US 9,092,768 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`a2) United States Patent
`Breitenbachetal.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul. 28, 2015
`
`
`US009092768B2
`
`(54) MACHINE RETROFITS AND INTERACTIVE
`SODA FOUNTAINS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Paul T. Breitenbach, Wilton, CT (US);
`Paul D. Signorelli, Ridgefield, CT (US);
`Igor Zhuk, Weston, CT (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: R4 Technologies, LLC, Ridgefield, CT
`(US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 1083 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/004,860
`.
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2011/0168290 Al
`Jul. 14, 2011
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/294,101, filed on Jan.
`11, 2010, provisional application No. 61/331,208,
`filed on May4, 2010.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`BO5B 130
`G06Q 20/32
`BO7D 7/14
`B67D 7/34
`G06Q 10/06
`G06Q 20/20
`
`(2006.01)
`(2012.01)
`(2010.01)
`(2010.01)
`(2012.01)
`(2012.01)
`
`100,
`
`(2012.01)
`(2012.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`G06Q 30/02
`G06Q 30/06
`GO7F 13/06
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ween G06Q 20/32 (2013.01); B67D 7/145
`(2013.01); B67D 7348 (2013.01); G06
`10/06311 (2013.01); G06Q 20/20 (2013.01);
`G06@ 30/0277 (2013.01); G06Q 30/0601
`(2013.01); G0630/0613 (2013.01); G06
`30/0639 (2013.01); GO7F 13/065 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`0)Oe B67D 7/348; B67D 7/145
`USPC viecccsccscsscsstssecsssccessresesresesssssesssessaves 141/1, 94
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`. 140/1
`..
`8/1990 Wiley etal.
`
`10/1991 Wiley etal......
`~ (4
`12/1991 Credle etal.
`woe 141/1
`3/2002 Gagliano oe 141/94
`
`4,951,719 A *
`5,058,630 A *
`5,074,341 A *
`6,354,342 BI*
`* cited by examiner
`.
`.
`.
`Primary Examiner — Jason K Niesz
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm —Fincham Downs, LLC;
`Carson C.K. Fincham
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles ofmanufacturefor
`machineretrofits and interactive soda fountains are provided.
`
`1 Claim, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`192
`
`NETWORK
`106
`
`MOBILE
`CUSTOMER
`DEVICE {04a
`
`
`
`MOBILE
`CUSTOMER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DEVICE 404nI COMMUNICATION
`
`RETROFIT
`DEVICE
`
`FUNCTION
`DEVICE
`
`DEVICE
`
`116
`
`VENDING MACHINE
`CONROLLER
`410
`
`INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`Ata)
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 1
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`102
`
` NETWORK
`106
`
`MOBILE
`CUSTOMER
`DEVICE in4,
`
`MOBILE
`CUSTOMER
`DEVICE 104n
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`DEVICE
`116
`
`RETROFIT
`DEVICE
`
`120
`
`VENDING MACHINE
`CONROLLER 11
`119
`
`FUNCTION
`DEVICE
`
`INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`1
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 2
`Page 2
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`INTERCEPTING AN INPUT SIGNAL FROM AN
`INPUT DEVICE OF A MACHINE
`
`202
`
`TRANSMITTING AN INDICATION OF THE
`INTERCEPTED INPUT
`
`THE DESIRED FUNCTION 208
`
`RECEIVING AN INDICATION OF A DESIRED FUNCTION
`TO BE ACTIVATED AT THE MACHINE IN RESPONSE TO
`THE INPUT SIGNAL
`
`206
`
`CAUSING THE MACHINE TO EXECUTE
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 3
`Page 3
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 2015
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`378
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 4
`Page 4
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 9,092,768 B2
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`Gad: oaim 7
`
`TLBS
`SriE
`
`12
`
`DEVICE
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 5
`Page 5
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 28, 2015
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
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`US 9,092,768 B2
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`
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 6
`Page 6
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet 6 of 10
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`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`Seees
`PFELLAARADLERLARAREE
`CaereSSSSSo
`
`618
`
` Sry
`
`rrraHO MPaEP ra
`
`BEOORT
`SeSeaSeNHIC
`SGPGPOGIFooOPTa
`SaaDSeereGSearoene
`ESSsh
`ENeeaeMina
`
`FIG. 6
`PRIOR ART
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 7
`Page 7
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 9,092,768 B2
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`700
`
`\
`
`790-6
`
`POS
`
`&
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`
`
`
`708
`
`
`
`
`
`ae aeaeaeae ee
`
`
`PETRRRIIOSTseeNeeoaoa
`™~y
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 8
`Page 8
`
`A eeSUEeeeereue
`-
`
` RSCIHR
`SoeRI
`
`eo
`
`
`a
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 9,092,768 B2
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`RECEIVING, BY A RETROFIT DEVICE OF A
`SODA FOUNTAIN, AN INDICATION OF A
`DESIRED DISPENSING OF A BEVERAGE
`AVAILABLE AT THE SODA FOUNTAIN 802
`
`CONFIRMING THAT A BEVERAGE CONTAINER
`IS POSITIONED BENEATH AN APPROPRIATE
`FOUNTAIN HEAD OF THE SODA FOUNTAIN
`
`804
`
`QUANTITY OF THE DESIRED BEVERAGE 06
`
`TRANSMITTING, BY THE RETROFIT DEVICE, A SIGNAL TO AT
`LEAST ONE COMPONENTOF THE SODA FOUNTAIN,
`WHEREIN THE TRANSMITTING CAUSES THE APPROPRIATE
`FOUNTAIN HEAD TO DISPENSE AN APPROPRIATE
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 9
`Page 9
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet 9 of 10
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`US 9,092,768 B2
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`900 \
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`DEVICE
`
`916
`
`910 940
`
`INPUT
`DEVICE
`912
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`OUTPUT
`DEVICE
`
`g14
`
`PURCHASE
`INSTRUCTIONS
`
`SOCIAL NETWORKING
`INSTRUCTIONS
`
`
`PERSONAL DATA
`FRIEND DATA
`
`MEDIA DATA
`
`
`(
`|
`|
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 10
`Page 10
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 28, 2015
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`Sheet10 of 10
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`US 9,092,768 B2
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`
`
`
`FIG. 10A
`
`FIG. 10B
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Pa
`Page 11
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`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`1
`MACHINE RETROFITS AND INTERACTIVE
`SODA FOUNTAINS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application claims benefit and priority under
`35 U.S.C. §119(e) to (4) U.S. Provisional Patent Application
`Ser. No. 61/294,101,
`filed on Jan. 11, 2010, and titled
`“VENDING MACHINE SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, and
`(i1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/331,208,
`filed on May 4, 2010, and titled “EVENT SALES AND
`DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS”. Each of
`
`10
`
`the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated by
`reference herein.
`
`15
`
`MASK WORK NOTICE
`
`A portion of the disclosure of this patent document con-
`tains material which is subject to mask work protection. The
`mask work ownerhasno objection to the facsimile reproduc-
`tion by any-oneof the patent documentor the patent disclo-
`sure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
`file or records, but otherwise reserves all mask work rights
`whatsoever.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Restaurants, entertainment venues, and other establish-
`ments and/or areas typically utilize machinesto facilitate the
`offering of beverages (and/or other refreshments). Such
`machines often include vending machines, visi-coolers, or
`soda fountains. Each different type of machine offers differ-
`ent advantages and disadvantages. Vending machines, for
`example, double as Point-Of-Sale (POS) devices, allowing
`them to function in a predominately autonomousfashion, but
`with the added expenseofthe requisite POS hardware and/or
`electronics. Visi-coolers allow customers to choose which
`
`product they wantandallowself-service access to the desired
`product(s) (relieving store personnel of the dutyto retrieve
`products for customers), but only allow pre-packaged items
`of limited sizes to be displayed. Soda fountains allow cus-
`tomers full flexibility of customization(e.g., amount, mix,ice
`content, and/or seltzer content), but are limited to typically
`five (5) or six (6) different beverage types. While advances in
`vending machine technology have leveraged expensive hard-
`ware and software to provide increased functionality (such as
`credit card payment acceptance) in new machines, older
`vending machines, visi-coolers, and soda fountains remain
`hindered bytheir original capabilities.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`An understanding of embodiments described herein and
`many of the attendant advantages thereof may be readily
`obtained by reference to the following detailed description
`when considered with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to some
`embodiments;
`FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method according to some
`embodiments;
`FIG.3 is a perspective diagram of an apparatus according
`to some embodiments;
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system according to some
`embodiments;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of a system according to
`some embodiments;
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`20
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`25
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`FIG.6 is a perspective diagram ofa priorart soda fountain;
`FIG. 7 is a functional perspective diagram of a process
`according to some embodiments;
`FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method according to some
`embodiments;
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to
`some embodiments; and
`FIG. 10A and FIG.10B are perspective diagrams of exem-
`plary data storage devices according to some embodiments.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`I. Introduction
`
`Embodiments presented herein are descriptive of systems,
`apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for machine
`retrofits and for interactive fountains. In some embodiments,
`for example, a retrofit device may be coupled to a conven-
`tional vending machine, visi-cooler, and/or soda fountain to
`facilitate remote, wireless, cashless, and/or account-based
`sales. According to some embodiments, the retrofit device
`may allow customersto utilize a variety of enhanced services
`via what would otherwise be standard machines.
`
`According to some embodiments, for example, methods
`mayinclude(1) intercepting (e.g., by a retrofit device coupled
`to a machine) an input signal from an input device of a
`machine,(ii) transmitting (e.g., by the retrofit device and/or to
`a remote electronic processing device) an indication of the
`intercepted input, (iii) receiving (e.g., in responseto the trans-
`mitting of the indication of the intercepted input, by the
`retrofit device, and/or from the remote electronic processing
`device) an indication of a desired function to be activated at
`the machinein responseto the input signal, and/or (iv) caus-
`ing (¢.g., via the retrofil device and/or based on the indication
`ofthe desired function ofthe machine) the machineto execute
`the desired function.
`In some embodiments, methods may include (1) receiving,
`by a retrofit device of a soda fountain and from at least one of
`a mobile customerdevice and a remote processing device, an
`indication of a desired dispensing of a beverage available at
`the soda fountain, (ii) confirming that a beverage containeris
`positioned beneath an appropriate fountain head of the soda
`fountain, and/or transmitting, after the confirming and by the
`retrofit device and in responseto the receiving, a signal to at
`least one componentof the soda fountain, wherein thetrans-
`mitting causes the appropriate fountain head to dispense an
`appropriate quantity of the desired beverage.
`
`II. Terms and Definitions
`
`Some embodiments described herein are associated with a
`“retrofit device”. As used herein the term “retrofit device”
`maygenerally refer to any type, quantity, and/or configura-
`tion of device that is capable of and/or specifically pro-
`grammedor configured to perform orfacilitate actions, pro-
`cedures, processes, and/or methods in accordance with
`embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a ret-
`rofit device may comprise a device that is addedto a standard
`machine(e.g., as a post-production and/or after-market add-
`on) to add to and/or alter functionality thereof—e.g., an
`“after-market” retrofit device. According to some embodi-
`ments, a retrofit device may comprise a device coupled to a
`machineat the time ofmanufacture wheresuch device adds to
`
`and/or alters the functionality of the manufactured machine
`as described herein—e.g., an Original Equipment Manufac-
`turer (OEM)retrofit device.
`
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 12
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`

`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`3
`Some embodiments described herein are associated with a
`“customer device”or a “network device”. As used herein, a
`“customer device” is a subset of a “network device”. The
`
`“network device”, for example, may generally refer to any
`device that can communicate via a network, while the “cus-
`tomer device” may comprise a network device that is owned
`or operated by or otherwise associated with a customer.
`Examples of customer and/or network devices may include,
`but are notlimited to: a Personal Computer (PC), a computer
`workstation, a computer server, a printer, a scanner, a fac-
`simile machine,a copier, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),
`a storage device(e.g., a disk drive), a hub, a router, a switch,
`and a modem, a video gameconsole, or a wireless or cellular
`telephone. Customer and/or network devices may comprise
`one or more network components.
`Asused herein, the term “network component” may refer
`to a customer and/or network device, or a component, piece,
`portion, or combination of customer and/or network devices.
`Examples of network components may include, but are not
`limited to: a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)device
`or module, a network processor, and a network communica-
`tion path, connection, port, or cable.
`In addition, some embodimentsare associated with a “net-
`work”or a “communication network”. As used herein, the
`terms “network”and “communication network” may be used
`interchangeably and mayrefer to any object, entity, compo-
`nent, device, and/or any combination thereof that permits,
`facilitates, and/or otherwise contributes to or is associated
`with the transmission of messages, packets, signals, and/or
`other forms of information between and/or within one or
`
`more network devices. Networks maybe or includea plural-
`ity of interconnected network devices. In some embodiments,
`networks maybe hard-wired, wireless, virtual, neural, and/or
`any other configuration of type that is or becomes known.
`Communication networks may include, for example, one or
`more networks configured to operate in accordance with the
`Fast Ethernet LAN transmission standard 802.3-2002® pub-
`lished by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
`(IEEE). In some embodiments, a network may include one or
`more wired and/or wireless networks operated in accordance
`with any communication standard or protocol that is or
`becomes knownorpracticable.
`As used herein, the terms “information”and “data” may be
`used interchangeably and mayrefer to any data, text, voice,
`video, image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform,
`and/or other type or configuration of signal and/or informa-
`tion. Information may comprise information packets trans-
`mitted, for example, in accordance with the Internet Protocol
`Version 6 (IPv6) standard as defined by “Internet Protocol
`Version 6 (IPv6) Specification” RFC 1883, published by the
`Internet Engineering Task Force (ETF), Network Working
`Group, S. Deering et al. (December 1995). Information may,
`according to some embodiments, be compressed, encoded,
`encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated in
`accordance with any methodthat is or becomes known or
`practicable.
`In addition, some embodiments described herein are asso-
`ciated with an “indication”. As used herein, the term “indica-
`tion” may be usedto refer to any indicia and/or other infor-
`mation indicative of or associated with a subject, item,entity,
`and/or other object and/or idea. As used herein, the phrases
`“information indicative of’ and “indicia” maybe usedto refer
`to any informationthat represents, describes, and/oris other-
`wise associated with a related entity, subject, or object. Indi-
`cia of information mayinclude, for example, a code, a refer-
`ence, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any combination
`thereof and/or any other informative representation associ-
`
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`4
`ated with the information. In some embodiments, indicia of
`information (or indicative of the information) may be or
`include the information itself and/or any portion or compo-
`nent of the information. In some embodiments, an indication
`mayinclude a request, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/or any
`other form of information gathering and/or dissemination.
`
`III. Retrofit Device
`
`A. System Overview
`Referringfirst to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100
`according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodi-
`ments, the system 100 may comprise a controller 102 in
`communication with one or more mobile customer devices
`
`104a-n (e.g., via a network 106). According to some embodi-
`ments, the system 100 may comprise a machine 108. In some
`embodiments, the machine 108 may comprise a Vending
`Machine Controller (VMC) 110, an input device 112, a func-
`tion device 114, and/or a communication device 116. The
`machine 108 may, for example, receive input via the input
`device 112 and processthe input via the VMC 110 which then
`activates the function device 114 in accordance with the
`input. In some embodiments, the machine 108 may be in
`communication with the network 106 (and/or the controller
`102 and/or anyor all ofthe mobile customer devices 104a-7).
`According to some embodiments, the system 100 and/or the
`machine 108 may comprisea retrofit device 120. Theretrofit
`device 120 may, for example, cause the machine 108to oper-
`ate in accordance with embodiments described herein.
`
`In some embodiments,the controller 102 may comprise an
`electronic and/or computerized controller device such as a
`computer server communicatively coupled to interface with
`the mobile customer devices 104a-n (directly and/or indi-
`rectly). The controller 102 may, for example, comprise a
`PowerEdge™ M910 blade server manufactured by Dell®,
`Inc. of Round Rock, Tex. which may include one or more
`Eight-Core Intel® Xeon® 7500 Series electronic processing
`devices. According to some embodiments, the controller 102
`maybe located remote from a location of the machine 108,
`such as at one or morecentralized locations. The controller
`
`102 may also or alternatively comprise a plurality of elec-
`tronic processing devices located at one or morevarioussites
`such as at the location of the machine 108 and/or at one or
`more other locations remote from the location of the machine
`108.
`
`According to some embodiments, the controller 102 may
`store and/or execute specially programmed instructions to
`operate in accordance with embodiments described herein.
`The controller 102 may, for example, execute one or more
`programs that (e.g., in conjunction with the retrofit device
`120) permit a customer(not explicitly shown in FIG. 1) ofthe
`machine 108 (e.g., operating a mobile customer device
`104a-n) to place purchase orders for products (and/or ser-
`vices) available at the machine 108.
`The mobile customer devices 104a-n, in some embodi-
`ments, may comprise any type or configuration of mobile
`electronic network and/or communication device that is or
`
`becomes knownorpracticable. The mobile customer devices
`104a-n may, for example, comprise one or more cellular
`and/or wireless telephones such as an iPhone® manufactured
`by Apple®, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or an Optimus™ S
`smartphone manufactured by LG® Electronics, Inc. of San
`Diego, Calif., and ronning an Androird® operating system
`from Google®,
`Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. In some
`embodiments, a first mobile customer device 104a may be
`utilized by a first customer while the first customer (and thus
`the first mobile customer device 104a) is located at and/or
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
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`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`5
`near the location of the machine 108. Thefirst customer may
`utilize and/or operate thefirst mobile customer device 104a
`while adjacent to (or in the same building as) the machine
`108, for example, to purchase products and/or services avail-
`able for sale at (or via) the machine 108. In some embodi-
`ments, another customer(also not shown) operating another
`mobile customer device 104” may interact with the machine
`108 while being remote there from.
`The mobile customer devices 104a-n may, for example,
`communicate with the controller 102 via the network 106 to
`effectuate an order and/orsale of one or more products and/or
`services. The network 106 may, according to some embodi-
`ments, comprise a LAN (wireless and/or wired), cellulartele-
`phone, Bluetooth®, and/or RF network with communication
`links between the controller 102 and anyorall of the mobile
`customerdevices 104a-n. In some embodiments, the network
`106 may comprise direct communications links between any
`orall ofthe components 102, 104a-, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,
`120 of the system 100. The mobile customer devices 104a-n
`may, for example, be directly interfaced or connected to the
`machine 108 via one or more wires, cables, wireless links,
`and/or other network components, such network components
`(e.g., communication links) comprising portions of the net-
`work 106. In some embodiments, the network 106 may com-
`prise one or many other links or network components other
`than those depicted in FIG. 1. Any orall of the mobile cus-
`tomer devices 104a-n may, for example, be connectedto the
`controller 102 via various cell towers, routers, repeaters,
`ports, switches, and/or other network components that com-
`prise the Internet and/or a cellular telephone (and/or Public
`Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)) network, and which
`comprise portions of the network 106.
`While the network 106 is depicted in FIG. 1 as a single
`object, the network 106 may comprise any number, type,
`and/or configuration ofnetworksthat is or becomes known or
`practicable. According to some embodiments, the network
`106 may comprise a conglomeration of different sub-net-
`works and/or network components interconnected, directly
`or indirectly, by the components 102, 104a-n, 108, 110, 112,
`114, 116, 120 of the system 100. The network 106 may
`comprise one or morecellular telephone networks with com-
`munication links between the mobile customer devices 104a-
`
`n, the controller 102, and/or the machine 108, for example,
`and/or may comprise the Internet, with communication links
`between the controller 102 and the machine 108 (and/or the
`communication device 116 thereof), for example.
`In some embodiments, the machine 108 may comprise any
`type or configuration of mechanical, electrical, and/or elec-
`tro-mechanical device or system that is or becomes known or
`desirable. The machine 108 may, for example, comprise a
`vending machine, a visi-cooler (and/or a standard cooler,
`refrigerator, freezer, warmer, and/or oven), and/or a soda
`fountain. In some embodiments, the machine 108 may be
`associated with and/or capable ofinitiating and/or conducting
`certain functions standard to the machine 108 (e.g., dispens-
`ing a productin the case of a vending machineorallowing the
`opening of a temperature-controlled product storage area in
`the case of a visi-cooler). According to some embodiments,
`the coupling of the retrofit device 120 to the machine 108
`(and/or portions or components thereof) mayalter the stan-
`dard functionality of the machine 108 (such as by adding
`additional functionality and/or changing standard functional-
`ity).
`According to some embodiments, the VMC 110 of the
`machine 108 may beor include any type, quantity, and/or
`configuration of electronic and/or computerized processor
`that is or becomes known. While the term “VMC”is utilized
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`for exemplary purposes to describe the processing device
`and/or functionality of the machine 108,the utilization of the
`term does not imply that the machine 108 necessarily com-
`prises a vending machine. As described herein, other types of
`machines 108 and/or processing devices are contemplated to
`be within the scope of some embodiments.
`In some embodiments, the VMC 110 may comprise an
`Intel® [XP 2800 network processor or an Intel® XEON™
`Processor coupled with an Intel® E7501 chipset, available
`from Intel® Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In some
`embodiments, the VMC 110 may comprise an electronic
`processor such as an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 CPUalso
`available from Intel® Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In
`some embodiments, the VMC 110 mayexecute instructions,
`such asinstructions specially programmedinto and/or for the
`VMC 110. The execution of the specially-programmed
`instructions may, for example, enable and/or facilitate the
`machine 108 to operate in accordance with standard function-
`ality of the machine 108.
`In some embodiments, the VMC 110 may comprise mul-
`tiple inter-connected processors, microprocessors, and/or
`micro-engines. According to some embodiments, the VMC
`110 (and/or the machine 108 and/or other components
`thereof) may be supplied power via a power supply (not
`shown) such as a battery, an AC source, a DC source, an
`AC/DCadapter, solar cells, and/or an inertial generator. In the
`case that the machine 108 comprises a vending machine,
`visi-cooler, and/or soda fountain, necessary power may be
`supplied via a standard AC outlet, powerstrip, surge protec-
`tor, and/or UPS device.
`According to some embodiments, the input device 112 of
`the machine 108 may comprise a keypad, keyboard, one or
`more buttons, and/or a touch screen interface. The input
`device 112 maybe utilized, by a customer for example, to
`enter product (and/or service) selections, payment informa-
`tion, etc. In some embodiments, the input device 112 may be
`coupled to provide instructions to the function device 114.
`The function device 114 may, for example, comprise a vend-
`ing and/or dispensing mechanism or a payment acceptance
`mechanism (e.g., in the case that the machine 108 comprises
`a vending machine), a door and/or doorlock or latch (e.g., in
`the case that the machine 108 comprises a visi-cooler), and/or
`a valve (e.g., in the case that the machine 108 comprises a
`soda fountain).
`In some embodiments, the function device 114 may com-
`prise an electronic processing device coupled to receive com-
`mands from the VMC 110 and/or input from the input device
`112, to execute specially-programmedinstructions, and/or to
`send commandsto another portion or part of the function
`device 114 and/or the machine 108(e.g., based on the input).
`In some embodiments, the machine 108 may communicate
`via the communication device 116 (e.g., upon command by
`the VMC 110) with an external and/or remote device such as
`the controller 102. In the case that the machine 108 comprises
`amore advanced vending machine, for example, the machine
`108 may accept credit card paymentvia the input device 112
`and mayutilize the communication device 116 to verify, put
`a hold on, and/or charge a customer’s credit card. The con-
`troller 102 may, in such embodiments, comprise a credit card
`processing device, server, clearing house, credit card net-
`work, and/or financial institution device.
`According to some embodiments,
`the communication
`device 116 may comprise any type or configuration of com-
`munication device that is or becomes knownorpracticable.
`The communication device 116 may, for example, comprise a
`NIC,a telephonic device, a cellular network device, a router,
`a hub, a modem, and/or a communications port or cable. In
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Petitioner Kiosoft Exhibit 1007
`Page 14
`Page 14
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`US 9,092,768 B2
`
`7
`some embodiments, the communication device 116 may be
`coupled to provide data to a central controller and/or to
`mobile customer devices, such as in the case that the machine
`108 is utilized by a customer to conduct product and/or ser-
`vice purchases and/or social networking via a customer’s
`wireless and/or mobile device. According to some embodi-
`ments, the communication device 116 mayalso or alterna-
`tively be coupled to the VMC 110. In some embodiments, the
`communication device 116 may comprise an IR, RF, Blue-
`tooth™, and/or Wi-Fi® network device coupledto facilitate
`communications between the VMC 110 and/ortheretrofit
`device 120 (and/or the machine 108) and another device (such
`as the controller 102 and/or the mobile customer devices
`104a-n).
`In some embodiments, the retrofit device 120 may com-
`prise any type or configuration of device coupled to allow
`transactions (and/or other functions) to occur at the machine
`108 via the controller 102, the mobile customer devices 104a-
`n, and/or via the input device 112 in a mannernottypically
`accepted by the machine 108. Anyorall of the mobile cus-
`tomer devices 104a-n mayinterface with the controller 102,
`such as a web server for example, to place an order (and/or
`request another desired function) at the machine 108 by hav-
`ing the controller 102 communicate with the retrofit device
`120 (e.g., via the communication device 116). In some
`embodiments, a first customer device 104a may communi-
`cate directly with the retrofit device 120 (e.g., via the com-
`munication device 116) to place an order and/or request a
`function to be performed by the machine 108. In some
`embodiments, a customer interfacing with the input device
`112 may summon,invoke, and/or communicate with the con-
`troller 102 via theretrofit device 120 to cause functioning of
`the machine 108 that is not typically and/or otherwise pos-
`sible at the machine 108 (e.g., in the absence ofthe retrofit
`device 120).
`B. Methods
`
`Turning to FIG.2, a flow diagram of a method 200 accord-
`ing to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments,
`the method 200 may be performed and/or implemented by
`and/or otherwise associated with one or more specialized
`computerized processing devices (e.g., the controller 102, the
`VMC110, and/orthe retrofit device 120 of FIG. 1), special-
`ized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, com-
`puter systems and/or networks(e.g., the network 106 of FIG.
`1), and/or any combinationsthereof. The functional diagrams
`and flow diagramsdescribed herein do not necessarily imply
`a fixed order to any depicted actions, steps, and/or proce-
`dures, and embodiments may generally be performed in any
`order that is practicable unless otherwise and specifically
`noted. Any of the processes and methods described herein
`may be performed and/or facilitated by hardware, software
`(including microcode),
`firmware, or any combination
`thereof. For example, a storage medium (e.g., a hard disk,
`Universal Serial Bus (USB) massstorage device, and/or Digi-
`tal Video Disk (DVD)) may store thereon instructions that
`when executed by a machine (such as a computerized pro-
`cessing device) result in performance according to any one or
`more of the embodiments described herein.
`In some embodiments, the method 200 may comprise
`intercepting an input signal from an input device of a
`machine,at 202. A retrofit device (such as the retrofit device
`120 of FIG. 1) may, for example, be coupled to receive,
`intercept, interrupt, and/or otherwise determine input entered
`into (and/or via) a machine(e.g., input entered by a customer
`and/or operator into the input device 112 of the machine 108
`of FIG. 1). According to some embodiments, an interception
`of such input may comprise a rerouting of input signals origi-
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`nally sent from an input device to another device (e.g., the
`function device 114 of FIG. 1) in the machine. In some
`embodiments, the intercepted (and/or otherwise determined)
`input may cause theretrofit device to take certain actions
`and/or initiate certain sequences and/or procedures. Input
`directed to standard functions of the machine, for example,
`may simply be routedto the appropriate portion, component,
`and/or original destination in the machine, while input
`directed to cause the machine to perform a non-standard
`function (e.g., to accept payment from a centralized account
`such as a credit card and/or other account), for example, may
`cause the retrofit device to initiate communications with an
`external and/or remote device.
`According to some embodiments, the method 200 may
`comprise transmitting an indication of the intercepted input,
`at 204. The retrofit device may, for example, cause a commu-
`nication device (e.g., the communication device 116 of FIG.
`1) to send a signalindicative of the input to a device(e.g., an
`electronic processing device) or system external and/or
`remote from the machine(suchasthe controller 102 of FIG.
`1). In some embodiments for example, such as in the case that
`the input comprises a requestto utilize a stored-value account
`to purchase products and/or services from the machine—e.g.,
`a function whichis not standard to the machine—theretrofit
`
`device may send a paymentauthorization requestto a central
`controller associated with the stored-value account. In sucha
`
`
`
`manner, for example, a customer may utilize a standard
`machine equipped with the retrofit device to conduct trans-
`actions that would otherwise notbe possible.
`In some embodiments, the method 200 may comprise
`receiving an indication ofa desired functionto be activated at
`the machinein response to the inputsignal, at 206. According
`to some embodiments, the indication of the desired function
`may bereceived in response to the transmitting of the indi-
`cation of the desired input. Specially-programmed instruc-
`tions stored and/or executed by the controller may,
`for
`exampl