Vending machine and computer assembly

Abstract

A vending machine for purchasing selected items by a customer. The vending machine includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing an item and a selector assembly connected to the dispensing assembly. A computer assembly having a central computer, video display screen and a modem is connected to and actuated by the selector for connecting the computer to an internet site and displaying a received transmission on the video screen in response to a purchased item.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a selector switch 132 for compact disc. The credit card reader and indicator 104, the bill reader and indicator 106, the coin acceptor 109 and indicator 108, the coin return lever 125, the coin delivery receptacle 114, and the merchandise delivery port 115 are similar to those employed in the conventional vending machines.

The present invention may also be provided with the window 133 for pricing information for merchandise, pricing information for accessing the internet and how long the customer may access the internet when a purchase is made, as well as other instructions for the customer. Once the correct amount of money has been deposited for the selected merchandise and a selector switch activated, the homepage of the vendor, the internet access, pricing information, or all the special instructions in connection with the initiation to access websites and homepages are displayed on the monitor 101. The selector switches actuate the dispensing device to dispense the purchased item.

The present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is provided with a communication network, such as, an antennae, satellite disc 119 with satellite receiver 127 connected to the computer assembly 158 by a cable 129, for automatic transmit-receive data and audio-video signals, and to enable access to the internet through the use of the antennae, a modem, and other necessary hardware and software.

A further embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 2, is similar to FIG. 1 except that the communication network 219 may be a cable connecting the computer to a television signal provided at the vendor's location or a telephone line for the transmit-receive of the data, audio-video signals, and access to the internet. Alternatively, the communication network 219 may be any other suitable transmit-receive circuit. The remaining elements are substantially the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and are identified by the same reference number of the 200 series.

FIG. 3 is a further embodiment similar to FIG. 1 except that FIG. 3 includes the panel with suitable bright light and coloring configured to display the primary product logo or trademark 350 and to increase the visibility of the vendor. The remaining elements are substantially the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and are identified by the same reference number of the 300 series.

Referring to FIG. 4, the interrelationship between the various circuit components is shown. The central computer control unit 400 is connected to and operates the various components of the vending machine. The computer 400 is connected to and controls operation of the display monitor 424 screen which includes a video interface circuit 427. Two-way audio communication functions and the production of messages amplified by amplifier are played on the speakers 420 and 421 and headphones 430. The computer 400 also receives input signals and calculates the payment amount from the credit card acceptor 401, bill acceptor 402 and coin acceptor 403 (collectively identified as amount deposit acceptor 400A) and receives signals and communicates with merchandise selector switches 405, 406, 407 and 408 (collectively identified as merchandise selector switch 400B). A driving means for a coin and change return mechanism 404 and the merchandise storage and dispensing unit 409 are controlled by the computer 400. Laser-disc and CD-ROM drive 415 and 1.44 MB diskette drive 428 (collectively referred to read-write drive 400D) are connected to computer 400 for receiving and storing data and for storing suitable software for driving the computer 400. A memory unit 417 and programmable audio-video message storage unit 416 can comprise of magnetic or optical recording medium or electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (not shown). In embodiments of the invention, computer 400 incorporates a suitably programmable microprocessor or digital signal processing unit with appropriate interface circuits as known in the art for efficient computer operation and connection to the internet.

The programmable audio-video message storage unit 416 stores all the display names of the merchandise and pricing checks, all the customer instructions in connection with the initiation and usage of the internet access and the vendor homepage or website that displays a window on the monitor 424 at the time of sale. The scratch pad memory unit 417 serves as the area where other website or homepage messages are stored temporarily while the customer browses the website or homepage. The read-write drive assembly 400D sends audio-video signals to the monitor 424 and other websites or homepages via computer 400 and records audio-video messages from other websites or homepage.

The computer 400 receives signals and data of deposited amounts of money from the amount deposit acceptor 400A, and signals to and from the merchandise selector switch 400B. When the customer activates a selector switch 400B the computer sends a signal to actuate the merchandise storage and dispensing unit 409.

The present invention is provided with vendor preprogrammed websites selector or switches 411, 413 and 414 (collectively referred to as the programmed website selector 400C). By pressing any of the programmed website selector 400C, the computer is connected to the website and the received information is displayed on the monitor 424.

Additionally, the present invention is provided with the keypad 412 to enable the customer select a website or homepage by entering the address of the website or homepage and other necessary information into the computer 400. The keypad 412 can be used by the customer for the two-way interactive communication functions with monitor 424 and computer 400. The invention is provided with a trackball 410 or mouse that enables the customer to browse the internet for two-way interactive communication functions with the monitor 424.

The microphone 422 with audio synthesizer 425, and video camera 423 with digital synthesizer 426 provide two-way audio-video interaction communication functions. By way of example and not limitation, the microphone 422 and camera 423 may allow the customer to perform live as an audition for TV commercial or movie studio at remote website location. The amplifier 419 for the speakers 420 and 421 and headphones 430 has audio interface circuit 418 connected to the computer 400. The system of FIG. 4 also includes transmit-receive network 429 for the transmission and receiving data, audio-video signals, and access to the internet information. By way of example and not limitation, the network 429 in a remote vending machine is provided with a satellite receiver and satellite disc. Alternative network 429 is a cable or telecommunications connection.

The FIG. 4 vending machine is provided with the diskette switch 431 and the compact disc switch 432 and the media port 433 where by a blank 1.44 MB diskette and the blank compact disc are dispensed. For instance, the customer may purchase a blank compact disc after depositing money in the amount deposit acceptor 400A which is then dispensed in a media port 433.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the program operation of the present invention is described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4 the computer control unit 400 through the monitor 424 periodically displays suitable advertising and publicity messages the computer memory or drives 400D when the vending machine is idle. The displayed advertising or message on the monitor 424 can be from the merchandise manufacturer vendor or the property owner of the vending location. The speakers 420 and 421 and headphones 430 play the appropriate audio corresponding to the advertising messages.

When a customer deposits an amount of money into the amount deposit acceptor 400A, the computer unit 400 senses the input and by means of signals recalled from the programmable audio-video message storage unit 416, checks the amount deposited. For credit card purchase, the computer 400 requests for and checks personal identification number, and records the credit card sales on programmable audio-video message storage 416 using standard hardware and software known in the industry.

When the customer desires to cancel a purchase, the coin return lever 425 is pulled to return the amount to the delivery receptacle 404. This also will cancel the credit card entries in the programmable audio-video message storage 416 and the vending machine returns to an idle state.

When the full payment has been made for the selected merchandise, the computer 400 actuates the monitor 424 to display the pre-selected message which can be, for example, the homepage of the vendor. The computer 400 includes a modem and appropriate operating software for connecting the computer with an internet site. The monitor 424 then displays a series of questions for the customer to interface with the computer. FIG. 7 shows an example of the display inquiry on the monitor 424 which are recalled from the programmed audio-video message storage unit 416. The computer 400 again recalls one of the audio messages stored thereon to accompany the display inquiry in the form of spoken or synthesized words reproduced by the amplifier 419 and through the speakers 410 and 421. By way of example and not limitation, the audio message played on the speakers may be “PLEASE ENTER NUMBER FROM KEYPAD OR CLICK NUMBER USING TRACKBALL OR PRESS MERCHANDISE SELECTOR SWITCH TO SELECT MERCHANDISE.”

When the customer selects the merchandise as instructed by the displays on the monitor 424 and through the speakers 420 and 421 the computer 400 senses the action by means of the signal from the keypad 412, or the trackball 410, or from the merchandise selector switch 400B. When the merchandise is selected, the computer 400 accesses the internet provider or website of the manufacturer of the merchandise and displays the audio-visual image advertisement of the merchandise on the monitor 424 as shown on FIG. 8. By way of example and not limitation, the customer can be connected to the website of the manufacturer or distributor for news, sports, and upcoming events. The computer 400 then controls the merchandise dispense mechanism 409 to dispense the purchased item to the merchandise port. The computer then displays the messages on monitor 424 as shown in FIG. 9. The messages are recalled by the computer 400 from the programmed audio-video message storage 416. The displayed messages are accompanied by spoken or synthesized words and music reproduced by the amplifier 419 and through the speakers 420 and 421. By way of example and not limitation, the audio message played on the speakers may be “TO BROWSE VENDOR HOMEPAGE PRESS OR CLICK ONE, TO ACCESS OTHER WEBSITES PRESS OR CLICK TWO, TO END ALL OPERATIONS PRESS OR CLICK THREE.”

When the customer selects No. 1 reading from the screen shown in FIG. 9, the computer 400 detects the input signal input from the keypad 412 or trackball 410. The computer 400 then displays the vendor homepage with images, messages and information for advertising and publicity on the monitor 424 as transmitted from the internet provider. The display is accompanied by spoken or synthesized words and music reproduced through the speakers 420 and 421. Using the trackball 410 the customer may browse the vendor homepage for a predetermined time. After the allotted time elapses, the display “TERMINATION” appears on the monitor 424 to end the browsing and returns the vending machine to idle state.

When the customer selects No. 2 reading from the screen of FIG. 9, the computer 400 detects the input signal from the keypad 412 or trackball 410. The computer 400 displays the vendor homepage with messages and information on the monitor 424 with the messages recalled from the programmed audio-video message storage 416 and played through the speakers 420 and 421. In addition, the customer is requested to deposit amount in the amount deposit 400A to enable the customer to access other websites or homepages. The screen of FIG. 10 shows for example a message that is displayed on the monitor 424, when coin, bill or credit card is inserted into the amount deposit acceptor 400A, the computer 400 senses the action and compares the deposit amount with the amount recalled from the programmed audio-video message storage unit 416 for checking. For example, the computer 400 displays the messages on the monitor screen 424 as shown in FIG. 11.

When the customer selects No. 1 reading from the screen of FIG. 11, the computer 400 again detects the input signal from the keypad 412 or the trackball 410. The computer 400, for example, accesses the interact through the transit-receive network 429 and displays the screen of FIG. 12 on the monitor 424. When the customer selects No. 1 from the screen of FIG. 12 representing “News A Website” by using the keypad 412 or the trackball 410, for instance, the homepage of the news website is displayed on the monitor 400 with images, spoken or synthesized words reproduced by the amplifier 419 through the speakers 420 and 421. By using the trackball 410, the customer may browse the homepage of the news website.

When the customer selects No. 2 reading from the screen of FIG. 11, the computer 400 detects and the input signal from the keypad 412 or trackball 410. The computer 400, for instance, displays the screen of FIG. 13 on the monitor 424. The message screen displayed on the monitor 424 as shown in FIG. 13 is similar to the message screen obtained from other commercial browser software available on the market. By way of example, Netscape™ commercial software may be the browsing software. The customer may then enter the address of the website by using the keypad 412. Search word or words may be entered in place of the address of the website. The monitor 424 displays the website and the customer can browse the website with the keypad 412 and the trackball 410. A message screen corresponding to the display on the monitor 424 or other messages may be produced from the speakers 420 and 421.

The display of “Time Left To Browse Websites X:X. Deposit Amount To Increase Time Left” shown in the screen of FIGS. 9 through 13 is provided to limit the operating time by the user so that the customer may deposit extra amount into the amount deposit acceptor 400A to increase browsing time. The process of depositing the amount of money and actuation of the computer is as described above. When there is more browsing time left, the customer may access as many websites as described.

An additional embodiment of the present invention provides the write drive 400D, camera 423 and microphone 422 to allow the customer a two-way interactive communication functions. By way of example and not limitation, the customer may access a musical studio transmitted to the speakers 420 and 421, selects some tracks and download the tracks onto blank compact disc or other recording medium inserted into the read-write drive 400D after depositing a payment through the amount deposit acceptor 400A to be credited to the music studio. Alternatively, the customer can download financial data onto a diskette inserted into the read-write drive 400D. Additionally, the customer may audition live through the camera 423 and the microphone 422 for TV commercial or movie studio.

In a further embodiment, with music from a website, the customer may sing using the lyrics appearing on the monitor 424, through the microphone 422, and may simultaneously download the whole performance onto a compact disc or diskette using the read-write drive 400D. The customer may take the recorded performance and walk away or may have the option to transmit the performance to a website that participates in accepting on-one live performances for audition and promotional commercials.

As set forth above, the present invention makes it possible for the customer to select the desired merchandise by operating in accordance with the contents of a display and simultaneously accessing websites or homepages by operating the input means in accordance with the contents of the display. Additionally, the customer may download information from websites and may perform live for the websites which can be recorded. As a result, the vending machine door of the present invention can be used to attract greater patronage than previous devices. The invention also benefits consumers by providing more access to information and also to provide two-way interactive communication functions.

Claims

1. A vending machine for sale of items selected by a customer, said vending machine including a door for retrofitting an existing vending machine, said door comprising:

a storage unit for storing a plurality of items for sale and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the items from said storage unit;

a selector device for selecting one or more of said items for sale by a customer;

a payment-control device for receiving and detecting an amount of payment required for sale of an item and for actuating said dispensing mechanism when a payment is received to dispense a selected item; and

a computer assembly connected to said storage and dispensing unit, selector device and payment control device and having a computer, video display screen and a communication network, whereby said computer is connected to and actuated by said selector device for automatically connecting said computer to a preselected internet site and automatically displaying information obtained from said internet site on said video screen for viewing by the customer, said computer assembly further including customer actuating means for enabling a customer to interface with said computer.

2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein

said communication network comprises a modem and said computer assembly further includes a telephone line connection for connecting said computer to said internet site.

3. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein

said computer comprises software for selectively connecting said computer to a plurality of different internet site, and being connected to said selector means for automatically connecting said computer to a specific internet site in response to a selected item.

4. The vending machine of claim 1, said computer assembly further comprising

data storage means connected to said selector device for displaying selected stored information in response to a selection of items by a customer.

5. The vending machine of claim 4, wherein said computer displays information from said data storage means at idle times of said vending machine.

6. The vending machine of claim 5, further comprising a speaker for broadcasting audio signals, where said data storage means transmits signals to said video screen and speaker to display advertising information from said data storage means.

7. The vending machine of claim 1, said computer further comprising

user operated keypad and trackball for operating said computer to connect said computer to an internet site selected by said customer.

8. The vending machine of claim 1, said computer further including

speakers for receiving audio transmissions from said internet site.

9. The vending machine of claim 1, said computer further comprising

an audio display device, a microphone and audio recording device for recording audio by said customer.

10. The vending machine of claim 9, wherein said computer further comprises

a camera and video recording device for recording an image of said customer.

11. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein said computer further comprises

a central control unit for an audio-visual connection to an interact site;

a transmission unit for transmitting an audio-visual signal from said computer to said internet site;

a receiving unit for receiving audio-visual signals from said internet site; and

a recording unit for recording and storing said audio-visual signals.

12. A door for retrofitting an existing vending machine for sale of items selected by a customer, said door comprising:

a storage unit for storing a plurality of different items for sale and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the items from storage unit;

a selector device for selecting one or more of said items for sale by the customer;

a payment-control device for receiving and detecting an amount of payment required for sale of an item and for actuating said dispensing mechanism when a payment is received to dispense a selected item; and

a computer assembly connected to said storage and dispensing unit, selector device and payment control device, and having a computer, video display screen and a modem, whereby said computer is connected to and actuated by said selector device for automatically connecting said computer to a pre-selected internet site and automatically displaying information obtained from said internet address on said video screen for viewing by the customer.

13. A door assembly for use with a dispensing machine for dispensing of at least one physical item selected by a customer, said door assembly comprising:

a door having a connection to a computer, a video screen and a connection to a communication network operatively connectable to at least one of an internet site, a website and a home page whereby a customer may view information on said video screen;

a delivery port for dispensing said at least one physical item selected by the customer to the customer; and,

an access portal on said door to the communication network for interaction of the customer with the communication network, said access portal connecting the customer to at least one of an internet site, a website, and a home page to view on the video screen in response to actuation of a money acceptor or credit card reader in an amount required to dispense said at least one physical item; said computer being connected to and actuated by a customer input device for connecting said computer to at least one of an internet site, a website and a home page in response to the customer's input upon dispensing of said at least one physical item to the customer, and displaying information obtained from said internet site, said website or said home page on said video screen for viewing by the customer.

14. A dispensing machine comprising the door assembly of claim 13, said machine further including a storage unit for storing said at least one physical item for dispensing to the customer.

15. The machine of claim 14, wherein said door further comprises a dispensing mechanism for dispensing said at least one physical item.

16. The machine of claim 14, wherein said dispensed physical item is at least one drink selected from the group consisting of drinks in cans, cups and bottles.

17. The machine of claim 14, wherein said machine is connected to an internet service provider by a communication network system which enables two-way multimedia interactive communication with a customer.

18. The machine of claim 14, further comprising transmitting and receiving network communication means and a content uploading and downloading means to and from at least one selected from the group consisting of internet sites, websites, home pages and computer databases so as to enable communication between the customer and at least one of an owner of the machine, an operator of the machine, or a manufacturer of the selected physical item in the machine.

19. The machine of claim 14, wherein the actuation is of a credit card reader.

20. The machine of claim 14, further comprising means for accepting payment.

21. The machine of claim 20, wherein the payment comprises at least one of coins, bills and credit cards.

22. The machine of claim 14, further comprising an amount deposit acceptor.

23. The machine of claim 14, further comprising a payment control device.

24. The machine of claim 14, further comprising software for browsing the internet.

25. The machine of claim 14, further comprising means to display advertising when the machine is idle.

26. The machine according to claim 14, wherein said at least one physical item selected is a drink.

27. The machine according to claim 26, wherein the drink is a cold drink.

28. The machine according to claim 26, wherein the drink is a hot drink.

29. The machine of claim 14, further comprising a speaker for playing audio signals.

30. The door assembly of claim 13, further comprising an interface to a communication network to access an on-line computer service, wherein said service is capable of transmitting and receiving, via a communication network, a request for service by a customer and a response to said request.

31. The door assembly of claim 13, further comprising a speaker for playing audio signals.

32. The door assembly of claim 13, further comprising at least one of a microphone or a camera.

33. A method of attracting greater patronage to a vending machine for vending physical items, said method comprising:

providing a vending machine with a door assembly for vending at least one physical item to a customer, the door assembly comprising a door with a video screen, at least one of a credit card reader or a money acceptor; and at least one customer input device;

connecting a customer to at least one predetermined website and displaying information from the at least one predetermined website on the video screen in response to actuation of the money acceptor or credit card reader in an amount required to vend said at least one physical item;

upon vending of the at least one physical item to the customer, permitting the customer to send and/or retrieve information to/from at least one website of the customer's choice on the internet/world wide web through interaction of the customer with said at least one customer input device of said vending machine, with the customer's choice of website being displayed on the screen.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein at least one predetermined website displays at least one of informational, entertainment or advertising content.

35. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of incorporating a timing device into the machine to limit the time the customer is operatively connectable, via the internet, to the at least one predetermined website.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the customer input device is at least one selected from the group consisting of a keypad, trackball and mouse.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the vending is in response to actuation of a credit card reader and a check of a personal identification number.

38. A method of providing a customer with access to at least one of a website, a home page and a computer database via a dispensing machine connectable to a communication network, said method comprising:

1.) providing a dispensing machine with a connection to a communication network; and at least one of a video screen or an audio communication capability;

2.) providing the dispensing machine with a storage element for storing a plurality of physical items;

3.) actuating a money acceptor or credit card reader of the dispensing machine;

4.) selecting a physical item to be dispensed from the dispensing machine from among the plurality of physical items contained in the storage element;

5.) dispensing the selected physical item to the customer;

6.) informing the customer through at least one of the video screen and the audio communication capability that the customer may access the communication network by activating a customer input device; and,

7.) upon the customer's actuation of the customer input device, permitting the customer to access the internet/world wide web via the communication network in order to retrieve and/or send information to said website, said home page or said database.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the communication network is the internet.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the customer is provided with access to a website.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of requesting the customer to deposit money or credit card information in order to visit other websites or homepages.

42. The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of recording a video of the customer.

43. The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of recording audio of the customer.

44. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of periodically displaying advertising on the video screen.

45. A method of attracting greater patronage to a dispensing machine for dispensing physical items, said method comprising:

providing a dispensing machine with a connection to a communication network;

providing the dispensing machine with a door assembly for dispensing at least one physical item to a customer, the door assembly comprising a door with at least one of a credit card reader or a money acceptor; and at least one customer input device;

actuating the credit card reader or the money acceptor in an amount sufficient to pay for said physical item to be dispensed;

dispensing of the at least one physical item to the customer; and,

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of permitting the customer to connect to at least one predetermined website selected by at least one of an owner or operator of the machine or the manufacturer of the physical item and displaying information from the at least one predetermined website on the video screen based upon a customer input to the customer input device.

47. A door assembly for use with a dispensing machine for dispensing of at least one physical item selected by a customer, said door assembly comprising:

a door having a connection to a computer, a video screen and a connection to a communication network operatively connectable to a computer database whereby a customer may view information from the computer database on said video screen;

a delivery port for dispensing said at least one physical item selected by the customer to the customer; and,

an access portal on said door to the internet/world wide web via the communication network for interaction of the customer with the internet/world wide web via the communication network, said access portal connecting the customer to a computer database over the internet/world wide web via the communication network in response to actuation of a money acceptor or credit card reader in an amount required to dispense said at least one physical item; said computer being connected to and actuated by a customer input device for connecting said computer to said computer database in response to the customer's input upon dispensing of said at least one physical item to the customer, and displaying information obtained from said computer database on said video screen for viewing by the customer.

48. The door assembly according to claim 47, further comprising a data storage unit configured to display advertising on the video screen when the machine is idle.