.
  • a product could be listed under more than one category, for example to encourage cross-selling of products and increase revenue.
  • Product placement and positioning data indicates possible placement of one or more products/items within the content unit, for example within the object display unit 104.
  • a position of one or more products within the object display unit 104 indicated by a sorting index may be selected by a user such as a brand manager, for example to decide the actual placement of products/items inside the content unit.
  • Product dimension data Indicates dimensions or size of one or more products/items.
  • the product dimension data may be user to determine how many units/pieces of each product/item can fit in the content unit and how to position them efficiently.
  • the dimension data includes data which relates to width, height, and length , for example of an exterior of packaging of the product.
  • the units of measurement may be inches or centimeters, although any appropriate measurement unit could be used.
  • the monitor transactions may allow users such as brand managers to view live transaction data, for example based on the inventory data. For example, this may allow brand managers to be up-to-date on what products/items are in most demand and which products/items are not being sold well, so that they can come up with marketing strategies and better allocate space to products/items in the content unit.
  • the monitor transactions function may be configured to cause transaction history to be displayed for example so that users such as brand managers will be able to see transaction history if they need to.
  • the manage inventory function may allow monitoring of the inventory, for example to allow users such as brand managers to better distribute their products/items to make sure that content units are stocked with the desired items, for example for purchase. For example, a single brand’s products may be available from a plurality of content units, so the brand manager may be able to see the inventory data based on location to make sure that re-stocking process is efficient and ongoing .
  • the manage advertising content function may allow a user, such as a brand manager to upload advertisement content and/or upload games to one or more content units.
  • advertising content may be updated and uploaded based on one or more guidelines intended to maintain a unified format and quality of advertisements on the one or more content units.
  • one or more games may be uploaded to one or more content units for execution of the respective content units.
  • promotional items may be given out to users/customers after they complete a small riddle or game by interacting with the content unit, for example via the transparent touch screen 108 and/or the video camera 1 16.
  • one or more guidelines may be provided to users, such as brand managers, to assist in creation of one or more games to offer customers promotional items.
  • the promotions function may allow encouragement of cross-selling and up selling of products.
  • the promotions function may allow a user, such as a brand manager to devise promotional deals and add them to the system 10 for dissemination to one or more content units.
  • the promotions may comprises one or more of: a“buy one item and get the other free” promotion ; promotional items; sample items; and bulk promotions, although it will be appreciated that other promotions may be provided.
  • one or more products/items may be provided for free or for testing via one or more content units.
  • the free items function may allow a user, such as a brand manager to select one or more products/items that may be loaded into the content unit, such as the object display unit 104 within the content unit 100 for availability to a user.
  • the report function may generate one or more reports relating to performance and customer/user data in a suitable data format such as a spreadsheet format or portable document (pdf) format.
  • a suitable data format such as a spreadsheet format or portable document (pdf) format.
  • a landlord is taken to mean a user who is, for example, a venue owner or manager of a location where one or more of the content units are located, for example at a bank, a cinema, a restaurant, a construction site or workshop, or other location .
  • the landlord management and access module may provide one or more of the following functionality and data by way of example only.
  • the view transactions function is operable to allow the landlord is able to view transaction data related to transactions that take place at a point of sale, such as at one or more content units.
  • the landlord may be restricted from making any edits to the transaction data or exporting any of the transaction data related to transactions.
  • the view transactions function may allow read-only access to the transaction data.
  • a landlord may obtain revenue and income via leasing of space for a location of one or more content units and/or revenue sharing with one or more brand owners or suppliers or the products/items. For example, revenue sharing may be carried out by calculating commissions, and sales tax such as tax by percentage or as a flat rate.
  • the view income function may allow a landlord to see how much he will be collecting at the end of a particular time period, such as at the end of a month.
  • the view brands and products function may allow a landlord to view data related to the brand(s) of the products/items available at their location.
  • the view brands and products function may also send notifications to the landlord for example, to their mobile devices 12 or desktop computing device 14 whenever there is a maintenance/repair visit from field operators, or when the content units need to be re-stocked.
  • a field operator may be a third party user who is responsible for the physical content units, for example for maintenance and troubleshooting , and restocking.
  • a field operation team may handle set-up, maintenance & fulfillment of all installed hardware such as the content units.
  • the field operation team may be responsible for assisting shoppers and troubleshooting any mechanical issues with the content units.
  • one or more members of a field operation team may deliver online purchases made on a content unit, for example, to one or more lockers of the secure locker unit 230.
  • the field operator management and access module may provide one or more of the following functionality and data by way of example only.
  • the machine related details function may allow a field operator to view details about one or more content units, based on content unit data such as inventory data for that content unit, specification data, location data and the like.
  • each field operator may be assigned one or more content units within a predetermined area, for example to help ensure those content units are functioning correctly.
  • the view all assigned content units function may allow a user, such as a field operator, to view information related to channels, groups, and networks, for content units to which they have been assigned.
  • the content unit status function may allow a user, such as a field operator, to view a status of one or more content units.
  • the content unit status function is operable to monitor a status of one or more content units, for example, to determine if it is operating correctly. If it determined that a content unit is not operating correctly, or requires maintenance, for example, the content unit status function is operable to cause the system to notify the field operator, for example via their mobile devices 12 or desktop computing device 14, about affected areas/parts of the content unit.
  • the inventory restock alert function may cause the system to notify a user, such as a field operator, that the content unit may need restocking.
  • technical manual data may be available to one or more users such as field operators for example as soft copy documentation of content unit technical manuals and instructions to deal with minor issues if they occur.
  • the technical manual data comprises data relating to one or more of:
  • the customer related support function may allow a user, such as a field operator, to view one or more transactions that were carried out on the content units to which they have been assigned. For example, this may help in troubleshooting.
  • the customer related support function may operate as a call centre for technical support calls, for example if a user, such as a customer, is having difficulty using a content unit.
  • a user of the content unit for example a purchaser of content via the content unit, may be considered to be a customer.
  • the customer access module may provide one or more of the following functionality and data by way of example only.
  • the promotional advertisement function is operable to cause media content relating to one or more advertisements for the items/products in the object display unit 104 for example.
  • the transparent touch screen 108 may be caused to act as a full-screen digital signage display, for example to help attract customers.
  • the customer access module may allow different payment modes to be carried out, for example in cooperation with the payments and identity module 18.
  • the payment function may generate a QR code that may be scanned by a user’s device such as a desktop computing device 14 or mobile devices 12 so as to allow payment via a mobile wallet application running of their device, or via another online payment system.
  • the payment function may allow payment via credit or debit card to be performed, for example, by user entry of payment details to the content unit via the transparent touch screen 108 or information display screen 11 8 for example.
  • the support service function may allow a user to access support services, such as customer or technical support, for example via an interface on the transparent touch screen 108 or information display screen 1 18 of the content unit.
  • a gaming function may be provided to enable the content unit to execute a game for interaction by a user, such as a customer.
  • the game may allow a user to win free merchandise, or a discount if they are successful at the game.
  • the game may be provided on the content unit for entertainment of a user, such as a customer.
  • the gaming function may be implemented before, during, or after a purchase.
  • a degree of access to one or more functions of the system 10 by a user or users may depend on a level of access granted, for example by a user who is an administrator.
  • the administrator module may provide one or more of the following functionality and data by way of example.
  • the platform, roles and permissions function is operable to manage accounts and their roles and permissions of the system 10.
  • the platform, roles and permissions function is operable to manage the visibility of data available stored in the system 10 to the users. For example, two different brand managers may be restricted from seeing the products/items and inventory of one another.
  • management function for brand managers account function may offer one or more of the following functionality:
  • a user such as an administrator may be able to modify and/or manage details that another user, such as a brand manager may enter into the system 10, for example to allow the ability to edit or delete data or entries as appropriate.
  • Transaction history for each brand may be viewed by a user, such as an administrator, for example for later reference if needed.
  • the transaction history may be set so as to restrict or not allow editing or deletion of the transaction history.
  • Inventory data may be viewed for example by brand, or by content unit.
  • Manage products product details may be managed for example as added by users such as brand managers, for example including data relating to a product/item description and dimensions or prices.
  • Manage groups may allow an administrator to manage a plurality of tasks and content substantially at the same time.
  • Content verification may allow verification of media content that will be visible on the touch screens (such as transparent touch screen 108, first transparent touch screen 208a and/or second transparent touch screen 208b), for example media content relating to advertisement, digital signage distribution, special deals and gaming function content.
  • landlord accounts may include one or more of: adding/editing/deleting landlord accounts on the system 10; assigning a user such as a landlord to different locations; showing a user such as a landlord how much revenue they will be collecting at end of a predetermined time period such as at the end of a month; allowing a user such as a landlord to view transaction history data of the content units located at their premises; and allowing a user such as landlord to see the names of the brands and products/items available in a content unit, for example, associated with a location that they manage.
  • the managing field operator accounts function may allow one or more of the following :
  • the managing field operator accounts function may allow a user, such as an administrator, edit or add contact details of one or more field operators, such as names, phone number, email, and other details.
  • a degree to which information is visible to one or more users such as one or more field operators may depend on an access level granted to them.
  • a user such as an administrator may manage the visibility of transactions to the field operators via the managing field operator accounts function depending on the content units the field operator(s) are assigned to.
  • Maintenance and support history for example history records of all the maintenance and support tasks performed by each user such as each field operators may be visible to a user such as the administrator.
  • the managing field operator accounts function may be operable to allow viewing of data relating to what parts of the content unit may have been fixed/replaced by a field operator, and when, and how long the repair took, for example.
  • the managing field operator accounts function may allow viewing of data related to field operator schedules, for example in relation to a maintenance and repair task.
  • a user such as an administrator, may confirm a request for maintenance via the Managing field operator accounts function.
  • Managing payment methods function may be operable to allow viewing of data relating to what parts of the content unit may have been fixed/replaced by a field operator, and when, and how long the repair took, for example.
  • the managing field operator accounts function may allow viewing of data related to field operator schedules, for example in relation to a maintenance and repair task.
  • a user such as an administrator, may confirm a request for maintenance via the Managing field operator
  • a payment gateway function may be provided which may be managed by the managing payment methods function.
  • online payment for example via a website offering such a service may be possible.
  • a QR code may be used to direct a user’s account to an online payment page or website.
  • payment via credit or debit card may be possible
  • the managing payment methods function may cooperate with the payments and identity module 18 to verify payment for example.
  • data analytics such as those carried out on transaction history data may be used to generate data-driven decisions, for example to help determine bestselling products and most desired brands, and/or to see how purchasing habits may be changing.
  • the administrator module may be operable to record audience impression metrics such as total viewer counts, viewing times, and demographic information such as gender and age. For privacy purposes, collected data may be anonymous so that the metrics data is not associated with a specific individual.
  • the audience impression metrics may be used for one or more of : measuring the return-on-investment (ROI) for in-store marketing; gauging the effectiveness of advertising campaigns; tailoring screen content based on audience characteristics; and helping to determine optimum locations for content units and signage efficiency.
  • ROI return-on-investment
  • the content unit is a vending machine.
  • the content unit may be a digital showcase, or cooler or chiller unit, for example for use in the hotel, restaurant, or cafe (HORECA) industry.
  • HRECA hotel, restaurant, or cafe
  • any other suitable type of content unit could be used to implement examples of the disclosure.
  • a degree of transparency of media content displayed on the touch screen or touch screens may vary, for example it may vary with time, or have a predetermined degree of transparency for that media content. In other words, for example, media content and other images displayed on the touch screen(s) may have any degree of transparency as appropriate.
  • touch input functionality may be omitted from one or more of the screens such as from the transparent touch screen 108, information display screen 1 18, first transparent touch screen 208a, and/or second transparent touch screen 208b.
  • gesture input via captured images may be used to interact with the content unit, or other suitable input device may be used, such as track ball, keyboard, mouse, game controller, or user interface application running on a user’s desktop computing device 14 for example.
  • the computer readable storage medium may be a removable or non-removable storage device such as a magnetic disc drive, hard disc drive (HDD), optical disc such as compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), solid state drive (SSD) or tape drive, although the skilled person would appreciate that other storage mediums could be used.
  • the storage medium may comprise one or more of: volatile and/or non-volatile storage media; and removable and/or non-removable media implemented in a suitable method and device or devices for storage of information such as by appropriate data structures, computer readable instructions (such as software), program modules or other appropriate forms of data.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Finance (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
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  • Marketing (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé pour fournir un ou plusieurs articles physiques à un utilisateur à l'aide d'un système qui comprend une unité de contenu et un module de commande. Le module de commande est apte à communiquer avec l'unité de contenu par l'intermédiaire d'un réseau. L'unité de contenu comprend un boîtier qui comprend une zone d'affichage d'objet à l'intérieur du boîtier pour afficher un ou plusieurs articles physiques en vue d'un achat par un utilisateur, et un écran tactile transparent monté sur le boîtier. L'écran tactile transparent est agencé par rapport à la zone d'affichage d'objet de telle sorte que les articles physiques peuvent être visibles à travers l'écran et de telle sorte que des images associées aux articles physiques peuvent être affichées sur l'écran tactile transparent. L'écran tactile est apte à recevoir une entrée d'utilisateur à partir de l'utilisateur. Le procédé consiste à afficher, sur l'écran tactile, un contenu multimédia associé à un ou plusieurs des articles physiques dans la zone d'affichage d'objet. Le contenu multimédia qui est affiché dépend de données d'inventaire indiquant des articles disponibles à l'achat. Le procédé consiste à recevoir, par l'intermédiaire de l'écran tactile, une entrée d'utilisateur indiquant un article sélectionné qui est sélectionné par l'utilisateur en vue d'un achat, et à traiter, par le module de commande par l'intermédiaire du réseau, un paiement pour l'article sélectionné. Le procédé consiste en outre à fournir l'article sélectionné à l'utilisateur, et à mettre à jour les données d'inventaire sensiblement en temps réel sur la base de l'article sélectionné fourni à l'utilisateur.
PCT/IB2019/055900 2018-07-13 2019-07-11 Procédé et système pour fournir un ou plusieurs articles physiques à un utilisateur WO2020012395A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1811554.3A GB2575512A (en) 2018-07-13 2018-07-13 Method and system for supplying one or more physical items to a user
GB1811554.3 2018-07-13

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WO2020012395A1 true WO2020012395A1 (fr) 2020-01-16

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US20140316560A1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2014-10-23 Coin Acceptors, Inc. Vending machine controller with innovative display features
KR20170033083A (ko) * 2015-09-16 2017-03-24 주식회사 아스티엄 스마트 벤딩머신 장치 및 이를 포함하는 스마트 벤딩머신 관리 시스템
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US8417376B1 (en) * 2011-01-28 2013-04-09 Christopher M. Smolen Method and means for viewing selecting and taking action relative to an item of a group of items
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US20090281891A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2009-11-12 Walker Jay S Systems and methods for vending machine financing
JP2012022589A (ja) * 2010-07-16 2012-02-02 Hitachi Ltd 商品選択支援方法
US20140316560A1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2014-10-23 Coin Acceptors, Inc. Vending machine controller with innovative display features
KR20170033083A (ko) * 2015-09-16 2017-03-24 주식회사 아스티엄 스마트 벤딩머신 장치 및 이를 포함하는 스마트 벤딩머신 관리 시스템
US20180053219A1 (en) * 2016-05-31 2018-02-22 Jay Hutton Interactive signage and data gathering techniques

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114038116A (zh) * 2021-11-17 2022-02-11 北京牧家科技有限公司 一种自动售货柜的检测方法和系统
CN114038116B (zh) * 2021-11-17 2023-09-22 北京牧家科技有限公司 一种自动售货柜的检测方法和系统

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GB2575512A (en) 2020-01-15

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