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SPECTFICATION
AJ'PARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POINT OF PURCHASE
PRODUCTS
PRIORTTY CLAIM
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/2(il ,512. filed January J 2.2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Automated pvadiasing machines are becoming more and more prolific. Gomumers have come to rely on the convenience and ^ed of automated tello^ macliines ("ATM's^ fm* banldng. .Eqadiy tn^)Oitant, consumeis have come to tnist the secoiity of dectronic foods transfers. This s{Jeed, convenience and goodwill are begbmsng tto be implemented in automated purchasing macbines^ Not surprisingly, gas stations^ gioccry stores^ ^t food rci^tauraats, movie theateirs, aizports as well as other retail outlets have adde
There are a number of advantages inherent in automated purchasing machines. Fiisi:, automated maclnnes arc convenient and reduce waiting time. For instance^ the automated fuel pump enables the consumer to fill the vehicle and complete the tran:;action \vithont having to leave the area around the vdiicle. Second, automated machines o:EFcr additional payment options. For instance* many grocery store checkouts have card readers that ensible the consumer to pay for groceries fiom a bank account or lay credit Third, the automated machines :reduce labor. ATM*s, for instance, allow banks to reduce die number of live telleis. Fourth, automated machines increase throughput. Automated fiiel pumps, for example, reduce the am(»unt of uile time that cars spend next to the pump.
A new entry into the world of automated purchasing machines is the self-scaiming checkout, which has b bag and pay for items
witti little or no assistance from store pessoonel A consumer entets a groceiy store
and selects items for puFdiase in the conventional manner. Instead of sq»pioaching a
standard checkoiit manned By a cashier, the consumer ^qpffoaches a bank of antomated
$elf'£canningcliedcoiits, wherein a single caduerova:seesfteoperati *
machines* Ccaisumers scan their own items and pay for die items by entenng a check, czedit card^ ddrit card or ca^ into the machine.
One problem associated with autraiated purchasing madnnes is 4tat Ibffy can negatively impact point of sale purchases. For example, before die automated fuel pnin|>, the cfxasomer had to ^ter a cmvenience^oie or a sl;ore associated with die gas stadcm. Aldiou^ an inconvenience to the consumer, the mandatoiy visit to the store for payment (the old point of purdhase) encouraged the impulse purchase of confectionery items, such as gum, candy, soft drinks, etc., and non-consum^le items, such as magames and newq>qieis. Tbe automated fiiel pump has moved the point of purchase to £he filling station, wheie point of purchase products are not displayed or adv
In grocery stores and supermarkets, the self-scannine checkout also stands to reduce point of purchase sales, for a couple of reasons. First, the consumer is precccupied with scannii^ products and does not have as much fiee time to peruse and selert a point of purchase product Second, one primaiy advantage that self-scanning diec:kouts provide to ttie grocery store or supennarket is reduced floor ^ace. For exan^le, four sdf-scanning checkouts require approximaitely seventy-five percent .of the space that four standard chedcouts require. Rack ^ace normally associated with standard checkouts, and which displays point of purchase pmdxuits, is likewise reduced. Sdf-scanmng dieckouts stand to reduce the bdght, width and number of racls at groceiy and supermarket checkout lines. Less rack ^ace necessarily dictates less exposure for die point of pmdiase products.
A need generally exists for selleis of point of purchase products to capitalize on the growiQg proliferation of automated purchasing devices. As the point of purchase in a variety of retail areas increasingly moves away 6om a checkout counter to an automated purchasing machine, ^ need exists to provide an apparatus and method of dis]3iaying and supplying point of purchase products at the new point of purchase^
In particular^ a need exists to pityvide m vppmtbi& and metfiod for dsplaying and ][>iovidmg point of pijzchase products in combination with seif-scanniiig checkouts at grocery stores and supehnaiketfi.
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The present invention provides qiparatases and mdliodfi that improve upon the sale of poiDt of puichase products. For example, aqpparatus are provided \dierdn point of p*urcha!>e product can be automatically dispensed. Additionally, apparatus and matisrials are provided that automate the purchase of point of purchase products.
To flus end, in on embodiment ^e present invention enables point of purchase inoducts to be dispensed as the ccmsumer purchases other retail items that a consumer collects and things to the point of purdiase. The point of purchase product is imniediatc^ly dis{»i^d aid provided to ttie cor>sumer at the pomt of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the other retail it^ns. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the other retail
items.
&i an embodiment, a devios is provided that allows a consumer to purchase proiiucts without the need for a cashitf. The device includes a body &at defines an mterior The device includes a controller. The controller couples to and coDmiuni4:ates with a scanning device. The scanning device allows a consumer to scan purchasable items that the consumer brings to the device and to accumulate a cost for the items. The body maintflins a dispensable product and includes a dispenser that disj^enses ttie product 6om the body upon a request tor the product by the consumer. The controlter adds a cost for the incoduct to the cost for Hxc items,
in an embodim^t, tiie body houses the controller.
In m embodiment* the controller is electrically coupled to the body.
In ail embodiment, the scanning device is elediicaQy coupled to the controller.
In an embodiment, the scanning device is optically coupled to the controller.
In an embodiment, the scaiming device is integral with the controller.
In an embodinient, the puichasing device includes a display that prompts the coinsumer to purchase the product.
In an anbodiment* the putcbasmg device include a plurality of differeat products and the cootmllcT conomtimcates a selected product to the daspenscr* The diffitrdit products may be fyt example: cwfectioneiy products, periodica^ cigarette lighiGis, batteries, key diains, writing instnnnents, film; toiletries or toys.
In an embodiment, a stand-alone point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device b provided The automated purchasing device has a ccmtroller that aDows a consumer to scan purchasable items and accumndate a cost for the items. The point ofpurchase device includes a body housing a product. The point of {>urcha:>6 device includes a member &ar coupling to the automated purchasing device. The point of purchase device also includes a dispenser that dispenses tte prociact fiom die housing upon request by the consumer. The cost for the product is addt!d to the cost for the items.
In an embodiment, a point of purchase device tiiat 'Operates widi an automated pmthasing device is provided. The point of purchase device includes a body that houi^es a product The point of purchase mciudes a controller coupled to the body. The point of purchase device also includes a dispenser that dispenses the product fiom ^ body vpon a signal from the contzoDer. The ccmsumer initiates the signal. AftcTward, a cost f
In an embodiment, a poiat of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device Is provided. Ilie automated purchasing device allows a retail operator to input purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the purchasable items. The point of purchase device includes a dispenser that ^iispenses a product from a stock Upon a signal fiom a c
In an embodiment, tiie automated purchasing device is a scanner.
In an embodiment, the automated purchasing devils is a cash register.
In an embodunent, a point of purchase device is coupled to a device tiiat allows a n^tail operator to input purchasable is provided. The point of purchase device
3 ^i^ fropi the contrcdler. The iretail operator imtiates &e signal A cost for (he pnxtuct h added to the cost for the purchasable itenis«
la an embodiment, a point of purchase device (bat erates a credit/debit card verification de^dce i$ provided. Hie credit/debit caxd verification device authorizes a cost for items purchased by a consomer. The point of purchase device includes a couiioUer that communicates wittt the credit/debit card venfication device. The conlioUer coiiples to a dispenser that dispenses a consumable product upon a signal to the contTolh^« The cmsumer initiates the ^gnal thn^ugb the credit/debit card verificatioQ device. A cost for ttie consumable product is added to the cost iw the items pwchased by the consumer.
In an embodiment, the credit/debit card verification device is located at a retail cho:kcut line;
In an embodiment, a poimt of purchase device is provided* Ttie point of pundiase device inchides a body hou^g a stodc of product. Hie body is physically coupled to a discrete automated pmchasing device. The automated purchasing device allows consumers to automatically purchase items (hat the consumers physically bring to t!iie automated purchasing device. The point of purchase device includes a money acci^tor coupled to the body. The body houses a dispenser that dispeoses a product fioTQ the ste»ck upon a consumer's input of a predefined amount of money into the m
In an embodimesit, the automated purchasing device is located at a retail outlet, which may be: a retaD checkout, a restaurant cash register or an electronic ticketing station.
In ffiti embodiment, the money acceptor is selected firom: a cash acceptor, a coui accq>tor or a credit/debit Card acceptor.
In aa embodiment, a device for dispensing consumable and non-consumable prt)ducts is provided. The device includes a body* The body houses a stock of a cocisumable product. The body also houses a stock ofanon*consumable product The de\ice includes a dispenser that dispenses the consumable product. The device further includes an apparatus that totals purchase prices for consumable and non-consumable products, irhe device also includ(!s a payment acceptor that allows the consumer to make a single payment for the consmnable and non-consumable products.
In an embodiment* the non^^cc^nsumable product msy be movie tickets, air plane dckeis, periodicals, video tapes* CD's, DVD's and newspapers.
In an embodiment^ a melhod of bpetating an automated checkout is provided In the method, a consumer is allowed to bnng purchasable items to an automated checlcout device. Hie consumer Is allowed to scan (be purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items cm a display. The consumer is allowed to puidiasc a product fiom a di^ensing device located in juxtaposition to &e automated chedlcout The method incfaides dispensing the product fiom the dspetksing device and adding a cost of the product to the total cost for the scanned items on die display.
In an embodiment, a mediod of operating a checkout station is provided. In the metliod, a coosumer is allowed to bring purchasable items to a store operator. The operstor is allowed to scan die purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanaed items. The consumer is allowed to independently purchase a product fiom a dispi^nsing dtsvice. The method includes dispensing the product fiom the disposing device and automatically adding a cost of the dispensed picduct to the cost for the scanned it<:ms.>
In an embodiment, a method of qperating a devici; for ixq)utting purchases is provided. The method includes employing an operator to input purchasable items into a caish re^stt3r and accumulate a coiA for the inputted items. The consumer is allowed to purchase a product fiom a dispensing device. The product is dispensed from the dispensing di?vice. a cost of the product is to fiie cost for the inputted items.
In an embodimeot, a method for providing a point of purchase product without the laeed for a cashier is provided, bx the method, a product is provided at the point of pun^hase. A cost associated with other items purchased by a consumer is accumulated The consumer is informed tiiat the product is available at the point of purchase. The pnxhict is dispensed to the consumer at the point of purchase upon an ^qaproval by the consumer to purchase the product Any additional cost for the product is added to the cosi: associated with other items puichased
In an embodiment, the method includes acceptihg a single payment in exchange foir the product and other purchased items.
In an embodiment, infomiing the consumer that the product is available incliudes displaying an adveitisement for the product.
la an 'tsmbo^Smeat, infonmng the consumer that the product is available icludes promptmg &e consumef coDcurreoily with the purdiase of fhe other itta&s*
In an embodimeni; the method includes allowing a itstail operator to enter the Qrasumer^s sppioval to purchase the pioduct.
In an embodiment the method includes ailowbg the consumer to enter the ppio'^ to purchase the prodnd
In an embodiment^ a method for providing dilSaent pjEoducts at a pomt-of )nfch:3se is pnmded. In the method, a plurality of different products are stocked at ttie >0]nt of pitccbase. Costs associ^ed with other consumable items purchased by a ^onsamer are accumulaited The consumer is automatically in&nned that the products ire avail^le 2t the point of purchase. The method includes automatically accepting an atpptovaT by the consumer to purdiase at least one of Hkc products. The method inctudos autonaaticany dispensing the ^ least one the product to the consumer at the point of purchase and automatically incrementing any a
In an embodiment, infotming the consumer that the products are available includes displaying a dynamic display that changes to show the different products.
In an erobodimeriEt, a method for providing consumable and non-consumable products is provided. In the method, consumable and non-K^ansumable products are stocked in a single device, A c^isumer is allowed to purcliase a consumable product from the single device without the need for a cashier. Tlie consumer is allowed to purchase a nn-
In an tniibodiment, the consumer is allowed to pay for the consumable and non-consumable product at one time.
In an embodiment, a method of funding a retail purchasing device is provided. In Hie method a point of purchase device is provided that operates with the retail purchasing device. A fee is paid firom a provider of a ptoduict in exchange for allowing the product to be dispensed from the point of pnichase device.
Da an embodiment die retail purcbasiog devio? majr be: a self-scanning
purdiasing device, a iael dispensing gasoline pun^, a debit/credit card reader or a cash
legiister.
In an embodiment the pzovfder may be a xnanui&cturer of the product or a
disiributor of die product
In m embodiment, a method for purchasing items is provided. In the methods a plurality of items are tianspoited to a checkout station. A device that identifies costs for the item^ is used to create a purchase price for the plurality of items. A consumer is pnmqpted to purchase a point of purchase product A dispenser dispenses die point of ]>urchase product The cost of the point of puidiase product is automatically, wrtlioat the aeed for a human operator, added to the purdiase price.
In an embodiment die cost of the point of purcbiase product Is added to the pur):hase pike before the cost of aD of die plurality of items is totaled^
la an embodimenf^ the device that identifies costs is an optical scanner.
in m embodiment, the point of purchase pro^luct is dispensed £t>m a device that is integral ^th the device that identifies costs.
In an embodimeat a systism for providing point of purchase products is pnr/ided. The system includes a device for identifying costs of items and creating a pait±ase price for the items. The system has means for prompting a consumer to pun:]iase a point of puxnhase produ<:t the system also includes a device and dispenser for dispensing die point of purchase ptoduct upon request consumer. ladds cost product to ptirchase price.>
hk an embodiment, the means ibr prompting is an advertisement
in an embodhnent die device fa identifying is a scanner.
In an embodimeat the means for prompting is a credit/debit card device.
In an embodiment the system includes a device hr accepting payment for a total purchase price. The total purchase price includes the cost of the point of purchase proiuct and the purchase price for the items*
In an embodimeat, the means for prompting is part of the device and dispenser.
In an embodiment, the purchase price for the items is a total purchase price which occurs when the device for identifying has idcntifiol all of die items.
In an embodimeut, a device for dispensing a retail hem is pmvided The
vice includes a retai} customer tenninal located jmxmxate a point of purchase
ffatioa line r^aU customer tenmiDal has an input device diat pennits selection of a
uchasable item and a point of puichase product A retaU item processor electrically
ommmicates with the retail customer tenninal and processes consumer selections of
te ftmcbasahle items and the point of purchase products. A dispcE&sing tenninal is
scaled proximate (he point of purchase location and electrically communicates with
16 letail custcmer tenninal and flie retail item processor. The dispensing tenninal
andles and dispenses the point of pwcbase product from a storage location to a
ispmsing loi:ation when the consumer selects the point of purchase product.
In m embodimeot, the dispensing tenninal is further ads^ted to handle and lispSEOse at least one cotnasdiange for the retail consumer.
In an embodiment, a retail item dispensing device i$ provided. The de^ce ncludes a receptacle that houses and ejects a poiot of purchase product stored inside [he device. A dispensing location is located pzoximate a point of pmchase location for a purchasable item that die coDsumer faiings to the point of purchase* The di^eosing location has a suiface that carries the point of purchase product Hie retail item dispensing device includes a customer selection input device that inputs flie customer*s sdection of a purchasable item and a point of purchase pmduct The input device is locsted proximate the point of purchase location. The nitail item diseasing device includes a re^iail item processor ^t electrically coxmnunicates ^th the it^ut device and the iccqptaclCv A di^teosing device is also included and is configured to deliver the point of purchase product ejected from tiie receptacle to the di^en^g location prodmate ttie point of (rmchase location.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide point of purchase ;pnxiucts.
It is anottier advantage of the present invention to provide-point of purchase products in combination with retail items that the consumer retrieves and brings to the point of purchase.
It is a iurther advantage of the present invention to provide point of purchase f>Tr-ducts m combination wth retail items and accumulate the cost for both.
Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to enable ttie consumer to makii one payment for point of purchase products and retafl items retrieved by the
consumer.
Further* it is m advantage Of the present inventioa to provide a point of pnic:t>ase device &at prompts the consumer to purchase point of parchasei)roducts;
Fuifber stiU, it is an advantage of tite present invention to provide a point of purcliase device having a smart piwipt cq>ability that prompts the consiitner to purchase aad have di^>ensed certain products based on &e items that the consumer has brou^ to the point of purchase.
Still further^ it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device havmg a smart prompt c^ability that prompts the consumer to pmcbase and have dispensed certain products based on a profile for the consumer.
It is yet anotha advantage of the present invention to provide a device that enables a point of purchase product isupplier to advertise point of purchase products.
It is likewise an advantage of flie present invention to provide a device that enatte dtiSaent suppUets to purchase different proportions of advertismg space and/or time on the point of purdiase product
It is again an advantage of the present invention to provide a device that enal»les difGitrent suppliers to change an advertisement in real time fiom a remote location.
It is yet another advantage to provide a point of purchase device, which teqcdtes Etde space and coi^les to a device for ij^uttiiig costs,of items that are brought to ttie point of purchase.
It is still a finther advantage to provide a point of purchase device, which pfayncally integrates into existmg retail checkout settings and is readily implemented by retailers and used by consumers*
Furdier still, it is an advantage to provide a modular point of purchase device^ whicb couples to but does not aff^sct the integrity of a device for inputting costs of items that are t»rougbt to the point of pmichase.
Additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a modular point of pui^;:hase device, which couples to but docs not adversely affect the process flrtTsr nf a rejail checkout device.
Additionally, it is another advantage of the present invention to provide a modular point of purchase device that dispenses a product into a bag containing other items or into a convenient tray, whereby the retailer or consumer can readily obtain the
product
It is an advantage of the p^isent invention to provide a point of purchase device
that can be coupled to a self-scanning checkout station-It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase deface that can be operated in a retail setting*
It is a furthea: advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase de^rice that can be coupled to a retail item cash register.
Ii is. still another advantage of the present to provide a point of purchase device that can be coupled to a credit/debit card reader.
Moreover, a further advantage of the present invention to provide a single device that dispenses consumable and non-consumable products.
Another advantage of the present invention to provide a self-scanning checkout having integrated point of purchase pioduets and a dispenser therefore.
Still further, it is an advantage of tlie present invention to provide a point of purchase device that performs inventory management for one or more products dispensed by the device.
Additionally, it is an adviintagc of tlie present iuvention to provide a point of purchase device that transmits real time data to one or more suppliers of products dispensed by the device.
Yet additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention to combine a point oi*purchase device with a change-making dispensing device.
It is yet a further advantige of the present invention to provide a method of funding automated purchasing devices.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and win be apparent liom, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the fieures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figiare 1 illustrates a self-scaiming purchasing device iJiat is adapted to :?peDse a point of purchase product.
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase device of lii present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of a istand-alone point of purchase evice of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase evice of tlic present ijxvention.
Figure 5 illustrates a stand-alone point of purchase device in operation with a ^£sh register, a scanner and anon-consumable item dispensing machine.
I^ignrcs 6 and 7 illustrate stand-alone point of purchase devices in a quick jervice restaurant environment.
Figiurc 8 illuslxates yet another embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase dtjvicc having an integrated method of payment.
Figure 9 illustrates still another embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase dwice integrated with a coin cha^age maker.
DRTAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
iScif-scanning checkouts are beginning to proliferate in supermarkets and grocery stores. Current self-sc;mning checkouts stand to reduce point of purchase Siiles because; (i) the consumer is preoccupied with scanning products and does not have as much free time to peruse and select a point of purchase product; (ii) the amount of floor space available for standard point of purchase racks is reduced; and (iii) the architecture of current popular self-scanning checkouts requires tlaat the height of the staa^idard racks be reduced.
With current self-scanning checkouts, the consumer actively accumulates a cost for items brought to the point of purchase. That is, instead of standing in line and lookuig at a rack full of point of purchase products while a cashier enters the cost of fie consumer's items, the consumer at the self-scaxining checkout pulls items out of a shoppijig cart or other storage area, individually scims each item, checks a video raonitor.lo ensure that the right items and the right prices are being accumulated, bags
iie scanned items and pays for fte items* bi shoit the consumer has a lot less time to ooi: at cuntntly dsplayed point of purchase products and, equally imprntantly, may pt remember to do so.
The available qpace problem for point of pmdiasie products at cmreot self* scaiming dieckouts is tvrofold. First, thore is less available ^ace. Second, &e space hat is available is not located ^eciScally at Hie point of the customer's focus. Thai is, [he racks m^ist be placed on dfher side of» or otherwise separately fiom, the omrent scanner, the cunent monitor, the current payment acceptor and Ae current bagging atesi, ie^ away from the consumer's focus.
The reduced rack q>ace mems that fiiere will be a hij^er level of competition betveen sui:^Uers of point of purchase products. RetaQeis ^t use self-scanning dieckouts are carefiilly selecting products for the available rack space, which is now at an i^en higher premium. It is Ukety that high^velocity, Mgh-mar^ products will take the Eon's share of available spzc^ because retailers cannot afford to risk stocking a los^a* or even a mid-level performer. The result has bee^ and will continue to be a decline in ms9/ product offerings.
Both the product supplier and the retailer will suffer from reduced sales of point of purchase products. Brand recognitioa will begin to erode and the retailer will loss the additional sale. Retailets are thus currently forced to dedde between providing the efficiency associated with sclf-scanmng chedkouts or holding on to the point of pun:hase sale.
Quick service lestaurants ("QSR*s") provide a similar but slightly diffeiient chsitlengc. QSR*s alsK) have limited floor space for i>oint of purchase products. Counter space at the QSR is limited and reqpiires free access to process a fast food transaction. The floor space in front of the counter needs to be open for lines to form and for tlie consumer to choose food items. Placing a standard point of purchase product rack in the middle of a fast food floor and requiong the consumer to bring a point of purchase product to the counter simply does not integrate well with an over th^ counter fast food transaction.
Maiuy QSR's are also expeiiencing quality labor shortages. QSR's tend to have hi{;h employee turnover and training costs. Pioduct sbiinkage is also an issue with QSR's. QSR^s are therefore looking at a number of t
tedted space and labor i«aes, mcteasc cpaational efiGdeodes and niitigke piodact tamkaga One low^ solution is a point of sale Idosfc that elinmiates the «„„r«ntioaaI cadi register. Another solution is a -speedpass^ paymeut system in whidia^wand-ispiovidedtotheconsnmer. Ite wand operates on a ladio frequency C^T^ to send fest food transaction infomation to a cKdit/d«*itcaid account TTie sp.«dpass system is conqwct, requires fittle counter spac« and no floor space ^ op
tncnsaction.
The chaflenge that QSR's pnssent to point of purchase product suppliers is to pK,vide a solution that wfc wth the conventional, e,g., cash register, system and any
alt-smative primary fest food item purchasing system. The point ofpunihase system, in or/event, preferably: 0) is convenient for flie consumer and the fist food employee to nas (iO does not increase or significantly increase labor costs; (in) requires titUe colter sp^ and litUe or no floor q>ac^ Ov) xeduces piodurt shrinkage; (y) integrates with any primary fast food item purchasing system; and (vi) assists in inventory managemcDt by providing pomt of purchase mventory daU to the system.
Referring now to the dravmgs and in particular to Figure 1. an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustiated, a self-scanning purchasing device 10 is provided Typical self-scaimmg checkouts are kioown and are available, for exsmiple. from NCR Corp. and Optimal Robotics Coq>. The self-scamung checkout 10 includes a «»ntiDllcr 12. The controller 12 includes a pnjcessor 14, a memory device 16 and a power supply 18. The processor 14 m one embodiment is a Pentium^* pK«essar, which runs Windows NT™ software. The memory device 16 runs a program that interfoces peripheral devices connected to the controller 12 with human
operatiort
The controUter 12 includes an input/output ri/01 card or module 20 to which
a plurality of wires 22 (e.g., in the form of a ribbon cable or other wire bunching
technique) connect The wires 22 run to various peripheral devices. The peripheral
devices typicaUy include a credit/debit card reader 24. a
device 28. and a display device" having an associated toudi screen mterface Oottch
scisen display 30"). In addition, ES-232 or RS^85 cables may tun from the controller
12 to these devices, in the event that they have their own processing capability. The
scaDiung device 28 in an embodiment m^ also be ads^ted to opticaOiy couple to the conttoUer 12. Tbe controller 12 also inclades a video graphics card or module (not illustrated) and may also include a sound caid.
The ocdit/debit card reader 24 enahles a consumer to sdect to pay by credit card or debit card. Tlic card reader 24 includes an insert slot 32 a card reader display 34 and a plurulity of numerical input buttons 36. I^ after inserting a card into the slot 32, the reader 24 cannot read the card nmnber, &e consumer can key in the card nmnl>er using the nuznciicai input buttons 36*
Eidiier the toudi sneen displiiy 30 or tbe numerical ix^ut buttons 36 may be ^dap^ioA to allow the consumer to isnter an amount of money. The self^scanning diedcout 10 ^tvill in turn dispense the amount of money from the cash dispenser 26* Tbe i:ash di^enser 26 includes one or more diq»ensing slots 38 fiiat dispense the cash and t receipt for the transaction.
The s their prices, and a total price, i.e., a virtual receipt
The sel&scamung checkout 10 in an embodiment employs a video camera (not illustiated) to identify produce and other non-bar coded items 42. Once the consumer scan
The illustrated sdf-scanning chedcOTit 10 of &e present inventioa iocludes a point of puiKihase device 50, preferably having a stock of piodiict 52 and a dispenser 54. As used herein the lettn "point of purchase** refers to a location wh«e a consnma: payj! for product or otherwise diecks out of a store or other retail mvironment A section 55 of the fiont pand of the self-scanmng cbexkmt 10 has been cutaway to fllustiate Ihat in an esnbodimtiiit, the automated checkout 10 houses the point of pintliase device SO. In
In the illustrated embodiment, the stock of product 52 piovides a choice of four pioctucts A to D. The stock may obviously mclude my number of different pomt of pmt:hase products 52 including a single product 52. Ihe p etc.
The present invention solves a number of problems facing suppliers of these typeis of p;ro<:iucts. first in retail outlets products are typically displayed according to a set planagram. the planagrams careliilly constmcticd attempt di an aesoietigally pleasing and organized manner. where point of purchase sire concerned take on even more important role because cqummer is distracted by other items. accordingly certain product siqtj may be terrqx>rar]]y or pennanently locked out of the fiont-end market becjmse there is cunently no place or there never will be a place in ifae ptanagram for the supplier's products. Since ttte point of purchase products 52 of the present invcaition asre di^ensed from a device and are advertised, in one preferred emt»odim(3it, on a dynamic display, there is no need for a planagiam. Consequently, the present invention provides a more flexible front-end market
Second, smaDer sopplieis inay M victim to "slotting,** which effectively aBo^vs the larger a^Uere to constinie the limited point of puichase space. Withom the need to satisfy a planagrtm, smaller si^iieis can purchase available space or slots intcimittently. As described in more detafl below, the siitppHeis may also purchase inteimediate advertismg slots. Tlie retail ouflet can establish a system whereby suppliets of faster selling products pay less for one or more of the available slots. A small supplier with a fest moving product therefore has an inroad into the competitive
ffonit-cnd madcet
The retail outlet, e,g., grocery store or supeimaiket can also wodc widi the-largcsr si^Usrs to optimize the 1fan)Uglq)ut of the presait invention. For instance, a particular large sillier may pay a premium to own or maintain a long-term lease on, c,g^ tiiirty percent of the available iiont-end slots or qjace, Ihe supplier is obligated and also desires to maximize the profitability and thiougl^ut of this thirty percent Accordingly, the retail outlet lets the suf^lier manage its tfiirty percent and concentrates on optimizing the profitability and throui^ut of the remaining sevcaoty percent by i^lotting
When the consumer desires to purchase one or more of the point of purchase pioiiucts 52. the self'Scanning che^^kout 10 dispenses the one or more products 52 through an npenmg 56 defined by a panel of the automated checkout 10. The opening 56 may in turn be juxtaposed above or near a product dispensing tray (Figure 9). The opening 56 $iod tray in an embodiniient also serve as the oipemng and tray of the coin change dispenser (Figm-e 9). To direct the product 52 fiom the stocking point to the opening 56 or tray, the self-scanning checkout 10 provides one or more ramps or slides 58, Although the ramp or slide 58 is illustrated here as being completely housed wittin the device 10, a portion of or all of the ramp or slide 58 may be disposed on the exterior of tlite self-scannmg checkout 10. The ramp cr slide 58 may also include one or more conveying sections, such as a belt tensioned betweisn rollers (Figure 9).
In Fi^gure 1, the opening 56 dispenses one or more products 52 directly into one of tlie bags 44 of items 42 brought to the point of pxtrchase. In another embodiment, the product 52 may be dispensed from any point on any exposed surface of the self-
scacining dieckout 10. For instancy a giocety store or supeimaifcet may place ttie opaUBg 56 (and possibly a iray) near the bill acceptor OT cads out dispenser 26, near the ciedit/ddiit card reader 24, near the tbi»:b scaneen display 30 or near the scanner 28. Placing the dispenser near the payment devices, ie^ the bill acceptor or ttie credit/debit cardi reader 24 enables die consumer to retrieve a di^fiensed product 52 when paying for the items 42 and tbe piodnct 52. Placing Ae d)^>easa' near the touch screen di^lay 30 tmables the consumer to retrieve a dispeaseti prodnct 52 directly after choi:>sing to purchase the dispensed product 52, Placing the dispenser near fi)e scanner 28 isnables the consumer to retrieve a dispensed product 52 while handling flie o&er items 42 brought to the point of purchase.
As illustrated, above or ;ie:u^ the opening 56, the self-scanning checkout 10 pio^Tides advertising or infonnatioa about the different products 52, illustrated here on tiie cutaw^ secdon 55. The advertisement informs the consumer to use the toudi screen display 30 to automatically purchase one or more of &e pioducis A ftroug^ P. The advexti&ement also points the consumer to whete the automated checkout 10 will di^^eose the product, i.e*, from the opemng S6.
The dedicated advertising on the section 55 illusftrates one embbdiment for advertising different point of pim^hase piodncts 52. Jn another embodiment, die advertising on the section 55 may be erasable or otherwise changeable to allow store curators or product distributors to load diSecent products into the point of purchase device 50 and advertise such difiereist products. In anGnther embodiment, the touch scn«n display 30, or a different dynamic video display in communication with the contzoUer 12, advertises the products A to D and may be ad^ted to delete or add one or inoie point of purchase producits 52. In a fixrtfaer embodiment, and in particular where the stock includes many different products 52^ tlie dynamic display may be adapted to scroll tfarougji the different products and display one or more but not all at once. A static or dynamic advertisement display may be mounted m various places on or near the point of piirchasef such as on top of die self-scanning checkout 10 or in &X)i2t of the automated checkout 10 (i.e^ facing the consumer as the consumer approaches the cbeckont 10 from the grocery Isles).
The touch screen display 30, as illustrated, curreoitly provides a message 60, a plurality of simulated buttons 62 0>ne for each product A tfaxough D) and tfie running
list ^i of puiG^iased items 42 and diq>ensed products 52. The message 60 infonns tfae consumer of Ifae current total, and that the consumer may at any time diiring the txansiction pmdiase one of the products A to D by selecting one of the buttons 62, In the illustrated embodiment, the touch screen display 30 provides a unique button 62 for cich point of purchase product A to D. In another embodiment, the touch screen may be ad^ted to provide a toggle or •*ncxt" button (not Ithistrated^* wherein the di^lsy 30 rei::alls and displays a m^ point of purchase product 52 each time the ctmsimier presses fht next button, ki this embodiment, the toudi screen display would also provide a select or '"purchase"' button, which would allow the consumer to sequimtially purchase one or more dieqplayed point of purchase products 52.
The running list 64 of the display 30 illustrates that fbe consumer has purcliased a isumber of items 42^ which fbe consumer has selected elsewhere within the siipermadret or convenience store and has transported to the self-scanning checkout 10, The list 64 iilustiates that the coBsumer has selected, trsmspoited and self^scanned cereal, soi^. celery, cake mix and flour* The running list 64. also allnstrates that tfae consimier hais made a point of sale purchase^ namely^* fbe consumer has purchased gum, which is one of the products A tturough D. The consumer's current total of SI2.IX) illusttated by the message 60 includes the pirxce of the point of purchase piodjct 52, i^e., fifty cents. In one prefened embodiment, the present invention combines the cost of items 42 biougbt to the point of pttrchase and fhe products 52 purdiased thi>.Teafter. In this way, Aie consumer pays cash and receives change once, writers one chtxk*or swipes a credit or debit card one time. The seif-scanmng checkout 10 tti^efoie siupplies and the consuniier receives only one receipt
In thi;s iDusirated embodiment, tfae consumer can select flie same button 62 and puicliase the same product 52 as many tim^ as the consumer desires. The consumer can select as many difTerent buttons 62 and purchase as many diffeient products 52 (and as many difTerent types of pro
berem, sacb las the buttons 62» the next aad purchase buttons described above and the simulated keypad* may altematiyely be provided as electroniechaiiical input devices mounted to the panel of the automated checkout 10 and hard wiied as discrete hiputs into the I/O card or module 20* a$ is well known by those of skill ki the art
Referring now to Figiire 2» a second embodiinent of ^ present invention provides a stand-alone point of putdiase device 50, wtiich is housed within a body 66 that is separate fiom an automated purcha^g device 70. For pinposes of the present invention^ the automated purchasiiig device 70 is any device that accumulates a cost of iteuis or accepts payment for items. In an embodiment,, the automated purchasing device 70 is the self-scanning checkout 10 described in Figure 1. The automated purchasing device 70 in another embodiment is any sumdaxd checkout device manned by«: store operator. That is, the automated purchasing device 70 may be used m an employee operated purchasing line for any type of retail store, e*g., grocery stoie, hst fooci store^ convenience stoie, drug store, hardware store^ clothing store, supexstore, etc., where the employee scans items or where (he operator scans items using a scanner 40 cr inputs selections into a cash roister 72, point of purchase Idosk or touch screen mpif device. The automated purchasing device 70 alsc^ includes credit/debit cazd readers and bin acceptors. The automated purchasing dei/ice 70 finthcr includes any type of de^nce, such as the ^^•^pass, that bypasses the store operator and automaticaUy sends a cost for one or items to a credit or ddbit account
The iStand-alone point of sale device 50 preferably inomits to or near the aotcmated porchasing device 70 so that the device 50 is at the point of purchase. The mitcmated purchasing device 70 iaciudes Ihe controller 12 having a |»ocessor 14» meiaory de^^ce 16, power supply 18 and I/O card or module 20^ Ibe automated pun:basing device 70 may also include any other feature and a|)paratus described above in connection with Figure U except that the point of sale device SO is discrete.
The >c:ontrDller 12 electrically communicates ^ith ithe scanner 28 via wires 22 and'or alternatively optically connects or connects by an RS-232 or RS-485 cable to the scanncsr 28. The controUer 12 alternatively communicates with the scaimer 28 via a nidio fi-eciuency (TIF*) signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. When the automated purchasing device 70 is a self-scaiming checkout 10 (Figure 1), the consumer retrieves an item 42 £rom one of the
ston: is]es» brings the item to the scaiimisr 28 and scans t^
transparent cover 40. When the automated purchasing device 70 is an operator controlled dseckout, the consumer retrievies an item 42 fix)m one of the store isles, brini^ the item to tiie scanner 28, wherem the store operator scans the item by passing it across the transparent cover 40. In cither case, &e scanoer 28 in one embodiment is a sfand^cne scann^ 28, as illustrated, and in another embodiment, the scanner 40 is a hand-held scanner that ci&er ibe consumer or the operator holds so that a smaller tranf^parent cover 40 of the hand«beld scanner passes across the barcode of the purchasable item 42*
The controller 12 elediically communicates with the cash register 72 via ^wes 22 imd/or via an RS*232 or RS*485 connection. The controller 12 alternatively communicates with the cash register 72 via an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet
When the contioller.12 cott{3lcs to tfae^casfa register 72, a store operator mans the cash regist^ 72. In certain retail operations, such as grocery stores, conveuience stons, drug stores, hardware stores, clothing stores, superstores, the consumer retrieves an item 42, such as a box of food. Scorn one of the store isles, and brings the itemt to the operator, who enters the item or price of the item into the cash register 72, in Gther retml operations, such as Hast food restaurants or at wiQ-call windows, the coDSrumer sqpproacbes the operator and orders purchasable items 42, such as hamburger and files, wherein the operator enters the item or price of the item into the cash register 72.
The controller 12 also communicates with one of the touch screen displays 30a or 30b. Her^, the displays 30a and 30b are ^own as being mounted on ^e exterior of the automated purchasing device 70. Although two touch screen displays are illo£trated, only one is necessary as described above. The display 30a is ad^ted for when the consumer scans the items 42, i.e., at a self-scanising checkout (Figure 1). Hers, the disrplay 30a provides a suitable message 74a Ithat prompts the consumer, after the consumer has scanned all the purchasable items 42, whether the consumer wishes
to purchase cme of the t>oint of pucchase products 52, namely, products A to D. ine di^liy 30a also provides simulated buttons 62. In Figure 1, the toudi screen displs^ 30 ectabled the cmsumer at any point during the self-scanning process to select one or more of the buttons 62. The toudt sciem displays may he ad^ted to prompt the consume to sdect a pimluct 32 to hmnediately dispense before daring or, as here^ after the scanning sequence.
The display 30a may have any suitable message that pfompts the consumer to purdiase a dispensable product 52. For instance, the display 30a may he ad^ted to shov^' the consumer the current total plus the cost for a dispensed product 52. For example, the diq;>lay 30a mi^t rea
hi any of the embodiments described herein, the memory 16 of the controller 12 may be ads^ted to store a con^uter program that enables^ the prompt to be a **smart prompt** That is^ the software is configured to: (i) select a prompt based on one or mors items 42 ftat the consumer hai; selected and transported to the point of purchase; (li) select a prompt based on a customer profile obtained J&om the customer's grocery ston^ card or from data collected-by die controller, or (iii) select a prorr^t based on an algorithm that combines (i) and (it). The processor 14 of the controller 12 operates witti the computer progr^on stored in ibe memory 16 to display a smart prompt on the 4£splay30aor30b.
When the smart prompt is based on the items 42 that the consumer has selected and transported to the point of purchase, the program in an embodiment looks for patterns or signals provided by the items 42* For instance, if the consumer collects and brings one or more items 42 to the point of purchase that are sugar fiiee, fat free, low fat, have sugar substimtes, etc., the smart prompt may include a sugar fiee item, such as sugar firee gmn. In another example, if a number of desert-type items are brought to the point of purchase, the smart prompt may include candy> such as a candy bar. If the consumer h;cis pulled a magazine iiom the store rack^ the smart prompt may include
aaotliier pedodical, CN>viously; tiiose of skSh In the M may adapt the software to perftrm mmy different types of acalj'SJs.
Grocery stoie or ^exmaricet customer cards liable the stone to compile data mchxdmg Iht buying hsbits of the paxttcular custoner. The software may be ad^ted to use this infotmation to display a smart pivMnpt For instance, if die cnstomo- card indicates d)iat die consumer has purdiased a nunii)er of sugar fiee or &t &ee items in the past, the smart prompt may include a sugar fiee item evun if the consumer has not cnnf ntly brought such an item to the point of puxchase.
In another embodhnent, fl plurality of controllers 12 from different devices can
link over a local area netwodc (!*LASr) to a server conq»uter maiirtained within the
groony ste^ or si9)eimadceL The server computer stores bi^dng habit information,
which is compiled ^nitenever the consumer psqrs by credit or ddiit card. A customer
numbear may be internally assigned to the credit or debit card number» wherein
infojmation is stored under the customer nmnber/ RegsmUess of which standard
checkout or self-scanning checkout the customer uses widiin the store, the server
computer iGcopuzies the credit/d^t number; calls up the customer number and
updittes the buying habit inibimation under the customer number. Further, regardless
of i^hicb standard chedtout or self-scannicg dieckout (he customer uses, the software
is^^ile to access information stored by the server con^uter under the customer number
to provide a smart prompt If the user has purchased a particular product 52 at. the
point of Side in the past, for example, the smart message n^ay include the previously
pujt;hased product 5Z - .
In another embodiment, the customer card or silver computer may be adapted to ^iccumulate ^^customa- points^ and automatically dispense one or more point of pun;hase product 52 when the consumer's points reach a predefined threshold. Points ma;r be issued for items 42 that tlae consumer brings to &e point of purdiase, for purchasing point of sale products 52, or botibi. In a quidc service restaurant C^SR*^^ points may be accumulated for fast fi>od items purchased. The points can: (i) yield one or more free products; (ii) lead to an eatry into a contest; and (iii) yield coupons for store itciras, point of purchase products or a contest entry, etc. The display 30 may be adapted to visually and/or audibly inform the consumer, e.g-, **Congratulations» yoxi've eamiid a free pack of gum.**
Tlie di^lay 30b is adq>ted for when the store opemxx scans me items 42 using scanner 28 or inputs the items using tbe cash legister 72. Hoe, the display 30b provides a suitable message 74b that pircmqits ihe store opexatcH; after the opetator has scanned or inputted all the purchasable items 42, to request whether tiie consmner wisihes to purchase one of the point of purchase products 52, namely, products A to D* Alictnativcly, Ae operator may pron^t the ww^umer before or while the operator scans or enters the consumer's selected items. The display 30b may also be adapted to pitmpt the irtoie operator to quote the price of a dispensable product 52 or a new total that inchides the price of the dispensable product Si Further, the display 30b 4at pn:nq>ts the store opetator may ixmtain a smart prompt configured based on the products purchased or a user profile.
Jhe display 30b also inovides the buttons 62, wbi<:h the operator presses when consumisr wishes to have a .point of purdiase product immediately di in either tlie consumer controlled or embodiments suitable advertisements fonn static dynamic displays also inform availability point purchase products.>
In Figure 2, the point of pucdtase device 50 has no control capability* i*e«» is a duinb device, and completely relies on the contzoHer 12 to command the dispenser 54 to dispense the products 52. The dispenser 54 may be siny suitable type of dispenser fot dispensing confectionexy products such as chewing gum or candy, periodicals such as maga23nes, books or newsp^ei'S, toiletries sudi as razors or small tissue packets, batteries, cigarette lighters, key chains, writing instruments or small toys.
in &e illustrated embodiment, tiie diq>ebser 54 includes a separate solenoid 72 for each product A to D, The solenoids 72 in an embodiment are push-type solenoids, eai:b having a hot wire 76 and a neutral wire 78. Similarly, the wires 22 coming fiom th
la tiiiis anangemcDt, iviien tbe (x>]isiima presses a bi^ or tlie operator presses a hmtm 62 m the scteea 30b> an input agnal is sent to Uie I/O card or module 20. Device softw^ve istored in Hie memoiy device 16 acknowledges tfie inpcl and closes a designated output switch, which allows the power supply 18, lated for dae solenoid voltage (e.&> 120 VAC or 24 VDC) to apply power across die cotiBq)ODding hot wire 22a and neutral wire 22b. Tbs powered 19 hot wire 22a and neizixal wure '22b in turn ^pply power across the hot wire 7(} and neutral wiie 78 of Hbs conesponding solenoid 72.
Applying power to one of the solenoids 72 causes an electrical to mechanical confersisition to a second position. At this point any suitable mechanical linkage may be enq;>loyed to dispense one or moie of die point of purchase {voducts 52. Vw ease of iOffi^liatioUf the dispenser is iUustiatsd as having hinged or slideable doors 82 that open enoii^ to allow one or more of the products A to D fall, due to gravity, onto the lamp or silide SS, wherein the product 52 dispenses througjh the opening 56. Obviously, thosu? of skill in the art can and have devised other medianical hnkages, which may maize more efBcient use of die solenoids 72 or avoid them altogeftier. Importantly* hovrever, in each implementation the initiadon of a particular button 62 has a unique consequence in that it dispenses a specified amount of one of the ptoducts A» B» C or D.
It should be appreciated that since the stand-ali>ne pomt of purchase device SO of Figure 2 has no control capability, the controller 12 accomplishes all the cost accounting. That is, the controller 12 maintains and recalls prices for the purchasable hexQs 42, such as the food box or the hst food items, and the point of purchase pioducts 5Z, such as chewing gum. The consumer controlled touch screen dis{day 30a or the store operator controUed tauch screen display 30b shows a running list of^ scanned or inputted items 42 and dispensed pioducts 52.
Referring now to Figure 3, another embodiment for a stand-alone point of pmchase device 90 is illustrated. The point of purchase lievice 90 has a rudimentary level of control capability. That is, the device 90 does not have processing capability or the ability to store a computer program^ howevo^, die device 90 does have electrical switching capability. The device 90 includes a po^^er snipply 18 and a plurality of
relays 92. Relays aie weU knowo electrical switchiDg devices that contain a coil on an inlet side and one or mopt normally open or nonnaDy closed contacts on an outlet side. The ou^ut side of each relay 92 electrically connects to the solenoids 72» and the inptxt side of each relay electrically connects to an electromechanical pnshbutton 94 according to im electrical flowchart connnonly referred io as a **ladder logic diagnon."
Use point of pmchase device 90 mcluding the rdays 92 has &e cs^ability to enable a conjiumer or a stoie operator to utput a dedsion, at the device 90, to dispense a point of purchase product 52. Hie power si^ly 18 supplies power to the solenoids 72, 'Affough the relays 94, and possibly to the pushbuttaos 94, f
It should be s^)preciated that since the stand-alone jpoint of purchase device 9( has electrical switching capability* but no pmcessinjg caqpability, a separate externa controller 12 must accompli^ all the cost accounting. In itn embodiment, a controlle 12 maintained within a separate automated purctiadng device 70 TnaFintfliiiy! and recall pric es for the purchasable items 42, such as die food box or the last food items, and th point of puidiase products S2> namely, products A to D. llie point of purchase devic 90 sends a signal through the wires 22 to the I/O card or module 20 whenever th consumer or store operator dispens tlie I/O card or module 20, which corresponds to the particular associate cost
Tlie stand-alone point of sale device 90 preferably mounts to or near H automated purchasmg device 70 so diat the device 90 is at the point of purchase. It
otoinated Forchasing device 70 inay be a self-scaxaring checkout or a standanl h^kom as described above in connection with Figure 2. For the sake of ittustotiom «lythe consumer controned touch screen display 30a is inustrated, however, Ihc store
^.rtor cont^IIed touch screen .display 30b may alternatively couple to the controfler ria wes 22 and/or an RS.232 or FS-485 link. TTic display 30a or 30b alternatively «mraunicatcs with the controller via an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or da any other suitable communication link. Either of the displays 30a or 30b shows a mining list of scanned or mputted it
The controller 12, having the processor 14, memory 16. power sapply 18 and [/O card or module 20, electrically, optically, via KS-232, RS-485. BF signal, imcrowave signal the Internet or by any other suitable communication Imk connects to a stand-alone or band-hdd scanner 28 and/or to a cash register 72. The stand-alone or hand-the scanner 28 includes the transparent cover 40 across which the either the consumer or the store operator passes a purchasable item 42. A store operator preftaably runs the cash registCT 72,
Referring now to Figure 4, a further embodiment for a stand-alone point of purcliase device 100 is illusfrated. The point of purchase device 100 has full control capabiUty. That is, the device 100 can perform electrical svritdhing, has processing capabflity and the ability to store a computer program. TTie device 100 includes the controller 12 having the processor 14, the memory device 16. the power supply 18 and the I/O card or module 20. The controller 12 enables the point of purchase device 100 to have a touch screen display 30; with simulated buttons 62 for the dispensable products A to D, Either the consumer or the store opeiator presses a button 62 on tt»e scicai 30 !5o that an input signal is sent to die I/O card or module 20, Device software stonal in the memory devicel6 acknowledges the input and commands the closure of a designated output switch on the I/O unit, which allows the power supply 18 to energize the appropriate solenoid 72. Tlie selected pnniuct 52 fells onto the ramp or slide 5 8 and dispenses through the opening 56.
The display 30 can display dynamic advertising for one or more di^ensable products 52 and for one or more suppliers of the products 52. The dynamic displays include still irideo. streaming video and animations as well as any other type of audio, visual or audiovisual display. The display 30 can advertise a plurafity of products- 52
at once or run a single video that sequentially displays a plurality of diffezvnt advertisements from one or more suppliers.
In a typical point of purchase enviiionment, smaller soppfieis may not have the means to afioid advertistpg fi>r their point of purcha$e products. For exan^le, providing carclboaid displays or i^ysical niock*ups ai multiple locations is tyincally expeiKsive. The present invention provides a mediod by viid' 30. If the display 30 can adveilise mott than erne product S2 at a time, the suppliers can also pay for a . perctsrtage of the screen and run a *'full-screen ad** or a *lialf-screen a
Tb& controller 12 may be adapted to comiect to one or more server computers maintained by one or more suppliecst of the products 52 by a liziked system commonly refetred to a^; a wide area netwoiic or WAN. Ihe WAN links one or more product sopF^liers by fboa^ Itne, T^l or T-3 counections, leased phone lines, RF signals, mic2x>wavpli«rs the ability to ^qnlate or change then advertisements in.zeal time, A supplier may wish to run a certain advt^semmt in the morning and another in the afternoon. A supplier may wish to change the iidveitisement based on inventory or to streamline its advertisements with pro
The ^nsppliers can store a number of advertisements in the memory 16 of the connoUer 12, The controller 12 includes suitable sound and graphics cards to display the advertiriements. The point of purchase devices also include speakers that communicate with the processor 14 of the controller to play piogranuned sounds. The supplier at a remote location selects which adveitiseraent to display and sends a signal over the WAN, wherdln the controiler 12 recalls and displays the desired ad\'ertiscment. Alternatively^ as is lenown by those of skill in the art, the supplier can store the advertisements in files maintained at the supplier's location or on the Internet Wlien the supplio: desires to run a particular advertisement, (he supplier downloads the
ile or files ii«>m the remote sender or the Internet to tlie ccmtroHer 12, ^^^
[je desired advertiseinent
The WAN Unkagc also enables the suppUers of the products 52 to pcifonn av«aitoiymiaiagement iTwt is. the WAN provides the siippficrs the ability to monitor be :aiovcmeat of the products 52 in real time or over a period of tfane, e.g.. hours, days ff ^ireeks. A suppUer can determine whidi products move at particular times of the lay, days of the week or times of the year. This aids the suppUas m supplying Httlucts 52 that wiU sell and also in providing targeted and focused advertising. The jontroller 12 can be configured to saitomaticaUy send a signal to or place a caB to (he supi?Uer or the supplier's distributor when a product supply at the point of purchase ^i to a certain level. The supplier or distributor thereby automatically knows when
lo rwtock the pomt of purchase device.
Uang the real time inventory information provided by the WAN. the Inlemet, etc.. and tibe ability to change advertisements on the fly or in r^ time, the suppHer can tailor advjrtisemeats to push particular products. The supplier can advertise a product 52 it a time that it seUs particularly well to maxfanize througlq»ut The supplier can alternatively attempt to create a market by advertising a product 52 at a time that it has not sold particularly well. Similarly, if the supplier detemiines that there is an abandaace of stock for a particular product 52, the suppKer can advertise that product and/or ruu a special for the product If the point of purchase device enables the consumer to accrue points for pun;hases, the softwars caa be configured to dispense one of the products 52 that is in ample supply when the consumer wins, eg., a free
pack of gum-Obviously, the supplier is not c:q>ected to manually input advertisements at all times. Either the supplier's server computer or die memory 16 of the controller 12 stares sequences that ipc^ude one or more advertisements that cycle continuously. The supplier updates its sequence p«!riodic^ to add* subtract or re-proportion the ad\'ertisement of one or more products 52. The suppKer's sequence integrates with se
senses that products B> C and D have sold more Aan Prwliict A, ite software in an anbodimen.t v? piogrammed to advertise product A so as to even the dispensing levels.
The stand-alone point of purchase device 100 has the capability to conttaunicate directly vddi a credit/dd)it card reader 24 and/or an automated puichasing device 70 (not illustrated), sudi as a self-scanning checkout or a standard checlcout Ihe touch screen display 30 enables a product to be dispensed at any time beSoi^ during or after the scamung or cadi registry sequrace.
As usiMl herein^ die term **ciedit/debit card" obviously refers to credit cards and debit cards. The term also refers to any type of identification that enables the consumer to pay for a product ^thoitit using hard correncyy e.g., cash, coins or chedcs. The credit/debit card therefore also itnctudes any type of card or smart card dedicated to a particular institution, such as a school card, retail outlet card, eic, Oiedit/debit cwl also includes phone cards, hotel cards, casino cards or other types of service cards that 'snable the consumer to purchase services and/or goods in a cashless transaction.
Alternatively, after the ccnsumer or the operatw has scanned all the purcbasable items or the store operaitor has entered each item into the cash register^ the creditAld>it card reader 24 prompts the consumer to purchase a dispensable product S2 via ithe card reader di^lay 34. In an embodiment, the i^ard reader display 34 is a vactium florescent display ("VFD"), In a preferred embodiment, the consumer can select a dispimsable product 52 at any time before an dectrcmic lunds transfer takes place, ].e.» birfbre a bank or credit card company authorizi^ the amount. In this way, the i^nsuiQcr makes a single payment.
The i:redit/debit card readeir 24 includes an xosert slot 32 and a plurality of muxterical input buttons 36. If; after inserting a card into the slot 32, the reader 24 camiot read the card number, the consumer can ke^r in the card number using the numerical input buttons 36. The numerical input buttons 36 can also be used to speinfy which product (e,g,. Product #1 to Product #9) to dispense or the quantity of pn^iucts S2 to dispense. The card reader 24 may also be ads^ted to include separate product buttons 102. Ihe VFD 24 directs the consumer to enter a product using either nu£iericalL biput buttons 36 or the dedicated product buttons 102. The card reader 24 in i\n embodiment conrniunicates with the controller 12 of the stand-alone device 100 via wires 22 ^d/or via an RS-232 or RS-485 cable 104. The card reader 24
sUtetnativeiy commmucates vnib iiit controller 12 via an RF signal, miaowave signaU tiie Mteniet or via any other suitable commcmicatiQn lihL lot an alteznative embodiment, the VFD 24 directs the consumer to select one or more products 52 using the louch screen display 30 at die stand-alcme point of pmchasedevice 100*
The ;stai^-alone point of sale device 100 preferably mounts to or near the autcmated purchasing device (scanner or cash register) so that the device 100 is at the ponit of pun^hase. The device 100 may also be ad^ted to enable the consumer to receive cash back finom the transaction using funds ttansfeired from the con^omer's oedit/debit card account.
As stated above^ m an embocfiment the automated purchasiiag device 70 is the self'scannmg checlcout 10 described in Figure L Any of the previonsly disclosed ted to dispense a product to a higher or lower elevation and/or horizontally to a neift'location.
Supermaikets and grocery stores may install a haul: of self*scanning checkouts . 10 Ibat stcind side by side. In such a case, it may foe desirable to install a single point of p'urchajie device 50» 90 or 100 bc^^een two self-scanning checkouts 10, to dispense inxxlucts to the same. Here, the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 may be mounted on a side of one of self-scanning checkouts 10, wherein the side opposes the othisr chedcimt. Or, the pomt of purchase device SO, 90 or 100 may be mounted sep:aiately from and betweea two adjacent self^^canning checkouts 10.
Supcnnarkets and grocery stores may install parallel rows of self-scanning checkouts 10 that face each other and aie overseisn by a single retail operator. In such a cise, it may be desinible to install one or more point of purchase devices SO, 90 or 100 betw
Re&xiring now to Figure S, any of the previously disclosed embodanents for (he point of purchase device (50,90 or 100, only device 50 shown for ccmvenieace) may fhrttiier be adapted to cotq»le directly to a scanner 28, a cash register 72 or simtltaneousjy couple to ttie scaoneir 28 and the cash register 72. Ait^natively» any of the ptevionsty disclosed point of purchase devices 50,90 or 100 may coiq>le to or be itite{;rally fonned within a dispeoising device 110 Chat dispenses non-consomable
]nt>ducts 112.
The scanner 28, cash register 72 and dispensing device UO each include a controller 12 having a processor 14, a iaemoiy device 16, a power supply 18 and an I/O
ThecontxoUer 12 integral to 'Qie scanner 28 may be adapted to couple, via ivires 22 aid/or 4m RS-232 or RS-485 cable 104, to a credit/debit card reader 24 or to a bill acc^(ytor (not iUustxated). As used herein, the term '*scannei' tefsm to a conventional scanao* that reads bar coded infonnatioa. **Scanner" also includes any device that reads or accepts any type of ideatification information provided by a retail item 42. Scanner/* ais used herdn, includess the speedpass or wand diat accepts identifying infoimation &om fast food items or other retail items. "Scanneif also includes a devi<:e that reads or accepts any type of signal transmission emanating from the item.>
The controller 12 integral to the scanner 28 may altexnatively be ad^^ted to comiimnicate with the card reader 24 or the bill acceptor via an RF signal, microwave signed, the Internet or via any other s^table communication hnk. When a consmner or store opor^tor scans purchasable items 42 past the ttanspaieat cover 40 of the scann^ 28» the contmller 12 of the scanner 28 accumulates the cost of &e items 42. When the consomer i;e]ects a dispensable product S2 via the buttons 36 or 102 on the credit/ddnt card reader 24, the controller 12 of IJse scanner 28 lecognis^es the input* sends a signal to die point of purchase device 50, 90 ot 100 to dispense the product 52 and accumulates Ihe additional cost of the dispensed pxoduct 52. When the consumer or store operator selects a dispensable product 52 via (he input devices located on the point of purchase devices 90 and KX^, the controller 12 of the scanner 28 recognizes the iaput and accumulates the additional cost of the dispensed product 52,
Vfbm a stare operator iop^sts pmchasable items 42 into tiie cash register 72, the controller 12 of the cash legister 72 accumulates the cost of the items 42. The cash re^siter may be stisiptod to have cedsia buttons 106 dedicated to diqicDse the products 52. When the store operator selects a diq>eiisable pnxhict 52 via the button 106 on the cash register 72, the controller 12 of tfie cash zegister 72 recognizes the input, sends a si^al to the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 to dispense the jmKluct 52 and accumulates the additional cost of the di^ensed product 52. When the consumer or stotii operator selects a dispeosaible product 52 via the input devices located on the poiot of purchase devices 90 and 100, the controller 12 of the cash register 72 recognizes the input and accunmlates fte additional cost of ithe dispensed product 52.
Dispensing devices 110 that di!q>ense non-consumable items 112 are known to those of skill in the art Genemlly^ die controller 12 integial to the di^enszng device 110 controls a dispenser (not illustrated), whidi dispenses non-eonsomable items 112, sucti as movie tickets or airline tickets. Non-consumable items include any non-edible iteni;$ such as tick^, toiletries and periodicals including magazines^ newsps9>ers and boolcs. The .controller 12 of the dispensiag device 110 may be adapted to couple, via wires 22 mii'cx an RS-232 or RS-4S5 cable 104, to a credit/debit card reader 24 or to a bill acceptor (not illustrated). A touch screen display 30 electrically communicates ^di the controller 12 via wires Zl and/or cable 104. Alternatively, an RF signal, miopowave signal, the Internet or any other suitable coimmonication link may be used. The display 30 has simulated buttons 62 adapted to enable the consumer to select one or more non-consumable items 112 and one or more consumable products 52 from the point of purchase device SO, 90 or 100.
Wlien the consumer selects a non-consumable item 112 via the buttons 62 on the touch sciceen display 30, the controller 12 of the dispensing device 110 recognizes the input, sends a signal to the non-consumable item dispenser to dispense the non-consumable item 112 and accumulates the cost of the di^ensed item 112. When the conimmer selects a consumable product 52 via the buttons 62 on the touch screen display 30, the controller 12 of the dispensing device 110 recognizes the iiq)ut, sends a signal to the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 via inires 22 jand/or cable 104 to disp^ense the consumable product 52 and accumulates the additional cost of the
diq)eDsed jn^cMbct 52* The consumer may therefore purchase, fiyr ocamplc, a movie tidD?t and a confectioneiy item and maJte one paymeitf via
Refeniiig now to Hguies 6 and 7, any of the previously disclosed embodiments for the point of purcba^e device SO, 90 or 100 may liirtlbier be adapted jR>r a quick service resbiwant TQSRO- QSBCs are continuously looldog ^r tecbnologies that alleriate their limited i^pace and labor issues, increase operational efisdencies and mitigate product shrinkage. QSR's typically reqmie jQoor space m front of the cashiers to be open, wherein customers form lines, peruse oyeibead menus and order food upon appinoacbing a cashier. Thus while QSR'S provide a ce^tive madcet ior point of pun^hase products, thc^^ do not provide a convenient place for a typical grocery store laci:.
Drive tixrou^ stands also provide a captive fiont-^aid maike^Iace. Outdoor dri^e through stands^ however, do not provide a suitable locadon for a product rack. Shrinkage^ both inside and at the ihive through stan4 poses a serious barrier to the introduction of fiont*eiad products,. Cashiers at QSR's, who must defiver prepared food itCTtts jss well as receive and cfxchange maney, do not have onougb extra time to ensure that oH-tbe-iack items are accounted for. It should be appreciated, however, that any of the point of purchase devices SO, 90 or 100 are operable in a QSR eoVitonmenL
Figutrc 6 illustrates the poiat of purchase device SO, 90 or 100 implemeated in^de the QSR at the cashier station. The cashier 114 stands behind the QSR counter Il€L Th£t customer 118 observes s\n oveihead displ^^ 122 that sets forth a number of fast; food itisms 42 that the QSR j>repares and brings to the point of purchase. Tlic disj^lay 1:22 also presents a number of products 52 that the customer 118 can purchase and! that will immediately be £q>eiised at the point of purchase.
Tliie point of pinchase device SO, 90 or 100, mcluding the dispenser 54 (not iDustrated), fiush mounts to the backside of the cash register and includes a touch scr sen diisplay 30, The cash register/point of purchase device 50» 90 or 100 includes a controller having a processor and a memory that stated a program. In an embodiment, as ^oon as ifae cashier 114 begins to enter the order of the customer 118, the program and the pn:»cessor cooperate to display the message 124 and activate the simulated input buttons 62. When the cashiisr 114 enters a payment fiom the customer 118, the
pmipram and the processor cooperate to discontinue &e noessage 124 and deactivate the simulatetcl it^ut buttoie 62. At any time in betweian, the customer 118 can select one of tbe input buttons 62, wherein a product 52 di^enses tbtcm^ an openxng 56 into a tety 142 (whidb can also be (he coin change tr^, see figure 9 below) and the cost of the prodnct 52 automatically accumulates with the cost of the &st food items 42.
Tbe procedure above is virtually inviable to &e cashier 114. The QSR em{>k>yee» or the product suppliers can restock tbe products 52 during non-business hours* In an alternative embodiment, &e point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 prompts the cashier 114 to ask the customer 118 to purdiase one or more products 52. A secoi^ dispenser 126 mounts inside the counter 116 and dispenses periodicals or othi:r consumable or non-consumable products 52. The seccmd di^>ens6r 126 can operate accoinfing to the computer program discussed above^ wbercm the customer 118 pUF:diases a jnagarine or sewspq)er by pressmg a button 62 while ordering the items 42. Altemfitively, tiie customer 118 requests a periodical fiom the cashier 114, wb:rein the cashier 114 presses a button on the cash regist^, a door on the dispenser 126 opens, i|be customer 118 removes the selected product 52 and the cost of iht product automaticany adds to the cost of the £ist food items 42. Bach of these end»o(fiments consumes no floor space and requires litUe ejEfoit by the cashier 114.
Figure 7 illustrates the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 implemented outside tliLe QSR at ttie drive-up window. QSR's typically emjploy a display^ such as the overfaesid display 122 of Figure 6, at a drive^through ordering station (not iOsstrated). This di^lay can present the point of purchase products 52. as does the displ^ 122 of Figure 6« In (he illustrated embodiment, the drive-tq> customer 118 encounters a toucb screen display 30 having simulated input buttons 62 ^en tfie customer 118 pulls up to Ae exchange window. As the customer 118 waits for the fast focid, the message 128 prompts the customer 118 to purchase^ e.g., a pack of gum* ' Additionalls^ or alternatively, the ctisbier (not illustrated} can prompt the customer 118 to purchase a product 52* If the cizstomer selects a button 62, a product 52 dispenses through the opening 56 into the tray 142 (in an emboiliment with coin change as discussed with Figure 9) and the cost of thei»oduct 52 automatically accumulates with thc^ cost of tbe &st food items 42. Suitable precautions may be employed to counteract pn)duct shrinkage, sux^ as automaticaUy deactivating the buttons 52 before accepting
non
Rdvrdng now to Figure 8, yet another embodiment for a stand-alone point of surcbase device 120, -wbkh has an mtegi^ted method of payment, is iltusbated. The ievii^e 120 mounts to or near &e automated purchasing device 70 (scanner or cash re^stor) so that the device 120 is at the point of pmdiase* The device 120 may include one or more mounting brackets or members thai allow ttie device 120 to readily mount to the device 70.
Hie point of purchase device 120 includes a omtroHer 12 havmg a processor 14, memory device 16, power supply 18 and I/O card or inoodule 20. The consuma^ selects
Refi^rring now to Figure 9, still anotfier embodiment of a stand-alone point of punihase detdce 130 is illustratedy herein device 130 dispenses the product 52 and also dispenses change in the form of coins. The device 130 dectrically couples to any of the automated pttrcbasing devices disclosed above. The device 130 includes a piuiahty of slot openings 132 for holding the dispensable products 52. A controller 12 havbg a pn:>cessor, memory, powense;£i throu^ a slot 134r each difTerent product 52.
The device 130 includes a conveyor belt 136 tensioned betweoi a drive roller 138 and a follower roller 140. The memory stores a prt^gram Ihat operates with the
processor so that vpoa. an input to di^ieose one of the products 52 by a comumer or a StCfPi operator, the program and pctictssor cause a product 52 to dispense through its associated slot 134. At the same time, &e program and processor of the controller 12 catu« a drive motor (not illustiated) to rotate and the belt 136 to move. The product 52 droi« onto ilie conveying belt 136, whidi convQ^ the piodoct to a tray 142.
The belt and lollere are just one way knoTvn by those of skill in the art to convey the dispensed product S2. For instance, the motor can couple to a lead screw, wheidn a produrt-catrying slide translates wh«i flie motor rotates. For quicka moA'cmeots, a pneumatic system can be employed. Further altonatively. a ranq) or slidii can be diqwsed at a vertical angle, wherein gravity pulls the product 52 into the tray 142. Ill any embodiment, the toy 142 is located at ftie jxiint of putchase for one
Hie point of purchase device 130 also includes a plurality of coin holders 144 fiw
and the products 52.
In any of the embodiments provided herein, one or more point of purchase proiJuct s
Ttie manufectureis of these devices benefit when a retail outlet purchases one or more of the devices. The point of purchase product sellers (manutacturer and/or dislributoT) benefit ftom the sale of these devices because they can display and distribute liieir products through tliese devices and increase brand recognition. The reUil outlets benefit fiom the sale of these devices flirongh increased throughput, by
ptovidmg convenience and speed, by teducing labor costs and by makuig point of purcitiase sales. The devices, howev
Tbo {ir^ent invention indudes a method of making diese devices more ecooomicai tor the retail outlets, Le*, ibkBng ^ devices. In one embodiment, the point of puichase product sdler pays a hm^-sum or alternatively a plurality of continuous loyal^ payments to tfie jcetail outlets in exchange for tiie xi^ to stock the seller's product In this manner, the retail outlet reconps some of its out*oi^pocket cost for the devices. In another embodiment, the point of purchase product seller pays continuous loyalty payments or more likefy a lump-sum payment to the device mano&cturer. In this manner, the mannlacturer can sell die device at a lower price (or the ]m>duct seller pays part of the noimal psice) so that ftke retail outlet pays less vp fiont Here» the retail oudet makes a lower up-finmt paymoat, but die pioduct seller likdy owns lather than leases at least part of the stocking space.
It should be understood that various dianges and miiwlifications to the i^esently prcfmcd (onbodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art Such chang€:5 and modifications can be made ^tbout d^arting fitom the spirit and scope of the present inventjon and ^without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thensfore intEmded thai such changi^ and modifications bs covered by the appended claims.
The mvendon is claimed as follows:
1. A sell^scannixig checkout providing pcmit of purchase products comprisiiig:
a scanner to scan items selected by a owsumer,
a video monitor to display the cost of items scanned by the consumer;
a piackaging area for placing items scanned by the consumer into a container; and
a diq;.»6nser for dispensing a point of pvxcbase product* whcatein the video monitor ditjplays the cost of the product dispensed by the dispenser.
2. Thfn self'Scaxunng checkout of Ckdm I, wbaxm the dispenser dispenses the product into the container.
3. The self-scanning checkout of Claim 1^ whecm tllie dispmser dispenses the product a^acent to the scanner.
4. The $;elf-scanning checkout of Claim 1, wherein fbe dispenser dispenses the product adjacent to a device selected &cm the group consisting of: the video monitor, a change maker that msikes change fiom payments for items and products purchased and 1 receipt printer that piovides a ireceipt for items and products purchased.
5. An automated checkout device comprising:
a surface for allowing a customer to place a pluralit]ir of items to be purchased;
a scanner for allo^^ng the customer to accumulate a cost for the items;
a s
a point of purchase device that dispenses a point of purchase product onto the seccnd surface upon request of the consumer; and
the cost of the point of purchase product is added to the cost of the plurality of items automatically.
6. Tbe autoipated dieckout device of Claim 5, wiieiCT the second sur&ce sqp}!K>Tte a cicmtaincr for lecemng tbe items.
7. The automated checkout device of Claim 6, wherciiEi the contami^ is a bag.
8. Ttie automated cfaedcoixt device of Claim 7, whenan Ihe point of purchase product is diiq)ensed into the bag*
9. A dsrvice aUoi;ving a consioner to purchase product wiftout ffae need for a casliier comprising:
a Ixxfy having an intericn;
a <:outroner coupled to tbe body>
a t^amojig devi
a pmduct Jtnaintatned wit^i the interior of the body; and
the body includiing a dispenser that dispenses tbe product from the body upon a zeqaest for product by the consumer, wherein a cost for the product is added to the cost for the item!!.
10. Tlie device of Claim 9, wherein the controller is integral with the body*
11. Hiie device of Claim 9, wherein the controller is coupled to ibe body by a mode sel'Xted fii>m the group consistiag of: electrical coupling, optical coupling and cot^ling vifi a radio JSnequency signal
12. . The device of Claim 9, wh
by a mode selected fiom the groop consisting of: electric^ couplings optical coupling
and coupling via a ra^o frequency signal.
13. Tie device of Gaint 9, wherein the dispenser diispenses Ae product in a liirection selected from the groap conasting of: vertiicaUy iqward, verticaay 4Jowxr»rard and laterally.
14- The device of Claim 9, wfo^rein the scanning device is integral with the contrc»ller.
15. The pmchasmg device of Claim 9, which includes a display that prompts the consumer to purchase the product.
16. The purchasing device of Clsiiin 9, wherein the body includes a plurality of dififepsot products*
17. The pun^hasing d&vicc of Claim 16, wherein the plurality of different products are si5lected from the group consiirting of: confection^ay products, periodicals, cigarette lifters,, batteries, key chaiiif;, film, writing instruments, toQetries and toys.
18. ^ A poinlt of purchase device that operates with an automated ptuchasing device
having a coBtn^Uer that aUows a consumer to input purchas^ible iten^ and accumulate
a cost for the items, the point of purdnase device comprising:
a bod>' bousing a product and including a member for coupling the point of purchase device to the automated pun^hasing device; and
a diisponser that dispenses tlie product fiom the body upon request by the con^mcr, wherein a cost for the product is added to the cost for the items.
19. The point of purchase device of Claim 18, wherem the body houses a plurality of dilfcrcnt products.
20. the point of purchase devicts of Claim 19, wherdn the plurality of difTcrent products aire selected from the group consisting of: confectionery products, perioiicalSt cigarette lighters, batteries, key chains, writing mstruments, film, toiletries and toys.
21. Th«? point of pwdiase device of Qmm IS, wberein the body is modular and physically independent fiiom the automated purchasing device.
22. The jjoint of purchase device of C3aiin 18, wherein the member couples the bod> to &e aiitomated purchasing device by a mode selecte^l fiom the group consisting of:
23. A point of purchase device that operates with m automated purchasing device that iiUows a consumer to purchase items without the need for a cashier, accumulating a cost for the items and allowing the consumer to pay for a product, the point of purcltmse device comprising:
a body housing the product;
a conicroiler ooi^led to the body; and
a dispenser that dispenses ttie product ^m the body upon a signal fixim the contt>ller, thr the product is added to the cost for the items.
24. The point of purchase device of Claim 23, wherein the body is modular and physically independent Irom the automated purchasing device.
25. The point of purchase device of Claim 23, whi
26. A point of purchase device that is coupled to a device that allows a retail operator to input purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the purchasable items
comprising:
a dispenser that dispenses a product from a stock upon a signal from a controller th;it is couple
27. The point of pmtltase device of Claim 26, wh«$rein the device is diosen torn die .group consistiiig o£: a scanner, a ttash register, a poijot of purchase kiosk and a touch screen.
28. Ihe point of purchase device of Claim 26, i^herein the controller is coupled to die device by a mode selected from the group consisting of: electdcal coupling, Opti':al couplmg and coupling via a iradio fiequency sigaal.
29. The ]EK>uit of purchase device of Claim 26, ivheretn die controller is integral witbi the device.
30. A point of purchase device ithat operates with an automated purchasing device diat allows a retail operator to input purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the purchasable iitans, the point of purchase device comprising;
a body housing a stock of product;
a controller maintained within ttie body; and
a disi^enser widdn ttie body that di^enses a product from the stock upon a signal from the controller, the agnal initiated by the retail operator, wherein a cost for the product is automatically added to the cost for the purchasable items by the conlioller.
31. The ]X}int of puirchase de\^ce of Gaim 30, wherda the automated purchasing deviice is sdected from ithe group ccfnsisttng of: a scanner imd a cash register.
32. The point of purchase device of Claim 30, including a display that cononunicatss with the controller and prompts the consumer to purchase the pioducL
33. The ]point of purchase device of Claim 30, wherein ^e body is modular and physically mdependent from the automated purchasing de\nlce.
34. A point of purdbase device that operates miSx z credit^d^it card verification
device ibat aatfaorizes a cost ibr items purchased by a consumer, the point of purchase
device comimsing:
a controller that cmnmunicates with the credit/debit card verification device; and
tbecimtrolleris coupled to a dispenser that dispenses a piodnct upon a signal to the comtroUer, the signal initiated by the consumer through the credit/dd>it cazd verification device, herein a cost for the c^isnmable product is added to the cost for tiie items purchased by I3i6 consumer.
35. Ttiie point of purchase deince of Qaim 34, wherein the credit/debit card verification device is located at a retail cbedcout line.
36. Tlie point of purchase deidce of Claim 34, wherein the stock includes a pltiiiality of different products and &e controller communicates a selected product to tiie dispenser.
37. Hie point of pmrhase device of Claim 34, wherdn the controller is electrically coupled to tlie dispenser.
38. A point of purchase device comprising;
a body hoo^g a stock of product that is physically coupled to a discrete
autcmiated purchasing device that allows consumer:; to automaticaUy purchase items
*
that are pby^cally brought to the automated purchasing device;
a money acceptor coupled to the body; and
a dispenser within the body that dispenses a product fiom the stock upon a coitsuma^'s input of a predefined amount of money into the mon^ acceptor.
39. Tbe point of purchase device of Claim 38, whercrin the automated purchasing
deidce is selected from the group consisting of: a $cann
scanning checkout.
40^ The poioit of purchase device of Claim 3S, wberem me automaiea puicnasmg device: is located at a retail ondet selected from the ffova^ consisting of: a retail checkout, a rcsrtaurant cash register and an electromc ticketing station.
41. The point of purchase device of Claim 38» herein the money acceptor is seiectsd ^m the group consisting o£ a cash acceptor^ a coin acceptor and a credii'debit card accqitor*
42. A device for dispensing consumable and non-consumable products at the same locatim comprising:
a body;
a stock of a consumable product housed wifliin the body;
a stock of a non-ccmsumable products housed within the body;
a dispenser that ditspenses the mnsumable product;
a devi<:e that totals purchase prices for consumable and non-consumable products>
a paynnent acceptor that allows the consumer to make a single payment for the consumable and non-consumable products.
43. The device of Claim 42, whei^in the non-consumable product is selected from the g)x>up consisting o£ movie ticketSp plane tickds, petiodicals, video t£q)es, compact disks» 6i0i&l iddeo disks and newspapers.
44. A metiiod of operating an automated checkout comprising:
allowbig a consumer to >rittg purchasable items to an automated checkout devicte;
allowiBg the consumer to scan the purchasable items! and accumulate a cost for the s<:ann6d items on a>
allowing the consumer to select a product fiom a diispensing device located in juxtaposition to the auti^dated checkout;
automatically dispensing the product &om the dispensing device in response to the consuaier's selection; and
aatomatically adding a cpst of flie product to ibf9 cost for the scanned items on tti6 diq>ls(y*
45. * The method of Claim 44, wherein the consumer isehicts the pro^ct by using a
toudi soxseo.
46. The method of Claim 44, including the step of aOowing the consumer to pay for itit product by credit/debit card.
47. The method of Claim 44, vrheidn adding the cost of the product inciudes aatonnaticaQy increasing a balance due on 8 credit/debit card transaction.
48* A mefHiod of operating a chedcout station comprising:
allowiag a consumer to bring purchasable itons to a istore operator;
aOc^ig ^e operator to scan the purchasable ittsms and accumulate a cost for
the scanned ittims;
allowing the consumer to independently purchase a product by touching a screen coupleil to a diq»ensing device;
dispenidng the product from the dispensing devicre i^ response to the cousmner touching the screen; and
automatically adding a cost of the di^ensed product to the cost for the scanned items.
49, A metirkod of c^erating a checkout station conqnistog:
employing an operator to input purchasable item's into a device and accumulate a cosi for the purchasable items;
prompting a consumer to purchase a productfiom a dispensing device;
automatically dispensing the product from die dispensing device upon the. consumer's request; and
automatically adding a cost of the product to the cost for file pttrchasable items.
so. A method for proidomt of purchase product ^diaut &e need i^r a "^ cashier compming:
providing a checkout area for the consumer to bring items for poxchase;
accumulating a cost associated with OK hems &e consumer wants;
providmg a product at file point of purchase;
promptXDg the consumer that other product is available at the pcnnt of purchase;
dispeutsing the product to the consumer at tlie pomt of purchase upon a request by ttie consumer to pmchase die product; and
aiitomaticaUy, without need for a cashi^, adding to ibo cost associated wilfa othei* items purchased any additional cost for die product
51. The ined»>d of Claim SO, wUdi includes accepiting a single payment in exchange for die product and odier piucbased items.
52. The method of Claim 50, wb^rem the consumer is prompted that the product is avail able by an advertisement for fte product.
53. The method of Claim 50, whisretn prompting the consumer includes prompting the consumei at a time selected fiom the group consisting o£ before the consumer purcliases flic other consumable items, while the consumer is purchasing the other item:; and after the consumer pmdbases the other items.
54. The method of Claim 50, which includes allowing a retail operator to enter the consimier's 9|)proval to purchase the product
55. The mediod of Claim 50> which includes allowing the consumer to rater the appn>val to purchase the product.
56. A method for pioviding d^eipent products at a point-of purchase comprising:
' stocktug a plurality of difTerent products at the point of purchase;
automatically prompting the consumer that the products are available at the point of purclnase;
automadcaDy accqiting an approval by fhe consmner to purchase at least one ofttieisioducts;
automatically di^fpensing the at least oae the product to the consmner at the point of purohas^ aiKi
automaticaUy adding to &e i:ost of fhe product to (he cost of any other items that arc bdng ptndiascd.
57. The method of Claim 56» wlberdn prompting the consmner that die products
aK available includes displaying a dynamic display selected frcnn fiie groiq> consisting
of: ;! display of the products, a message concensing the prodacts, an advertisement
cono^mmg the products and a price ruction concemmg the products,
58. The method of Claim 56, which inchides allowing a letail operator to enter the
- constuner's approval to purchase the at least one product
59. The method of Claim 56, wMch includes allowing the consumer to enter the qypicval to purchase ttie ait least one (tfodttcL
60. A method for providing consumable and non-consumable products at the same locatioo c
stocking consumable and non^^onsumable products in a single device;
allowing a consumer to purchase a consumable product fiom the single device without the need for a cashier;
allowing the consumer to pun:hase a non-consumable product fiom the single devio; witfiout the need for a cashier;
dispraising the consumable and non*consumable producrt to die consumer at the isamc locadcn in the device; and
allowing the consumer to pay for the consumable and non-consumable product ^vitboQit the need for money.
61. The method of Claim 60, which includes allowing the consumer to pay for the
conswonable and n(m-consumable product at one time.
61 AuiefhodofgoieEatingxevenueconqyrising:
providing a point of purchase device that is coiq>Ied to fhe retail purdiadng device, the point of purchase device desired to dispense a product at 0ie point of purchase; and
obtaii^xng a fee paid from a supplier of the product in occfaange for aHowing the prcMJuct to be dispensed from the.point of purchase device.
63. The method of Claim 62» wherein the point of purchase device is integral with the rstail puFchasiDg device.
64. The method of Claim 62, wherxin the r^ail purchasiing device is selected fiom (he gioup consisting of: a self-scanning purctutsing device, a fuel dispensing gasoline punq), a delbit/credit card zeader and a cash register.
65. A metliod for purdtasing items conq>nsing the steps of:
tzanspcHcting a plurality of items to a checkout station;
using a device that identifies costs for the items to create a purchase price for the pluralitjr of items;
proiapting a consumer to purchase a point of purchase product;
dispensing fiom a dispenser tlie point of purchase product; and
automatically, without the need for a human operator, adding the cost of the point of purchase product to the puxchase pnce^
66. The mf^od of Claim 65^ whtsrein the cost of the point of purchase product is addcii! to the p^irchase price before the cost of all of the plurality of items is totaled.
67. The method of Claim 65, vvh(n^in the device that identifies costs is an optical scanner.
68. The mi2thod of Claim 65, i^erein the point of purchase product is dispensed fit>m a device that is integral with the device that identifies costs.
69. A system for prcyvidinig poizvt of purchase products ccnnpnsmg:
a d^nce for identifying costs of items and croOiiig a purchase price for tfie
items;
meaias far pron^ting a consumer to purchase a point of purchase product; and a device for dispensiiig die point of purchase pitMfaict upon vequest fiom ihe
cotunimer and &r adding a cost of the point of purchase product to flie purdiase price.
70. The system of Claim 69, Whi^cein the means for proiipiing is selected from the group coiudsiing of: an advertisemcait» an audio prompt, a visual prompt and a tactile prompt
71. The s;/^em of Claim 69, wherein the device for identi^ng is a scanner.
72. The system of Claim 6% whctrein the means &rr prompting is selected fiom the group consisting of: a credit/debit card device; a display device separate from the device for identifying costs and die dispensing device; and a speedpass.
73. The system of Gaim 69, includiag a device for accepting payment for a total purchase price including the cost of the point of purchase product and the purchase price for the items.
74. The s'ystem of Claim 69, wherein the means fi>r prorapting is part of the device and clispeniier.
75. The system of Claim 6% wherdn the puicha$e price for the items is a total purcliase price which occurs when the device for identifying has identified all of ttie items:.
76. A metiiod for di^>ensing a pomt of purchase product comprising the steps of!
providing a purchasable item and a point of purchase product for sale to a retail
customer.
io^Ritting a costomer selection &r the point of purcbase jtfoduct to a letail customer temunal proximate a point of purchase location for the purchasable item, tht retell customer teimiaal admitted to p2X)cess ftie customer selection for the point of pure base product and a customer selection fbr ttie purchasable item;
processing the eo^omer selection fi>r the point of purchase product for elecincal communicatioa with a point of pUEchsse dispenser proximate the point of purchase location for ttie purdbasable item; and
di^)^:ising the point of pmdiase product to the customer fimn the point of pucclliase diq>enser rej^nsive to the electrical communication^
77. A device for di^ensing a retsiil item comprising:
a retajl custom
a retail item processor in electrical communication with fiie retail customer tennitial and adq>ted to process a selection of the purchassibie item and fht point of purchase product; and
a di.ensmg tenmnal sited proximate fte point of purchase location and in electrical communication with the retail customer terminal and retail item processor, Qie dispensiog terminal ad^ted to handle and dispense the point of purchase product Scorn a stoiajge location to a dispensing location in response to ifae selection of the point of purchase prrDduct.
78. The deidce of Claim 77, wherein the dispensing temiinal is furth^ adapted to handle and dispense at l^st one coin £t5 change for the retail nsnmer.
79. A retail item dispensing device comprising:
a receptacle that houses and ejects a point of purchase product stored therein;
a dispensmg location located proximate a point of purchase location for a purchasable item, said dispensing location comprising a surface configured for carrying tiie point of purchase product;
a ciistQiner selectioD n^ut disvice adq>tcd to ixtput a custDmer selecdoa of a pmctiasable item and point of puidiase product and located proximate the point of purchase location £>r tbe putchasablo iteox;
a retail item ptocessor ia electrical commmucation with tbe iiq>iit device and > tbe Tfcqptacle that gects the point of purchase product upon the customer selection; and
a dispensing device configured to deliver the point of pordsase product ejected fiom ilie receptacle to the dispeosing location proximate fte point of purchase location for the pxm^iasable item.
IIO. A point of purchase device ttett is coupled to a device that ixrputs pmcbasable items and accumulates a cost for the purchasable items compiising:
a dispenser fiiat dispenses a product, wherein a cost tar die product is autom atically added to the cost of the purchasable items; and
a communication device that allows inlbanadon relating to the pnxjuct to be conmnmicated to a remote location.
81. Tbe poiJoA of pnrctuise device of Claim SO, wbeiein tbe dispenser dispenses products produced by a pluralify of pi'oduct siqipliers and the communication device allows ibr communication with tbe suppliers at a plurality of rsmote locations.
82. The point of purch^ise device of Claim 80, wherein the communicatiot] device commimicates over a wide aiea networllc with the remote location*
83« The point of purchase device of Claim 80, wherdn the communication device communicates v^ith the remote location by a mode selected fiom tbe group consisting of: the hitetnet> a phone line, a satellite, microwaves and radio fi^uency*
:34. The point of purchase device of Claim 80, wherein a party receives inventory iinfoimation 6om the connnunication device.
85. The iiiointofinirchase device of Claim 80, iiK^ f ttie point of pmcbase device to teccave advertisement infimnaliQii fiom a remote locaiioD.
86. A point of pmcbase device that is coiq>led to a device Ibat inpiits^puxd&asable itemj! and accamulates a cost fin* the pmthas^le items coiqinsing:
a dispenser that di^ienses a pioduct, ^eiem a cost for the podiict is autoxaaticalfy added to the cost of the puicbasable items; and
a display that shows an adveitisemeiit for the ptoduct, tt^ advotisement bdng selected at a remote location and commnmcated to the point of purchase device.
87. The point of putchase device of Claim 86» induding a p]malit}r of
advertisements that are stored and adapted to be shown on lb; di^l^.
8S. The p^Dim of purchase deirice of Qaim 86» wherdn the plurality of adverisements have varying costs.
89, The point of purchase device of Claim 86, wherdn the advertzsemeot is down] oaded &»m a remote location hy a mode selected £rom (he groi^ consisting of: the In temet, a phone line, a satellite, microwaves and radio fiequesicy.
90, A poini: of purchase device that is coupled to a device that inputs purchasable items and accumulates a cost &r ^e paxchasable items comprising:
a dij^mser that diq>enses a product, wherein a cost for the product is automatically added to the cost of &e pmchasablc items; aod
a cQxmsiunication device that c«:»nmumcates accumulated inventoty infonnation lelating to the product to a r^note loc^ition^
91, The point of purchase device of Claim 90, wherein the conmiunication device
aotomiitically ixmuntmicates with a par^ selected from the group, consisting of: a
>
suppUtsr of the product and a distributor of the product
92. Tht point of piitrdiase devic^e of Cfaom 90, ivberetu the canununication device I ant'Tmatically connaumcates inventoiy infoimatioa selected fiom tiie gioop consisting of: hwanory for Ibe piXKbict tea&hmg a predefined level, flow rates of tii^ product and
93. Hue point of purciiase devicis of Ganti 90, whidi tncTudes an advcrtisemcaat fy the prodact winch is automatically displayed based on an inventory level of the product.
94. A poim of purchase device Ihat is coiqited to a device (hat inpxsis purchasable items and accmnulates a cost for ttie puichasable items coiDtpnsing:
a dispei^er disft dispenses a prodnct, wherein a cost for the product is aittomatically added to flkeco$t of ibepttrdiasableitems; and
a smart prompt provided to a consumer based on at least one purchasable item that the consumer has selected to puichase*
95. A point of purchase device that is coupled to a device that ii^utspurchasable
t
items and accmnulates a cost foi tfie pmchasable items comprising:
a dispenser that dispenses a product, wherein a cost fot the product is amomaticaUy added to ttie cost of the purchaisable items; and
a smaift prompt provided to a consumer based on a profile of the consumer*
96. The point of purchase device of Claim 95^ v^xemnthe profile is established via a customer card.
97. The point of purchase device of Claim 95, wherein tiie pn>f9e is established via data coUected by a controner of the point of purchase device.
98. A method for opc:rating a point of puxchase device ^at is cotq>led io a device that ijiputs purchasable items and accmnulates a cost fot the items compii^g:
using the point of purchase device to independently track inventory data for a product dispenised by the point of purchase device; and
A self-scanning checkout providing point of purchase products substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A point of purchase device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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