KR20170028394A - Computer-controlled, unattended, automated checkout store outlet and related method - Google Patents

Abstract

The computer-controlled, unattended checkout store outlet includes at least one bay. Normally locked doors are associated with each bay and provide access to items in the bay by customers authorized by the computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed in at least one bay and is adapted to hold items to be filled by the bay. The sensor system is configured to detect removal of the article from the bay and to identify the article to be removed when the customer removes the article for purchase.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to computer-controlled, unattended, automated checkout store outlets and related methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention <

[0001] The present invention relates generally to unattended, automated checkout store outlets, and methods associated therewith. Such an automation store outlet system may be used as an unattended automated checkout kiosk or micro-market, as well as any other unattended automated checkout mini-market or nearby store where the customer merchandise is closed It is the "off the shelf" that is displayed and sold behind glass doors.

[2] Typically, mini-markets or nearby convenience stores as well as kiosks or micro-markets require the presence of clerks and other employees and may be limited to certain operating hours. Such requirements and constraints increase operating costs and limited operating times affect actual revenues.

[3] Some recent unattended micro-markets operate within the company's common room and provide food and "off-the-shelf" beverages using an autonomous enforcement system. In such micro-markets, customers can lift items from open and unprotected shelves and then customers are required to scan the barcodes of each article in a barcode scanner located on a local automation computer kiosk. Such open-shelf micro-markets are limited to very secure locations and suffer from theft losses. Therefore, such micro-markets should be located only in such areas of the company's common room or where the identity of customers is known and potential theft is mitigated.

[4] In addition, the present invention may also be an alternative to public vending machines currently being used to sell products stored in a machine. Typically, the vending machines are coin-operated, although many vending machines allow variable face value of banknotes (such as 1-dollar or 5-dollar bills) and some vending machines currently accept credit or debit cards. Vending machines are often located in public buildings and transportation hubs, including people gathering, passing, and waiting places such as subways and airports, hospitals, schools, and so on.

[5] In a public vending machine, after the appropriate number of coins or payment has been made and the goods have been selected, the goods are usually stored in a built-in accessible by the customer to retrieve the product bin. < / RTI > Such vending machines are limited to a very small number of products and very small choices. Vending machines are typically associated with selling fully sweet, low nutritious snacks and drinks, such as candy bars, potato chips and soft drinks. In addition, in most cases the usual metal square vending machines are not interested and have no attractive appearance. Percentage customers, who nowadays have a bad reputation for vending machines and negative social stigma, are considered part of the main reason for avoiding the use of conventional vending machines. In addition, vending machines do not allow customers to test products, return them to vending machines and cancel purchases. The sales process is unfriendly and the sale of each of the items is final.

[6] Conventional vending machines also do not have many security measures other than easily unchangeable. Thus, junkies and thieves can damage the vending machine and, in some cases, remove the money placed in the vending machine. There is no live 24-hour surveillance of such vending machines.

Another disadvantage of the company micro-markets and conventional vending machines is that there is no real-time communication between the customer and the operator of the micro-market or vending machine when problems or questions arise. The customer may wish to call the operator of the micro-market or vending machine, even when the operator's contact information is posted. Otherwise, more typically, the customer can not contact such operators during such visits to the micro-market or during use of the vending machine.

[8] Therefore, under current circumstances and in most cases, when an individual desires to have something stronger or healthier than the candy bar, soda, etc., to eat or drink, or to buy any personal, Individuals must find and purchase such products at grocery stores, restaurants, or other types of convenience stores. In other cases, there are gift shops, coffee shops, etc., which may be located in the lobby of hotels or buildings, or in the waiting area of an airport to provide such products. However, they typically require one or more people to be present to deal with purchases from consumers only for a limited time each day.

[9] Thus, there has been a continuing need for automated checkout store outlets featuring automated "ready-made" sales methods and systems that are visually appealing, attractive and provide a wide selection of products. What is also needed is an unattended automated checkout store outlet with security measures to prevent theft, tampering and vandalism. What is also needed is such an automated system that can provide better and more nutritious food than most vending machines without restrictions on the operating location or times. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

[10] The present invention relates to an unattended, automated checkout store outlet and a method for authorizing access and tracking purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The computer-controlled, automation store outlets of the present invention generally include a plurality of bays for holding items for purchase. Normally locked doors are associated with each bay and provide access to items in the bay by customers authorized by the computer of the automation store outlet. A lock is associated with each bay door. The lock is normally locked when the bay door is closed and is optionally unlocked by the computer of the automation store outlet when the customer or technician is authorized to open the door and access the bay. An access unit having multi-scanning functionality is associated with each bay door configured to receive customer identification for the determination of access authorization for the bay. At least one tray is disposed in one or more bays, and the tray has a plurality of chambers adapted to hold articles. The sensor system is configured to detect removal of the article from the bay and identify the removed article.

[11] The tray includes a plurality of spaced slots, a platform, and a peripheral wall having slots in the wall and having at least one divider removably insertable on the platform, to create stacks of articles. The at least one splitter comprises a combination of interconnectable horizontal and vertical splitters. At least some of the horizontal or vertical dividers are formed therein to accommodate corresponding vertical or horizontal dividers, so that interconnected horizontal and vertical dividers form the article chambers. The at least one divider includes a plurality of generally spaced, parallel dividers, the divider having a push mechanism disposed in a space therebetween. The push mechanism is biased towards the front wall of the tray.

[12] Alternatively, the tray may comprise prefabricated article chambers. The tray may include a sheet of material with a plurality of article housings molded therein. Molded chambers generally follow at least a part of the article to be held in the chamber. At least some of the plurality of article housings molded with the material sheet can vary in size and configuration. The sensor may be associated with each cell in such a manner to ensure that the article covers the sensor when it is placed in the cell. The material sheet can be opaque and can include apertures or transparent areas in each compartment that are generally aligned with sensors of the sensor system.

[13] The sensor system may include a sensor array disposed relative to the tray such that the sensors are associated with respective article chambers. In one aspect, the sensor array includes a sensor rack having a grid of apertures arranged below the platform or tray and each configured to receive the sensor therein at a location relative to each of the compartments of the tray. The sensor may include a photosensor that is activated when the article is removed from the tray chamber.

[14] The sensor system may alternatively include a radio frequency identification device (RFID) tag attached to each article and an RFID reader or receiver configured to determine the location or proximity of the tag with respect to the reader or receiver. The removal of the articles may also be detected by an image recognition system incorporating cameras that detect the removal of the article or compare photographs of the trays to detect the articles removed, such as determining whether the article is on a tray or not have.

[15] In one embodiment, a plurality of light emitting LEDs are disposed on the tray to illuminate the items on the tray and activate the sensors associated with each compartment of the tray when the article is removed from the compartment. For example, the emitting LEDs may be disposed on the lower portion of the tray directly above the other tray. The polarized material sheet can be used only to allow light of a predetermined angular range to enter the optical sensors underneath the articles. Some of the LEDs disposed on the tray may include infrared LEDs. The sensors will include infrared light sensors. A double sided PCB (printed circuit board) board having infrared sensors on one surface and infrared LED light on the opposite surface can be used. Infrared LEDs can be pulse illuminated so that they can be quickly illuminated and turned off continuously, and the sensor system can be used to correlate the detection of pulsed illumination of infrared LEDs to removal of articles from tray trays to avoid false readings. Lt; / RTI >

[16] Automation store outlets typically include computerized systems local to the automation store outlets that manage automation store outlets, including access units of automation store outlets, locks and sensor systems, and other functions of the ASO .

The automation store outlet includes an electronic display for displaying each customer's electronic shopping cart representing items removed from the one or more bays by the customer. Typically, there is an electronic display associated with each bay to display a customer's electronic shopping cart accessing the bay, the shopping cart is continually updated and moved with the customer as the customer moves from bay to bay during the shopping event do.

[18] The access unit may include a manual code input device and / or a credit or debit card, machine-generated codes such as bar codes and QR codes, RFID signals, a reader for reading or scanning NFC signals, and / And a biometric scanner for receiving customer identification. The automation store outlets may also include motion detectors and devices that enable live communication between the customer and the customer service representative. The lock may include a strike plate having a switch, and activation of the switch when the door is closed causes the door to be locked.

[19] A device that communicates audible or viewable notifications or alerts to a customer who accessed the bay is associated with each bay. The camera may be associated with each bay to capture customer images while the customer is accessing the bay. Such images may be displayed on the display of the device and / or on another display of the automation store outlet. Means for communicating between a customer and a customer service representative are also provided. Remote viewing systems can allow viewing of automation store outlets by remote customer service.

A camera may be placed on each tray of each bay to collect images of the customer's hand while removing items from the tray. A camera disposed on each tray of the bay may also be used as part of the sensor system and the image recognition system detects the presence or removal of the article from the tray by comparing the photographic images.

[21] In accordance with the method of the present invention, a customer enters customer identification into a door access unit associated with a bay of an automation store outlet. The door of the bay associated with the door access unit is unlocked after verifying the customer identification to provide access to the bay by the customer. The payment information of the customer can also be verified. The identity of each item removed from the bay by the customer is detected, and the removed items are added to the customer electronic shopping cart, and the electronic shopping cart is displayed on the computer-controlled display unit of the automation store outlet. When the bay door is closed, the bay door is automatically locked. The customer's purchase transaction is closed when the customer closes the transaction or after a predetermined inactivity period by the customer, by charging the customer with a charge for the items in the customer's electronic shopping cart.

[22] The automation store outlet may include a check-in station for customer identification, payment, etc. One or more bays of the automation store outlets are normally locked to prevent access to items in the bay. Typically, the articles are arranged in the chambers of each tray. The plurality of sensors are arranged to correspond to the articles held by the trays. The placement of trays and articles in each bay may be configured from a remote location. The use of an array of fixed sensors may be used, or sensors arranged manually in relation to each tray and / or article in the bay may be used.

[23] The automation store outlet of the present invention may also include a beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages. The components of the Beverage Cup or Beverages can be provided in a bay for purchase. The beverage dispenser dispenses the beverage into the purchased cup, or creates a beverage using the beverage component. Alternatively, the beverage dispenser can only be activated by the computerized system if the beverage cup is removed and purchased from the tray or bay. Examples of beverage components include K-Cup < (R) > used by coffee makers and dispensers. The operation of the beverage dispenser may optionally be allowed by an automation store outlet, such as after purchase, after appropriate customer identification and automation.

[24] Customer identification may include inputting at least one of a customer identification code and / or password, customer unique images or QR code images, swiping an electronic readable card or electronic device, Is entered into the check-in station of the automation store outlet, such as providing authentication information, such as facial recognition, fingerprints, eye scan, and the like. Customer identification is verified by the system.

[25] The customer payment information is also entered into the check-in station of the automation store outlet, and the customer payment information is verified by the system. The customer payment information may include entering information relating to a customer automation store outlet account previously created, credit or debit card account information, or depositing cash in the cash acceptance device of the automation store outlet. The customer can deliver the funds to the customer's dedicated online automation store account or can also be delivered using the check-in station of the automation store outlet.

According to the present invention, the customer first determines whether the customer payment information has a level sufficient to purchase items from at least one bay in the automation store outlet, and then sends the payment information to the system to remove items from the at least one bay You are qualified by.

[27] After the customer is identified, the customer's payment information is verified, and the customer qualifies, the customer is then allowed to shop at the automation store outlet. This requires unlocking the door to provide access to the bay. Typically, this requires the customer to provide identification information to the electronic unit associated with the lock in each bay door. This is accomplished by an electronic unit that simultaneously performs a plurality of scanning and reading and display functions, including a motion detector, an electronic display screen, a keypad, a two-way audio visual communication means, an RFID reader, an electronic code image reader, can do. Customer identification is verified before unlocking the door. Once the door is unlocked and opened, the system tracks the customer's activity in that bay.

[28] It will also be appreciated that customer identification and payment may also be performed in other manners. For example, instead of using the check-in station, the customer can directly access and use the door access unit associated with the bay of the automation store outlet and enter his or her customer identification into the door access unit. This may include manually entered codes or passwords, biometric scans, scanning of machine-generated codes or magnetic strips, reading of RFID or NFC signals, and the like. This can be done, for example, by swiping or scanning the customer's credit or debit card. The customer may also wear electronic components worn by the customer, such as jewelry, that provide such electronic codes that can be read by the access device. Alternatively, the customer can be scanned by the access unit to unlock the door and provide access to the items in its bay, or the customer's handheld device, such as a cell phone or You can get machine-generated code, passwords, etc. from software applications on the tablet.

[29] Cash can also be deposited into a unit of an automation store outlet, such as a check-in station, or when a customer receives a code, password, or machine-readable code, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > access unit. ≪ / RTI > The customer may have uncommitted money returned to him or her as part of closing the purchase transaction at the check-in station or other unit.

[30] After verifying the customer's identity, the customer is moved into presence mode while shopping at the automation store outlets to accelerate the customer's identification process in each bay. This avoids the need for the system to search for all potential previous customers, systems members, credit card and / or debit card holder information, etc., which databases may be too large and time consuming to fully retrieve. Instead, such information can be maintained in a much smaller database in an automation store outlet computerization system where all customers in that particular automation store outlet can be searched very quickly.

[31] When the article is removed from the bay, such as the bay of the bay, the system detects removal of the article from the bay. The system also identifies the removed item and sends the identification of the removed item to the electronic shopping cart for that customer on the computer located in the automated store outlet.

[32] Detection of removal of the article from the bay may be performed by various means. Typically, a sensor is associated with each article in the bay. For example, the sensor may include an optical sensor disposed under the article and exposed to light, and thus activated when the article is removed from the tray. Typically, the cells are formed in trays using horizontal and vertical dividers or pre-fabricated dividers, and the article and photosensor are assigned to each cell. Since the articles and sensors are arranged in relation to the tray in the bay, the removal of a particular article triggers the sensor and the system can accurately determine which article has been removed from the tray in the bay. The plurality of spaces may be molded with a sheet of material that includes the tray of the bay. The tray is generally opaque, but each compartment has a transparent area or aperture that generally aligns with the photosensor of the compartment so that the photosensor is activated when the article is removed from the compartment. A light source, such as a pulsed light source, at a predetermined non-visible frequency or a range of frequencies, such as an infrared LED, may be used to enable detection of item removal from the tray, as the system can distinguish this light source from ambient light sources Lt; / RTI >

[33] Alternatively, the detection of removal of the article from the bay includes associating the RFID tag with each item on the tray. A corresponding RFID detector is used to detect movement of the article away from the tray and from the bay. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the RFID detector comprises an RFID antenna sandwiched between an upper layer and a base layer and forming a sensor tray, wherein the sensor tray is adapted to detect movement and removal of the article from the tray and bay .

The identification of the article removed from the tray or bay is displayed on the customer's shopping cart. This typically also includes the price for the removed item. A customer's shopping cart may be displayed on a computer-controlled display unit associated with each bay of an automation store outlet, including identification of the purchase price of each removed article and article. When accessing a different bay, the customer's electronic shopping cart, including all items removed from all bays of the automation store outlet during the shopping event, will be able to access all of the automation store outlets until the customer's purchase transaction is closed It is displayed on the display unit of the bay to move with the customer from the bay to the bay of the automation store outlet to track all items removed for purchase from the bays. This allows closing the purchase transaction to be performed once as a single transaction for all items removed from all bays by the customer during a shopping event, which not only provides convenience to the customer but also saves transaction costs.

In an embodiment of the invention, a handheld device, such as a software application that can be loaded or accessed on a cell phone or tablet, can be used to obtain a password or code. When entering or scanning a code or password into a door access unit, the door is unlocked and the customer can gain access to the items in the bay. The customer's electronic shopping cart can be transmitted to the customer's handheld device and displayed on the display of the handheld device while the customer is using the automation store outlet.

The transaction or identification of the article or the accuracy of the price can be ascertained by scanning the machine-readable code on the article that has been removed using a scanner of the automation store outlet, such as a scanner associated with the door access unit. When the customer returns the item to the bay, the item is removed from the buyer's electronic shopping cart. However, when the bay door is closed, the bay door is automatically locked. The automation store outlets are configured to detect whether the doors of each bay are open or closed at any given time and to track the opening of the door by the customer and to transfer all items removed from the bay to the shopper Of the shopping cart.

While the invention allows multiple customers to shop simultaneously in an automation store outlet, only one customer at a time has access to a given bay. Thus, while the first customer accesses the bay of the automation store outlet, the second customer may enter that customer's identification into the door access unit associated with the bay that was not accessed by the first customer at that time. After verifying the second customer identification, the door of the bay associated with the door access unit that received the second customer identification is unlocked to provide access to the items in the bay. The system detects the identity of each item removed from the bay by the second customer and adds the removed items to the electronic shopping cart for the second customer. The electronic shopping cart moves with the second customer when the second customer moves from bay to bay and removes items for purchase. The second customer will be billed for goods in the second customer's electronic shopping cart when the second customer closes the transaction after the predetermined activity period by the second customer or when the second customer closes the transaction . The methods and techniques of the present invention allow multiple customers to shop at the same time and the system has the ability to distinguish customers and charge customers independently in each single transaction.

[38] After the customer completes his or her shopping session, the purchase transaction is closed and the customer is charged for one or more of the removed items. Closing a purchase transaction may involve the customer using the check-in station in the automation store outlet to close the purchase transaction. The customer can request the display of the purchase prices of the removed items and items by viewing the shopping cart in the computer-controlled display unit of the check-in station. Alternatively, the system will automatically close the transaction and charge the customer for the item removed from the automation store outlet after a predetermined period of inactivity.

[39] A receipt may be provided for one or more items purchased. The receipt can be printed for the customer or electronically transmitted to the customer, such as via e-mail. Purchase data from automation store outlets can also be relayed to a central control center over a wired or wireless network.

[40] The present invention provides real-time video and audio communications, which allows customers to communicate with customer service in an automation store outlet in real time. The customer may request live customer service assistance while using the Auto Store Outlet, which may be in the form of a live employee at a remote location that communicates with the customer via an audio link or audio / visual link, such as a display monitor of an automation store outlet will be.

[41] Typically, automation store outlets are monitored with monitoring devices that can also be used as remote viewing devices by customer service to remotely assist customers. The sensing devices can also provide security against theft and destruction of automation store outlets.

[42] The invention may also include an algorithm for collecting and analyzing customer purchase habits. An alert is generated when a customer behavior that conflicts with pre-established behavior rules is detected. This can be used, for example, as a means to provide safety and to prevent the theft or destruction of automation store outlets or the goods of the outlets. This may also be used, for example, to detect unauthorized use of a customer ' s account identification.

[43] For refrigeration bays that contain items that may become spoiled when a predetermined temperature is reached, the automation store outlets are designed to prevent the customer from potentially purchasing products that may become corrupted or spoiled, Can prevent the customer from opening the refrigeration bay door when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

The automation store outlet of the present invention can electronically detect the presence and identity of all items in the bay and generate an inventory report. One or more bays in the automation store outlets can be replenished as needed. The automation store outlets and methods of the present invention can generate transition reports and pick lists and include at least one of the time to start and complete the stock replenishment in comparison to the article pick list, You can track activity.

[45] The tray may be provided in at least one of the bays having the items supplied by a single predetermined supplier. Purchase histories of the items from that tray are tracked, analyzed and delivered to the supplier. The present invention may also collect supplier product rebate data corresponding to items purchased from bays of an automation store outlet to take advantage of supplier rebate programs.

[46] The present invention can also track food purchases with a customer's weight loss or health maintenance program. According to such a program, electronic messages may be sent to the customer from the automation store outlets for eating time intervals or a weight loss or health care program for the proposed food item.

[47] Advertisements can be displayed on a monitor associated with an automation store outlet. Advertisements may relate to automation store outlets, goods and goods sold in automation store outlets, or unrelated advertisements.

The use of this invention can overcome limitations and limitations of conventional vending machines, as well as many of the limitations or limitations of a common kiosk or a company's micro-market.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one check-in station and one bay automation store outlet for realizing the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of another automation store outlet having a hot beverage brewing dispenser implementing the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another automation store outlet having a plurality of bays, according to the present invention.
[53] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of the system of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting steps taken in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and use of the present invention.
[56] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating various components of a typical automation store outlet of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a door access unit scanner used in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bay of the ASO of the present invention with the door closed; FIG.
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 9, illustrating the opening of the bay door after customer identification verification.
[60] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an AMP unit used in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a top view of an LED strip used in accordance with the present invention and having a plurality of electronic components and LEDs thereon.
[62] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism used in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tray used in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a sensor tray used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
[65] Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of area "16" of Figure 15 showing the details of the sensor tray of Figure 15;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the photo sensor plug of the region "17" in FIG. 15.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a tray used in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of a double-sided printing circuit board used in accordance with the present invention.
[69] FIG. 20 is a top and front perspective view of a tray, illustrating the top surface of the double-sided printing circuit board of FIG. 19 therein.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tray with split rails and pushers, used in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 22 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 21.
[72] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a tray used in the present invention having molded chambers.
[73] Figure 24 is a front perspective view of an exemplary molded material sheet including a tray, having a plurality of different objects disposed in different molded cars, in accordance with the present invention.
[74] Figure 25 is a bottom perspective view of a molded sheet including trays of the present invention having apertures or light-transmitting portions.
FIG. 26 is a front and top perspective view of a tray used in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 27 is a partial exploded view and schematic diagram of article detection removed from an RFID-based sensor tray, in accordance with the present invention.
[77] Figure 28 is a perspective and schematic view of a larger micro-market system incorporating multiple check-in stations and multiple modular bays, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a check-in station or standalone kiosk used in accordance with the present invention.

For purposes of illustration, the present invention is directed to a system for providing unattended, automated checkout store outlets for use in sales and distribution of products and articles to customers, as shown in the accompanying drawings. As will be more fully described herein, each Automation Store Outlet (ASO) is designed to be completely automated and unattended. However, the system provides interactive live solutions, which allow customers to interact with management and customer service agents via audio and / or video conferencing or chart or text charts. While the present invention and related methods of the present invention provide greater safety than currently provided by current micro-markets and greater flexibility and more products than currently offered by conventional vending machines, Transactions are still performed in the secure bays behind the locked doors and are only accessible by pre-payment verification and customer information, transactions are still performed without the need for any participant.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary Automation Store Outlet (ASO) 10 is shown. The ASO 10 is an unattended, automated checkout kiosk or micro-market outlet. ASO can be used to sell many types of food and beverages as well as all other suitable customer products. The ASO includes a check-in station 12 in which an individual logs in personal identification information, selects and enters payment type and information, receives approval for transactions, interfaces with customer service, and closes transactions do. The check-in station typically includes an electronic monitor or screen 14, which is a touch screen for performing both displaying information as well as allowing the customer to interact with the system and enter data into the system in a particularly preferred embodiment, . However, it will be appreciated that other data input means, such as a mouse, keyboard, etc., may be used in connection with the non-touch screen for the same purposes. The check-in station 12 also includes a camera 16 and speakers typically used to identify the customer and / or to enable the customer to communicate live with customer service representatives,

As part of using the present invention, a customer is identified. This can be done in several ways. For example, the user may simply input the customer identification code and / or password using the touch screen monitor 14, for example. Alternatively, the biometric information may be obtained from a customer using a camera 16 that may be used for facial recognition purposes, for example, or a scanner 18 that may be used to obtain fingerprints from a customer to properly identify the customer. have. The scanner 18 may also be used to read a customer's RFID card or customer fast response imaging reading as additional options for identifying a customer. The card reader 20 is also typically provided as part of the check-in station 12. This can be used to identify the customer and to provide the customer with payment information in the form of pre-issued dedicated member cards, debit cards, credit cards, etc. for the ASOs of the system. The check-in station 12 may also include a mechanism for accepting deposited cash in the form of currency bills and coins to trigger a transaction.

Each ASO 10 includes one or more bays 22 that contain removable items from the bay 22 for purchase. The bays 22 may be disposed adjacent to each other in a number of configurations. Each bay 22 includes a generally locked door 24. Typically, the access doors 24 are made of glass or other transparent material so that the customers can see the contents in the bays 22 before opening the doors 24. All the doors 24 are self-closing spring doors that are to be automatically closed when releasing the handle of the door.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an electronic access unit, such as a scanner or data input device 26, is used to unlock the door 24 and to use it to obtain access to the contents in the bay 22 Is associated with the door (24) of each bay (22). This can be done after being identified, selecting payment information, and qualifying through the check-in station 12. The customer may enter a code to obtain access to each bay 22 via the locked door 24 or provide fingerprints to the scanner 26 or may provide a QR image, an RFID card, an NFC Or scanning other electronic devices or the like.

[84] If the customer is in any of the check-in station 12 or the door access unit 26, such as a biometric scan, a password or code input, machine readable code scanning, swiping or scanning a credit card or debit card, When entering his or her customer identification and / or purchase information, the computerized system of the present invention must retrieve one or more databases to verify the customer's identification and / or payment information. Such databases can contain thousands of customer profiles, and authentication can take a few seconds. In accordance with the present invention, after the customer profile is obtained, this profile is stored locally in the temporary database in the ASO to raise the customer to the "existent mode ", indicating that the customer is in the ASO 10 and is currently shopping . Thus, when a customer accesses the various bays 22, checks out, closes a transaction, or is in some other function, the computerized system of the ASO can discover the customer's profile very quickly.

As required, the individual bays 22 can hold and maintain refrigerated or frozen food, depending on the items to be purchased therein, or else the climate can be controlled or climate control can be provided . As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ASO 10 with multiple bays 22 may have some bays 22 that are refrigerated, but not the other bays 22. In accordance with the present invention, since the ASO will monitor the temperatures of the bays, and in particular the refrigerated bays, so that if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the articles may be decayed, spoiled, The door 24 is locked and customers will not be able to access the contents of the bay 22 to remove the items.

[86] Means are provided for holding and presenting items to be purchased in the bays 22. Typically, trays 28 or other shelves are provided for these items. As will be discussed more fully herein, the ASO can detect the removal of every individual item from each bay 22 to charge the customer for each item removed.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates the use of a monitor 30 that may provide advertisements and marketing for various products and services. These products and services may be related to the company providing and servicing ASO or ASO, or may be related to other companies. The ad monitor 30 may also be used to advertise items for sale within the ASO. Alternatively, the advertisement monitor 30 may be used to advertise goods and services that are not fully related to the goods for purchase within the ASO 10 or ASO. The ad monitor 30 can also be used to illustrate to new customers how to use the ASO system. This may be done in the monitor 14 associated with the ad monitor 30, the check-in station 12, or the printed commands may be provided on the ASO 10.

The canopies 32 typically provide lighting, branding, and marketing, but otherwise include the bays 22 to allow the ASO 10 unit to be aesthetically pleasing. Modular units, check-in station 12, and the like. It is recognized that other types of awning and facades can be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another ASO 10 is shown having a check-in station 12 as described above, and a plurality of bays 22 in two modular units. However, in this case, the modular bays 22 will be seen to have a configuration and size different from those illustrated in FIG. In addition, one of the bays 22 includes items related to the beverage dispenser 34. The beverage dispenser 34 typically includes a coffee maker, but may also provide hot water to make tea, cold water to make beverages with a cool flavor, and the like. Coffee K-cups®, teabags, flavored packets, cups, etc. will be accessed via the locked door 24 of the bay 22, and after retrieving and purchasing these items, May use the beverage device 34 to create the desired beverage. The beverage device 34 may or may not be behind the closed and locked door 24. Other types of hot or cold single cup beverage dispensers 34 may be provided. Such dispensers are controlled by ASO's computer system and dispense only selected beverages to qualified customers. To activate the beverage dispenser 34, the customer may provide such information to an access unit 26 in the bay in which the beverage dispenser 34 is disposed, or to such an access unit electronically connected to the beverage dispensing device 34 By input, you must provide verified customer identification and payment information. The ASO system then changes the machine mode from standby to active and the machine processes the customer's beverage selections. The beverage dispenser device 34 reports to the system a selection of adding a sale to a customer's shopping cart. The beverage dispenser 34 can process one beverage at a time and then returns to the standby mode until the next customer is verified and approved to use the dispenser 34. It is also contemplated by the present invention that the customer may be charged for the components required to make the removed cup and / or beverages, such as K-cups, tea bags, flavored packets, and the like. Upon removal of one of these items from the bay tray 28, the beverage dispenser device 34 may be activated to create and / or dispense a corresponding beverage of the beverage cup, beverage component,

[90] The ASO 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 allows the operation of an automated, unattended coffee shop. Customers are allowed to independently prepare their own hot or cold beverages, such as coffee or tea. The broaching device 34 may only be activated after the customer has properly checked in and qualified through the check-in station 12. The customer may also purchase other products usually sold in coffee shops, such as muffins, cakes, other confectionery items, etc., which may be obtained through one or more additional bays 22.

Traditional coffee shops, such as Starbucks, are very popular and frequently visited. In many cases, however, such coffee shops are located far enough away from the customer to allow the customer to walk several blocks to the coffee shop or drive his or her car to the coffee shop. Also, many times in such coffee shops there is a long queue of customers and it takes time to get service. Additionally, such coffee shops charge very high prices for their products. Automated coffee shops realized by the present invention which can be conveniently located within a fully automated, unmanned, low-cost lobby providing high quality coffee, tea, etc., office buildings, airports, dormitories, Kiosk or ASO is required.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the ASO 10 of the present invention is modular and typically a plurality of bays 22 are part of the same ASO 10, as illustrated in FIG. 3, - in station 12 as variable configurations. Thus, for example, a larger ASO with multiple bays 22 may be provided in larger buildings, airports, etc., where there is a greater need and sufficient space. However, in smaller buildings, dormitories, etc., smaller ASOs may be provided to meet the needs of that location. The modular ASO allows highly flexible design of ASOs of different shapes and configurations. Therefore, the ASO may be smaller than that illustrated in FIG. 1 based on location requirements and location physical configurations, or may be larger than that illustrated in FIG. 3 or may be any other size. The ASO 10 operates in the same manner regardless of the number of bays 22 provided and modular units.

4, each of the ASOs 10 (labeled ASOl-ASON) typically has a central control center or main control network facility (MCNF) to exchange data and information and perform activities, : < / RTI > main control network facility (36). The MCNF 36 may be used in a cloud environment to facilitate activities of the ASOs as well as the customer service network 38, the network operation center 40 and the inventory, sales and reporting system 42 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > The customer service network 38 allows customers to interface live with the customer service staff. The MCNF 36 is typically associated with a company's website and allows customers to create accounts, add funds to their accounts, obtain company news, review personal activity records and / or bank statements, Other related functions. Accordingly, the bi-directional communication network may use wired or wireless technologies to enable ASOs to relay information to the MCNF 36, the NOC 40, the customer service 38, or the inventory and sales and reporting system 42, Customer service, remote monitoring, remote operation, and the like.

[94] The MCNF 36 is a central control center that manages all ASO locations as well as the company's management and reporting needs. The MCNF hosts the company's network operations center, the company's customer service and the company's web sites. The MCNF communicates with the LCS (58) of each ASO through a network connection, exchanges data and assists the operation of each ASO. However, not only all local functions, mechanical and electrical, but also all detection identification and qualification of each customer are mainly controlled by the local LCS of each ASO. However, the MCNF provides software for managing the company's management, including all sales reports and inventory, inventory replenishment reports, customer account activities and balances, member databases and various other functions and specific programs. Can be utilized. In addition, the MCNF allows members to log on to their profiles and obtain reports, add funds to their balances, interact with company-specific programs and communicate with company staff via chat, e-mail or live video / audio Hosts and manages company websites that not only allow but also provide company information.

The present invention detects the removal of an item from the tray 28 of the bay 22 by a customer who has gained access to the bay 22 through an electronic identification unit 26 associated with the lock of the door 24 . This information is used to determine the exact identity of each item removed by that particular customer and to determine the exact location of each item in each ASO from the circuit associated with each bay 22 To the computing system (LCS) and to the main controller. The main controller and LCS also control the functions of the check-in station 12. Thus, all the functions of each ASO 10 are fully operated by the LCS locally located in each ASO. The LCS generates, stores and maintains activity reports and history logs in each local ASO. Thus, in the event of communication and network outages, the ASOs of the present invention can still operate and function because they can be self-contained by including the necessary circuitry, controllers, computers, software, etc. to perform transactions have.

It is contemplated by the present invention that a customer can create an account that is dedicated to the system of the present invention through the website or through the check-in station 12 in the ASO 10. Funds may be loaded into accounts and dedicated cards, or electronic devices may be issued to customers. Alternatively, the customer may be provided with a customer identification, PIN, password, etc., to enter at the check-in station and / or electronic scanner units 26 to gain access to the ASO to make purchases, . Funds in dedicated accounts can be supplemented by cash from direct debit cards, credit cards, wire transfers from bank accounts, or even deposits into ASO. Since all of the ASOs 10 are managed and controlled by one network, customers who are members of a particular ASO can shop and use their member card or customer identification to any other ASO on the network, Will be credited to the operator of.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the customer identifies themselves and initiates the process of using the invention by their choice of payment method 44. This may be done at the check-in station 12, as illustrated in step 56 of FIG. The first step the customer takes when the customer reaches the ASO 10 is to complete the identification and qualification process. During this process, the local computerized system identifies the customer and then qualifies the customer to shop at the ASO. The customer can be a member or a non-member. A member is a person previously registered with the company and has a custom member card or identification code issued to him or her by the company.

[98] As mentioned above, initial identification is usually achieved at the check-in station. If the customer is an authorized member, then the customer can determine whether he or she has received a signal from his or her own custom member card (such as an RFID card, magnetic strip card, or other type of custom identification smart card) or handheld device, . The customer will also typically have a personal identification number (PIN) already associated with the member card. The customer scans his member card on a scanner or card reader in the check-in station 12 and then enters his PIN using the station's keypad or station's touch screen. In some cases, the customer may be required to enter additional information that may be stored in association with the customer's profile for security purposes, such as a home card, birthday, the name of his or her pet, or other information.

[99] The present invention may be used to supplement member payment cards issued with credits supplementing the dollar amount on a check-in station screen on-line on a company website or any ASO using a credit or debit card or cash . Members can also authorize ACH transactions to supplement their payment cards.

[100] Alternatively, if the customer is a member who has pre-scanned and registered his or her face and / or fingerprint imaging, the customer may also scan the biometric data, such as his or her face at the check- . The system compares the face, fingerprint, or other biometric image with the biometric images on the record and identifies the customer.

[101] As another option, the member customer may enter his or her username and password, etc., using the touch screen or other data entry mechanism of the local check-in station. The system compares the information to the database, and when the system finds an information input match with the database records, the system completes the identification process. Again, in some cases, the customer may be required to enter additional information stored in the customer's profile for security purposes.

As another option, a member customer can download a corporate software application to a handheld mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, which allows the customer to download an image downloaded to the customer's mobile device, such as a QR code image To be identified. Upon accessing the application from the mobile phone and after entering the customer's PIN and requesting the QR image, the QR image is pushed to the customer's smartphone number. The new QR image allows the customer to push to the customer's smartphone whenever they access the application and request an image. The smartphone number on the file and the customer's PIN must match to receive a qualified QR image. Certain images are good for one session in ASO. When obtaining a machine readable code, such as a QR code, the customer's profile is elevated to presence mode for a predetermined amount of time, which allows the customer to go straight to any bay door and check-in Readable code that is scanned in the door access unit 26 to obtain the access to the specific bay 22 of the ASO 10 or to have the code or password manually entered therein . If the QR image is not used for a predetermined period of time, the QR image expires.

[103] In addition, by using this option, the customer obtains his or her active virtual shopping cart directly on the display of the mobile phone in real time. Also, sometimes the customer gets notifications and promotional advertisements that are pushed to the customer's smartphone using push notification functions or any other cellular technology.

[104] If the customer is not a member and wants to shop at the ASO using a credit or debit card, the customer can use the reader of the check-in station 12 to scan the card. The customer may also be required to enter additional information, such as a billing code, birthday, or any other information that may be associated with a paying credit card or debit card. Additionally, the customer may also be required to be biometrically scanned, such as by providing a facial image and / or a fingerprint from the camera of the check-in station.

[105] If a customer wishes to use cash for a shopping session, the customer must enter the cash note or coins into a cash acceptance receiving device, which may be part of the check-in station. This loads the amount of cash received on the device into the temporary account. At that time, the check-in station will issue a password or PIN associated with the temporary account to allow the customer to shop at the temporary card, machine readable code print, or ASO to the customer.

[106] In one embodiment, the device will issue a card at the location of the ASO where the same amount of funds that the customer supplies to the device are loaded, as long as the total amount exceeds the required minimum total amount. Alternatively, the machine may print custom QR images, bar codes, RFID tag cards, or other images on smart paper access cards that are specifically issued for such transactions. In yet another alternative, a temporary access PIN may be provided to the customer instead of, or in addition to, such a printed image or smart card. The PIN may be generated by the machine or selected by the customer on the touch screen. The access cards, the printed image, and / or the PIN will allow the customer to access the bay doors 24 and shop at the ASO.

[107] At the completion of the current shopping session, the customer can either exchange the remaining amount of cash on the card (the remaining balance is the amount of money on the card that is smaller than the price of the items purchased during the shopping session) You can insert or scan the temporary access card back into the machine to hold the card. Additionally, such types of cash access cards with certain preloaded dollar amounts may be provided for sale as gift cards or cash access cards for shopping in any ASO.

[108] In an event that the system detects that any person can not meet certain security criteria, the system may request additional information or refuse access to such person.

[109] After an acceptable payment choice is appropriately identified and presented (both verified by the system), the system then determines that the customer payment information has sufficient level for purchase from the ASO, To remove items from the bays of. The qualification process is necessary to ensure that the customer's account has enough funds available for the average amount of shopping visits. The average amount of shopping visits can be different at each location and can be preset on the system. Thus, after the identification process is complete, the system qualifies the customer's member card or account, debit or credit card, or input cash for the average amount of shopping visits. If the payment amount does not qualify, the system notifies the customer on the check-in station screen that there is not a sufficient sum for the selected payment type to perform the shopping. Alternatively, the system may allow the customer to specify a lower entitlement shopping amount on the touch screen based on the customer's intent to consume in such a visit. If an unqualified customer is a member, the member customer may add funds to his or her account using a debit or credit card, ACH delivery, etc. to qualify. If the customer is not a member, the customer may use a different debit or credit card to qualify and insert additional cash into the ASO. Otherwise, his or her access will be denied.

Referring again to FIG. 5, when the system qualifies the payment method, the profile of the qualified customer is elevated to presence mode 46. With reference to FIG. 6, this is done by the local computer system 58.

[111] Presence mode means that the customer and his or her card or other payment information have passed the identification and qualification process and he or she is present at the ASO and is entitled to open the doors of the bay and shop at the outlet store Means that. In presence mode, the customer's profile includes the customer's user name and PIN, the customer's RFID / NFC or magnetic swipe card information and PIN number, and also customer biometric information and images on the record, such as fingerprint and facial scanned images or other And personal information of the customer including available and appropriate personally identifiable information.

[112] In an event where the cash system issues a temporary access cash card, a barcode or a QR image access card, etc., the system acknowledges the card for shopping and raises the credentials of the card in presence mode.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when in the current mode, the doors for one or more of the bays may be opened by pushing a button, switch, etc., associated with the door 24 and the lock, And the scanner 26 of the door without requiring the second identity scanning. However, this option may only be available in very small ASOs that allow a single customer to utilize the ASO at any given time. In such a case of a relatively small ASO 10 having only a single bay 22, this has no effect and this option may be appropriate. However, this option presents a problem in the ASO with multiple bays 22. If only one customer tries to shop in such a larger ASO at any given time, the non-qualified individual other than the qualified customer can open the door 24 and access the items in bay 22 , Which will erroneously charge the customer in presence mode.

Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, each qualified customer is assigned a respective bay door (not shown) to allow simultaneous access by multiple customers to shop and open doors 24 of a number of larger ASOs Must be re-identified before opening any bay door 24 by the electronic door access unit 26 associated with the door 24. If the customer is identified as being in presence mode and a suitable identification is presented at the scanner 26, the door will open 48. Otherwise, it remains locked. Nevertheless, one customer can open one door at a time. Such a customer is a responsible party for all removed items from such bay 22, until the door 24 of such bay is closed and locked. However, many customers can shop at the ASO at the same time, and a single customer at a time can access the given bay through the locked door by providing the necessary customer identification in the door access unit. The present invention tracks which bay door has been opened by the customer and which items have been removed from the bay while the door is open. Each customer's shopping cart is managed separately by the system and moved with one customer from one bay to another bay, which keeps all of the items removed from multiple bays in one shopping transaction for each customer .

[115] In presence mode, only customers with his or her profile or his or her cash access card can open the door of the bay to remove the products. To open any door, the customer may scan his or her card, face or fingerprint or other biometric authentication information, as illustrated in step 60 of FIG. 6, or by each door 24 And inputs his PIN to the located door access unit 26. The door of the bay is verified after the system has verified and the customer's profile is in presence mode, and the customer has scanned his or her identity on the door access unit by the door of the bay. The system then activates the locking unit and unlocks the bay door, for example by retracting a dead bolt to unlock the bay door.

The access units 26 and their components may be a multi-system scanner capable of performing RFID / NFC scanning, barcode or QR code image reading, biometric face or fingerprint scanning, or manual entry of user names and PINs . The electronic scanner unit 26 of the present invention may accommodate any of these methods or any combination thereof, or any other identifying means. For example, customers using their credit or debit cards to qualify may manually enter some digits of the card used during the identification and qualification process, such as four or five digits, manually into the scanner unit , Enter a PIN that can be given to him / her during the identification and qualification process, or use the printed barcode or QR access card issued by the ASO to the customer during the check-in process. If the customer's credit or debit card is a smart card, the scanner can read RFID, NFC, or other identifying technology when the customer scans the particular card on the scanner of each door to open the door of any bay have. As an additional security measure, the ASO may require the use of a biometric face, fingerprint, or other image in addition to any of the foregoing. A customer's card or profile that is not in presence mode may not gain access to open the door of any bay.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary door access unit or scanner 26 is shown. The access unit 26 may include a display screen 800 for displaying notifications, information, or even a customer's shopping cart to the customer. A keypad 802 is also provided for entering PINs, passwords, codes, and the like. Biometric scanner 804, etc. may be used to read fingerprints, detect personal eye characteristics, and so on. Speaker 806 may be provided to the unit for audio notifications and communication. The component 808 may include a motion detector, a camera for biometric identification or audio / visual communication with representative customer service, or other scanner. As described above, the door access unit 26 may include a scanner or reader 803 that can scan or read machine generated codes, such as QR codes, bar codes, or even read credit cards or debit cards, .

[118] Instead of issuing member cards, other electronic devices in the form of bracelets, rings, etc., including smart RFID chips or any other RF technology, may be issued to the customer. By wearing such bracelets or rings, the customer member can simply pass an electronic device in the form of a bracelet, ring, or the like from the front of the door access unit 26, or hold the door handle of any bay, Can be opened. By holding the handle of the door, the access unit of the door positioned near the handle of the door will detect the identification of the customer in the bracelet or ring and will allow the door to open.

After the computer system determines that the information entered into the door scanner matches the information of the customer's profile at the presence mode level, the computerized controller unlocks the door of the particular bay. Alternatively, instead of the main controller or LCS performing such a function, presence mode information may be present, such that information is temporarily stored in the memory of each scanner, as long as the customer's profile or profile of the card is present in the presence mode. Mode and can be downloaded and updated in real time to all door scanners using all the profiles and access cards of the customers that can be elevated to the mode. Thus, when a customer scans his or her card, provides biometric authentication information, and enters his or her PIN into a door scanner located next to each door, the scanner scans the customer's Profile identification information and a match, and the scanner notifies the central controller and LCS of such a match and requires the LCS to unlock the door.

In this way, only one person at a time can open the door 24 of a given bay 22. Thus, while allowing multiple customers to shop at the same time in the ASO, the customer is the party responsible for all items removed from the bay as a result of opening the door. Completing the identification and qualification process and elevating the customer to presence mode also enables a second identification step in the electronic device scanner associated with each bay door. Instead of having to search the database for the identification code, password, fingerprint, etc. of all members belonging to the ASO system, the ASO's local computer system is only allocated to those customers who are already in existence mode and are presently present and shopping in ASO Identification codes, passwords, biometric authentication information, and the like. While such crossmatching and decisions can occur almost simultaneously, it can take additional time to retrieve a large database of such information.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of bays 22 with their doors 24 closed and locked. However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the customer enters his or her customer identification into the door access unit 26 and this information is verified, the customer can open the door 24, 0.0 > 70 < / RTI >

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, each bay 22 may include an activity monitoring panel (AMP) 1100. Each AMP features a camera 1102, which is typically a video camera, and a display 1104. When the customer opens the door 24 and gains access to the bay 22, the camera 1102 is activated so that the customer's video image is shown on the display 1104, as shown in FIG. The customer opening the door can see him or herself on the video display 1104, and the video is typically recorded and stored on a memory associated with the ASO. This creates activities that may occur while the door to the bay is open and a log of the customer who opened the door of the bay. Other visual indicators, such as LED 1106, may be illuminated if door 24 is open and the system detects suspicious activity. Audible notifications can be made through the speakers 1108, and visual notifications and messages through the display 1110. [ Through the display 1112, a customer's shopping cart can be displayed, and the customer's shopping cart shows all the items removed by the customer from one or more bays in the ASO 10. The customer's shopping cart is automatically updated when the items are removed from the tray of the bay or returned. Speakers 1108 and display 1110 may provide audible or visual promotional information, operational commands, or even alerts when the customer's balance runs out or any illegal act is detected. Such messages may also announce promotional information and / or special offers. LED 1106 may be used to blink to provide a visual warning or notification when the system detects a suspicious activity. In extreme cases, the speakers 1108 can play an alarm sound and the LED 1106 blinks.

When the customer scans his or her identification to open the door of the bay, the customer's shopping cart is displayed on the door of the door as well as the display 1112 of the AMP in the bay, Display 800. < / RTI > When a customer moves from one bay to another, the shopping cart is updated and moves with the customer and shows all items removed during the current shopping transaction.

The present invention may also include a common behavior rule algorithm that alerts the system when the behavior of the customer conflicts with the behavior rules of the preprogrammed system. In such cases, the system may use the AMP 1100 to play an audio alert message, display written text messages, or activate alarms as well as remote viewing features of the customer service.

[125] Typically, automation store outlets are monitored with surveillance to provide security from theft and destruction of automation store outlets. Additionally, such monitoring devices may be equipped with remote viewing features, which allows the customer service to view the store location remotely and to assist customers in live help while shopping at the ASO. Such monitoring may include cameras, speakers, and digital displays that may be separate or part of the door access units 26 or the AMP 1100.

[126] The system may also incorporate motion detectors that immediately alert the ASO when motion is detected, or alert the system to a portion of the ASO, such as the bay 22. Door access unit scanners 26 may include such motion detectors and / or AMPs 1100. Motion detection can activate certain aspects of the ASO, such as one or more of the ASO's bay lights, surveillance equipment, cameras turn on, and so on.

The door access unit 26 may also scan the identification codes of the article itself, such as UPC bar codes. This can be used by the customer to verify the identity of the product and the price of the product. This may also be used to return the article to the proper spot of the article in bay 22. [ Scanning of such items can also be used during inventory charging. Scanning a UPC or other code of a product may also display additional information about the product, such as materials or other characteristics.

[128] In some cases, the system uses a nearby scanner on a customer who wants to return the item to the tray of the bay, to enable and remove the item from the customer's shopping cart, A scanned UPC or any other type of identification code. At that time, the customer will be asked to open the door and scan any other type of identification code or UPC printed on the article and then return the article or article to its proper location on the tray. The system will verify that the scanned article is associated with a column in which the article is returned and matches the assignment of a product issuing a credit transaction to the customer. If a customer wants to return a product or item after a transaction has been closed, the return may require customer service help.

The activity history of each sensor is stored on the local computer system (LCS) of the ASO. Therefore, a specific sensor report can be generated at any time, which shows all the removals and / or replacements associated with such a sensor, as well as the information of the customer who removed or replaced the item and the date and time it occurred .

When the system detects a suspicious behavior, the system may use audio and / or visual messages, which may include one or more articles removed from the trays by using nearby scanners to verify the accuracy of the transaction To be scanned by the customer. Such a request may be made by a live customer service agent.

Referring now to FIG. 12, light strips 1200 may be placed on the lower portion of the AMP to remove items on the tray or in the bays under the AMP 1100. Such optical strips 1200 may include various electronic components including visual LEDs 1202, and non-visual LEDs 1204, such as infrared LEDs. Such infrared LEDs 1204 may be pulse-illuminated repeatedly to improve their detection by the sensors. Such light strips 1200 are also on the bottom of the trays.

[132] When identifying the customer and opening the lock of the door of the bay, the display screen of the electronic door access unit 26 may display the remaining balance of the customer and the current virtual shopping cart of the customer. When the door is closed and locked, the screen is cleared and waits in standby to be authenticated before the next customer enters the ID and presents the information to the customer.

[133] If the customer does not have enough funds in his account, or if the customer's shopping total exceeds the total amount the card has qualified during the check-in process, the message may be displayed to a customer, such as a display of a door access unit, an AMP display, , Which informs the customer that he has exceeded his authorized shopping total. Customer service can be notified and can intervene via video or audio connection. Customers will be allowed to provide different payment options or supplement existing payment options to continue shopping at ASO.

Referring back to FIGS. 5 and 6, a customer accessing and opening the door to the bay may remove any item from the trays in the bay. The customer who opened the door is responsible for all items removed from the bay until the door is closed and locked. When the items are removed from the bay, the name, description, and price of the product are added to the customer's virtual shopping cart 50, which can be displayed on the display screen of the door access unit as well as the AMP display screen. This is illustrated in steps 62 and 64 of FIG. When the customer removes the item 70 from the tray 28, the sensors detect the removal of the article 70 and the system removes the product name 70 of the removed article 70 to add it to the virtual shopping cart 64 , Description and price can be accurately determined. As described above, the virtual shopping cart also includes a screen associated with the electronic unit scanner 26, AMP 1100, and / or a check-in station (not shown), as well as a user's mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, 12 may be provided on the display screen 14 associated therewith. This can be displayed automatically, or only when requested by the customer.

Thus, when the customer removes the item 70 from the tray 28 of the bay 22, the system detects that the product has been removed in real time and has detected that the product has been removed from the virtual customer's virtual shopping cart Log such products as "merchandise during sale". The system detects removal based on preconfigured database information for each column of trays and identifies products that have been removed. Detection of the removal of products can be accomplished by using any optical or electrical sensor system or any digital measurement system and / or using any RFID or NFC that identifies the tag system as well as any other suitable sensor technology .

[136] When the customer returns the item 70 to the tray 28, the system removes the item from the customer's virtual shopping cart in real time. In some cases, if a customer wants to return an item to the tray before closing the door, the customer must return the item to the same location from which the item was removed. In some cases, if the customer does not return the item to the correct location, the credit transaction may not be issued for such a return and the alarm and / or voice announcement will ask the customer to move the item to the correct location. Items that are not in place will be logged and, if not modified by the customer, such items can be automatically updated by the software. If the software is unable to update the database, the software issues a notification to the maintenance personnel indicating such a misplaced product. When using some sensors, such as RFID tags, etc., the position of each product is less important and such functions are modified accordingly based on each occurrence situation.

As indicated above, until the current transaction is closed, the customer's shopping cart is moved from one bay to another bay and moved to the bay to display all of the items in the sale pending removed from each bay Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > The customer may remove multiple items from multiple bays and may be charged for these items under a single transaction. In addition, the ability to consolidate the removal of all products from multiple bays into a single transaction, since there is typically a single transaction fee associated with each credit card or debit card transaction, is that only one credit / And the cost of the ASO operator is reduced because only one fee is charged instead of a fee each time it is removed from each bay of one or more items.

Referring again to FIG. 5, when the customer releases the door handle, the door will automatically close and lock 52. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the glass door 24 at the front of each modular bay 22 is a biased, self-closing spring door that will automatically close when the door handle is released. When the door is fully closed, the locking mechanism detects that the door is fully closed, and then the system then activates the electrical dead bolt to lock the door.

Referring now to FIG. 13, such an electrically actuated dead bolt lock 72 is shown. The dead bolt 74 is selectively moved from the open to the closed and locked position, as indicated by electrical current, electrical generation signals, and the like. In one embodiment, the door includes a metal magnetic strike plate designed to receive a dead bolt 74 of the electrical locking mechanism 72, as well as to activate a reed switch of the lock when the door is fully closed . 8, the electrical locking mechanism 72 may be configured to detect the closing of the door, receive signals from the computerized controller, etc., and may include any limit switches, magnetic reed switches, etc., A motor and gears 78 for moving the dead bolt 74, the dead bolt 74, the circuit 80, and the like. Normally, limit switches, reed switches, etc. always detect the position of the door. The magnet on the strike plate is positioned to activate the reed switch when the door is fully closed, then the control board slides the dead bolt and activates the motor to lock the door. Locking or unlocking of the bay doors is typically based on commands from the main mast control board 90.

[140] If a customer wants to open the same door, after the door is closed and locked, the customer must repeat the above-indicated steps. That is, while the customer is in presence mode, he or she must scan the card, the electronic device, provide biometric scans, enter the appropriate codes, and so on. Again, the central control board or LCS activates the motor and gears 78 and pulls the deadlock 74 back to unlock the door and allows the customer to open the door and remove the items from the bay 22 .

Referring back to FIG. 5, when the customer removes all desired items and ends the shopping, the customer can manually close the transaction and receive the printed receipt at the check-in station, leave without closing the transaction The system will automatically close the transaction after a predetermined amount of inactivity time by the customer (54). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the customer can return to the check-in station, present an identification to view the virtual shopping cart, close the transaction and obtain a printed receipt if desired. When scanning a customer's ID card or providing a different identification to the check-in station, the system may determine that all the items that the customer has removed from one or more trays in one or more bays under one pending transaction And displays the virtual shopping cart of the specific customer listing. The customer can review this list and then click Redeem to complete the full transaction. By pressing the exit or OK, the customer acknowledges the accuracy of the virtual electronic shopping cart at the time the system closes the shopping transaction. When a customer initiates an objection to a live customer service agent for any of the items listed in the electronic shopping cart, the customer service agent will resolve the objection and the transaction will be closed by the customer service. If live customer service is not available, the transaction will be closed and the customer will be asked to submit a complaint to Customer Service by telephone, e-mail, or other available communication method.

[142] However, if the customer does not want to spend time reviewing and closing the transaction, the customer can simply leave the ASO and the system will detect that the customer is no longer active within the ASO for a predetermined period of time The system automatically closes certain shopping sessions, and charges the customer for the items shown and removed from the virtual electronic shopping cart. In that case, instead of the printed receipt, the receipt may be electronically transmitted to the customer, such as via e-mail, text, etc. This is particularly desirable for customers who have chosen not to manually close the transaction at the check-in station 66. After the transaction is closed, the software and LCS computer system removes the customer from presence mode (68).

As indicated above, the method of requiring a second identification and verification at each door of each bay allows multiple customers to concurrently shop at the ASO. The system distinguishes between each customer ' s virtual shopping carts based on the customer's access to the given bay in real time and the removal of the given items in its bay, and each customer opens the door of the bay, To each one of the customers for the products removed from the network. Purchase data from the ASO is relayed to the central control center, such as the MCNF 36 illustrated and described above in FIG.

[144] Also, as noted above, in small ASOs, door scanner electronic units may not be required when only one person can shop at a time. In such a situation, the identified and qualified customer is assumed to be the only person who has opened the door during a one person shopping session and the customer has removed items from one or more bays. Thus, the identified and qualified person is the responsible party for all products removed from any tray and bay during the shopping session.

[145] In such a case, the shopper may be required to unlock a given bay door by pressing a button, such as a green light button. Other doors will remain locked to prevent third parties from opening doors and removing items from other bays. Thus, only one door can be opened at any given time for security purposes. If there is only one bay with one door, it may not be necessary and the door will be unlocked for the customer immediately after being identified and qualified.

In such a case, in order to prevent more than one customer from logging in at a given time and / or attempting to cause the customer to manually close the transaction, the motorized card reader may use a shopping session Credit card, or debit card until the customer closes the transaction manually using the touch screen of the check-in station and the customer's account is charged. This will require the customer to manually close the transaction by viewing the virtual shopping cart and approving the transaction. After the transaction is closed and the customer's account is billed, the motorized card reader releases the customer's card and the system moves to standby mode ready for the next customer. In events where the customer uses biometric scanning, RFID or other swappable cards, the customer simply closes the transaction by pressing the OK or other such button on the touch screen of the check-in station and charges the customer's account After that, the system will move to standby mode ready for the next customer. A printed receipt or electronic email receipt will be provided to the customer.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram illustrating interconnection of various components of a typical ASO 10 is shown. Three bays are shown for purposes of explanation and illustration. Each bay is shown having four shelves or trays 28. Each bay 22 is shown having a corresponding electronic scanner unit 26, a lock 72, and LED lights 88.

The display screen 14, the camera 16, the scanner 18 and / or the check-in station 12 components of the card reader payment receiver 20 communicate with the local computing system (LCS) . The LCS 58 communicates with the MCNF 36, NOC, customer service technical support unit 38, and the like. However, as discussed above, the basic functions of the ASO can be performed locally in the ASO 10 to prevent the ASO from functioning and being able to perform transactions in the event of a network < RTI ID = 0.0 > This will happen if you are based on this cloud or remote computing system. In addition, the LCS of the ASO computing system is locally deployed to ensure the ability to service customers efficiently and always with the fastest functional responses and to avoid downtime due to Internet interferences and outages. Nevertheless, when the network is in operation, the LCS exchanges data and enables transactions, as well as to download or upload all settings, configurations, reports and / or other technical or administrative data, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > MCNF, < / RTI > The LCS provides all other customer interaction media functions, such as a number of video and audio live conferences, as well as the operation of the ASO including customer identification and qualification, operation of locking mechanisms, detection of removed items, charges applied, surveillance video . ≪ / RTI > Thus, the LCS 58 is made up of at least one suitable advanced computing system to locally accommodate such functionality without the delays and inoperability or interferences that may occur by using only the cloud or other remote computing systems.

As discussed more fully herein, each shelf or tray 28 includes a sensor tray 82 that includes one or more sensors that detect when an article is removed from the shelf or tray 28 ). This is typically relayed to the local tray circuit board 86 through a bridge board 84 and then relayed to the main circuit board 90 which is also directly or even part of the LCS 58. The tray circuit boards 86 may be interconnected in series as illustrated, or both directly to the main control board 90 and to the LCS 58. However, given the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7, if a single sensor tray, a bridge board, a tray circuit board, etc. malfunctions, this mis-function can be applied to the remaining trays or shelves 28, It does not affect the operation of other bays.

The electrical functionality of the ASO is controlled by the main control board 90 and the tray circuit boards 86 communicating with the software programs operated by the LCS 58 and the MCNF 36. Upon detection of any changes, such as removal or placement of products on trays 28, a signal is generated and such activity is reported to the main control board 90 by a serial data string, RS 485 or other protocol do. The center or main control board 90 communicates with the LCS 58, which utilizes a local database to determine which items have been removed and deployed and applies such activities to a moderately existing customer's virtual shopping cart.

Additionally, the circuit boards located in the main control board 90 and the circuit boards 86, or the AMP 1100, can be used whenever the system moves into the purchase mode or when the door of any bay is open Light mode LED lights 88 and 130 are activated. The LED light can be dimmed when the door of the bay is closed. Also, a control board, such as a main control board 90 or other control board, such as the LED top control board in the AMP 1100, controls the opening and closing position of the locking mechanism.

[152] Typically, the control board in the AMP 1100 also manages the climate control of each refrigerated bay. The climate control system conforms to the health and food certification requirements associated with the display and sale of food items with bay bites. The sensors are used to detect the temperature in the bays, and the control board is used with the refrigeration unit to control the temperature inside the bay. Each refrigerated bay includes a PCB control board and a climate control system. When the temperature of the refrigerated or frozen bay rises above a predetermined temperature corresponding to the temperature indicated by health and food stalls, the system displays the information on the LCS via the main control board. The LCS will keep the door of the bay locked to prevent the sale of items from the refrigerator / freezer until the situation is corrected by the operator. However, if the temperature of the bay does not reach a predetermined threshold level, but exceeds the desired level, the system may activate the fan of the bay to exhaust the heat, otherwise the contents of the bay may be refrigerated and / To activate the refrigeration system.

The software operates the NOC and customer service interfaces 38. Such interfaces include interaction features that enable the customer to communicate live with the customer's service or network operations center via audio and video conferencing. By touching the appropriate area on the touch screen monitor 14, the customer can initiate audio and video conference calls with customer service. Customer service agents appear live on the screen and assist customers' needs. Additionally, the software may allow the customer service representative to remotely lock or unlock the doors, turn on or off the LED lights, bill or credit the customer's account, and allow the customer to supplement their account balances Add funds to your account when you want them, and so on. In addition, the customer service has access to a remote viewing function that allows the customer service to view the ASO site remotely, such as via a display, camera, or surveillance system.

[154] Each ASO is equipped with surveillance video cameras. Surveillance video cameras can be attached to the front signboard of the ASO structure. Such cameras are used to record and record activity in front of the bays and in the area near the ASO. In addition to such a surveillance system, one or more display screens may be provided, such as in each bay, and the screens may include one or more items removed from the bay and the user who opened the bay door, It is considered to show what is being photographed. Additionally, one or more cameras may be located within each bay, e.g., below each bay, and within the respective AMP 1100, for capturing and recording customer's hand movements and removal or placement of each item from the tray to the bay. Can be provided below. Such cameras are activated only when the system detects motion, and such video can also be displayed on the video display of the AMP while the door is open to the bay. All video sessions may be stored on a local computer or DVR and viewed locally or remotely. If any bay door is opened without proper command from the main control board 90, the security alarm is activated and customer service remote viewing is turned on. All customer activities are fully logged in or stored. In an event where any tampering is found, the management unit may view the activity log and video recordings to determine who has tempered the system. Thus, such a system may also be used to confirm removal of customer goods from the ASO.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the ASO 10 includes a motion detector. The motion detector may be part of the identification scanner 26, or it may be independent or may be located at one or more positions throughout the ASO. The motion detector will detect motion that someone is approaching or passing through the ASO. In this case, the detection of motion by the motion detector turns on the LEDs 88 in the lights of the ASO, such as various bays 22, and the initial prompt screen < RTI ID = Turn on the ad monitor 30, and so on. In addition, motion detection by motion detectors can be used to activate surveillance video cameras and systems, and to enable live remote viewing for security or even customer service purposes.

[156] All doors are closed and locked using the lock 72 of FIG. 13 until such time as the existing qualified customer opens the door of any bay. Qualified customers can only open one door at a time. Such a customer is a responsible party for all items removed from the bay during that time, until the door is closed and locked. If any mechanical malfunction or tampering limits the door to fully closing for more than a predetermined length of time, the alarm is activated and the customer service remote viewing is turned on and activated.

[157] In addition, if the combined cost removes the goods from the trays 28 from which the customer has exceeded the qualifying total, the negative balance is generated and the customer exceeds the total amount qualified Audio messages can be played through the AMP 1100 and require the customer to return the final items. The customer's profile will be removed from presence mode, limiting the customer from opening any additional doors and activating local door alarms, as well as enabling the remote viewing video and / or audio session to be activated and customer service agents Have the customer intervene and ask for return of excess goods until it is sufficient to purchase the goods. Additional security measures can be applied as needed.

The system of the present invention may also include a flag alert program that is used as a warning method for an individual who tampered with the ASO or performed any other criminal activity while shopping at the ASO. One or more flags are issued to the individual for each alert. If the individual receives a predetermined number of warning flags, the person will be restricted from shopping in any ASO and may be prosecuted by the local authority.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, each tray or shelf 28 has an upper portion 92 and a bay portion or unit 94. The upper unit 92 is substantially enclosed and has a plurality of spaced grooves 96 formed in its wall. The spaced apart grooves allow selective positioning of the horizontal and vertical splitters 98 and 100. As can be seen, at least one of the dividers includes spaced apart grooves 102 for insertion of another divider, in this case a horizontal divider 98. The benefit of the horizontal and vertical dividers 98 and 100 is that the size of the square for each article can be varied such that the tray 28 can accommodate articles of different sizes. It is also contemplated by the present invention that the prefabricated dividers 104 are used and provide a fixed size chamber.

For example, the prefabricated divider 104 may be useful for coffee K-cups®, tea bags, or a set and other articles of a given size. The larger dividers 98 and 100 may be used to form chambers to accommodate articles of various sizes, including sandwiches, salads, boxed items, machines, beauty products, and the like. The dividers may be glass, plastic or other transparent or light transmissive material and are placed on a shelf or platform 106 that bisects the upper and lower units 92 and 94. Such a platform 106 may allow only light beams from a light source at a given angle or range of angles, and may reflect light that can either be reflective or come from an external source, May be polarized to block the beams. The polarized platform 106 allows a desired angle, such as a visible light source or a non-visible light source positioned just above the tray, to activate the photosensors below the tray / platform when the article is removed from the compartment. Without the polarized platform 106, the reflected light or light coming into the compartment at various angles can trigger the photosensor if the article in the compartment does not completely cover the photosensor so that the article is not removed from the compartment It will probably trigger false activation of the photosensor.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-18, the sensor rack 108 having one or more sensors disposed therein is positioned within the base unit 94 of the tray 92. Photo sensors 110, including IR sensors or receivers, are sized for receiving photosensors 110 and may be disposed within one or more of the arrays of configured holes 112. The photo sensors 110 are positioned so that there is a photosensor associated with each tray chamber. Thus, when the article is placed on the optical sensor 110, the optical sensor is blocked from the light source positioned above the tray 92 and the photosensor is not activated. However, when the article is removed, light is received by photosensor 110, photosensor 110 is received by tray circuit board 86, relayed to main control board 90, and LCS 58 Lt; / RTI > It will be appreciated that the photosensor may include an infrared sensor, such as infrared LEDs or an infrared sensor, which detects the presence of infrared-generating light from other light sources positioned above the tray 92. [

Typically, the LED lights are disposed on each tray, such as the bottom of the AMP 1100 or the tray immediately above the tray. The LED lights may serve dual purposes of triggering the photosensors as they are removed from the tray cells, as well as illuminating the items in the tray below the LED lights. Removal of the article from the tray compartment exposes the photosensor, the photosensor transmits the signal and is detected by the computer system, has the item previously assigned to that compartment, and the cost of the article and the article Add to the virtual electronic shopping cart. To further prevent the possibility that the reflected light or ambient light activates the photosensors when the article is not removed from the compartment, or when it is placed or replaced in a position that is less than the ideal position, the LED light sources, The LED strip 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12 may include both visible light LEDs 1202 and non-visible light, such as typically infrared light 1204. The photosensor will include an infrared photosensor or receiver and will detect infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 1204 when the article is removed from the tray compartment. This can be done in place of, or in conjunction with, a sheet of polarized material above the photosensors. Most ambient light within the enclosed illuminated buildings is emitted at wavelengths in the range of 400 Nm to 700 Nm. Commonly used infrared LEDs emit light at wavelengths between 880 nm and 1040 nm, which are typically outside the range of normal ambient light. By using appropriate sensors to detect only infrared light, the detector will not provide erroneous readings from ambient light, but will be sensitive to infrared light from infrared LEDs 1204 that illuminate from above the tray and the sensor will achieve proper detection.

However, if the ambient light also includes sunlight, the article detector may be exposed to a much wider range of wavelengths including infrared light from sunlight. Although an infrared sensor or receiver will not detect ambient light wavelengths, it will detect infrared wavelengths from sunlight and false detection can occur. Thus, the system of the present invention pulses infrared light emanating from an infrared LED so that the sensor and the computerized system are able to distinguish between pulsed infrared light from the infrared LED and sunlight, since the infrared wavelengths from sunlight do not pulsate can do. The computer simply monitors the pulsed infrared light and ignores the stabilized infrared light from sunlight or any other source to determine when light is emitted by the infrared LED.

[164] However, infrared light from strong ambient sunlight can still present a problem with article detection by removing infrared light emitted by an infrared LED. This problem can be mitigated by reading the analog level of infrared light and adjusting the detection threshold based on the presence of infrared light from sunlight. A reference detector that is always exposed and not covered by any article monitors the level of ambient light from sunlight and other sources, and the computer compensates by adjusting these thresholds for proper detection.

Brackets 114 and the like are used to attach each shelf or tray 28 to the interior of each bay 22. The cover 116 may be used to position wires, leads, etc. extending from one tray 28 to another tray or to the main control board 90.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a bottom view of an exemplary sensor array 108 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. It will be seen that the sensor array 108 includes a grid or array of apertures. Each of the apertures 118 is identified in ascending order, for example as illustrated. Each row of apertures is similarly labeled with, for example, alphabetic characters. Thus, each aperture of the array has a unique alphanumeric designation representing the column and row cross-section for that aperture. This can be more clearly shown in FIG.

As illustrated and described above and illustrated in FIG. 17, a photosensor 110, which can be placed in a plug, is placed in an assigned and assigned aperture for the article in the space in which the article is to be placed. Thus, typically, each and every respective aperture will not have a photosensor. Instead, depending on the type of items in the above cells and the various different types of items, the photosensors 110 may be positioned relative to the items to be positioned in the compartment and in the compartment so as not to be blocked from the light source It will generally be spaced to center. 17 illustrates such a photosensor 110, or a photosensor disposed in a plug with an inverted orientation, wherein the opening of the photosensor is at the bottom of the illuminator and the lead wires 122 are located on the circuit board 86 At least one bridge board 124 for relaying to the bridge board 124. [

Referring now to FIG. 18, the base unit 94 of the tray 28 has one or more tray circuit boards 86 disposed therein. The male bridge board plug 126 is configured to receive the sensor board 108 when the sensor array tray 108 slides into position to interconnect one or more of the tray circuit boards 86 with the sensor board array 108, Receptacle socket 124 to form a female receptacle socket 124 to form a receptacle. Ribbon wires 128 and the like provide interconnection and communication to the main control board 90.

Typically, the LED lighting strips 130 are operatively attached to the bottom of each tray 28 to illuminate the tray directly underneath. Of course, the LED lighting strips or other sources of light may be provided to the top tray, or all the trays 28. As indicated above, such light sources may be infrared light for activating visible and / or non-visible light, such as infrared photo sensors and the like.

Referring now to Figures 19 and 20, as an alternative to the manual setting of photosensors, a two-sided printing circuit board (PCB) 1900, as shown in Figures 14-18, Lt; / RTI > The PCB is connected to the main circuit board by a wire connection (not shown). The bottom surface 1902 of both side PCBs includes light emitters 1904, such as LEDs, and typically an array of infrared LEDs, as described above. The LEDs 1904 are spaced apart from one another and arranged in an array to cover at least a portion, and typically substantially all, of the bottom surface of the PCB 1900. These LEDs 1904 are oriented downward to illuminate the underlying tray. Similar to what has been described above, the array of LEDs 1904 not only illuminates the product, but also the white light-visible LEDs 1904, which act as a light source for activating and triggering the photosensors of the lower tray when the item is removed from the compartment And infrared LEDs.

20, there is shown an exemplary tray 28 for illuminating the top surface 1 of the PCB 1900 and a plurality of photosensors 1908 in an array over the top surface 1906. [ . Photo sensors 1908 may be visible or non-visible light sensors, such as infrared light sensors. They may generally be spaced apart from one another or arranged in a pattern. The pattern forming the array of photo sensors 1908 may correspond to the arrangement of the chambers of the tray 28.

The PCB 1900 may be located and disposed below the platform 106 or may be transparent or translucent or polarized or polarized disposed on the top surface 1906 and the bottom surface 1902 of the PCB 1900 And may include non-material sheets. Such sheets may be constructed of a plastic material that can sandwich the double-sided PCB 1900 and be inserted into the lower end portion of the tray 28 such that the upper surface exposing the photosensors 1908 is disposed in the tray upward, A lower surface 1902, including LEDs 1904, is oriented downward to face the tray below the PCB 1900.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, when using passive photosensor tray arrays, the system will inform the placement of each sensor under each cell or pusher by providing an address in the appropriate hole below that particular cell. If a pre-formed bin tray is used, the system will provide a predetermined format that specifies the location layout of each sensor under each bin according to a particular style tray. System can be used where the configuration of the tray appears on the screen and the operator can select and "drag and drop " the product description and information into the correct compartment of each tray as displayed on the screen, Alternatively, the operator can first set up the configurations of the ASO on the computer system and then apply the physical setup of the ASO and its trays.

[174] However, the assignment of sensors for each cell under each article article is done automatically when using the automated tray and sensor system illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. No manual setting of any sensors is required. When an automated tray system is used, the operator does not need to manually position the sensors, and the system can detect one or more sensors based on the electrical detection that the PCB detects when the products are placed in their respective chambers, Will be assigned. If a pre-formed chamber tray is used, the system can select and apply a predetermined sensor format that is already designed and stored on the system. Initially, the operator accesses the settings and configuration program on the MCNF and creates the format settings of that ASO. This includes specifying the number of trays as well as the number of bays and the configuration of the cells in each tray. The operator can then physically set up the trays and place all product items in each cell, and after selection of the format of the sensor, the system displays the format of the cell on the screen and the operator displays the format Likewise, you can select, "drag and drop" or manually enter product descriptions and information into the correct boxes in each tray. Next, the system and tray configurations are stored on the MCNF and downloaded to the LCS of that particular ASO. Any changes to such a configuration can be made by making changes to the format on the MCNF and then downloading those changes to the appropriate LCS. Alternatively, the configuration file can be obtained from the MCNF and then manually loaded into the appropriate LCS.

[175] Under certain protocols, each PCB device must be registered with the system to provide proper communication between the system and the PCB device. Such registration requires the system to identify the PCB device and receive a signal from the PCB device to register its identification (ID) in the system. To enable such registration during set-up, a signal may be generated from each tray by exposing the sensor in the tray to ambient or infrared light, which causes the system to detect activity and store the ID information of such PCB device . The automated tray and sensor system eliminates the need to use many of the elements included as part of the manual operating tray. The PCB and its operating methods automatically accomplish all such manual functions.

On the platform 106 or on the top sheet of the PCB, chambers may be provided whether they are performed using vertical and horizontal dividers as illustrated and described above. Or in the case of bottles, candles, or other articles that are pushed forward after the removal of one of the bottles, candles, etc., the rails divider and the biased pushing mechanism may be positioned in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 And is provided in the tray 28 as shown in FIG. The rails 132 are inserted into the grooves 96 to form vertical dividers of a predetermined width corresponding to the articles to be inserted between the rails. Thus, the rails 132 cooperate to form chambers therebetween. The slider-pusher unit 134 moves forward toward the front of the tray 28 and is biased, such as by a spring, to push rows of candles, bottles, etc. toward the front side. It will be appreciated that the number of rail dividers 132 may be modified according to the size of the can or bottle to accommodate larger bottles or cans. Similarly, the slider-pusher 134 may be configured to push the bottle, candle, or any other item, such as by attaching an elongate member, providing a larger pushing surface to the slider pusher 134, Can be modified.

It will be seen from FIG. 22 that the slider-pusher 134 moves from the rear end of the tray 28 toward the front end of the tray. As such, one or more sensors disposed beneath it are exposed. The photosensor 110 can be placed in an aperture on the front side of the tray 28 such that when the can or bottle is removed from the front of the rows of bottles and cans, the photosensor is activated within one second, Because the pusher-slider unit 134 pushes the remaining rows of bottles and cans toward the front of the tray 28. Alternatively, the rows of photosensors 110 may be arranged along the length of the bottles and the cans, and the photosensors are activated upon removal of the frontmost can or bottle, which exposes the aperture and photosensor on the backside . However, the photosensors behind the bottles, candles, or other products that are pushed by the pusher may be disconnected from the light source by a housing or mask moved by a spring or pusher, such as a pusher, when the products are removed from the tray.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the items in the bays of the unit or the tray used to hold the product may have variable constructions and materials. Such trays may be "universal" in nature, so that the size and configuration of the chambers for holding the products can be manually changed and configured. A single tray per bay may be used, including combinations of "universal" configurations, pushers, fixed bins, etc., or multiple trays may be used for each bay or shelf. It will also be appreciated that the materials used in connection with such trays may be varied and include plastics, metals, and the like. An important aspect of the present invention is that the tray is capable of removably holding the items to be dispensed and is removed from the tray of the bay when the article is removed from a particular bay of the tray, It can be designed to work with the sensor system to track the time.

Referring now to Figures 23-26, another type of tray 152 used in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The tray 152 includes a sheet of material in which a plurality of stacks 156 are molded. The molded material sheet 154 may be disposed within the wall 94 of the tray and may be disposed over the sensor array, such as the photosensor arrays previously illustrated and described above, In order to determine when, there is at least one photosensor 110 disposed relative to each of the cells 156. In some cases with a "universal" tray having configurable spaces, the article or article in the compartment may not adequately cover the photosensor below the compartment, or the article may be moved so that the article does not adequately cover the photosensor It has been found to have mobility within this box. However, trays having molded casings, as illustrated in Figures 23-26 and the accompanying discussion, can more safely hold the article in place and, for example, by moving the article within the compartment, the sensor is improperly operated It is better to ensure that the article is placed and placed on the photosensor or other sensor to reduce or even eliminate the possibility.

One way of forming the trays 152 illustrated in FIGS. 23-26 is by using sheets of thermoplastic material and by thermoforming the plastic sheet into the desired mold with a plurality of bins 156. To produce a molded sheet of material 154, the plastic sheet is heated to a flexible forming temperature and then formed into a mold of a particular shape and then trimmed to produce the desired tray 152 or tray insert. It will be appreciated that the tray 152 may also be formed by vacuum formation, wherein the sheet of material is heated to the molding temperature and stretched into molds and forced against the mold by vacuum. The sheet of material is once cooled to maintain the desired stiffness.

In one embodiment, the molded tray 154 passes light through the photosensors disposed below the photosensor array rack 108 to detect when the article is removed from the compartment 156 Transmissive material. It is also contemplated that only a portion of the tray, such as the lower portion of each compartment of the tray, is light transmissive or includes apertures 155. The remainder of the tray may be comprised of a light-impermeable material or painting or otherwise covered with a light-impermeable material. In this way, light that may come out of the bay, from the sides of the tray, or into other leaks of light, not only does not activate the photosensors, but also allows the light to reach the photosensor something to do.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a molded sheet of material that forms the tray 154 is illustrated. It will be appreciated from Figs. 23-26 that the material sheet 154 may have molded inner chambers 156 having different sizes and configurations. These enable the removable insertion of articles 158 of different sizes and configurations. Typically, the molded chambers at least generally follow at least a portion of the article 158 to be held in the chamber 156. For example, if a compartment is generally intended to hold a spherical article, such as an apple, orange, etc., the compartment may be formed in a semi-spherical shape. However, if the object is generally a cuboid, the compartment 156 is generally a cube and may be formed to be slightly larger than the article to be inserted therein.

Referring again to FIG. 24, it can be seen that the upper left-hand image of the example is of a generally rectangular configuration. The corresponding molded container 156 is sized and configured to generally conform to at least a portion of the object 156 so that the article 158 can be removably inserted within the container 156. It is to be understood that the compartment may be molded such that it is generally rectangular or square in configuration and may also hold generally spherical or disk shaped articles or products therein or otherwise have a round or curved configuration, And the like may be nested in a manner to prevent the sensor from being actuated until the product is held therein and the product is removed from the compartment and may otherwise be placed in a square or rectangular compartment Will be recognized. The molded collars 156 may have different dimensions and configurations to accommodate articles 158 having different configurations, as illustrated in Fig. Thus, generally in the far right portion of Figure 24, the disk shaped article 158 generally has a smaller, but longer, length, when compared to the intended container 156 for the rectangular article 158, .

It is contemplated by the present invention that the molded collars 156 substantially follow an article to be held therein, typically a portion of the lower portion of the article to be held in the compartment. Thus, in the case where there are known articles that are regularly provided through the automation store outlets of the present invention, the molds can be made to represent at least a portion of these articles, typically the lower portion thereof, May be specific to the article. This makes it easier to know which set of bins or cells 156 the object has been removed from, as well as replenishing the bins of the automation store outlets individually, as well as the general size and configuration will match those of the previously removed items It can help customers to remove the item and return the item later.

However, it will be appreciated that the collars 156 need not follow the lower portion of the article to be held therein, but instead may have more general dimensions and configurations to accommodate more than one type of article therein . Although the molded collars 156 present some limitations on the types of commodities that can be accommodated, such molded tray inserts 154 also have a wide variety of sizes to accommodate a wide variety of different articles placed therein The interconnection of the vertical and horizontal dividers that can generate the squares of the squares can naturally require a significantly smaller amount of time and labor to generate the more common squares as described in connection with Figure 14 A large amount of time and labor is required). The use of molded casings 156 also significantly reduces the likelihood of sensors, such as improperly operating the photosensors, by movement or movement of the same items when the bay door is opened and closed, Or even remove, which allows the light to reach the photosensor and move it sufficiently to activate the sensor, without the product or the molded article being housed, so that the system counts the article as removed by the user . The use of opacity, painting, or otherwise non-transmissive sheet 154, integration of areas or portions that are light transmissive, or apertures 155 further reduces potential errors.

Referring now to FIG. 26, the present invention is illustrated by FIG. 26 by notations such as the items in the tray and their prices (crackers, gum, wafers, chips, and bananas, As part of the tray to identify one or more of the digital displays 157. < RTI ID = 0.0 > The digital text displayed on the display unit 157 can be changed over time to reflect changes in the prices of these items or the items stored in the tray.

[187] Using the photosensor system described above, a signal is generated as soon as the article is removed from the compartment to expose the photosensor 110 to the light source. The system knows which photosensor 110 was activated and the cell to which the photosensor 110 is assigned. From previously arranged items with respect to a particular bin and tray and sensor tray 108, the system can determine exactly which bin has been removed from which bin, identify the bin, . If the customer returns the item back to the cleared space, the shopping cart will remove the item from the shopping cart and will not charge the customer for the item.

It will also be appreciated that the present invention may utilize other sensor technologies. For example, the lower sensor of Figs. 21 and 22 may comprise reed switches and the pusher unit may have a magnet attached to its lower end. Each position of the pusher 134 will actuate the reed switch below. Based on the indication that the reed switch is active, the system will determine the number of product units in the slider-pusher row.

Of course, the sensor tray may also be made to include any other sensor technology capable of accurately and very specifically detecting the removal of a particular article from the RFID antennas and / or the NFC system or tray 28. The utilization of different sensor technologies will provide for the identification of each item removed, such as the removal of tags attached to articles within the read distance of the NFC or RFID sensor. However, when replenishing the stock, the system causes the articles to be arranged in correspondence with the sensors in the tray 28 of that particular bay 22 so that the location and identity of the items can be tracked.

Referring now to FIG. 27, an RFID sensor tray 136 is shown. The sensor tray 136 typically includes a cover 138, a base 140 and an RFID antenna device 142 sandwiched between the cover 138 and the base 140 to form a single unit. This unit, which is typically generally rectangular, replaces the sensor tray 108 illustrated in Figs. 15-20. Typically, this unit will still slide into the appropriate slot or compartment below the base 92 of the tray 28, such as shelf 106. The tray 28 may be mounted to each of the bays 22 and 22 to control the degree of illumination in the bay, for example, as illustrated and described above with respect to Fig. 14, for dividers and cabinets, and for other purposes, Or tray circuit boards 86, such as those that interface with a scanner or reader 26 associated with a processor (not shown).

With continued reference to FIG. 27, articles 70 are arranged and arranged in a tray, typically in divided cars, but utilizing the RFID technology of this embodiment, this is not necessarily the case. Each article 70 has an RFID tag 144 attached thereto. When the article 70 is removed from the tray, as shown by the upward directed arrows in FIG. 27, the signal 146 indicates that the article 70 and the RFID tag 144 have been removed, ) That transmits a signal to the RFID reader (150) via the RFID reader (150). Typically, RFID antenna device 142 periodically transmits signal 146 to detect the presence of RFID tags 144 on items 70 associated with the tray. When the article 70, and thus the RFID tag 144 attached thereto, is removed, the removal is detected and a signal is sent to the reader 150. [

The reader 150 may receive input from a plurality of RFID antenna devices 142. Typically, there is a single RFID antenna device 142 associated with each sensor tray 136 used in each tray 28 in a given bay 22. Thus, for example, one or two readers 150 may be required for each bay 22 depending on the number of trays 28 in the bay 22. The reader 150 then relays this information to the LCS 58.

The identity of the article 70 is determined. This is accomplished by its placement within the tray 136, by the fact that all the items on a given tray 136 are the same, or by the RFID tag 144 that specifies the identity of the article 70, or by any other satisfactory means. . In this way, the identity of the article and the price of the article are provided to the customer in the virtual shopping cart 64.

[194] Alternatively, a product image recognition software system (PIRS) can be used to detect the presence, placement, or removal of products on trays. Such a PIRS is a built-in camera that can be attached to the bottom of each tray, the bottom of the AMP unit 1100, or any other suitable place to take images of the entire items and / or the columns of the tray, The illustrated camera 1910 will be utilized. In accordance with this PIRS system, the camera will produce pictures of the trays below it, which shows the existing products on the tray. The PIRS will continue to analyze the photographic images to determine the type and amount of product items present on the treeview. When changes occur due to removal or placement of product items, the system will report such changes to the LCS. When the information indicates that the products have been removed, LCS will add the products to the customer's virtual electronic shopping cart and charge the charges. If the information indicates that the products have been added to the tray, the LCS will trust the customer's shopping cart and will therefore update the inventory.

In addition to the PIRS requirements, the same camera, or secondary camera, may be used to capture photographic images and / or video to record customer's hand movements during removal or placement of items in the tray below them Can be used. It may be displayed on one of the electronic displays associated with the ASO such as AMP 1100 associated with that bay. Alternatively, or additionally, such video or photo images may be stored at least temporarily so that the customer can identify, if necessary, the removal or replacement of the item from the tray in the event of a charge claim.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the beverage dispenser 34 may be integrated into an ASO. In many types of prior art retail settings, when K-cup® coffee cups or tea bags, etc. are placed on open shelves, customers may sometimes have more than one K-cup ® or tea bag. Such situations cause losses to the operator. In the present invention, a beverage component, such as a K-cup® or tea bag, is protected behind a locked door and each removal of a K-cup® or tea bag creates a charge to the customer. Alternatively, computerized brewers or soft drink dispensers may be used. Such dispensers may be programmed to communicate with the LCS and thereby notify the LCS of the beverage type purchased to charge the customer accordingly. Such brewers and soft drink dispensers can only be used by customers who have already been qualified with a nearby scanner or door access unit.

The present invention contemplates that an ASO can be placed in holel installations, such as an ASO in a hotel lobby. In practice, a small ASO may be placed in each hotel room. The customer's room key can be used to check in and shop at the ASO, but each purchase cost is added to the customer's room cost. Upon check-in, the hotel guest can scan his or her room key, enter his or her last name on the check-in screen, and answer other identifying questions. After qualification, the hotel guest / customer may proceed to open the bay door by using room keys, biometric authentication methods, PIN codes, or other identification methods. All transactions and costs will therefore be reported in real time to the hotel accounting system to bill the guest's room account.

28, it is contemplated by the present invention that an ASO may be configured to create a variant of a mini-market or convenience store 2800. This allows companies to operate customer outlets, such as mini-markets, nearby markets and convenience stores, or other common store-type outlets, in an unattended and fully automated manner. This may be, for example, a strip mall, a private room of the building, a sufficiently large open area of the building, and the like. Such a mini-market or convenience store 2800 may be fully enclosed to be independent, such as illustrated in FIG. One or more check-in stations or kiosks 2802 may be provided for customer identification and payment authorization and qualification. Such a check-in station or kiosk 2802 may be located in a room on the front of an automatic door or rotary door leading to a shopping area of the mini-market. Alternatively, the door 2804 may be selectively unlocked after the customer is identified and qualified. Such entry is only allowed for customers who have been qualified by a stand-alone kiosk with a check-in first. After checking, the customer can proceed to a secondary door or a revolving door and scan his or her identity to gain entry to the mini-market shopping area.

A mini-market shopping area as illustrated in FIG. 28 includes a plurality of bays 22 that operate in the same manner as described above. A number of customers may shop within the mini-market and gain access to and remove items from the bays 22 as desired, wherein the ASO system accesses the respective bay via the locked door 24 Lt; / RTI > tracks the removal of each item from each bay. Because only a single customer can access a given bay 22 at any given time, multiple customers can shop at the same time and accurate records are maintained for each customer purchased item.

After finishing the shopping session or event, the customer can use the internal station 12 or re-scan to open the door or turn door 2804 to exit the shopping area. At that time, the customer can only walk out and the transaction will be completed within a predetermined length of time or, if desired, a mini-market 2800 or mini-market 2800 to close the transaction and supplement the remaining balance on that account. And may proceed to an independent kiosk within an external kiosk 2802. When the customer uses bills and coins (cash) to qualify for removal of items from the bays 22 of the ASOs in the mini-market 2800, the balance then becomes available to the buyer of the standalone kiosks 12 or 2802 It can be supplemented and spent in one. The internal stations 12 in the shopping area may allow a customer to communicate with customer service, add funds to their account, or use any of the additional services provided by the mini-market.

The stand alone computerized kiosk 2802 can be used as a check-in station to interface with the system, as well as members, as well as credit / debit card users and cash customers who shop at the ASO, Pay, exchange money, act as an ATM, and purchase event tickets and other appropriate services.

Thus, in addition to the cooked food and Beverages business type locations using smaller ASOs, the present invention also includes a self-checkout, automated near-market or any other type of store providing convenience store or ready- Can be used to operate. The present invention and the method of the present invention allow customers to enter the facility of the store using various identification systems as described above and to open the bay doors inside the store and remove the products from the trays 28 therein To perform their shopping by using the method of the present invention. The system not only recognizes the customer who opened the door and removed the items, but also identifies which items have been removed and then bills the customer for the cost of the removed items accordingly.

Such automation facilities can be used in a convenient, automated, and easy-to-use check-out environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and without the cost of labor costs. These types of automated check-outs, automated mini-markets or convenience stores can provide various types of customer goods and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as around the residential area, universities, military bases, airports, , ≪ / RTI > and some other regions. Therefore, such needs for fast, unattended, automated checkout stores that can operate 24 hours a day without the cost of the participant can be highly desirable and can be met by this invention.

With respect to security measures, one or more revolving doors may be provided to control customer access and exit, or locked doors, etc., to enter a large ASO mini-market or nearby store. Locked doors, revolving doors, etc. scan their cards to customers for entry and exit to the ASO and to identify customers who have removed items of value exceeding their initial balance on their card or account before commencing a shopping session , Provide different identification, and so on.

In connection with an external kiosk 2802, or even a website within the mini-market arrangement or with any ASO, or associated with such mini-market or ASO operation, the internal check-in station 12 or kiosk , The system changes funds from one card or account to another, or card, and allows a person to load the funds into another personal account or card. For example, parents can load funds into their child's accounts so that children or employees can purchase items through the ASO, mini-market, etc., or employers can load funds into one or more of their employees' .

[206] In addition to the above, the present invention and the inventive software provide a broad inventory control program and a supplement / fulfillment program. This allows the operator of the ASO to perform a full readout of all products in each of the trays or shelves 28 in real time and to generate supplemental reports in the form of a picklist for each ASO as needed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the universal tray and sensor arrangement allows the system to automatically detect the removal of any item from the trays and automatically move the product to the customer's shopping cart that opens the bay door . Additionally, such a technique allows local and remote readings of all trays to determine the presence of products and to generate "on shelf" inventory reports in real time. Upon request, or automatically at pre-scheduled times, the system scans all trays, generates a fulfillment report, and sends it to the operators of the operator as well as the operator. Such reports include a list of all products that an operator is required to replenish shelves and deliver to the location to bring each product on the shelves to a programmed par level that must be maintained to support daily operations. . Upon entering the stock replenishment mode, the operator scans the barcode or other type of code printed by the system and generated on the picklist. After the system validates the prize, the system scans all the trays in one or all bays and the system creates an inventory file. The inventory file is present in each area within the scanned area or throughout the ASO The inventory of all the goods that At that time, all locks or specific part locks of the ASO are opened for stock replenishment. Upon resetting, the system again provides a full readout of the cells of all trays and creates a file showing changes before and after the stock replenishment session. The file can be used to confirm that replenishment has been done correctly and that the system has created and performed the transition according to the picklist sent to the operator. Such features also allow the operator to manage the fulfillment process, including obtaining reports of the start and end times of fulfillment / stock replenishment as well as other reports as needed. After resetting, the system changes back to standby or purchase mode.

The present invention allows one or more trays to be dedicated to selected product suppliers in order to monitor all sales and analyze data of product items sold from one or more trays. This data can be automatically transferred to the supplier (s) for market kings research and collection of rebates and / or costs from suppliers. For example, the system may accumulate reports and data of all types of cola-type drinks sold between certain dates and may send such reports to the operator or directly to the market to enable rebate programs or enable other marketings To the soft drink supplier. Carts trays can be made with customized designs to promote sales of specific items during promotional periods.

The present invention may also utilize the information obtained from all of the various customer product purchases to track and analyze the items that qualify for rebates to the supplier or operator of these products for ASO. For example, a soft drink provider may provide a given amount of rebates, such as 10 cents, for each cans or soda bottle of its manufacturer sold through the ASO. Such information may be collected and periodically transmitted to the manufacturer for rebates to the owner or operator of the ASO.

[210] The system of the present invention may also collect and analyze customers' buying habits, including types of products, calorie levels, time of day, and other categories analyzed based on gender, age and other characteristics of the customer Software programs. Such information can be used to enhance product selection for ASO and other marketing applications. In addition, the system can also use such data to provide customers with bonuses, discounts, or bundled pricing based on amount of consumption, type of products purchased, time of purchase and other criteria.

As part of the method of the present invention, ASOs and systems can also be used with weight loss and health care programs available to ASO members. Such a program will provide members who have registered diet tips and recommendations for consumption of certain food products and / or even suggested meal times. Throughout the day, the members will receive such notifications and recommendations, and the system of the present invention will maintain records of all the consumed calories, sugar, carbohydrate foods, and the like. In addition, the system may have wider programs and food consumption formats than the system maintains records of food consumption and athletic activities. You can also have athletic activities, such as through a corresponding website. The programs may also have a diet algorithm that analyzes the data and provides data results and tips on the website. Customers can use such programs while on-line while away from the ASO as well as while visiting the ASO. In addition, the system can also issue reminders to encourage participants to come to the ASO for meals or snacks within certain predetermined times, in order to maintain a proper eating schedule. Such reminders may be sent via e-mails, texts, or calls that play pre-recorded messages.

[212] Software may be used to manage the overall operation of the ASO, including all administrative activities and reports. All activities are reported to the main control network facility (MCNF) 36 via a network connection, such as the Internet. The system may also include a dashboard program that can summarize the activities of multiple ASOs and provide a visual reporting dashboard format that shows activities in multiple ASO locations in real time. The dashboard may show the total revenue of a day, the number of certain types of products sold, the current number of specific products on the shelves, and real-time sales and transactions as they occur.

Except for being used as a store and shopping system, the system of the present invention can be used in any environment that requires identification of records and removed items of individuals who have removed items from shelves. Such environments may include schools, corporations, laboratories, hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities, or any other facility or facility to track the removal of inventories, supplies or any other items of parts and accessories Lt; / RTI > The system records the identification of each person who removed items from the bays and trays, including date and time, and maintains a full inventory of all products placed or removed in the universal trays and provides full inventory supplement reports as needed do.

Although some embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims (79)

CLAIMS 1. A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from a computer-controlled, automated store outlet,
Providing a computer-controlled, automated store outlet having a plurality of bays, each bay comprising: a removable article from the bay for purchase and a normally locked door;
The customer entering customer identification into a door access unit associated with the bay of the automation store outlet;
Unlocking a door of a bay associated with the door access unit after verifying the customer identification to provide access to the bay by the customer;
Detecting an identity of each article removed from the bay by the customer;
Adding removed goods to an electronic shopping cart for the customer displayed on a computer-controlled display unit of the automation store outlet;
Automatically locking each bay door when the bay door is closed;
Closing the customer's purchase transaction by charging the customer with a fee for the items in the customer's electronic shopping cart when the customer closes the transaction or after a predetermined inactivity period by the customer
/ RTI >
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And verifying the customer payment information of the customer.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 3. The method of claim 2,
The step of verifying the customer payment information may include the step of the customer entering payment information into the check-in station of the automation store outlet or the customer automation store account, credit card, Inputting information related to debit card account information, or depositing cash to a cash receiving device in an automation store outlet.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising the step of qualifying the customer to remove items from the bay after determining that the customer payment information has a sufficient level for purchasing the items from the bay.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
The step of inputting the customer identification may comprise inputting at least one of a customer identification code and / or a password, swiping an electronically readable card or electronic device, or providing the customer's biometric information / RTI >
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein removal of the article is detected by a sensor associated with each article in the bay,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 6,
And associating the sensor with each item in each bay.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 8. The method of claim 7,
The sensor comprising a photosensor disposed below each article and exposed to light when the article is removed from the tray of the bay,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And removing the article from the customer's electronic shopping cart after the customer returns the item to the bay.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Displaying a customer's shopping cart on a computer-controlled display unit associated with each bay, including identification of a purchase price of each removed item and article, wherein when accessing another bay, The customer's electronic shopping cart, including all items removed from all bays of the automation store outlet during the event, is removed from all bays of the automation store outlet for purchase until the customer's purchase transaction is closed Displayed on the display unit of the bay to move with the customer from the bay to the bay of the automation store outlet to track all goods that have been < RTI ID = 0.0 >
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Inputting a customer identification to a door access unit associated with a bay not accessed by the customer at that time while the customer accesses the bay of the automation store outlet;
Unlocking a door of a bay associated with the door access unit that has received the second customer identification after verifying the second customer identification;
Detecting the identity of each article removed from the bay by the second customer and adding the removed goods to the electronic shopping cart for the second customer; And
By charging the second customer with a fee for the items in the electronic shopping cart of the second customer when the second customer closes the transaction or after a predetermined inactivity period by the second customer, Closing purchase transaction
/ RTI >
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And relaying customer purchase data from the automation store outlet to a central control center.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And providing live customer service assistance to the customer through the speaker and / or display of the automation store outlet.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Monitoring the automation store outlets using monitoring devices;
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein detecting the removal of the article from the bay comprises associating an RFID tag with each article in the bay and utilizing a corresponding RFID detector to detect movement of the article from the bay.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Providing at least one tray in a bay having divided tray compartments, each compartment having a single article associated with it and a single photosensor associated with the article placed in the tray compartment, ,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the detecting step comprises detecting a pulsed light source of a predetermined non-visible frequency or range of frequencies when the article is removed.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 17. The method of claim 16,
And molding a plurality of spaces into a sheet of material comprising a tray of the bay.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 19. The method of claim 18,
Providing a tray in a bay that is generally opaque and having a plurality of compartments for holding items, each compartment comprising a photosensor of the compartment, such that the photosensor is activated when the article is removed from the compartment, Generally having a transparent area or aperture to align,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the step of the customer entering the identity comprises using a software application on the handheld device to obtain a password or code and inputting or scanning the code or password to the door access unit.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 21. The method of claim 20,
And transmitting and displaying the customer's electronic shopping cart to the customer's handheld device while the customer is using an automation store outlet.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Preventing the customer from opening the refrigerated bay door when the temperature in the tray exceeds a predetermined temperature.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
After verifying the identification of the customer, the customer is moved to the presence mode state while shopping at the automation store outlet to speed up the identification process of the customer in each bay.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Electronically detecting the presence and identity of all items in the bay, and generating an inventory report.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Providing an algorithm for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing habits,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Generating an alert when a customer's behavior is detected to be in conflict with pre-established behavior rules;
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Providing a tray in at least one of the bays having items supplied by a predetermined supplier and tracking and analyzing the purchase history of the items from the tray and communicating the purchase history to the supplier.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And collecting supplier product rebate data corresponding to the items purchased from the bays of the automation store outlet.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Detecting whether the doors of each of the bays are open or closed;
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Replenishing one or more bays of said automation store outlets, and replenishing said inventory replenishment activity including at least one of the time for completing inventory replenishment and the replenishment accuracy when compared to item pick lists Comprising:
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And tracking food purchases with a customer ' s weight loss or health care program. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 >
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 32. The method of claim 31,
Eating time intervals or electronic messages for a weight loss or health care program associated with proposed food item purchases to the customer,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
The removal of the articles is detected by an image recognition system,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And verifying the accuracy of the transaction by scanning the machine readable code on the removed article using a scanner of the automation store outlet.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
And configuring trays and article placement within each bay from a remote location.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein entering the customer identification comprises inputting customer credit card or debit card data to the door access unit.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Depositing money into a unit of the automation store outlet to obtain access to one or more bays of the automation store outlet, and receiving code, password or machine readable code for input to the door access unit ≪ / RTI >
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 39. The method of claim 37,
Returning to the customer the money not spent as part of closing the purchase transaction;
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Providing a beverage cup or beverage component in a bay for purchase, the beverage dispenser dispensing the beverage into a cup or creating the beverage using a beverage component,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. 40. The method of claim 39,
Wherein the operation of the beverage dispenser is selectively enabled by the automation store outlet,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein entering the customer identification comprises detecting electronic components worn by the customer.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Closing the purchase transaction is performed once as a single transaction for all items removed from all bays by the customer during the shopping event.
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the detecting step comprises the steps of providing a photosensor that is constantly exposed to ambient light and comparing the readings of the ambient light photosensor to the readings of the photosensor exposed to the infrared light source when the article is removed from the tray of the bay Including,
A method for authorizing and tracking access to purchases from computer-controlled, automated store outlets. As a computer-controlled, automation store outlet,
A plurality of bays for holding items for purchase;
A door associated with each bay providing access to the items in the bays by customers authorized by the computer of the automation store outlet;
Associated with each bay door that is normally locked when the bay door is closed and is selectively unlocked by the computer of the automation store outlet when the customer or technician is authorized to open the door and access the bay Lock;
An access unit associated with each bay door configured to receive customer identification for determining access authorization for the bay;
At least one tray disposed in at least one bay and having a plurality of compartments adapted to hold the items; And
A sensor system configured to detect removal of the article from the bay and identify the removed article
/ RTI >
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
A computerized system local to the automation store outlets for managing access units, locks, and sensor systems of the automation store outlets;
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
And an electronic display for displaying an electronic shopping cart of each customer representing items removed from the one or more bays by the customer.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 47. The method of claim 46,
And an electronic display associated with each bay for displaying the electronic shopping cart of a customer accessing the bay,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
The access unit may be a manual code input device and / or a bi-directional scanner for receiving customer identification, such as a credit or debit card, machine-generated codes, a reader for reading or scanning RFID signals or NFC signals, and / / RTI >
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Wherein the automation store outlet comprises a motion detector,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
A device for enabling live communication between a customer and a customer service representative,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
A device associated with each bay for delivering audible or viewable notifications or alerts to a customer accessing the bay,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
And a camera associated with each bay for taking images of the customer while the customer is accessing the bay.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Wherein the lock includes a strike plate having a switch, wherein activation of the switch when closing the door causes the door to be locked,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
The tray includes a plurality of spaced slots, a platform, and a peripheral wall having slots in the wall and having at least one divider removably insertable on the platform,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 55. The method of claim 54,
Wherein the at least one divider comprises a combination of interconnectable horizontal and vertical dividers,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 56. The method of claim 55,
At least some of the horizontal or vertical dividers are formed with slots therein to accommodate corresponding vertical or horizontal dividers so that the interconnected horizontal and vertical dividers form the article chambers,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Said tray comprising said dividers having a push mechanism disposed in a space between a plurality of generally spaced apart parallel dividers, said push mechanism being biased towards the front wall of said tray,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Wherein the tray comprises prefabricated article chambers,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 59. The method of claim 58,
Wherein said tray comprises a sheet of material with a plurality of article chambers molded therein,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 60. The method of claim 59,
The molded casings generally comprise a plurality of openings extending along at least a portion of an article to be held in the compartment,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 60. The method of claim 59,
Wherein at least a portion of the plurality of article housings molded with the material sheet vary in size and configuration,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 60. The method of claim 59,
A sensor is associated with each compartment in such a manner as to ensure that it covers the sensor when the article is placed in the compartment,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 60. The method of claim 59,
Wherein the material sheet is opaque and comprises apertures or transparent areas in each compartment generally aligned with sensors of the sensor system,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
The sensor system includes a sensor array disposed relative to the tray such that a sensor is associated with each article chamber.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 65. The method of claim 64,
Wherein the sensor array comprises a sensor rack having a grid of apertures each configured to receive a sensor therein at a location relative to each of the compartments of the tray,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 65. The method of claim 64,
Wherein the sensor comprises a photosensor that is activated when the article is removed from the tray of the tray,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
The sensor system includes the RFID reader attached to each article and the RFID reader or receiver configured to determine the proximity of the tag in relation to the RFID reader or receiver.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
And a plurality of light emitting LEDs disposed on the tray for illuminating the items on the tray and activating sensors associated with each of the cells of the tray when the article is removed from the tray.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 69. The method of claim 68,
Some of the LEDs include infrared LEDs, and the sensors include infrared light sensors.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 69. The method of claim 68,
The infrared LEDs are pulsed illumination and the sensor system is configured to correlate the detection of the pulsed illumination of the infrared LEDs with the removal of the article from the tray.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Sided PCB board having infrared sensors on one surface of the double-sided PCB board and infrared LED light on the opposite side of the double-sided PCB board.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Wherein the sensor system comprises optical sensors and a polarized material sheet for causing only light from a predetermined range of angles to enter the sensors.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
Comprising a camera disposed over each tray of each bay,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 77. The method of claim 73,
The camera collects images of a customer's hand while removing items from the tray,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 77. The method of claim 73,
The sensor system comprising an image recognition system for detecting the presence or removal of an article from the tray by comparing photographic images,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 45. The method of claim 44,
A remote viewing system that allows viewing of the automated store outlets by remote customer service,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 80. The method of claim 76,
Means for communicating between said customer and said customer service;
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 44. The method of claim 43,
And an activity monitoring panel disposed within each bay and having at least one electronic display for displaying the image of the customer while shopping in the customer's shopping cart and the bay.
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets. 79. The method of claim 78,
The activity monitoring panel may also include audio and / or visual notification means,
Computer-controlled, automation store outlets.

Images