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WO2003060842A1 - Systemes et procedes de distribution automatique - Google Patents

Systemes et procedes de distribution automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003060842A1
WO2003060842A1 PCT/US2003/000271 US0300271W WO03060842A1 WO 2003060842 A1 WO2003060842 A1 WO 2003060842A1 US 0300271 W US0300271 W US 0300271W WO 03060842 A1 WO03060842 A1 WO 03060842A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vending
central control
vend
vending machine
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/000271
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Fred M. Domke
Daniel R. Lewis
Randall D. Morin
William J. Schmelder
Mary A. Todt
Madonna Warren
Original Assignee
Transentric Llc
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 Transentric Llc filed Critical Transentric Llc
Priority to AU2003210442A priority Critical patent/AU2003210442A1/en
Publication of WO2003060842A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003060842A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
    • G07F5/18—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
    • 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
    • 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
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to product supply and, more particularly, to network methods and systems including methods and systems for vending products.
  • the employer may have certain policies in place to limit the number of such items that an employee may take over the course of time. For example, an employee may be limited to taking a certain number of types of batteries over the course of one month. Such policies generally are intended to prevent shrinkage and improper use of these items.
  • policies generally are intended to prevent shrinkage and improper use of these items.
  • a vending system in one example embodiment, includes vending machines at a variety of locations and connected to a control center.
  • the control center includes an application server that controls access to and collects data relating to vending of products from the vending machines. Such data includes the types and quantities of products that have been vended to each employee and a time at which each vend takes place.
  • each user is provided with an identification code.
  • An employee desiring to vend an item enters the user identification code and the code for the desired item into a keypad on the vending machine. These entries are then transmitted to the application server which then confirms the correctness/validity of the user identification code, as well as determines whether that particular user is authorized to vend the item requested. If all requirements for authorization are met, the application server transmits a vend command to the machine and the item is vended.
  • the data related to that particular vend is then stored by the application server in a database. For example, the data for each vend could include time, location, user, and item vended.
  • Information stored in the database is available to system administrators/managers via a web site.
  • the application server is coupled to a web server, and authorized individuals can access data stored in the database via the web server and application server.
  • the data can be formatted into predesignated report formats so that at any time a manager desires to view vends made by a particular employee or by a certain item type, the manager can select the report desired and obtain the desired data.
  • Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a vending system.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a vending system.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a vending machine having various items (e.g., safety gloves) stored therein.
  • items e.g., safety gloves
  • Figure 4 illustrates a bank of vending machines having various items stored therein.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of a vending machine having batteries stored therein.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a user inserting a card into a vending machine card reader.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a vending machine having gloves stored therein.
  • Vending systems and methods are described below in the context of a hosted service. That is, the systems and methods are configured so that a third party service provider can provide certain services (e.g., business intelligence) to a customer.
  • the present systems and methods are not limited to a particular architecture or hosting arrangement. For example, rather than a hosted service, such vending systems and methods can be "customer" hosted (i.e., not hosted by a third party).
  • certain components and aspects of the systems and methods are not limited to vending applications, and can be used in many other contexts in addition to vending.
  • the systems and methods are sometimes described herein the context of an employer having employees who vend items from the vending machines.
  • the present systems and methods are not limited to use by employers and employees, and can be used in many other contexts.
  • the term employees therefore, should be understood to refer to users of the vending machines.
  • the term employer should be understood to refer to the person or entity that desires to control and monitor vends.
  • vending machines could be located at a work site having many different individuals performing work. All such individuals may use the vending machines, even though such individuals may not be employees of any single employer.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a vending system 10.
  • System 10 includes a plurality of vending machines 12 coupled to a control center 14.
  • control center 14 is hosted in that a third party service provider can operate center 14 and provide various services (e.g., reporting services) to a customer (e.g., a company in which employees of the company have access to vending machines 12).
  • a customer e.g., a company in which employees of the company have access to vending machines 12.
  • control center 14 need not be hosted by a third party and can be internally operated by an enterprise.
  • the various functions and operations performed by control center 14 can be distributed across an organization and need not be performed in a centralized manner as described herein.
  • machines 12 are coupled to center 14 via terminal servers 16 that communicate across a TCP/IP infrastructure 18 to a socket server 20.
  • TCP/IP infrastructure can be any communications medium (e.g., a network) that enables communications between vending machmes 12 and control center 14.
  • TCP/IP infrastructure 18 can be a public wide area network (e.g., the public Internet), a private wide area network (e.g., private TCP networks), local area network(s), frame relay, and any combinations thereof.
  • system 10 includes a plurality of web user computers 22 coupled to center 14 via infrastructure 18. Specifically, computers 22 communicate with a web server 24 at control center 14.
  • Vending machines 12 may be located at remote locations (i.e., not immediately adjacent) with respect to control center 14. For example, vending machines may be at various locations within a building, or within numerous buildings located throughout the world. Machines 12 also can be located outdoor at construction sites or near other work (e.g., a rail yard). Communications between vending machines 12 and control center 14 is "always on” since such communications occur via infrastructure 18.
  • terminal servers 16 are single port terminal servers such as terminal servers commercially available from Patton Electronics Company (7622 Rickenbacker Drive, Gaithersburg, MD), Model No. 2120. Each terminal server establishes an outbound connection and such connection is maintained open (i.e., "always on"), which enables monitoring and control.
  • terminal servers 16 avoids a need for use of more expensive private LANs or other expensive networks between the vending machmes and an application server 26.
  • each terminal server 16 can be located within one of respective vending machines 12. Further, terminal servers 16 need not be uniquely addressable by application server 26 and therefore avoids the complexity of having to manage unique terminal server addresses at control center 14.
  • vending machines 12 The "always on" status of vending machines 12 allows vending machmes 12 to connect to control center 14 by initiation of socket communications from the vending machines.
  • the port being used for the communication is not exposed to inbound connections. Configured this way, firewall 54 is not forced to accept an inbound connection, which facilitates minimizing the risk to the network.
  • the communications protocol ensures the "always on" state of the connection with the use of a "heart beat" request reply initiated by control center socket server 20.
  • Terminal servers 16 can be used in connection with applications other than vending to provide a simple and low cost manner in which to establish communications between equipment to be monitored/controlled and a controller (e.g., an application server).
  • a terminal server can be coupled to an automated teller machine (ATM) to enable low cost remote monitoring and control of such machine.
  • ATM automated teller machine
  • Numerous other applications of such terminal servers in the context of communicating across a TCP/IP infrastructure with an application server are possible.
  • Control center 14 includes socket server 20 and web server 24 coupled to application server 26 through a firewall 28.
  • application server generally refers to any programmable processor capable of performing the monitoring and control functions as described herein.
  • An application server can be, for example, a general purpose computer programmed to perform specific functions, which functions are described below in detail.
  • Application servers generally are well known in the art.
  • Application server 26 is coupled to a database 30 (e.g., an Oracle database).
  • System administrators designated by the employer authorize users who vend items. Specifically, the administrators have access, via computers 22, to user information stored in database 30 via computers 22, allowing them to make updates and perform maintenance to data.
  • Database 30 is a "real-time" accessible database of all employees and the information relative to their authorization to vend. Initial setup can be done, for example, as a batch upload from a human resources system.
  • a dollar level of spending authorization, training identifiers on specified items, and a cost center identifier for tracking purposes are stored in database 30. Additional restrictions for vend authorization can be added if the market demands new or different variables. Information can be viewed and sorted by employee, dollar limit, budget amount used and budget amount remaining, and other variables. Administrative users are able to edit for some missing information such as cost centers.
  • Business intelligence tools such as the business intelligence software commercially available from Business Objects Americas, Inc., 3030 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA, or from Cognos Corporation, 67 South Bedford Street, Burlington, MA, can be used to perform analysis and reporting using the information stored in database 30. Such software can, for example, be loaded into application server 26 and used to generate reports accessible at computers 22 via web server 24.
  • the business intelligence software can be used, for example, to determine patterns of usage and exceptions.
  • an employer Prior to operation, an employer collects inventory and employee information, authorization levels and cost center data. This information is stored in database 30, and application server 26 is programmed to use this information in processes defined by the employer. For example, the employer designates, by authorized employee, the authorization levels, limits, and cost centers, as well as any other information the employer desires to use to control a vend. This information sometimes is referred to as the vend rules and procedures.
  • Vending machines are set up as they are added to the network, recording location, telecom information and basic data such as make and model.
  • the machine's product layout map is entered in database 30 and this layout can be updated periodically as changes are made, e.g., different products are added for vending.
  • the layouts and transactions recorded by a particular machine can be viewed by a user at one of computers 22.
  • a record of the items that can be placed in a vending machine is maintained in database 30.
  • the employer sets up item specifications, including description, manufacturer, cost, and training restrictions. Using one of computers 22, a user can view all transactions for an item, and sorts can be made by person, location, cost and time period, and other variables.
  • an employee uses the vending machine keypad to input identification and item selection.
  • the terminal server for the vending machine sends the information to the application server, which then executes the rules in accordance with the defined process. Specifically, and in one example, the application server verifies employment and vend authority (budget, training) based on the entered information.
  • a vend command is then sent back to the vending machine if the vend is authorized, and the controller commands the appropriate machine motor to vend the designated item.
  • the database is then updated with the vend information, and this data is immediately available for inquiry at computers 22. For example, summary reports can be run at any time.
  • the dotted lines represent a vending machine session
  • the solid lines represent a TCP/IP infrastructure session.
  • the vending machine session is used to initiate and execute authorization and vend approval processes.
  • the web browser session is used to initiate and execute remote administration, query, and report generation processes.
  • an administrator can view all transactions, sorted by date, person, item, cost, machine location, and other variables. Clients can manually add transactions to cover any manual dispensing or unusual events. In addition, a list of all unusual events such as batch uploads and error corrections is stored in database 30. These events can be sorted by entry source, employee, machine, and item, and other variables.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a vending system 50.
  • Components in Figure 2 that are the same as the components in Figure 1 are identified in Figure 2 using the same reference numerals as used in Figure 2.
  • vending machines 12 and computers 22 are coupled via a local area network/wide area network 52, and communications via the Internet 18 are performed through a firewall 54.
  • center 14 includes a firewall 56.
  • the architecture illustrated in Figure 2 facilitates, for example, interconnection of all vending machines 12 across an enterprise with many different business locations, with one center 14.
  • vending machmes 12 are connected by "always on" telecommunications to center 14. Response time is rapid, so the user is not waiting for an extended period of time at any one of machines 12 for approval provided that the user is authorized to receive the item.
  • Center 14 also provides web access to vending and inventory information. Specifically, a user can obtain up-to-the minute information via one of computers 22. Customized reports can be defined within application server 26 so that an employer can obtain the desired information in the desired format. Reports are available in realtime to provide a variety of information. Typical data in a report includes the number of vends for a given item, employee, or month, dollar value of items vended, and similar information. Employee usage patterns can therefore be monitored to spot abuse, document potential litigation situations and provide overall inventory and expense control.
  • the system enables a person to key in (on a machine-mounted keypad) their user ID and a password in order to request a "vend". If that particular person is authorized to receive that piece of equipment, the vend is completed. Authorization and record updates are accomplished in real time between the vending machine and the control center.
  • a controlled and monitored vending machine stocked with safety equipment for construction could be located at a construction site.
  • Each of the participating contractors could enroll his employees and distribute authentication credentials (e.g., username and password or strong authentication such as a smartcard or secure id or even biometric authentication).
  • the machine may be completely unused during the course of construction but would provide value by satisfying the safety requirements for all of the participating enterprises. If supplies are issued, the charges generated could feed an appropriate financial system.
  • a vending machine could be stocked with office supplies and located in a shared office building, providing tight inventory control (no shrinkage due to theft or misplacement) and convenient distribution with chargeback.
  • a vending machine could be stocked with medical supplies at a health care provider.
  • the dispensation of supplies to authorized and trained staff could be based on a combination of authentication of the health care provider and identification of the patient.
  • Such vending could be used even for multiple health care providers sharing a facility.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates vending machine 12 having various items (e.g., safety gloves) stored therein.
  • Machine 12 includes a keypad 60 and a card reader 62 having a card slot 64 and a display 66.
  • a user can enter user identification information and item identification information into keypad 60.
  • the user can insert a card (e.g., having the employee identification information stored thereon) into card reader slot 64.
  • vending machine 12 Many different items can be stored in vending machine 12, such as gloves, batteries, and safety equipment.
  • a user desires to vend a particular item stored in machine 12
  • the user enters a user identification number into keypad 60 or inserts the user card into slot 64.
  • the user also enters a product identification number into keypad indicating which item is desired for the vend.
  • This information is then transmitted (e.g., via the terminal server to the application server) for validating the user and if validated, authorizing the vend.
  • a command is then transmitted to vending machine 12 for executing the vend (e.g., energizing a motor to drive the appropriate coil in which the desired product is stored).
  • FIG 4 illustrates a bank 70 of vending machines 12 having various items stored therein. As shown in Figure 4, each vending machine 12 has a keypad 60 and card reader 62. Alternatively, and for vending machine bank 70, the machines can be networked and coupled to one keypad and card reader 62.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of vending machine 12 having batteries stored therein.
  • Many different types of products can be vended from machines 12, and the products selected for vending via the vending system can vary and be selected for many different reasons.
  • batteries may be selected for vending via the vending system since batteries may easily be taken and used by employees for unauthorized purposes, e.g., the batteries may be taken home and used for non-employment related purposes.
  • the number of batteries vended to each employee can be tracked and limited to a predesignated quantity. If an employee has reached the pre-authorized number of batteries that can be vended but still needs additional batteries, the employee can then contact the appropriate manager and request authorization.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a user inserting a card into a vending machine card reader 62. The user simply inserts the card into slot 64 and reader 62 then reads the card to obtain user information (e.g., a user identification number). The user then selects an item to be vended via the keypad, and the authorization process is initiated, as described above.
  • user information e.g., a user identification number
  • Figure 7 illustrates , a portion of vending machine 12 having gloves stored therein. As explained above, many different items can be stored for vending in machines 12, and gloves are just one additional example of the types of items that can be vended.
  • the above described vending system facilitates improving current supply chain practice. Companies currently distribute equipment and other supplies, and experience costs and inefficiencies in the process.
  • the above described system brings real-time authorization and visibility, delivering value in terms of access control, usage reduction, liability control, and enhanced information.
  • the system also facilitates reduction of supply usage.
  • the system enables full-time and real-time access control for safety equipment or other items dispensed from its vending machines.
  • the system is "always on", so an employee does not have to wait for a human to be available to dispense supplies. Access is controlled by the "real-time" accessible database of authorized individuals. Employees can be added, budgets changed or training authority updated in real-time. Employees desiring to vend an item will receive immediate approval or denial from the system. The system actually controls rather than passively monitors usage.
  • the system collects data by employee, vending machine, and item vended. Transactions also receive a date/time stamp.
  • the information is available on a real-time basis. Analysis of this information can be conducted at any time from anywhere using the system web interface. Information is available by machine, employee, item, and date, for any specified time period. Also, customized or standard reports can also be provided using the data stored in the database.
  • the system provides a wide variety of benefits as a result of the real-time visibility of inventory usage information and real-time decision making capability concerning the dispensing of supplies. Specifically, and with respect to access control and inventory usage tracking, only authorized individuals may vend a given item. Employees can be immediately added or removed from authorization lists, addition, authorization can be based on matters such as training and budget levels. Such access control and the documentation of who uses what item also facilitates reducing unnecessary use and pilferage of consumables. Access control also documents availability and usage of safety supplies for liability records. Further, accurate usage data also facilitates proper departmental billing.
  • an employer can reduce amount of safety supply inventory needed on hand, and can document usage patterns to facilitate restocking.
  • the system also facilitates supplier access to the system and on-hand inventory quantity monitoring.
  • safety supply equipment availability facilitates proper equipment usage.
  • the system also facilitates documenting the training authority to use such items, the availability of safety supplies, and an employee vending history.
  • the above described system can be modified so that information about each vending machine, inventories, received cash, temperature, on/off status, and other variables could be transferred to database 30, increasing an ability to manage the vending machines and inventory.
  • the combination of active, real-time control of inventory over the TCP/IP infrastructure with record keeping facilitates locating inventory of supplies where needed (health, safety, regulatory compliance) or where wanted (convenience), and dispensed to authorized users in a secure manner.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des systèmes et des procédés de distribution automatique. L'un des modes de réalisation exemplaires du système (10) comprend des distributeurs automatiques (12) dans divers endroits (16). Ces distributeurs sont reliés à un centre de commande (14), lequel comprend un serveur d'application (26) qui commande l'accès aux données relatives aux produits distribués par le distributeur automatique (12) et qui les collecte. Ces données représentent les types et les quantités de produits qui ont été distribués à chaque employé ainsi que l'heure à laquelle a eu lieu la distribution.
PCT/US2003/000271 2002-01-09 2003-01-07 Systemes et procedes de distribution automatique WO2003060842A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003210442A AU2003210442A1 (en) 2002-01-09 2003-01-07 Vending systems and methods

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US34715502P 2002-01-09 2002-01-09
US60/347,155 2002-01-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003060842A1 true WO2003060842A1 (fr) 2003-07-24

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PCT/US2003/000271 WO2003060842A1 (fr) 2002-01-09 2003-01-07 Systemes et procedes de distribution automatique

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU2003210442A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003060842A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1930856A3 (fr) * 2006-12-06 2009-09-02 Sanden Corporation Dispositif de communication et système de gestion des communications

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5307941A (en) * 1992-07-24 1994-05-03 Siegal Burton L File folder conveyor
US6181982B1 (en) * 1997-02-26 2001-01-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug dispenser and quantity input device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5307941A (en) * 1992-07-24 1994-05-03 Siegal Burton L File folder conveyor
US6181982B1 (en) * 1997-02-26 2001-01-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug dispenser and quantity input device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1930856A3 (fr) * 2006-12-06 2009-09-02 Sanden Corporation Dispositif de communication et système de gestion des communications

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003210442A1 (en) 2003-07-30

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