TOUR VIDEO MONTATE
`
`US009898884B1
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Arora et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
`Feb . 20 , 2018
`
`( 54 ) METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PERSONAL
`VENDING
`( 71 ) Applicants : Mandeep Arora , San Francisco , CA
`( US ) ; Anant Agrawal , San Francisco ,
`CA ( US ) ; Iryna Bandura , Kyiv ( UA ) ;
`Oleksii Chvala , Kyiv ( UA ) ; Allen
`Aung Kyaw Lwin , San Francisco , CA
`( US ) ; Boris Glants , Mt . View , CA
`( US ) ; Justin Grant , Berkeley , CA ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventors : Mandeep Arora , San Francisco , CA
`( US ) ; Anant Agrawal , San Francisco ,
`CA ( US ) ; Iryna Bandura , Kyiv ( UA ) ;
`Oleksii Chvala , Kyiv ( UA ) ; Allen
`Aung Kyaw Lwin , San Francisco , CA
`( US ) ; Boris Glants , Mt . View , CA
`( US ) ; Justin Grant , Berkeley , CA ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : Cantaloupe Systems , Inc . , San
`Francisco , CA ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 834 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 13 / 857 , 129
`Apr . 4 , 2013
`ã ã o ( 22 ) Filed :
`( 51 )
`Int . Ci .
`( 2006 . 01 )
`GO7F 11 / 00
`( 2012 . 01 )
`G060 30 / 02
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . GO7F 11 / 002 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G06Q 30 / 0226
`( 2013 . 01 )
`Field of Classification Search
`G07F 11 / 002 ; G07F 9 / 023
`??? . . . . . . . . . . . .
`. . . . . . . . . . .
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 58 )
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`G060 20 / 20
`7 , 249 , 050 B1 *
`7 / 2007 Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`700 / 231
`7 , 451 , 892 B2 * 11 / 2008 Walker et al . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 / 237
`1 / 2009 Boncyk et al . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382 / 165
`7 . 477 , 780 B2 *
`7 , 499 , 769 B2 *
`3 / 2009 Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO6Q 10 / 06
`700 / 236
`7 , 756 , 604 B1 *
`7 / 2010 Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO6Q 20 / 342
`700 / 236
`8 , 781 , 622 B2 *
`7 / 2014 Mockus et al . . . . . . . . . .
`700 / 237
`7 / 2002 Baric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 20 / 342
`2002 / 0084322 A1 *
`235 / 381
`2002 / 0161598 A1 * 10 / 2002 Kim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`· G06Q 20 / 204
`705 / 1 . 1
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Gene O Crawford
`Assistant Examiner — Stephen L Akridge
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Kim Rubin Patent Agent
`ABSTRACT
`( 57 )
`A system and method for vending products to a customer
`that encompasses a group of vending machines managed by
`a vending company , a database of the inventory of products
`in the vending machines and information about customer
`purchase history from the vending machines , and the use of
`a personal electronic device by the customer . Embodiments
`include the customer selecting either products or vending
`machines from
`a list of options provided via the user
`interface of the personal electronic device , wherein the list
`of options depends on the actual available inventory on
`vending machines co - located with customer , and the cus
`tomer purchase history . Methods are described to permit
`advance purchases with deferred dispensing , and methods of
`payment that are both fast and automatic . Also described are
`methods of identifying vending machines and ordering a
`group of products as single request .
`12 Claims , 7 Drawing Sheets
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
`Page 2
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`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2002 / 0165787 A1 * 11 / 2002 Bates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOOQ 10 / 02
`705 / 26 . 81
`2003 / 0236872 A1 * 12 / 2003 Atkinson
`. . . . . 709 / 223
`5 / 2004 Reade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 20 / 20
`2004 / 0103033 A1 *
`705 / 16
`2005 / 0060062 A1 *
`3 / 2005 Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 10 / 087
`700 / 236
`2006 / 0081653 A1 *
`4 / 2006 Boland . . . . . . . . . . .
`A473 31 / 40
`222 / 243
`2006 / 0102645 A1 *
`5 / 2006 Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 10 / 087
`221 / 75
`2007 / 0036470 A1 *
`2 / 2007 Piersol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06K 9 / 00577
`382 / 306
`2007 / 0095901 A1 *
`5 / 2007 Illingworth . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 30 / 02
`235 / 381
`2007 / 0198432 Al *
`8 / 2007 Pitroda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G06Q 20 / 02
`705 / 64
`2008 / 0006649 A1 *
`1 / 2008 Masters . . . . . . . . . . . .
`G06Q 30 / 00
`221 / 154
`2008 / 0083770 A1 *
`4 / 2008 Godwin
`. G07F 17 / 16
`221 / 9
`2010 / 0228391 A1 *
`9 / 2010 Hudis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G07F 11 / 00
`700 / 241
`2010 / 0275267 A1 *
`10 / 2010 Walker et al . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`. 726 / 26
`3 / 2014 Zuckerman et al . . . . . . . 705 / 14 . 37
`2014 / 0089077 A1 *
`* cited by examiner
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`atent
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`Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`Fig . 1
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`Feb . 20 , 2018
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`Fig . 2
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`GPS
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`Database
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`o
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`14
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`Cellular A
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`Cellular
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`Server
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`20
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`Fish
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`sue @ vend - vend
`61 .
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`D
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`8
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`Ven
`Machine
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`22
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`Access Point
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`Sheet 3 0f7
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 Bl
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`Fig . 3
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`VEND
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`omment
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`More ? ? ?
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`6 gr fiber
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`Coupon from
`Sugar - 0s . . .
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`H
`
`G
`
`F
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`E
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`
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`Tables C C D D Customer Fig . 4 Database
`Address 203 . 0 . 113 . 1
`Customer Name
`Customer ID 4567
`
`B
`
`Suzie
`
`A
`
`Other Information < ? xml ver . . .
`
`Introduction Date
`
`2 / 15 / 13
`
`Other Information
`Machine ID 491 4431 4431 4431
`How Paid Coins Coins Bills NFC
`Total Purchases 9 119
`Purchase Time 11 : 31 PM 4 : 13 PM 3 : 58 PM 10 : 01 AM
`Purchase
`
`
`
`
`
`Product Name Date
`
`67
`
`Promo 1 Icon Code Code 66
`667 - UY | 98
`Nutrition 1 Code
`
`G9 H01
`F5
`
`198 . 51 . 100 . 1 188
`
`Sell By
`
`10 / 1 / 22
`4 / 1 / 14 4 / 1 / 14
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`18
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`Inventory
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`Product SKU 9900 - 31 3345 - AA 4450 - 00
`
`3
`
`431
`
`2
`
`
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`
`
`Address Icon Code
`
`Machine
`
`1 / 1 / 92 7 / 13 / 13
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`7 / 1 / 13
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`
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`Magic Almonds 7 / 12 / 13
`
`Machine Machine Location
`
`Route 600
`
`Howard St . 166
`
`Cola
`Product SKU 1234 - 45 9900 - 31 3345 - AA 4450 - 00
`
`Machine ID
`4431
`
`Coil ID
`
`A1
`A2
`
`11 12
`10
`
`14
`18
`13
`15 16
`17
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`25
`26
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`63
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`Fig . 5
`64 64
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`VEEKEND
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`65
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`LIO
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`O Weereen
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`O O 38
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`non possipsterwerder entend
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`62
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`-
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`Sheet 6 of 7
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`Fig . 6
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`789
`Customer
`Transaction Distance to Vending
`Machine ?
`Yes I
`Send Customer Message Based
`on Machine & Customer Data
`
`92
`
`94
`
`95
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`7
`
`Location
`Database
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`93
`Machine Data ;
`Customer Data
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`96 96
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`Security ; Validity ;
`Communication ; Inventory
`
`INQ
`
`No
`
`Customer Response ?
`
`Yes
`
`y
`
`Verify Response
`
`Wait for
`Dispensing Distance
`Confirmation
`Yes
`
`Transmit Command to
`Vending Machine .
`
`Enter Transaction
`Data in
`Database
`
`100
`
`99
`
`>
`
`Database
`Database
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`Fig . 7
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`111
`
`ID WO
`
`Use Camera
`116
`HAPPY
`FRIDAY
`114
`LUNCH
`TIME
`
`HUNGRY
`115 5
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`Please identify
`your machine . . .
`
`112
`113
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`45
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`appreciate . These features are neither all required , nor is the
`METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PERSONAL
`VENDING
`list comprehensive . However , the aggregate of various fea
`tures , as unusually synergistic and novel , provide benefits
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`and results not expected from any previous implementation
`Payment and product selection from vending machine 5 of individual features , as will be explained .
`In brief , this invention allows a vending customer to use
`now typically follows the following sequence :
`her own mobile electronic device as a second , virtual , or
`( a ) The customer inserts cash or swipes a payment card
`replacement “ front panel ” for one or more physical vending
`using a reader on the vending machine ;
`( b ) The customer makes a single product selection by 10 machines . The basic functions available to the customer
`selecting the numeric or alphanumeric identifier for the
`include product selection , payment and vending — all with
`location of the visible product in the vending machine ;
`out physically touching the vending machine . The invention
`( c ) The vending machine vends the selected product and
`includes novel means to identify the vending machine ,
`provides change , if required , based on a stored product
`including identification based on available local wireless
`price for the selection made .
`16 networks , user location data such as GPS , and on - machine
`Although this sequence was original a consequence of the 15
`graphics .
`mechanical design of early vending machines , this is still the
`Other features and benefits of embodiments of this inven
`sequence used on machines with modern , electronic con
`tion include :
`trollers .
`Vending machines with drinks that are not visible , typi
`a ) fast and simple product selection by the customer ;
`cally soft drinks in cans , often have a small number ( e . g . , 20
`b ) ability of the vending company to offer a customer
`six ) of buttons for drink selection . Those buttons typically
`product suggestions ;
`have the name of the product , and often , a brand or other
`c ) ability of the customer to select multiple products at
`visual product identifier on , next to , or visible through the
`once ;
`button .
`d ) ability of the customer to purchase a product combi
`This system suffers from a number of product sale weak - 75
`nation in a single transaction wherein components of
`nesses that do not affect the majority of non - vending point
`the product combination are more than one vending
`of - sale purchases . For example , making multiple product
`machine ;
`purchases at the same time requires repeating the full
`e ) ability of the customer to pay via different modes ;
`sequence of steps from the start for each desired product . As
`f ) elimination of the need for the customer to carry cash
`a second example , the price is constant for all customers ,
`s promotions , or lovaltys
`or a physical payment card :
`with no possibility of sales , coupons , promotions , or loyalty
`programs . As a third example , there is no practical method
`g ) storage and convenient presentation of the customer ' s
`to provide additional information about a product , except as
`preferred products ;
`what can be seen from the front of the vending machine . As
`h ) elimination of offering to a customer a product that is
`a fourth example , there is no customer service possible , such
`not in stock ;
`as product recommendations based on current or prior 35
`i ) elimination of offering to a customer a product that is
`product preferences of the customer . As a fifth example , for
`past its “ sell by ” date ;
`most machines , the customer is selecting a desired product
`j ) ability of the customer to request additional product
`via a crude identifier , such as C7 , rather than the name of the
`information , such as ingredients or nutrition ;
`product , which is what the customer knows . As a sixth
`example , the user interface for different vending machines is 40
`k ) ability of the vending company to provide additional
`product information to the customer ;
`not consistent . As the customer uses different vending
`machines the customer has to examine and figure out the
`1 ) ability of the vending company to promote new prod
`exact requirements of each particular machine , such as the
`ucts ;
`location of the desired product , how the identification codes
`m ) ability of the vending company to participate in
`revenue generating promotions by product manufactur
`are entered , and the price .
`This invention overcomes all of these weaknesses of the
`ers ;
`n ) knowledge to the vending company about product
`current vending technology , which is the prior art .
`combination purchases ;
`Some vending machines now have a LCD panel , which
`0 ) ability to charge different customers different prices ;
`may also be a touch panel . This more sophisticated interface
`provides some benefits , such as the customer being able to 50
`p ) ability to have product sales ;
`select products by name or icon . However , there are major
`9 ) ability to use coupons and other promotions ;
`drawbacks to this approach . First , the panels are expensive .
`r ) ability for the customer to provide feedback to the
`vending company ;
`Second , it is difficult to retrofit the vending machines . Third ,
`the panels present a much higher risk of vandalism or
`) a standard interface for the customer while still using a
`variety of vending machines ;
`failure . Fourth , the use of the panels does not enable 55
`customer - centric knowledge , such as product preferences , or
`t ) ability of the customer to request directions to a nearby
`vending machine that stocks a requested product ;
`loyalty programs .
`Vending machines present unique sales and customer
`u ) ability of the vending company to direct the customer
`services challenges considerably distinct from physical
`to the nearest qualified vending machine ;
`v ) ability of the vending company to place machines in a
`stores , catalog purchase , and internet purchases .
`less public or less visible location , yet still maintain
`Prior art includes user interfaces for non - vended products ,
`such as provided by Amazon . com or Netflix . com .
`sufficient sales from that machine ;
`w ) ability of the management at the machine location to
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`participate in vending machine and product manage
`ment ;
`The features discussed below exist in various embodi
`x ) ability of the vending company to receive feedback
`ments of the invention , as one trained in the art will
`directly from customers at the time of the sale ;
`
`65
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`15
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`need not be portable , or handheld , although those are
`y ) ability to implement loyalty programs , including varia -
`preferred embodiments . Communication may be via a wire
`tions on loyalty programs such as third party loyalty
`less connection , such as Bluetooth® , Wi - FiTM ( IEEE
`programs or points that may be used in third party
`programs ;
`802 . 11 ) , a 3G or 4G data cellular connection , near - field
`z ) ability of customer to request that a vending machine 5 communication ( NFC ) , a wired connection to the internet , or
`stock a desired product ;
`other wireless communication means , including future com
`aa ) ability of customer to initiate , manage or orchestrate
`munication means as such technology changes rapidly .
`a program to convince a vending company to stock a
`Other user interfaces include audio , which may be one
`vending machine with a desired product ;
`way or two - way . Some user interfaces include touch input
`bb ) ability of a group of affiliated customers to vote on 10 and haptic output . For example , a list of products may be
`product preferences ;
`displayed on a scrollable screen , or read audibly to a
`cc ) ability of the vending company to offer sufficient
`customer . The customer may select from the displayed list
`motivation to a non - customer to become a customer ;
`with a touch , and select from the read list with a voice
`dd ) ability of the product manufacture to interact with or
`selection .
`In one embodiment the invention includes an application
`communicate directly with the end customer ;
`ee ) ability of the vending company to sell advertising or
`( " app " ) , software that runs on the user device . In another
`promotions , including advertising or promotions to
`embodiment the application runs on a server under the
`control of the vending company . The user may use a browser
`customer from the product manufacturers ;
`ff ) ability of the customer to track health - related infor -
`or an app to access the cloud - based application . The appli
`mation based on the customer ' s vending product pur - 20 cation manages the features in
`a convenient and highly
`integrated way to provide benefits and results unexpected by
`chases ;
`gg ) ability of the customer to “ bank ” money by overpay -
`the combination of individual features , as will be explained .
`ing , or refusing change , where the banked money may
`Then , when a customer experiences a problem with a
`machine or product , or the customer has a request for a
`be used towards future purchases ;
`hh ) ability of one machine to provide change for the 25 product , the customer communicates this information or
`customer to use to use to make a purchase on another
`request via the app .
`Although there is typically a list of machines already
`machine ;
`ii ) ability for one customer to make a purchase on behalf
`associated with the customer , it is frequently desirable for
`of another customer ;
`the customer to be able to indicate a specific machine . This
`jj ) ability to provide more complex product options , such 30 invention provides several means to do this quickly and
`conveniently . In one embodiment , the app provides a set of
`as vending condiments or napkins ;
`kk ) ability of the customer to receive coins or bills from
`graphical images for the machines associated with the
`a vending machine ;
`customer . These images might be photographs , drawings , or
`11 ) ability of the customer to show off her personal
`icons of the machines , including , if necessary , some textual
`electronics ;
`35 or contextual information about the location of the machine ,
`mm ) ability of the customer to participate in voting for
`such that the customer may quickly see from the displayed
`images the desired machine ( for example , a drink machine
`new vended products ;
`nn ) ability of the customer to purchase products as gifts
`versus a snack machine ) . The customer selects the desired
`machine with a touch , click , voice or other user - input action .
`for other customers ;
`00 ) ability of the customer to make a purchase in advance 40
`In a simple example , a customer walks near a machine .
`of being adjacent to a vending machine ;
`The app , knowing the location of the customer , the machine
`pp ) ability to queue up more than one pending product
`and its current inventory , the customer ' s preferences and
`sale on one vending machine and then dispense the
`purchasing history , including products and typical purchase
`correct product to the correct customer ;
`times , buzzes the phone in the customer ' s pocket . The
`q9 ) improved sanitation ;
`45 customer removes the phone and sees a display of both the
`machine and a selection of her favorite products . “ Dispense
`rr ) less waste ;
`ss ) additional automation becomes possible of complex
`Sugar - Os , ” she says to her phone . Under control of the app ,
`the vending machine dispenses a package of Sugar - O ' s with
`product , condiment and accessory combinations ;
`tt ) the ability of the customer to participate in games and
`no further actions by the customer . The application manages
`50 or communicates payment , participation in a loyalty pro
`wagering ; and
`uu ) the ability of the vending company to offer games and
`gram , customer health information , and vending inventory .
`In an alternative simple scenario , the customer simply
`wagering .
`An end - customer first identifies himself or herself ( from
`touches a single icon representing a “ Magic Almonds ”
`consumer packaged good ( CPG ) and a bottle of spring water
`now one , with no intent to restrict or insult gender , herself )
`to the vending company . Such identification includes some 55 on her phone , and the vending machine next to her imme
`means for the vending company to reach the customer , such
`diately dispenses the Magic almonds product while the
`as an email address , SMS identification , or other electronic
`vending machine next to the first machine simultaneously
`address or social network identification . Optional informa
`dispenses a bottle of water , where the specific brand of the
`tion may include gender , age , name , location , product pref -
`bottle of water was selected by the vending company .
`erences , and the like . For each end - customer ( " customer ” ) 60
`In another embodiment the machine has an identification
`there is a list of associated vending machines ( " machines ” ) .
`graphic visible on the machine . Such a graphic might be an
`These are the machines from which the customer does or
`image of person , animal , cartoon character , mascot , logo , or
`might purchase products ( " use ” or “ patronize ” ) .
`meme , as examples . The graphic might have additional
`The customer has a personal electronic device with
`identification , such as the use of adjective , verb , location , or
`graphical user interface ( GUI ) and communication ability . 65 number . As a simple example , a cartoon face of a happy boy
`Such a device might be a smart phone , a tablet , a PDA , a
`called , “ Freddie , ” might be used . Variations might include ,
`laptop , display in an automobile , or other device . The device
`“ Weekend Freddie , ” “ Nerd Freddie , ” “ Florida Freddie , " or
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
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`tion displayed along with product choices . In another advan
`“ Freddie 24 . ” The customer either selects a matching icon ,
`tage a customer is able to see translations of products or
`presented by the app , or enters the information , for example ,
`product information in another language . Another advantage
`on a keyboard , or via voice .
`is that the customer does not have to touch the vending
`In another embodiment , the customer takes a picture of
`the machine , using the camera in her cell phone or other 5 machine control , providing improved sanitation to both the
`device , which is then communicated from the phone or
`current and future customers .
`device . The app , vending company , or third party then
`In yet another embodiment , the app provides the user with
`identifies the machine based on the photograph .
`an alternative method to pay for the product . Such an
`In another embodiment , a machine identifiable symbol ,
`alternative method may be more convenient for the cus
`such as a bar code or QR code , is read by the camera in a
`10 tomer , such as not having to carry change , or may provide
`customer ' s cell phone or other device . The app then reads
`other benefits , such as record keeping , discounts , points , or
`the symbol , which in turn identifies the machine .
`other incentives .
`In another embodiment , the vending company creates a
`What these features have in common , and a unique benefit
`map or table associating a machine with a location . The
`of the combined features it that , in combination , they
`location may be identified by GPS coordinates or by a
`15 provide an unusually convenient and comprehensive inter
`signature based on local area networks or cellular network
`face for the customer with respect to multiple vending
`cells within range of the machine . In this embodiment , the
`machines . This invention , for the first time , permits an
`app could determine the location by providing GPS coordi -
`effective relationship to form between the customer of
`nates or the network ( s ) signature based on such information
`machine - vended products and the company that provides or
`provided by the customer device . The lookup operation from 20 services vending machines .
`the location to the machine could be performed either in the
`The app , running on the personal , mobile electronic
`app , by the vending machine company , or by a third party .
`device of the customer , provides a comprehensive , consis
`In yet another embodiment , each machine associated with
`tent sales interface and front panel for all vending machines .
`a customer is dynamically queried . The machine then que -
`And , the app provides most of the " customer service "
`ries , using a local communication network , to determine 25 functions normally provided by an informed and capable
`which machine is closest to the customer at that moment .
`store employee in a store , the “ store ”
`is now all vending
`Once a unique machine ( or a physical group of machines
`machines available to the customer .
`where each machine in the group stocks products unique to
`Unexpected results of this invention include increased
`that group ) is identified , the customer may initiate a trans -
`customer satisfaction , more effective machine utilization ,
`action related to that machine . One such transaction might 30 more rapid new product introduction , and increased machine
`be to report a problem with the machine or with a product .
`sales .
`Another such transaction might be to report that a product is
`One example of increased profit to the vending company
`sold out of the machine . Another such transaction might be
`is the ability to put products that are about to expire on sale .
`to request a different product in the machine . Another such
`The customer benefits by receiving discounted products and
`transaction might be to take advantage of an incentive or 35 the company benefits by selling products that otherwise
`promotion , such as a coupon , sale or discount , points ,
`would have to be discarded at a loss . Prior to this invention
`contest entry , ability to vote , games or other products ,
`the vending company would not have the ability to sell
`services or features . Another such transaction might be to
`products that otherwise would expire and be unsalable .
`accumulate points or value in a loyalty program .
`Averaging sales across a large number of vending
`In yet another embodiment , the vending company may 40 machines provides an aggregate picture ( quantity and dol
`communicate to the customer . The vending company may
`lars ) of which products are the most popular . However , in
`provide acknowledgement of a transaction by the customer .
`practice , the sales from one individual machine often differ
`The vending company may provide an incentive , benefit or
`substantially from these industry averages . Prior to this
`inducement to the customer to purchase a product or engage
`invention , the vending company had no practical way to
`in other behavior desirable to the vending company . There 45 determine which products would sell in a machine that does
`are many such incentives , including those mentioned above .
`not currently carry one of those products . This invention
`The vending company may provide useful information to the
`provides , for the first time , a way for the vending machine
`customer , such as the arrival of new product , the repair of a
`company to determine an improved product mix ( sometimes
`machine , the results of voting , status of a loyalty program ,
`called “ merchandising ” ) for a machine .
`A typical vending location provides more than one vend
`nutrition data , or other information .
`In yet another embodiment , the app provides the customer
`ing machine . Typically , there are some customers who use
`a user interface for the machine . For example , product
`the machine ( s ) regularly , some customers who use the
`selection may be via the app , rather than by pressing a button
`machines occasionally , and some potential customers who
`on the machine . One advantage to this feature is the ability
`never use the machine . Vending companies would like to
`to have standard user interface across a range of machines . 55 have the customers who currently use the machine ( s ) to
`Another advantage is to provide to the customer additional
`encourage those customers , such as fellow employees or
`information or incentives on the same screen or related
`students , who rarely or never use the machine ( s ) , to do so .
`screen as used for product selection . Another advantage is
`Prior to this invention , the vending company had no prac
`the ability to order a product in advance . Another advantage
`tical way to do this . This invention provides , for the first
`is the ability to order multiple products at once , including 60 time , effective mechanisms for some customers to directly
`products from different machines . For example , a customer
`encourage other customers to use the vending machine ( s )
`might order a snack food from one machine and a drink from
`more , or to start using the vending machine ( s ) .
`an adjacent machine with a single touch on a touch screen .
`One such embodiment allows people within a potential
`As another example , a customer might be able to order a
`customer range of vending machine ( s ) to vote on their
`product and take advantage of an offered discount with a 65 favorite existing or new product for the machine . One or
`single touch on a touch screen . In another advantage a
`more of the voters are rewarded when a certain number of
`customer might is able to see nutrition information forma
`votes for a product are received . If one customer wanted to
`
`50
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`US 9 , 898 , 884 B1
`
`sonably consistent method of location identification . “ Rea
`have a new product placed in the machine , say , “ Magic
`sonable , ” in this context , means sufficient for the invention
`Almonds , " that customer could encourage her friends and
`to perform as intended . One method of creating a Wi - FiTM
`associates to vote for Magic Almonds . When the necessary
`network signature is to look at available ( receivable ) broad
`number of votes is received , that customer is rewarded . One
`such reward might be the promise to place the Magic 5 cast SSIDs . An ancillary method is to also look at the signal
`Almonds product into the machine . Another such reward
`strength of receivable networks . Another method is to look
`might be a coupon or discount . Another such reward might
`at the available BSSIDs .
`be points or value on a loyalty program . Many other types
`There are at least three methods of creating or examining
`of rewards are possible .
`Wi - FiTM signatures . A first method is to use the customer ' s
`Instead of votes , a current customer may be offered an 10 electronic device . In one embodiment the app includes this
`incentive to cause an additional customer to register , use the
`ability or accesses other apps or APIs that provide this
`app , or otherwise become identified under embodiments of
`ability . Because the app is in communication with the
`this invention to the vending company . A reward might be
`vending company , the vending company may then build ,
`any of those mentioned above , or a different reward .
`Yet another embodiment of the invention is the ability of 15 enhance , verify , or use a map or table entry incorporating the
`Wi - FiTM signature at the customer ' s device .
`the vending company to make recommendations or offer
`A second method is for the vending service technician or
`incentives for the customer to use a vending machine that
`this particular customer has not used before . The machine
`driver to have his own portable electronic device with the
`may be new . Or , the customer may not have been aware of
`ability to build a Wi - FiTM signature . This device stores the
`the machine location . Or , the customer may be in a new 20 signature , then provides the signature to the vending com
`location and thus not generally aware of any convenient
`pany , either through wireless communication , later commu
`machines . Because the app has several ways to identify the
`nication , or by transfer via a storage device , such as a
`location of the mobile user device , and the vending company
`memory card . This second method has the advantage of
`or the app has maps that associated locations with machines ,
`possible additional control and data entry by the technician ,
`this embodiment provides the novel and unexpected benefit 25 driver , or vending company .
`of informing customers of additional machines within the
`A third method is for the vending machine , or a device
`customer range . The app may be aware of the customer ' s
`attached to the vending machine , to build a Wi -