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WO2017039722A1 - Systèmes de distribution de produits destinés à être utilisés avec des kiosques actionnés par le consommateur, et systèmes et procédés associés - Google Patents

Systèmes de distribution de produits destinés à être utilisés avec des kiosques actionnés par le consommateur, et systèmes et procédés associés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017039722A1
WO2017039722A1 PCT/US2015/052649 US2015052649W WO2017039722A1 WO 2017039722 A1 WO2017039722 A1 WO 2017039722A1 US 2015052649 W US2015052649 W US 2015052649W WO 2017039722 A1 WO2017039722 A1 WO 2017039722A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cartridge
product
kiosk
axis
cartridges
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/052649
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Brian FITZPATRICK
Bradley E. WEINSHENKER
Alex MOSKOS
Original Assignee
Outerwall Inc.
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 Outerwall Inc. filed Critical Outerwall Inc.
Publication of WO2017039722A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017039722A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/18—Payment architectures involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0207—Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/42—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for ticket printing or like apparatus, e.g. apparatus for dispensing of printed paper tickets or payment cards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to systems, apparatuses and methods for delivering products from consumer operated kiosks.
  • vending machines and kiosks have been designed to dispense products to consumers.
  • Such machines typically include a user interface to select a product, a monetary input device for receiving payment (e.g., a credit card reader or bill acceptor), and an outlet for dispensing the selected product.
  • a monetary input device for receiving payment e.g., a credit card reader or bill acceptor
  • an outlet for dispensing the selected product e.g., a credit card reader or bill acceptor
  • Many of these machines dispense products that are of identical sizes (e.g. , cans of soft drinks), or products that are approximately the same size (e.g., various snack items).
  • products of significantly different sizes are dispensed.
  • machines that deliver consumer electronics often dispense products having large size differences (e.g., a small set of earbuds versus a comparatively large Apple iPad).
  • Machines that dispense products having large size differences require dispensing systems that can accommodate the various sizes of the offered products.
  • One approach to delivering products of varied sizes is to house all the products in identically-sized containers within the machine, each of which is large enough to hold the largest product.
  • the desired container is moved toward an outlet to make the product available to the consumer.
  • This approach wastes space because small products leave significant amounts of empty space within the relatively large container.
  • An alternative approach involves a single large delivery container that is moveable to transport any of the various sized products within the machine. In these machines, the container is first moved to a position near the product, and the product is then pushed into the container.
  • the container is subsequently moved to an outlet to deliver the enclosed product to the consumer.
  • the large delivery container must be moveable throughout most of the machine to reach all of the products stored in the machine.
  • this second approach also wastes space because the machine must include significant amounts of empty internal space to accommodate the movements of the large delivery container.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of a consumer operated kiosk configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Figure 2A is an isometric view of an interior of the kiosk of Figure 1 illustrating a robotic delivery system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Figure 2B is a partially cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the interior of the kiosk of Figure 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the robotic delivery system of Figure 2 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Figures 4A-4E are isometric views of an X-axis rail assembly and a rotatable picker configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Figure 5 is an isometric view of a robotic delivery system and a product outlet configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Figure 6 is schematic block diagram illustrating various hardware and electronic components of a kiosk having a robotic delivery system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • the present disclosure describes various embodiments of product delivery systems for use with consumer operated kiosks, vending machines, etc., and associated systems and methods.
  • the product delivery systems disclosed herein can be configured to dispense products without the presence of a salesperson or vendor. Additionally, the product delivery systems disclosed herein can be used in kiosks that sell or otherwise distribute product samples (e.g. , sample-sized food products, samples of household cleaning products or beauty product samples), so that consumers can test the products before purchasing retail size (e.g., full size) versions of the products.
  • the kiosks can also be configured to provide consumers with coupons for a discount on full size versions of the product samples.
  • the term "product" can refer to both a full-sized product, or a product sample.
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a consumer operated kiosk 100 that can include a product delivery system (not shown in Figure 1 ) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • the kiosk 100 includes a housing 102, a user interface 104, and a reveal assembly or product dispenser or product outlet 106 that can dispense products or product samples to consumers.
  • the user interface 104 is a touch screen that can provide information to and receive inputs and selections from consumers.
  • the user interface 104 can include other input devices that can provide and/or receive consumer information, such as a keyboard, an encrypting PIN pad, a voice command device, and/or other suitable user input devices known in the art.
  • the touch screen 104 can provide visual information to consumers.
  • the touch screen 104 can be configured to run a continuous loop of advertisements for various products sold or otherwise provided by the kiosk 100.
  • speakers (not shown in figure 1 ) can provide audio information that can accompany the visual information on the touchscreen 104.
  • the speakers can also provide audio information that is independent of the visual information provided by the touchscreen 104.
  • the touchscreen 104 can display an introductory screen that displays available products while the speakers present an audio advertisement that describes the benefits of a particular product that is offered via the kiosk 100.
  • the product outlet 106 can include a movable front door or panel 105 that blocks a cavity or opening 107 prior to the dispensing of a product. After a consumer selects and pays for a product or product sample, the front panel 105 can slide away from or otherwise reveal the opening 107 to provide the consumer access to the product. The panel 105, for example, can slide downward to reveal a product in the opening 107.
  • the kiosk 100 can also include a card reader 108 (e.g., a magnetic card swipe) and/or a currency acceptor 1 10 (e.g. , a bill acceptor, change slot, etc.) that can receive various forms of payment from consumers.
  • the kiosk 100 can include a communication device 1 12 (e.g., a wireless transceiver or other digital communication device) for communicating with a user's mobile device (e.g., a smart phone) and/or other user devices or components.
  • the communication device 1 12 can communicate via radio frequency (e.g. , near field communication (NFC)) to identify a user and/or receive payment from a user.
  • NFC near field communication
  • the communication device 1 12 can communicate with a user's mobile phone via NFC to receive payment via a variety of mobile payment systems or digital wallets (e.g. , Apple Pay, Google Wallet, etc.).
  • the communication device 1 12 can interact with a card or other device or component having a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the communication device 1 12 can communicate with an RFID chip in a user's loyalty card to identify the user and retrieve account information.
  • the communication device 1 12 can include a code reader that can read a user's loyalty card or other card or device that displays a bar code, a QR code, or other identifying code.
  • the communication device 1 12 can read a bar code on a user's loyalty card to retrieve account information.
  • the communication device 1 12 can read a QR code to process a payment.
  • the communication device 1 12 can read bar codes or QR codes from loyalty cards, from images presented on mobile devices, or from any other medium that can render an image.
  • the card reader 108 can read loyalty cards, credit cards, or other cards to retrieve account information and/or to receive payment.
  • the kiosk 100 includes a dispenser 1 14.
  • the dispenser 1 14 can be coupled to a printer (not shown) within the housing 102 to dispense receipts, coupons, vouchers, etc. to consumers. Additionally, the dispenser 1 14 can provide coupons (e.g. , $1 off coupons) to a consumer based on the products and/or samples the consumer selects.
  • the kiosk 100 can sell product samples to consumers for a fee (e.g. , $1 per sample) and, optionally, at least a portion of that fee can be discounted from the price of a commercially sold (e.g. , full size) product if the consumer decides to purchase the product from, e.g. , a store in which the kiosk 100 is placed.
  • the kiosk 100 can dispense a coupon (e.g. , printed on a receipt or as a separate coupon) via the coupon/receipt dispenser 1 14, or the coupon can come packaged with the product or product sample.
  • the kiosk 100 is operatively coupled to a communications link (e.g. , the Internet, LAN, intranet, etc.) that allows the kiosk 100 to communicate with and transfer a coupon directly to a point of sale (e.g. , to a cash register in a store) and associate the coupon with the consumer (e.g., using credit card information and/or other user identification information).
  • a communications link e.g. , the Internet, LAN, intranet, etc.
  • the direct communication between the point of sale and the kiosk 100 can allow retail establishments (e.g. , drugstores, department stores, grocery stores, etc.) to recoup a discounted value of the product.
  • retail establishments e.g. , drugstores, department stores, grocery stores, etc.
  • the coupon may have certain restrictions to ensure that the retail establishment recoups the discounted value, such as only allowing the coupon to be used in the store where the kiosk 100 is located or the same chain of stores.
  • the kiosk 100 may also be configured to promote or instruct the consumer to provide additional information via the touchscreen 104, such as an email address, mobile phone number, or other electronic address.
  • the kiosk 100 can use this information to send the consumer a virtual coupon or discount code via email or an application on a mobile device.
  • the kiosk 100 may also be configured to interact with smart phones (or other devices) in its near field to transfer the virtual coupon directly to the smart phone via the communication device 1 12.
  • the virtual coupon can then be provided at the point of sale by displaying it for a cashier on a smart phone or positioning it in the near field of a suitable terminal at the check-out point.
  • the information provided by the consumer may also be used to send the consumer additional coupons (e.g. , coupons related to the purchased product sample), recommendations and tips related to the purchased product sample, and/or other information or offers that may be of interest to the consumer (e.g. magazine subscription offers).
  • the kiosk 100 can also include one or more panels 1 16 that can display advertising, promotions, or graphics that can help to attract consumers.
  • the panel 1 16 or other portions of the kiosk 1 00 can include product displays or various messaging for consumers.
  • the panel 1 16 can include names, descriptions and/or images of products that are available at the kiosk 100.
  • Figure 2A is an isometric view of an interior of the kiosk 100 with a number of the exterior panels removed to expose a product storage system 202 and a robotic delivery system 204 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • the storage system 202 and the delivery system 204 are attached to and at least partially surrounded and are supported by a frame 206.
  • the storage system 202 includes a plurality of storage racks 208, identified individually as a first storage rack 208a through a fourth storage rack 208d.
  • Each of the individual storage racks 208 includes a corresponding base plate 210 (identified individually as a first base plate 210a through a fourth base plate 21 Od) that is pivotably attached to the frame 206 via hinges 207.
  • the base plates 210 can each include two or more storage sections 212 (identified individually as a first storage section 212a through an eighth storage section 212h).
  • the first base plate 210a includes the first storage section 212a and the second storage section 212b.
  • FIG. 2B is a partially cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the interior of the kiosk 100. More particularly, Figure 2B illustrates a portion of the storage rack 208a.
  • each of the individual storage sections 212 include a plurality of cartridge holders 214 that can have various sizes and shapes.
  • the first storage section 212a for example, includes a plurality of small rectangular cartridge holders 214a
  • the second storage section 212b includes a plurality of small hexagonal cartridge holders 214b.
  • the sixth storage section 212f includes a plurality of large hexagonal cartridge holders 214c
  • the fourth storage section 212d includes a plurality of large rectangular cartridge holders 214d.
  • the cartridge holders 214 can receive and store a plurality of cartridges 216 that can be removed and manipulated by the delivery system 204.
  • the cartridges 216 are identified individually as a small rectangular cartridge 216a, a small hexagonal cartridge 216b, a large hexagonal cartridge 216c, and a large rectangular cartridge 216d.
  • the cartridges 216 can house or contain various products.
  • the storage sections 212 can be designed and constructed to maximize the number of cartridges 216 (and thereby the number of products) that can be housed or stored thereon.
  • the small hexagonal cartridge holders 214b and the large hexagonal cartridge holders 214c have hexagonal cross-sections and they are arranged in a honeycomb pattern within the second storage section 212b and the sixth storage section 212f, respectively.
  • the honeycomb pattern can reduce unused space between the cartridge holders 214, and thereby allow more cartridges 216 to be positioned within the kiosk 100.
  • the small rectangular cartridge holders 214a and the large rectangular cartridge holders 214d are arranged in a grid pattern within their respective storage sections 212a and 212d that reduces unused space in the kiosk 100.
  • the cartridge holders 214a and 214b extend through the first base plate 210a and hold the cartridges 216a and 216b, respectively.
  • FIG 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the robotic delivery system 204 of Figure 2 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • the robotic delivery system 204 has been rotated approximately 180 degrees about the Z-axis in Figure 3, relative to its position in Figure 2.
  • the robotic delivery system 204 includes a rotatable picker 302 and a plurality of rail assemblies 304.
  • the rotatable picker 302 is operably mounted to an X-axis rail assembly 304a; the X-axis rail assembly 304a is operably mounted to a Z-axis rail assembly 304c; and the Z-axis rail assembly 304c is operably mounted to a Y-axis rail assembly 304b (via a cross member 309).
  • the Z-axis rail assembly 304c is fixedly attached to the cross-member 309, and the cross-member 309 is operably mounted to the Y-axis rail assembly 304b.
  • Each of the rail assemblies 304 includes a corresponding motor 306 (e.g.
  • each of the rail assemblies 304 includes one or more rails 308 (identified individually as an X-axis rail 308a, Y-axis rails 308b, and a Z-axis rail 308c).
  • the rail assemblies 304 can move the picker 302 throughout a 3- dimensional space within the kiosk 100 to individually retrieve the cartridges 216 and products contained therein.
  • the X-axis motor 306a can rotate or drive a moving device (e.g., a belt or a lead screw) to drive the rotatable picker 302 back and forth along the X-axis rail 308a and move the rotatable picker 302 in a path that is parallel to an X-axis (labeled X), as indicated by arrows 31 1 .
  • a moving device e.g., a belt or a lead screw
  • the Z-axis motor 306c can rotate a moving device to drive the X-axis rail assembly 304a up and down along the Z-axis rail 308c to move the X-axis rail assembly 304a (and the attached rotatable picker 302) in a path that is parallel to a Z-axis (labeled Z), as indicated by arrows 315.
  • the Y-axis motor 306b can rotate a moving device to move the cross member 309 back and forth along the Y-axis rails 308b to move the Z-axis rail 308c (and the attached X-axis rail assembly 304a and rotatable picker 302) in a path that is parallel to a Y-axis (labeled Y), as indicated by arrows 313.
  • Figures 4A-4E are enlarged isometric views of the X-axis rail assembly 304a and the rotatable picker 302.
  • the picker 302 includes a gripping arm 400 that is rotatably coupled to a picker motor 402 about a rotational axis 409 that is parallel to the Z-axis.
  • the arm 400 can be attached to a rotatable shaft or turret 413 extending from the picker motor 402 and the picker motor 402 can rotate the arm 400 about the axis 409 to any angular position.
  • the picker motor 402 can rotate the gripping arm 400 to face toward the first storage section 212a ( Figure 2A), toward the eighth storage section 212h ( Figure 2A), or toward the opening 107 ( Figure 1 ).
  • the gripping arm 400 can include a securing or gripping mechanism 401 for releasably engaging the cartridges 416.
  • the gripping arm 400 includes a gripping mechanism 401 comprising a pair of opposing members (e.g., pincers or jaws 405).
  • the jaws 405 are operable vertically along the Z-Axis to move toward and away from each other and thereby grip and release components (e.g., cartridges 416) positioned therebetween, as indicated by arrows 415.
  • the gripping arm 400 includes a motor that can drive one or more belts or lead screws to move the jaws 405 toward or away from one another.
  • the gripping arm 400 can include a spring that can bias the jaws 405 toward one another, and an electric solenoid that drives a cam to move the jaws 405 apart from one another.
  • the jaws 405 can be shaped to grip a particular portion of a corresponding cartridge 216 ( Figures 4B-4E). For example, referring to Figure 4B, the jaws 405 are shaped to grip an engagement feature 403 on a small rectangular cartridge 216a.
  • the engagement feature 403 can be a protrusion having one of a variety of shapes and sizes that can be gripped by the jaws 405.
  • the engagement feature 403 can be keyed to have a shape that is complimentary to that of the jaws 405.
  • the engagement feature 403 includes a dovetail shaped protrusion that is complimentary to the jaws 405, which include a wedge shape.
  • the complimentary shapes of the jaws 405 and the engagement feature 403 can provide for a positive and secure connection and ensure that the jaws 405 can securely retrieve and transport the cartridges 216.
  • the cartridges 216 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, the engagement features 403 can be substantially similar or identical on each cartridge 216.
  • the small rectangular cartridge 216a ( Figure 4B), the large rectangular cartridge 216d ( Figure 4C), the small hexagonal cartridge 216b ( Figure 4D), and the large hexagonal cartridge 216c ( Figure 4E) each includes an identically shaped dovetail engagement feature 403.
  • the uniformity of the engagement features 403 on each of the cartridges 216 provides for a positive engagement by the jaws 405, regardless of the shape or size of the corresponding cartridge 216. That is, the jaws 405 can positively grip and manipulate any of the cartridges 216 in a similar or identical manner by gripping the cartridge's engagement feature 403.
  • the cartridges 216 can store products that are contained within packaging that is shaped to match the shape of the cartridges 216.
  • the small rectangular cartridge 216a and the large rectangular cartridge 216d have corresponding cavities 407a and 407d, respectively, that can hold products in a small rectangular package 41 1 a and a large rectangular package 41 1 d, respectively.
  • the small hexagonal cartridge 216b and the large hexagonal cartridge 216c include cavities 407b and 407c, respectively, that can hold products in a small hexagonal package 41 1 b and a large hexagonal package 41 1 c, respectively.
  • the small hexagonal cartridge 216b can hold beauty products (e.g. , lipstick or eye liner) that fit within small hexagonal packages.
  • packaged products can fit entirely within the cavity 407 of the associated cartridge 216.
  • the packaged products can fit partially within the cavity 407 of the associated cartridge 216 with a portion of a packaged product extending from the associated cartridge 216. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the cartridges 216 can accommodate packaged products that are larger than the cartridges 216.
  • the base plates 210 can be translated and pivoted to provide access to the cavities 407 and enable the packages 41 1 to be placed into corresponding cartridges 216.
  • the third base plate 210c can be pulled forward in the direction of the positive Y-axis and then pivoted inwardly about the Z-axis on the hinge 207 to provide access to the cavities 407c of the large hexagonal cartridge holders 214c. With the third base plate 210c pivoted inwardly, the large hexagonal packages 41 1 c can placed within the cavities 407c.
  • the third base plate 210c can then be returned to the position shown in Figure 2, and the robotic assembly 204 can be operated retrieve the cartridges 216c and the associated large hexagonal packages 41 1 c.
  • the base plates 210 can include reconfigurable storage sections 212.
  • the first base plate 210a includes the first storage section 212a having large rectangular cartridge holders 214a, and the second storage section 212b having small hexagonal cartridge holders 214b.
  • the first storage section 212a, the second storage section 212b, and/or any other storage section 212 can be configured to include large hexagonal cartridge holders 214c, or a mixture of other sizes or shapes of cartridge holders 214.
  • the base plates 210 and/or the storage sections 212 can be configured to be quickly removed and replaced with alternative base plates 210 or storage sections 212 that include cartridge holders 214 of different sizes and/or shapes.
  • the kiosk 100 can include an inventory system that can track the base plates 210, the storage sections 212, the cartridge holders 214, the cartridges 216 and/or products contained within the cartridges 216 to determine a kiosk's product mix, the available space in a kiosk and/or the availability of a particular product at a kiosk.
  • the illustrated embodiments of Figures 4A-4E include wedge shaped jaws 405 and dovetail shaped engagement features 403, other embodiments can include engagement features and gripping mechanisms or features having alternative shapes.
  • the cartridges 216 can include cylindrical or square engagement features that can be positively gripped by jaws or other gripping mechanisms.
  • some embodiments can include a robotic arm having a pin or other protrusion that can engage a receiving cavity or hole in a cartridge.
  • a cylindrical pin on a robotic arm can be positively engaged with a cylindrical receiving cavity on a cartridge.
  • the pin or protrusion can have alternative shapes (e.g., rectangular or square) that can engage a receiving cavity on a cartridge that includes a corresponding shape.
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the robotic delivery system 204 and the product outlet 106 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • the product outlet 106 includes a catch 504 that extends inwardly from a sidewall into the interior of the product outlet 106.
  • the large rectangular cartridge 216d includes a cutout 502 that can receive the catch 504 to release a package or product 506. More specifically, referring to Figures 1 -3 and 5 together, subsequent to receipt of payment and a selection of the product 502 at the kiosk 100, the delivery system 204 can retrieve the cartridge 216d (and the associated product 506) from one of the storage sections 212 and deliver the product 506 to the product outlet 106.
  • the product 506 and the associated cartridge 216d can be positioned within the fourth storage section 212d ( Figure 2A).
  • the outer door 105 ( Figure 1 ) and a rear or inner door 508 are initially closed to prevent access to the outlet 106 and to the interior of the kiosk 100.
  • the Z-axis motor 306c drives the X-axis rail assembly 304a upward along the Z-axis rail 308c to vertically align the jaws 405 with the engagement feature 403 on the cartridge 216d.
  • the picker motor 402 then rotates the picker 302 about the axis 409 ( Figure 4A) as needed to position the jaws 405 in front of the fourth storage section 212d.
  • the Y-axis motor 306b then drives the Z-Axis rail 308c along a path parallel to the Y-axis to horizontally align the jaws 405 with the engagement feature 403 on the associated cartridge 216d.
  • the X-axis motor 306a then drives the picker 302 toward the engagement feature 403 to position the jaws 405 on opposing top and bottom sides of the engagement feature 403.
  • the gripping arm 400 is then activated to bring the jaws 405 towards one another, releasably securing the engagement feature 403 therebetween as shown in Figure 5.
  • the X-axis motor 306a pulls the picker 302 away from the fourth storage section 212d to withdraw the cartridge 216d and the product 506 from the corresponding cartridge holder 214d.
  • the Z-Axis motor 306c then drives the picker 302 vertically along the Z-axis rail 308c to vertically align the cutout 502 in the cartridge 216d with the catch 504 in the product outlet 106.
  • the picker motor 402 then rotates the arm 400 to position the product 506 so that it is facing the product outlet 106 as shown in Figure 5.
  • the X-axis motor 306a then moves the picker 302 along the X-axis to align the cartridge 216d with a path into the product outlet 106 that is parallel to the Y-axis and unobstructed by the catch 504.
  • the inner door 508 is then opened and the Y-axis motor 306b drives the Z-axis rail 308c in the positive Y-axis direction (i.e., in the direction of arrow 51 1 ) to move the cartridge 216d into the cavity 107 of the product outlet 106 and beyond the Y-axis position of the catch 504.
  • the X-axis motor 306a drives the picker 302 toward the catch 504 in the positive X-axis direction (i.e., in the direction of arrow 513) to position the cutout 502 in front of the catch 504.
  • the Y- axis motor 306b then moves the Z-axis rail 308c in the negative Y-axis direction (i.e., in the direction of arrow 515) to withdraw the cartridge 216d from the back of the outlet 106.
  • a distal portion 505 of the catch 504 passes through the cutout 502 and contacts a rear surface 510 of the product 506.
  • the catch 504 prevents the product 506 from being withdrawn, causing the product 506 to be released from the cartridge 216d and remain in the outlet 106 as the cartridge 216d is removed.
  • the inner door 508 can be lowered to close off the back side of the outlet 106 before the outer door 105 is opened to reveal the product 506 to the consumer.
  • the picker motor 402 and the motors 306 can either directly move the picker arm 400, or the motors 402 and 306 can move the picker arm 400 via intermediate components.
  • the picker motor 402 can directly rotate the picker arm 400 about the Z-axis.
  • the Y-axis motor 306b can move the coupling member 309 to move the Z-axis rail 308c along the Y-axis, which in turn moves the X-axis rail 308a and the attached picker 302 along the Y-axis.
  • additional or fewer intermediate components may be included.
  • the Z-axis rail 308c can be fixedly positioned within the kiosk 100, and the X-axis rail 308a can be rotatably mounted to the Z-axis rail 308c.
  • the X- axis rail 308a can provide for motion along both the X-axis and Y-axis.
  • alternative arrangements of motors, rails, or other robotic components can be used to transport the cartridges 216.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various hardware and electronic components of the kiosk 100 having a robotic delivery system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • Various combinations of electronic control circuits, controllers, motors, solenoids, sensors, converters, drivers, logic circuitry, input/output (I/O) interfaces, connectors or ports, personal computers (PCs), computer readable media, software, and/or other components can be included in or connected to the kiosk 100 to operate and control the delivery of products, advertisements, and/or other services.
  • a computer 602 and a controller 604 are connected to each other and to a variety of components via a plurality of cables or connectors C (for clarity, only some of the connectors C are annotated).
  • the connectors C can be data cables, power cables, circuit paths on circuit boards, or any other type of electrical or data connection between components.
  • the computer 602 and/or the controller 604 can operate the various components of the kiosk 100 in response to computer readable instructions stored in memory.
  • the computer 602 and the controller 604 can send control signals to the X-axis assembly 304a to operate the X-axis motor 306a ( Figure 3).
  • the controller 604 can also control operation of a variety of lighting components 606 and can send audio signals to speakers 607 and/or to a headphone jack 609.
  • a power assembly 608 can provide power to all of the components of Figure 6, and the computer 602 and/or the controller 604 can provide and/or receive signals from the components of Figure 6.
  • the computer can send and/or receive data or control signals from a cellular antenna 61 1 , a wireless router 612, a bill acceptor 613, a camera 614, the card reader 108, a barcode scanner 610, a coupon or receipt printer 616 or a credit card reader 617.
  • the controller 604 can send and receive signals from sensors 618 and latches 620.

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  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des kiosques actionnées par le consommateur pour fournir des produits et/ou des échantillons de produits aux consommateurs. Dans un mode de réalisation, un kiosque actionné par le consommateur comprend une pluralité de cartouches ayant des cavités de différentes tailles qui peuvent contenir divers produits de différentes tailles. Les cartouches comportent des fonctionnalités de mise en prise qui sont sensiblement similaires ou identiques, et les fonctionnalités de mise en prise peuvent être saisies par un mécanisme de préhension sur un système de distribution robotisé. Les cartouches peuvent présenter des formes et des tailles différentes, mais le mécanisme de préhension peut saisir chacune des cartouches d'une manière similaire ou identique en saisissant la fonctionnalité de mise en prise associée.
PCT/US2015/052649 2015-09-04 2015-09-28 Systèmes de distribution de produits destinés à être utilisés avec des kiosques actionnés par le consommateur, et systèmes et procédés associés WO2017039722A1 (fr)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2773863C1 (ru) * 2019-02-01 2022-06-14 Токиномо Маркетинг Са Интеллектуальное устройство для продвижения товаров на полке

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US5426900A (en) * 1992-03-11 1995-06-27 Springer; Robert H. Multi-purpose hexagonal building module
JP2000242850A (ja) * 1999-02-23 2000-09-08 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd 自動販売機の商品収納棚
KR100378876B1 (ko) * 2001-02-07 2003-04-10 김병찬 이송기구 및 이를 사용하는 자동 판매기
US20140379123A1 (en) * 2012-02-02 2014-12-25 Neo Eco Systems Ltd. System and method for vending products
US20150019008A1 (en) * 2010-07-01 2015-01-15 Medavail, Inc. Vending machine container labeling and dispensing method

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5426900A (en) * 1992-03-11 1995-06-27 Springer; Robert H. Multi-purpose hexagonal building module
JP2000242850A (ja) * 1999-02-23 2000-09-08 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd 自動販売機の商品収納棚
KR100378876B1 (ko) * 2001-02-07 2003-04-10 김병찬 이송기구 및 이를 사용하는 자동 판매기
US20150019008A1 (en) * 2010-07-01 2015-01-15 Medavail, Inc. Vending machine container labeling and dispensing method
US20140379123A1 (en) * 2012-02-02 2014-12-25 Neo Eco Systems Ltd. System and method for vending products

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2773863C1 (ru) * 2019-02-01 2022-06-14 Токиномо Маркетинг Са Интеллектуальное устройство для продвижения товаров на полке

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