Vending Machine System

Abstract

This present invention relates to a novel vending machine system that stores a variety of items, such as clothing, food, and more, to fulfil the desires and requirements of various users. The novel vending machine system features various storage compartments, a dispenser tray, a user interface, a trash bin, a drone delivery mechanism, a staff tech room and much more to enhance the functionality of conventional vending machines. The vending machine system has spacious storage compartments to store, organize, and display a variety of items for purchase, including everyday necessities as well as seasonal items.

Claims

1. A vending machine system comprising: a housing; a plurality of storage compartments; a drone delivery system; a payment processing module; and a user interface.

2. The vending machine system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a tray for holding an item dispensed from a select one of the plurality of storage compartments.

3. The vending machine system as recited in claim 2 further comprising a package dispensing and delivery management module

4. The vending machine system as recited in claim 3 further comprising a lighting system.

5. The vending machine system as recited in claim 4 further comprising a computer software program.

6. The vending machine system as recited in claim 5 further comprising a trash receptacle.

7. The vending machine system as recited in claim 6 further comprising a control room.

8. The vending machine system as recited in claim 7, wherein the control room is configured to receive an individual.

9. The vending machine system as recited in claim 8 further comprising an internal storage space.

10. The vending machine system as recited in claim 9 further comprising a wireless communication module.

11. The vending machine system as recited in claim 10 further comprising a thermostat.

12. The vending machine system as recited in claim 11 further comprising a humidity controller.

13. The vending machine system as recited in claim 12 further comprising a stock management module.

14. The vending machine system as recited in claim 13 further comprising a power supply unit and a controller.

15. A vending machine system comprising: a housing having a display, an access room and a man door to gaining access to the access room; a plurality of storage compartments, wherein each of said plurality of storage compartments has a temperature and a humidity; a drone station; at least one drone; a stock management module; a user interface for enabling a user to select an item stored in at least one of the plurality of storage compartments; a payment processing module; and an item dispensing and delivery module.

16. The vending machine system as recited in claim 15 further comprising a tray for holding the item.

17. The vending machine system as recited in claim 16 further comprising a lighting system and a computer software program.

18. The vending machine system as recited in claim 17 further comprising a trash receptacle and a wireless communication module.

19. The vending machine system as recited in claim 18 further comprising a thermostat and a humidity controller.

20. A method of operating a vending machine comprising the steps of: accepting a user selection of a specific item displayed in the vending machine; confirming the availability of the specific item; accepting a payment for the specific item; processing the payment; establishing a geofence around the vending machine; and delivering the specific item to a destination through a drone delivery system in communication with the vending machine if the destination is within the geofence.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vending machine system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing the steps of one potential embodiment of a method of operating the vending machine system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram showing the various components of one potential embodiment of the vending machine system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0022] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a vending machine system that can fulfil the needs and requirements of its users, and that can stock a large variety and quantity of different items. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a vending machine system that includes both cash and cashless payment options for purchasing items from the vending machine, and that enables users to both order and pay for items from the vending machine and have the items delivered to their requested destination. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a vending machine system that can be easily serviced and maintained by support staff, and that does not require much effort or time from the staff members. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a comprehensive vending machine system that is relatively inexpensive to produce, and is both safe and easy to maintain and use.

[0023] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a vending machine system that is used for storing and dispensing selected items for its users. The vending machine system comprises a plurality of storage compartments for displaying and storing a variety of items available for purchase, a user interface, a drone station for enabling drone-based package delivery of selected items, a receiving tray for holding purchased items dispensed from the storage compartments, a package dispensing and delivery management module, a lighting system including a plurality of lights, a custom computer software program for managing the operation of the vending machine system, a trash bin and a staff tech room for allowing staff members to restock and service the various components of the vending machine system. The storage compartment of the vending machine system further comprises a plurality of shelves to store and organize various types of items.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vending machine system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the vending machine system 100 is an automated vending machine having a generally box-like structure for storing and dispensing a plurality of food and non-food items, wherein the items displayed are made available for purchase. The vending machine system 100 comprises a housing 102 preferably manufactured from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or other similar durable and weather resistant materials that can provide a sturdy structure that is tamper resistant. The vending machine system 100 comprises a plurality of storage compartments 104, 105 and 106, a user interface 112, a drone station 122 and a staff tech room entrance door 132 at the front portion 1020 of the housing 102 of the vending machine 100.

[0025] For example, the first storage compartment 104 may comprise a plurality of shelves for storing, organizing and displaying packaged food items 1040, the second storage compartment 105 may comprise a plurality of shelves for storing, organizing and displaying clothes 1050 of different styles, brands, sizes and seasonal items, and the third storage compartment 106 may comprise a plurality of shelves for storing, organizing and displaying beverages and drinks 1060. However, the number of storage compartments is not so limited, and any number of storage compartments may be included in the vending machine system 100 as per the requirements of the user. Additionally, the types of items stored in the compartments is not limited, and other items such as hats, shoes, T-shirts, pants, undergarments, accessories and other clothing items may also be included. Additionally, all the items for purchase from the vending machine system 100, including food and non-food items, can be of different styles, brands and sizes to fulfil the needs of different users.

[0026] The user interface 112 preferably comprises various options to operate or interact with the vending machine system 100. For example, the user interface 112 may comprise a menu interface 114 having different options for selecting items, paying for said items 120, a delivery mode and other features; and a how to use interface 116 may provide helpful instructions on how to operate the vending machine system 100 and its various features. For example, the how to use interface 116 may include step-by-step instructions and/or a video demonstration on how to use and operate the novel vending machine system 100. Similarly, the customer service 118 interface provides a way to communicate with staff members including, without limitation, any complaints, compliments, messages, notes or any other feedback. The interface 118 may also include an E-mail address, contact phone number or other information regarding the specific improved vending machine 100 location.

[0027] The drone station 122 is a box-shaped portion of the improved vending machine having a top surface forming a resting space for a drone device 124. The drone station 122 comprises an opening at the top surface to allow the drone 124 to pick any item purchased by the user from any of the storage compartments 104, 105, 106 of the vending machine 100, wherein the storage compartments 104, 105 and 106 may be internally connected and in mechanical communication with the drone station 122 to provide the purchased item for delivery to a destination. Additionally, the storage compartments 104, 105 and 106 are internally connected to the receiving tray 110 to enable the purchased item to be dispensed into the receiving tray 110, and to allow the user to pick up the purchased item at the point of sale of the vending machine 100.

[0028] The vending machine system 100 further comprises a staff tech room 130, which may be physically attached to the vending machine 100 and/or forms a part of the machine 100. The staff tech room 130 is spacious enough to accommodate one or two staff member or technicians to work inside, primarily for restocking and servicing the vending machine system 100. The staff members may enter the staff tech room 130 through the staff tech room entrance 132 to gain access to the novel machine 100, and further perform servicing of the machine 100. The vending machine 100 may further comprise one or more lights 108 attached to the top of the vending machine 100 for proper lighting of the machine and its contents at night or in other low-light conditions. The lights 108 may be supplied power through a power supply or may be charged through solar panels.

[0029] Additionally, a trash bin 140 may be attached to the vending machine 100 to allow the user to dispose of used and undesired packaging from food items, beverages, clothes and other items. More specifically, a user may open the trash bin 140 by pushing a spring loaded opening plate and throw the garbage inside the trash bin 140, wherein the bias in the spring will cause the opening plate to automatically be released back to its original position in order to close the trash bin 140.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing the steps of one potential embodiment of a method of operating the vending machine system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For example, initially in step 201, a consumer uses a menu interface to navigate through a catalog of items and selects an appropriate item to purchase. Once the user has made his or her selection, a stock management module checks the availability of the selected item at step 202. If the selected item is not available, the user is returned to step 201 and prompted to make a different selection. If the selected item is available, the user is prompted to select a payment mode (e.g., cash, cashless, etc.) in step 203. In the cash payment mode, the user will be required to submit the appropriate amount of cash that corresponds to the desired item and any applicable taxes, delivery fees, transaction fees, etc., through the payment box. In the cashless mode, the user will be permitted to use his or her credit/debit card or any online bank wallet applications to pay for the selected item later in the process.

[0031] Once the payment mode has been selected in step 203, the user is then prompted to enter the desired mode of delivery in step 204. For example, the vending machine system 100 of the present invention allows the purchased item to either be immediately dispensed into a receiving tray for ready access to the item by the user, or the user may opt for a later delivery through the drone device 124, and may request the vending machine system 100 to deliver the item to the user's designated destination. The vending machine system 100 may be programmed to charge a fee for such delivery and/or specify a geographic limitation or geofence around the vending machine system 100 beyond which the delivery service will not be made available.

[0032] In step 205, the user is prompted to make the payment of the total amount due for the selected items though the selected mode of payment. Accordingly, the user deposits cash, swipes his or her debit/credit card or processes a payment through his or her online banking or electronic wallet using the payment section of the vending machine system 100. Once the payment has been received, the deposited cash is calculated and checked against the item amount, and in case of a successful payment, the vending machine 100 initiates the item processing in step 206.

[0033] Alternatively, in case of an online payment, servers associated with the improved vending machine 100 check for a successful transaction and compare the amount received to the total amount of the items purchased, and accordingly initiate item processing 206 in the event of a successful payment. In step 207, if the user selects immediate item delivery mode in step 204, the purchased items are immediately dispensed through the receiver tray of the vending machine 100. In step 208, if the user selects a later or remote delivery to a requested destination in step 204 and said destination is within the above referenced geofence, the purchased items are delivered through the drone delivery component 122, 124 of the vending machine system 100 of the present invention to the requested destination.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram showing the various components of one potential embodiment of the vending machine system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the vending machine system 100 comprises a stock management module 301, item processing module 302, item dispensing and delivery module 303, payment processing module 304, lighting system 305, controller 306, wireless communication module 307, thermostat 308, humidity controller 309, other components 310, power supply unit 311, user interface 112 and any other component that is needed in the operation of the vending machine system 100.

[0035] The stock management module 301 keeps track of the inventory within the vending machine 100 and sends an alert message to the staff members and/or technicians when restocking the novel vending machine 100 is necessary. The alert message may be sent by text message, email or any other known communication method to inform the staff members when the inventory is running low, is out of date or otherwise requires attention. Additionally, the vending machine 100 can be managed remotely using a computer software application or smart phone application to track the saleable items, current inventory and other details.

[0036] The item processing module 302 is initiated once the payment transaction is completed and initiates extraction of purchased items from their respective storage compartments 104, 105, or 106, and then initiates dispensing or delivery of purchased items in accordance with the user's instructions as explained above. The item dispensing and delivery module 303 initiates dispensing of items to the receiving tray 110. At the bottom of the vending machine 100, laser or proximity sensors are present to detect when an item has been released and dropped from its storage location. Each laser emitter is paired with an electronic light detector. When the item or product falls, it breaks the path of laser light, thereby signaling to the controller 306 that the purchased item has been dispensed. Accordingly, the stock is then updated by the stock management module 301.

[0037] The item dispensing and delivery module 303 further works in coordination with the drone delivery mechanism to enable the vending machine 100 to deliver the purchased item to a requested destination using the drone 124. Once the drone 124 picks up the purchased item from the drone station 122 and delivers it to the destination, the inventory is then updated by the stock management module 301.

[0038] The payment processing module 304 processes the payment received from the user and compares the received amount to the total purchase amount, and accordingly directs other modules to process the purchased product. The lighting system 305 comprises a plurality of lights attached to the housing 102 of the improved vending machine 100 to enable the users to view items in low-light conditions and at night. The lights 108 may be powered by any source, such as the power supply unit 311, or may be charged by solar panels. The controller 306 works in coordination with all the other components of the improved vending machine 100 and manages the operation of the improved vending machine. The wireless communication module 307 comprises a Wi-Fi chipset, a LAN connection or other wireless communication mechanism to enable online payment for the purchased items, enable smart alerts to the staff members and to enable communication with servers and much more. Thermostats 308 enable the novel vending machine 100 to maintain different temperatures in different storage compartments specific for the items requiring climate control. The temperature is controlled by thermostats 308 that can be manually adjusted by staff members or can be remotely set by a staff member or technician using the vending machine software application.

[0039] The humidity controller 309 maintains the desired humidity level inside the vending machine 100, such that sensitive items, such as tobacco or cosmetic products, are stored at their recommended humidity level. Other components 310, such as optical and ultraviolet scanners, are used to help verify if paper currency received from a user is real or counterfeit, and to determine the monetary denomination of the cash received. The power supply unit 311 supplies the power to the vending machine 100 and its various components and operations. The user interface 112 provides a way for the users to communicate with the improved vending machine 100, and operate the machine 100, by selecting and purchasing different items as per the desires and requirements of the users.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, an improved vending machine management software application can be available to track the inventory of the machine, set temperature and humidity levels, manage payment options and other features. The improved vending machine management software can be used remotely by the staff members or technicians to control the operation of the improved vending machine 100.

[0041] The storage compartments and the number of shelves in the compartments is not limited and can be designed as per the desires and requirements of the users and manufacturers. Additionally, the housing 102 of the improved vending machine 100 may include advertisements, logo, designs, patterns and the like to provide an appealing aesthetic look to the improved vending machine 100.

[0042] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “improved vending machine”, “novel vending machine”, and “modified vending machine” are interchangeable and refer to the vending machine system 100 of the present invention.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the vending machine system 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the vending machine system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vending machine system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vending machine system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vending machine system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0045] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.