EP2518704A1 - Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Verkaufsautomats - Google Patents

Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Verkaufsautomats Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2518704A1
EP2518704A1 EP12165752A EP12165752A EP2518704A1 EP 2518704 A1 EP2518704 A1 EP 2518704A1 EP 12165752 A EP12165752 A EP 12165752A EP 12165752 A EP12165752 A EP 12165752A EP 2518704 A1 EP2518704 A1 EP 2518704A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compartment
loaded
idk
user
sij
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP12165752A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Antonio Adriani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FAS International SRL
Original Assignee
FAS International SRL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FAS International SRL filed Critical FAS International SRL
Publication of EP2518704A1 publication Critical patent/EP2518704A1/de
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
    • G07F17/0071—Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a cold condition, e.g. ice and ice cream
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
    • G07F11/50—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted
    • G07F11/54—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about vertical axes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
    • G07F17/0078—Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a hot or cooked condition, e.g. popcorn, nuts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for operating a vending machine.
  • a user In a typical vending machine a user, after having found, selected and paid for a product, picks up said product from a vending machine lid.
  • the products present into the vending machine are periodically loaded by an operator who replaces those expired and replenishes the empty compartments.
  • such operating method of the vending machine is unsuitable for applications wherein the products must be dispensed quickly, for example in work canteens or in any case consumed in a short time being subject to quick perishability.
  • a first option is to minimise the product loading so as to prevent most of the same from having to be trashed due to the product expiration.
  • such option has the drawback of not providing an efficient service to the users since the user has a high likelihood of not finding the desired product.
  • a second option is to load the vending machine according to the expectations and to the users' pick up flows.
  • Such option has the drawback of being highly uncertain with consequent risk of alternating maximum efficiency days with large waste days according to the needs, highly variable and unforeseeable, of a canteen's users.
  • the object of the present invention therefore is to provide a method for operating a vending machine having such functional features as to meet the above-mentioned needs while solving the disadvantages mentioned above with reference to the prior art.
  • Such object is achieved by a method for operating a vending machine according to claim 1.
  • reference numeral 1 denotes a vending machine.
  • the vending machine 1 comprises a plurality of compartments S separate from each other, each compartment S having an access opening 5 for accessing the interior of the compartment for loading or picking up a product P.
  • the vending machine 1 comprises a plurality of movable lids 5a for closing and opening the access openings 5 of compartments S.
  • the vending machine 1 comprises a frame 2, at least one tray, in the example a plurality of trays 3, turnably seated within frame 2 about an axis of rotation.
  • Each tray 3 comprises a plurality of compartments that globally form the plurality of compartments S.
  • the vending machine 1 further comprises motor means adapted to move the access opening 5 of each compartment S to a load and pick up position for loading or picking up a product P.
  • the motor means comprise first motor means 6 adapted to rotate trays 3 about the axis of rotation thereof for moving the access opening 5 of each compartment S of each tray 3 to the load and pick up position and second motor means 6a adapted to actuate lids 5 a for opening and closing the access openings 5 of each compartment S.
  • the vending machine 1 also comprises processing means 7 adapted to receive and process a plurality of data and control means 8 in signal communication with the motor means 6, 6a and with the data processing means 7 for actuating the motor means 6, 6a as a function of the plurality of data received and processed by the processing means 7.
  • the processing means 7 comprise data storage means 7a.
  • K is the number of users.
  • the user shall be indicated with reference to his/her user identification IDk for shortness.
  • the selection of products Pn by the users may take place at the vending machine 1 or remotely.
  • the vending machine 1 comprises a user interface unit 10, advantageously operatively connected to the data processing means 7 and adapted to allow a user to display the selectable products Pn and make the selection of one or more of them.
  • the user interface unit 10 may comprise a touchscreen 11 or a screen and one or more data input devices, for example keyboard and mouse.
  • the user interface unit 10 may further comprise a printing device 12 adapted to issue a paper receipt of the products selected by the user
  • the product selection may be made remotely, for example by a personal computer with access to the Internet or to an Intranet.
  • products Pn selected by each user IDk are associated with the respective user identification IDk.
  • the user interface unit 10 may comprise a user authentication device 13, for example a chip card reader, USB keys or other equivalent devices, whereby the user authenticates himself/herself for allowing his/her user identification code IDk to be associated with products Pn selected by the same user.
  • the user authentication may be carried out by the same user interface 10, for example with a password entered by touchscreen 11 or a keyboard.
  • the user uses an authentication tool, for example password or chip card or key or other equivalent means so that products Pn selected thereby are associated with his/her user identification code IDk.
  • an authentication tool for example password or chip card or key or other equivalent means so that products Pn selected thereby are associated with his/her user identification code IDk.
  • the data related to the products selected by the users are collected or in any case provided to a centre designed for preparing the selected products.
  • a plurality of containers is prepared wherein each container contains one of the selected products.
  • each container is provided with identification means of the product contained therein, so as to facilitate the subsequent loading of the same into the vending machine 1.
  • the product identification means comprise a label whereon a code is shown, for example alphanumerical, which uniquely identifies a product Pn.
  • one compartment Sij is uniquely associated with a product Pn and with a user identification IDk so that the plurality of products selected by users Pn and the corresponding user identifications IDk identify a plurality of compartments to be loaded. Such association may be made upon loading products Pn or advantageously, before such operation.
  • an operator loads each product associating each compartment Sij with product Pn loaded therein and the relevant user identification IDk.
  • the operator may use a data input keyboard or a barcode reader or RFID labels which through the data processing means 7 allows the data to be stored to the storage means 7a.
  • the compartment Sij association with selected product Pn and respective user identification IDk is carried out remotely and the data of the plurality of compartments to be loaded Sij with the respective products to be loaded Pn and user identifications IDk are received by the data processing means 7 of vending machine 1 and stored to the storage means 7a.
  • the loading of products Pn is carried out after the operator's authentication with his/her authentication code.
  • the reading of the operator's authentication code then starts a product loading procedure that entails the actuation of motor means 6, 6a for moving the access opening 5 of each compartment to be loaded Sij to the loading position for loading the selected product Pn associated with such compartment Sij.
  • vending machine 1 comprises means 14 for indicating to the operator the products Pn to be loaded into compartments Sij which are moved to the loading position in a sequence.
  • such indication means 14 may be of the visual type, for example a display whereon the code of the product to be loaded is shown, corresponding to the code shown on the label of the container wherein the product is contained, or sound type, for example a speaker that tells the operator the code of the product to be loaded.
  • the vending machine 1 may comprise verification means for verifying whether the product introduced into a compartment Sij by an operator actually matches the product to be introduced.
  • verification means may be an rfid tag arranged on each product container and an rfid reader arranged in the proximity of each access opening to the compartments.
  • the vending machine 1 is adapted to dispense to each user the products selected thereby prior to the loading thereof into the same vending machine 1.
  • a user IDk therefore authenticates himself/herself on the vending machine 1 with his/her user identification IDk.
  • the vending machine 1 then receives, that is, reads the user identification IDk of a user.
  • the user authentication may take place in one of the modes described above with reference to the authentication in the product selection step.
  • the data processing means 7 receive the user identification IDk and based on table B, that is, on the association between compartments Sij and the user identifications IDk stored to the storage means 7a, acquire the data of compartments Sij associated with the user identification IDk of the authenticated user and by the control means 8, they actuate the motor means 6, 6a for moving the access opening of compartments Sij associated with said user identification IDk to the pick up position in a sequence, for allowing the pick up of the products contained in such compartments Sij.
  • each user authenticates himself/herself on vending machine 1 that recognises him/her and allows access to the compartments wherein there are the products previously selected by the user. Thanks to this, a user may pick up products selected, that is, chosen before their loading into the vending machine 1.
  • the vending machine 1 comprises refrigerating means 20 and/or warming means 21 for refrigerating and thus keeping at a storage temperature and/or warming the products arranged into compartments S.
  • the vending machine 1 may further comprise timer means (not shown in the figures) adapted to switch from a refrigeration mode to a warming mode so that at a predetermined time, the products contained into the loaded compartments Sij are ready to be dispensed to the user. This is particularly useful for the use in canteens where the users need to pick up the products at a predetermined time.
  • a vending machine with warming means for dispensing products that require warming, such as hot first and second courses, and a vending machine without warming means for dispensing products that do not require warming, such as fruit, yoghurt, pudding, etc.
  • the method according to the present invention allows overcoming the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.
  • the method according to the invention allows totally eliminating or minimising the waste of non-consumed products while meeting the users' needs of having the desired food available.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
EP12165752A 2011-04-29 2012-04-26 Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Verkaufsautomats Ceased EP2518704A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVI20110111 2011-04-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2518704A1 true EP2518704A1 (de) 2012-10-31

Family

ID=44554126

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12165752A Ceased EP2518704A1 (de) 2011-04-29 2012-04-26 Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Verkaufsautomats

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2518704A1 (de)
IT (1) ITMI20120692A1 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI455055B (de) * 2013-04-15 2014-10-01
EP3029642A1 (de) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-08 ABG Systems Srl Automatische Ausgabevorrichtung
FR3050061A1 (fr) * 2016-04-12 2017-10-13 Mains Lib' Consigne comportant un module de stockage et un module de commande

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6102162A (en) * 1998-10-08 2000-08-15 Teicher; Mordechai Automated self-service cafeteria system
US20020156645A1 (en) * 2001-01-31 2002-10-24 Hansen Paul E. Network-based solution for secure parcel delivery and pick-up
US20020177922A1 (en) * 2001-05-24 2002-11-28 Gregg Bloom Automated system for efficient article storage and self-service retrieval
US20030025590A1 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-02-06 Gokcebay Asil T. Networked digital locker lock system
US20040267640A1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-12-30 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Inventory management utilizing unattended pick up and return systems with a service parts facility
DE102006047797A1 (de) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Deutsche Post Ag Schließfachanlage zur Einstellung und Abholung von Gegenständen und Verfahren zum Betreiben der Schließfachanlage
US20080128444A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2008-06-05 Manfred Schininger Storage Dispenser For Objects
US20100026452A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2010-02-04 Deutsche Post Ag Deposit box unit, logistics system and method for operating the deposit box unit

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6102162A (en) * 1998-10-08 2000-08-15 Teicher; Mordechai Automated self-service cafeteria system
US20020156645A1 (en) * 2001-01-31 2002-10-24 Hansen Paul E. Network-based solution for secure parcel delivery and pick-up
US20020177922A1 (en) * 2001-05-24 2002-11-28 Gregg Bloom Automated system for efficient article storage and self-service retrieval
US20030025590A1 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-02-06 Gokcebay Asil T. Networked digital locker lock system
US20040267640A1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-12-30 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Inventory management utilizing unattended pick up and return systems with a service parts facility
US20080128444A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2008-06-05 Manfred Schininger Storage Dispenser For Objects
DE102006047797A1 (de) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Deutsche Post Ag Schließfachanlage zur Einstellung und Abholung von Gegenständen und Verfahren zum Betreiben der Schließfachanlage
US20100026452A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2010-02-04 Deutsche Post Ag Deposit box unit, logistics system and method for operating the deposit box unit

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI455055B (de) * 2013-04-15 2014-10-01
EP3029642A1 (de) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-08 ABG Systems Srl Automatische Ausgabevorrichtung
WO2016088053A1 (en) 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 Abg Systems Srl Automated dispensing apparatus
US10140802B2 (en) 2014-12-04 2018-11-27 Abg Systems Srl Automated dispensing apparatus
FR3050061A1 (fr) * 2016-04-12 2017-10-13 Mains Lib' Consigne comportant un module de stockage et un module de commande

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITMI20120692A1 (it) 2012-10-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2019236706B2 (en) Pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system and methods of storing and retrieving pharmaceuticals
US10327583B2 (en) Automatic food preparation apparatus
US20100312385A1 (en) Electronic ordering system for restaurants
CN103400451B (zh) 一种自动售卖机自动上货自动出货的方法
US7387239B2 (en) Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device
CN107093284A (zh) 一种生鲜购物快递订餐综合智能柜及其实现方法
US7747346B2 (en) System and method for regulating vendible media products
RU2621959C2 (ru) Система и способ продажи продуктов через торговые автоматы
CN107833363B (zh) 基于图像识别的自助售货机自动库存管理系统及方法
CN203520508U (zh) 一种自动售卖机自动上货自动出货的系统
CN108257320A (zh) 基于储货柜的取货方法和销售系统
CA2772332A1 (en) System and method for communicating secondary vending options
CN110889784B (zh) 无人自助餐厅系统
KR20200061698A (ko) 테이크아웃 스테이션을 이용한 셀프 테이크아웃 방법
EP3961533B1 (de) Autonome lebensmittelstation
KR101745610B1 (ko) 자동판매기 및 그의 무선충전 단말 판매방법
EP3657453B1 (de) Systeme und verfahren zum sicheren speichern eines objekts
US11288911B2 (en) Device for selling goods, system comprising such a device and method for operating such a device
AU2003258481B2 (en) Method for operating a vending machine and vending system
EP1739615A2 (de) Verkaufsautomat für gekochtes Menü
US20250363447A1 (en) System and method for distributing perishable items
WO2021079261A1 (en) Vending machine
JP7734464B1 (ja) 飲食物提供情報管理システム
CN114127761A (zh) 一种用于配送易腐烂物品的系统和方法
EP4592979A1 (de) Selbstbedienungsausgabevorrichtung zur ausgabe von mit rfid-chips markierten produkten

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130430

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: ADRIANI, ANTONIO

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20140227

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED

18R Application refused

Effective date: 20180707