PRIORITY CLAIMThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/261,512, filed Jan. 12, 2001.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAutomated purchasing machines are becoming more and more prolific. Consumers have come to rely on the convenience and speed of automated teller machines (“ATM's”) for banking. Equally important, consumers have come to trust the security of electronic funds transfers. This speed, convenience and goodwill are beginning to be implemented in automated purchasing machines. Not surprisingly, gas stations, grocery stores, fast food restaurants, movie theaters, airports as well as other retail outlets have added automated purchasing machines to their standard modes of conducting business. Given their advantages, and as people become more accustomed to them, automated purchasing machines are likely to continue to proliferate.[0002]
There are a number of advantages inherent in automated purchasing machines. First, automated machines are convenient and reduce waiting time. For instance, the automated fuel pump enables the consumer to fill the vehicle and complete the transaction without having to leave the area around the vehicle. Second, automated machines offer additional payment options. For instance, many grocery store checkouts have card readers that enable the consumer to pay for groceries from a bank account or by credit. Third, the automated machines reduce labor. ATM's, for instance, allow banks to reduce the number of live tellers. Fourth, automated machines increase throughput. Automated fuel pumps, for example, reduce the amount of idle time that cars spend next to the pump.[0003]
A new entry into the world of automated purchasing machines is the self-scanning checkout, which has been implemented in various grocery stores and supermarkets. Self-scanning checkouts enable shoppers to scan, bag and pay for items with little or no assistance from store personnel. A consumer enters a grocery store and selects items for purchase in the conventional manner. Instead of approaching a standard checkout manned by a cashier, the consumer approaches a bank of automated self-scanning checkouts, wherein a single cashier oversees the operation of the bank of machines. Consumers scan their own items and pay for the items by entering a check, credit card, debit card or cash into the machine.[0004]
One problem associated with automated purchasing machines is that they can negatively impact point of sale purchases. For example, before the automated fuel pump, the consumer had to enter a convenience store or a store associated with the gas station. Although an inconvenience to the consumer, the mandatory visit to the store for payment (the old point of purchase) encouraged the impulse purchase of confectionery items, such as gum, candy, soft drinks, etc., and non-consumable items, such as magazines and newspapers. The automated fuel pump has moved the point of purchase to the filling station, where point of purchase products are not displayed or advertised.[0005]
In grocery stores and supermarkets, the self-scanning checkout also stands to reduce point of purchase sales for a couple of reasons. First, the consumer is preoccupied with scanning products and does not have as much free time to peruse and select a point of purchase product. Second, one primary advantage that self-scanning checkouts provide to the grocery store or supermarket is reduced floor space. For example, four self-scanning checkouts require approximately seventy-five percent of the space that four standard checkouts require. Rack space normally associated with standard checkouts, and which displays point of purchase products, is likewise reduced. Self-scanning checkouts stand to reduce the height, width and number of racks at grocery and supermarket checkout lines. Less rack space necessarily dictates less exposure for the point of purchase products.[0006]
A need generally exists for sellers of point of purchase products to capitalize on the growing proliferation of automated purchasing devices. As the point of purchase in a variety of retail areas increasingly moves away from a checkout counter to an automated purchasing machine, a need exists to provide an apparatus and method of displaying and supplying point of purchase products at the new point of purchase.[0007]
In particular, a need exists to provide an apparatus and method for displaying and providing point of purchase products in combination with self-scanning checkouts at grocery stores and supermarkets.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides apparatuses and methods that improve upon the sale of point of purchase products. For example, apparatus are provided wherein point of purchase product can be automatically dispensed. Additionally, apparatus and materials are provided that automate the purchase of point of purchase products.[0009]
To this end, in an embodiment the present invention enables point of purchase products to be dispensed as the consumer purchases other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The point of purchase product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the other retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the other retail items.[0010]
In an embodiment, a device is provided that allows a consumer to purchase products without the need for a cashier. The device includes a body that defines an interior. The device includes a controller. The controller couples to and communicates 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 maintains a dispensable product and includes a dispenser that dispenses the product from the body upon a request for the product by the consumer. The controller adds a cost for the product to the cost for the items.[0011]
In an embodiment, the body houses the controller.[0012]
In an embodiment, the controller is electrically coupled to the body.[0013]
In an embodiment, the scanning device is electrically coupled to the controller.[0014]
In an embodiment, the scanning device is optically coupled to the controller.[0015]
In an embodiment, the scanning device is integral with the controller.[0016]
In an embodiment, the purchasing device includes a display that prompts the consumer to purchase the product.[0017]
In an embodiment, the purchasing device includes a plurality of different products and the controller communicates a selected product to the dispenser. The different products may be for example: confectionery products, periodicals, cigarette lighters, batteries, key chains, writing instruments, film; toiletries or toys.[0018]
In an embodiment, a stand-alone point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device is provided. The automated purchasing device has a controller that allows a consumer to scan purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the items. The point of purchase device includes a body housing a product. The point of purchase device includes a member for coupling to the automated purchasing device. The point of purchase device also includes a dispenser that dispenses the product from the housing upon request by the consumer. The cost for the product is added to the cost for the items.[0019]
In an embodiment, a point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device is provided. The point of purchase device includes a body that houses a product. The point of purchase includes a controller coupled to the body. The point of purchase device also includes a dispenser that dispenses the product from the body upon a signal from the controller. The consumer initiates the signal. Afterward, a cost for the product is added to the cost for the items that the consumer purchases.[0020]
In an embodiment, a point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device is provided. The 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 dispenses a product from a stock upon a signal from a controller. A retail operator initiates the signal. A cost for the product is automatically added to the cost of the purchasable items.[0021]
In an embodiment, the automated purchasing device is a scanner.[0022]
In an embodiment, the automated purchasing device is a cash register.[0023]
In an embodiment, a point of purchase device is coupled to a device that allows a retail operator to input purchasable is provided. The point of purchase device includes a body housing a stock of product. A controller is maintained within the body. The body also includes a dispenser that dispenses a product from the stock upon a signal from the controller. The retail operator initiates the signal. A cost for the product is added to the cost for the purchasable items.[0024]
In an embodiment, a point of purchase device that operates a credit/debit card verification device is provided. The credit/debit card verification device authorizes a cost for items purchased by a consumer. The point of purchase device includes a controller that communicates with the credit/debit card verification device. The controller couples to a dispenser that dispenses a consumable product upon a signal to the controller. The consumer initiates the signal through the credit/debit card verification device. A cost for the consumable product is added to the cost for the items purchased by the consumer.[0025]
In an embodiment, the credit/debit card verification device is located at a retail checkout line.[0026]
In an embodiment, a point of purchase device is provided. The point of purchase device includes a body housing a stock of product. The body is physically coupled to a discrete automated purchasing device. The automated purchasing device allows consumers to automatically purchase items that the consumers physically bring to the automated purchasing device. The point of purchase device includes a money acceptor coupled to the body. The body houses a dispenser that dispenses a product from the stock upon a consumer's input of a predefined amount of money into the money acceptor.[0027]
In an embodiment, the automated purchasing device is located at a retail outlet, which may be: a retail checkout, a restaurant cash register or an electronic ticketing station.[0028]
In an embodiment, the money acceptor is selected from: a cash acceptor, a coin acceptor or a credit/debit card acceptor.[0029]
In an embodiment, a device for dispensing consumable and non-consumable products is provided. The device includes a body. The body houses a stock of a consumable product. The body also houses a stock of a non-consumable product. The device includes a dispenser that dispenses the consumable product. The device further includes an apparatus that totals purchase prices for consumable and non-consumable products. The device also includes a payment acceptor that allows the consumer to make a single payment for the consumable and non-consumable products.[0030]
In an embodiment, the non-consumable product may be movie tickets, air plane tickets, periodicals, video tapes, CD's, DVD's and newspapers.[0031]
In an embodiment, a method of operating an automated checkout is provided. In the method, a consumer is allowed to bring purchasable items to an automated checkout device. The consumer is allowed to scan the purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items on a display. The consumer is allowed to purchase a product from a dispensing device located in juxtaposition to the automated checkout. The method includes dispensing the product from the dispensing device and adding a cost of the product to the total cost for the scanned items on the display.[0032]
In an embodiment, a method of operating a checkout station is provided. In the method, a consumer is allowed to bring purchasable items to a store operator. The operator is allowed to scan the purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items. The consumer is allowed to independently purchase a product from a dispensing device. The method includes dispensing the product from the dispensing device and automatically adding a cost of the dispensed product to the cost for the scanned items.[0033]
In an embodiment, a method of operating a device for inputting purchases is provided. The method includes employing an operator to input purchasable items into a cash register and accumulate a cost for the inputted items. The consumer is allowed to purchase a product from a dispensing device. The product is dispensed from the dispensing device. a cost of the product is to the cost for the inputted items.[0034]
In an embodiment, a method for providing a point of purchase product without the need for a cashier is provided. In the method, a product is provided at the point of purchase. A cost associated with other items purchased by a consumer is accumulated. The consumer is informed that the product is available at the point of purchase. The product is dispensed to the consumer at the point of purchase upon an approval by the consumer to purchase the product. Any additional cost for the product is added to the cost associated with other items purchased.[0035]
In an embodiment, the method includes accepting a single payment in exchange for the product and other purchased items.[0036]
In an embodiment, informing the consumer that the product is available includes displaying an advertisement for the product.[0037]
In an embodiment, informing the consumer that the product is available includes prompting the consumer concurrently with the purchase of the other items.[0038]
In an embodiment, the method includes allowing a retail operator to enter the consumer's approval to purchase the product.[0039]
In an embodiment, the method includes allowing the consumer to enter the approval to purchase the product.[0040]
In an embodiment, a method for providing different products at a point-of purchase is provided. In the method, a plurality of different products are stocked at the point of purchase. Costs associated with other consumable items purchased by a consumer are accumulated. The consumer is automatically informed that the products are available at the point of purchase. The method includes automatically accepting an approval by the consumer to purchase at least one of the products. The method includes automatically dispensing the at least one the product to the consumer at the point of purchase and automatically incrementing any accumulated cost by the cost of the at least one product.[0041]
In an embodiment, informing the consumer that the products are available includes displaying a dynamic display that changes to show the different products.[0042]
In an embodiment, a method for providing consumable and non-consumable products is provided. In the method, consumable and non-consumable products are stocked in a single device. A consumer is allowed to purchase a consumable product from the single device without the need for a cashier. The consumer is allowed to purchase a non-consumable product from the single device without the need for a cashier. The consumer is allowed to pay for the consumable and non-consumable products without the need for cash.[0043]
In an embodiment, the consumer is allowed to pay for the consumable and non-consumable product at one time.[0044]
In an embodiment, a method of funding a retail purchasing device is provided. In the method a point of purchase device is provided that operates with the retail purchasing device. A fee is paid from a provider of a product in exchange for allowing the product to be dispensed from the point of purchase device.[0045]
In an embodiment the retail purchasing device may be: a self-scanning purchasing device, a fuel dispensing gasoline pump, a debit/credit card reader or a cash register.[0046]
In an embodiment the provider may be a manufacturer of the product or a distributor of the product.[0047]
In an embodiment, a method for purchasing items is provided. In the method, a plurality of items are transported to a checkout station. A device that identifies costs for the items is used to create a purchase price for the plurality of items. A consumer is prompted to purchase a point of purchase product. A dispenser dispenses the point of purchase product. The cost of the point of purchase product is automatically, without the need for a human operator, added to the purchase price.[0048]
In an embodiment, the cost of the point of purchase product is added to the purchase price before the cost of all of the plurality of items is totaled.[0049]
In an embodiment, the device that identifies costs is an optical scanner.[0050]
In an embodiment, the point of purchase product is dispensed from a device that is integral with the device that identifies costs.[0051]
In an embodiment a system for providing point of purchase products is provided. The system includes a device for identifying costs of items and creating a purchase price for the items. The system has means for prompting a consumer to purchase a point of purchase product. The system also includes a device and dispenser for dispensing the point of purchase product upon request from the consumer. The device also adds a cost of the point of purchase product to the purchase price.[0052]
In an embodiment, the means for prompting is an advertisement.[0053]
In an embodiment, the device for identifying is a scanner.[0054]
In an embodiment, the means for prompting is a credit/debit card device.[0055]
In an embodiment, the system includes a device for accepting payment for a total purchase price. The total purchase price includes the cost of the point of purchase product and the purchase price for the items.[0056]
In an embodiment, the means for prompting is part of the device and dispenser.[0057]
In an embodiment, the purchase price for the items is a total purchase price which occurs when the device for identifying has identified all of the items.[0058]
In an embodiment, a device for dispensing a retail item is provided. The device includes a retail customer terminal located proximate a point of purchase location. The retail customer terminal has an input device that permits selection of a purchasable item and a point of purchase product. A retail item processor electrically communicates with the retail customer terminal and processes consumer selections of the purchasable items and the point of purchase products. A dispensing terminal is located proximate the point of purchase location and electrically communicates with the retail customer terminal and the retail item processor. The dispensing terminal handles and dispenses the point of purchase product from a storage location to a dispensing location when the consumer selects the point of purchase product.[0059]
In an embodiment, the dispensing terminal is further adapted to handle and dispense at least one coin as change for the retail consumer.[0060]
In an embodiment, a retail item dispensing device is provided. The device includes a receptacle that houses and ejects a point of purchase product stored inside the device. A dispensing location is located proximate a point of purchase location for a purchasable item that the consumer brings to the point of purchase. The dispensing location has a surface that carries the point of purchase product. The retail item dispensing device includes a customer selection input device that inputs the customer's selection of a purchasable item and a point of purchase product. The input device is located proximate the point of purchase location. The retail item dispensing device includes a retail item processor that electrically communicates with the input device and the receptacle. A dispensing device is also included and is configured to deliver the point of purchase product ejected from the receptacle to the dispensing location proximate the point of purchase location.[0061]
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide point of purchase products.[0062]
It is another 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.[0063]
It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide point of purchase products in combination with retail items and accumulate the cost for both.[0064]
Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to enable the consumer to make one payment for point of purchase products and retail items retrieved by the consumer.[0065]
Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device that prompts the consumer to purchase point of purchase products.[0066]
Further still, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device having a smart prompt capability that prompts the consumer to purchase and have dispensed certain products based on the items that the consumer has brought to the point of purchase.[0067]
Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device having a smart prompt capability that prompts the consumer to purchase and have dispensed certain products based on a profile for the consumer.[0068]
It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a device that enables a point of purchase product supplier to advertise point of purchase products.[0069]
It is likewise an advantage of the present invention to provide a device that enables different suppliers to purchase different proportions of advertising space and/or time on the point of purchase product.[0070]
It is again an advantage of the present invention to provide a device that enables different suppliers to change an advertisement in real time from a remote location.[0071]
It is yet another advantage to provide a point of purchase device, which requires little space and couples to a device for inputting costs of items that are brought to the point of purchase.[0072]
It is still a further advantage to provide a point of purchase device, which physically integrates into existing retail checkout settings and is readily implemented by retailers and used by consumers.[0073]
Further still, it is an advantage to provide a modular point of purchase device, which couples to but does not affect the integrity of a device for inputting costs of items that are brought to the point of purchase.[0074]
Additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a modular point of purchase device, which couples to but does not adversely affect the process flow of a retail checkout device.[0075]
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.[0076]
It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device that can be coupled to a self-scanning checkout station.[0077]
It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device that can be operated in a retail setting.[0078]
It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device that can be coupled to a retail item cash register.[0079]
It is still another advantage of the present to provide a point of purchase device that can be coupled to a credit/debit card reader.[0080]
Moreover, a further advantage of the present invention to provide a single device that dispenses consumable and non-consumable products.[0081]
Another advantage of the present invention to provide a self-scanning checkout having integrated point of purchase products and a dispenser therefore.[0082]
Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device that performs inventory management for one or more products dispensed by the device.[0083]
Additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point of purchase device that transmits real time data to one or more suppliers of products dispensed by the device.[0084]
Yet additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention to combine a point of purchase device with a change-making dispensing device.[0085]
It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide a method of funding automated purchasing devices.[0086]
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.[0087]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFIG. 1 illustrates a self-scanning purchasing device that is adapted to dispense a point of purchase product.[0088]
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase device of the present invention.[0089]
FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase device of the present invention.[0090]
FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase device of the present invention.[0091]
FIG. 5 illustrates a stand-alone point of purchase device in operation with a cash register, a scanner and a non-consumable item dispensing machine.[0092]
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate stand-alone point of purchase devices in a quick service restaurant environment.[0093]
FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase device having an integrated method of payment.[0094]
FIG. 9 illustrates still another embodiment of a stand-alone point of purchase device integrated with a coin change maker.[0095]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONSelf-scanning checkouts are beginning to proliferate in supermarkets and grocery stores. Current self-scanning checkouts stand to reduce point of purchase sales 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 that the height of the standard racks be reduced.[0096]
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 looking at a rack full of point of purchase products while a cashier enters the cost of the consumer's items, the consumer at the self-scanning checkout pulls items out of a shopping cart or other storage area, individually scans each item, checks a video monitor to ensure that the right items and the right prices are being accumulated, bags the scanned items and pays for the items. In short, the consumer has a lot less time to look at currently displayed point of purchase products and, equally importantly, may not remember to do so.[0097]
The available space problem for point of purchase products at current self-scanning checkouts is twofold. First, there is less available space. Second, the space that is available is not located specifically at the point of the customer's focus. That is, the racks must be placed on either side of, or otherwise separately from, the current scanner, the current monitor, the current payment acceptor and the current bagging area, i.e., away from the consumer's focus.[0098]
The reduced rack space means that there will be a higher level of competition between suppliers of point of purchase products. Retailers that use self-scanning checkouts are carefully selecting products for the available rack space, which is now at an even higher premium. It is likely that high-velocity, high-margin products will take the lion's share of available space because retailers cannot afford to risk stocking a loser or even a mid-level performer. The result has been and will continue to be a decline in new product offerings.[0099]
Both the product supplier and the retailer will suffer from reduced sales of point of purchase products. Brand recognition will begin to erode and the retailer will lose the additional sale. Retailers are thus currently forced to decide between providing the efficiency associated with self-scanning checkouts or holding on to the point of purchase sale.[0100]
Quick service restaurants (“QSR's”) provide a similar but slightly different challenge. QSR's also have limited floor space for point of purchase products. Counter space at the QSR is limited and requires 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 the consumer to choose food items. Placing a standard point of purchase product rack in the middle of a fast food floor and requiring the consumer to bring a point of purchase product to the counter simply does not integrate well with an over the counter fast food transaction.[0101]
Many QSR's are also experiencing quality labor shortages. QSR's tend to have high employee turnover and training costs. Product shrinkage is also an issue with QSR's. QSR's are therefore looking at a number of technologies to alleviate their limited space and labor issues, increase operational efficiencies and mitigate product shrinkage. One known solution is a point of sale kiosk that eliminates the conventional cash register. Another solution is a “speedpass” payment system in which a “wand” is provided to the consumer. The wand operates on a radio frequency (“RF”) to send fast food transaction information to a credit/debit card account. The speedpass system is compact, requires little counter space and no floor space and is operationally faster and transactionally more efficient than the conventional “QSR” transaction.[0102]
The challenge that QSR's present to point of purchase product suppliers is to provide a solution that works with the conventional, e.g., cash register, system and any alternative primary fast food item purchasing system. The point of purchase system, in any event, preferably: (i) is convenient for the consumer and the fast food employee to use; (ii) does not increase or significantly increase labor costs; (iii) requires little counter space and little or no floor space; (iv) reduces product shrinkage; (v) integrates with any primary fast food item purchasing system; and (vi) assists in inventory management by providing point of purchase inventory data to the system.[0103]
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated, a self-scanning[0104]purchasing device10 is provided. Typical self-scanning checkouts are known and are available, for example, from NCR Corp. and Optimal Robotics Corp. The self-scanningcheckout10 includes acontroller12. Thecontroller12 includes aprocessor14, amemory device16 and apower supply18. Theprocessor14 in one embodiment is a Pentium™ processor, which runs Windows NT™ software. Thememory device16 runs a program that interfaces peripheral devices connected to thecontroller12 with human operation.
The[0105]controller12 includes an input/output (“I/O”) card ormodule20 to which a plurality of wires22 (e.g., in the form of a ribbon cable or other wire bunching technique) connect. Thewires22 run to various peripheral devices. The peripheral devices typically include a credit/debit card reader24, acash dispenser26, ascanning device28, and a display device having an associated touch screen interface (“touch screen display 30”). In addition, RS-232 or RS-485 cables may run from thecontroller12 to these devices, in the event that they have their own processing capability. Thescanning device28 in an embodiment may also be adapted to optically couple to thecontroller12. Thecontroller12 also includes a video graphics card or module (not illustrated) and may also include a sound card.
The credit/[0106]debit card reader24 enables a consumer to select to pay by credit card or debit card. Thecard reader24 includes an insert slot32 acard reader display34 and a plurality ofnumerical input buttons36. If, after inserting a card into theslot32, thereader24 cannot read the card number, the consumer can key in the card number using thenumerical input buttons36.
Either the[0107]touch screen display30 or thenumerical input buttons36 may be adapted to allow the consumer to enter an amount of money. The self-scanningcheckout10 will in turn dispense the amount of money from thecash dispenser26. Thecash dispenser26 includes one ormore dispensing slots38 that dispense the cash and a receipt for the transaction.
The scanning device or[0108]scanner28 has atransparent cover40 and electronics behind thecover40 that reads a barcode placed on the majority ofpurchasable items42 found in a supermarket, convenience store or other retail outlet. As the consumer scans an item past thecover40, thetouch screen display30 displays or acknowledges the item and displays its price. In an embodiment, an automated voice instructs the consumer to place theitem42 into abag44. After the consumer scans multiple items, thetouch screen display30 shows a scrolling list of items, their prices, and a total price, i.e., a virtual receipt.
The self-scanning[0109]checkout10 in an embodiment employs a video camera (not illustrated) to identify produce and other non-bar codeditems42. Once the consumer scans and bags all thepurchasable items42, the consumer selects a card payment method using the credit/debit card reader24. Thepurchasing device10 also allows the consumer to pay by cash, check and/or food stamps via a bill acceptor (not illustrated). The self-scanningcheckout10 dispenses change in the form of cash from thecash dispenser26 and coin change from a coin dispenser (not illustrated). The self-scanningcheckout10 prints a receipt that shows the list ofitems42 appearing on thetouch screen display30. Thecash dispenser26 may be adapted to issue the receipt, or alternatively, a separate outlet (not illustrated) that issues the receipt from a receipt printer (not illustrated) may be provided.
The illustrated self-scanning[0110]checkout10 of the present invention includes a point ofpurchase device50, preferably having a stock ofproduct52 and adispenser54. As used herein the term “point of purchase” refers to a location where a consumer pays for product or otherwise checks out of a store or other retail environment. Asection55 of the front panel of the self-scanningcheckout10 has been cutaway to illustrate that in an embodiment, theautomated checkout10 houses the point ofpurchase device50. In other embodiments, discussed below, a stand-alone point of purchase device mounts outside of the self-scanningcheckout10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the stock of[0111]product52 provides a choice of four products A to D. The stock may obviously include any number of different point ofpurchase products52 including asingle product52. The point ofpurchase products52 can be any uniform distribution or mix of front-end products distributed at or near a checkout line, cash register, point of purchase kiosk, speedpass station, touch screen input device or other type of vending device, such as an automated movie or airline ticket vending machine. Examples of point of purchase products include confectionery products, such as chewing gum or candy, magazines, toiletries, such as razors or small tissue packets, batteries, cigarette lighters, key chains, writing instruments, film, disposable cameras, video tapes, digital video disks (DVD's), small toys, etc.
The present invention solves a number of problems facing suppliers of these types of products. First, in retail outlets, products are typically displayed according to a set planagram. The planagrams are carefully constructed to attempt to display the products in an aesthetically pleasing and organized manner. Where point of purchase products are concerned, planagrams take on an even more important role because the consumer is distracted by the purchase of other items. Accordingly, certain product suppliers may be temporarily or permanently locked out of the front-end market because there is currently no place or there never will be a place in the planagram for the supplier's products. Since the point of[0112]purchase products52 of the present invention are dispensed from a device and are advertised, in one preferred embodiment, on a dynamic display, there is no need for a planagram. Consequently, the present invention provides a more flexible front-end market.
Second, smaller suppliers may fall victim to “slotting,” which effectively allows the larger suppliers to consume the limited point of purchase space. Without the need to satisfy a planagram, smaller suppliers can purchase available space or slots intermittently. As described in more detail below, the suppliers may also purchase intermediate advertising slots. The retail outlet can establish a system whereby suppliers of faster selling products pay less for one or more of the available slots. A small supplier with a fast moving product therefore has an inroad into the competitive front-end market.[0113]
The retail outlet, e.g., grocery store or supermarket can also work with the larger suppliers to optimize the throughput of the present invention. For instance, a particular large supplier may pay a premium to own or maintain a long-term lease on, e.g., thirty percent of the available front-end slots or space. The supplier is obligated and also desires to maximize the profitability and throughput of this thirty percent. Accordingly, the retail outlet lets the supplier manage its thirty percent and concentrates on optimizing the profitability and throughput of the remaining seventy percent by slotting quick selling and profitable point of[0114]purchase products52. Obviously, the percentages may vary from this example and the retail outlet may obtain more than one owner or major leaseholder.
When the consumer desires to purchase one or more of the point of[0115]purchase products52, the self-scanningcheckout10 dispenses the one ormore products52 through anopening56 defined by a panel of the automatedcheckout10. Theopening56 may in turn be juxtaposed above or near a product dispensing tray (FIG. 9). Theopening56 and tray in an embodiment also serve as the opening and tray of the coin change dispenser (FIG. 9). To direct theproduct52 from the stocking point to theopening56 or tray, the self-scanningcheckout10 provides one or more ramps or slides58. Although the ramp or slide58 is illustrated here as being completely housed within thedevice10, a portion of or all of the ramp or slide58 may be disposed on the exterior of the self-scanningcheckout10. The ramp or slide58 may also include one or more conveying sections, such as a belt tensioned between rollers (FIG. 9).
In FIG. 1, the[0116]opening56 dispenses one ormore products52 directly into one of thebags44 ofitems42 brought to the point of purchase. In another embodiment, theproduct52 may be dispensed from any point on any exposed surface of the self-scanningcheckout10. For instance, a grocery store or supermarket may place the opening56 (and possibly a tray) near the bill acceptor or cash outdispenser26, near the credit/debit card reader24, near thetouch screen display30 or near thescanner28. Placing the dispenser near the payment devices, i.e., the bill acceptor or the credit/debit card reader24 enables the consumer to retrieve a dispensedproduct52 when paying for theitems42 and theproduct52. Placing the dispenser near thetouch screen display30 enables the consumer to retrieve a dispensedproduct52 directly after choosing to purchase the dispensedproduct52. Placing the dispenser near thescanner28 enables the consumer to retrieve a dispensedproduct52 while handling theother items42 brought to the point of purchase.
As illustrated, above or near the[0117]opening56, the self-scanningcheckout10 provides advertising or information about thedifferent products52, illustrated here on thecutaway section55. The advertisement informs the consumer to use thetouch screen display30 to automatically purchase one or more of the products A through D. The advertisement also points the consumer to where the automatedcheckout10 will dispense the product, i.e., from theopening56.
The dedicated advertising on the[0118]section55 illustrates one embodiment for advertising different point ofpurchase products52. In another embodiment, the advertising on thesection55 may be erasable or otherwise changeable to allow store operators or product distributors to load different products into the point ofpurchase device50 and advertise such different products. In another embodiment, thetouch screen display30, or a different dynamic video display in communication with thecontroller12, advertises the products A to D and may be adapted to delete or add one or more point ofpurchase products52. In a further embodiment, and in particular where the stock includes manydifferent products52, the dynamic display may be adapted to scroll through the different products and display one or more but not all at once. A static or dynamic advertisement display may be mounted in various places on or near the point of purchase, such as on top of the self-scanningcheckout10 or in front of the automated checkout10 (i.e., facing the consumer as the consumer approaches thecheckout10 from the grocery isles).
The[0119]touch screen display30, as illustrated, currently provides a message60, a plurality of simulated buttons62 (one for each product A through D) and the runninglist64 of purchaseditems42 and dispensedproducts52. The message60 informs the consumer of the current total, and that the consumer may at any time during the transaction purchase one of the products A to D by selecting one of thebuttons62. In the illustrated embodiment, thetouch screen display30 provides aunique button62 for each point of purchase product A to D. In another embodiment, the touch screen may be adapted to provide a toggle or “next” button (not illustrated), wherein thedisplay30 recalls and displays a new point ofpurchase product52 each time the consumer presses the next button. In this embodiment, the touch screen display would also provide a select or “purchase” button, which would allow the consumer to sequentially purchase one or more displayed point ofpurchase products52.
The running[0120]list64 of thedisplay30 illustrates that the consumer has purchased a number ofitems42, which the consumer has selected elsewhere within the supermarket or convenience store and has transported to the self-scanningcheckout10. Thelist64 illustrates that the consumer has selected, transported and self-scanned cereal, soup, celery, cake mix and flour. The runninglist64 also illustrates that the consumer has made a point of sale purchase, namely, the consumer has purchased gum, which is one of the products A through D. The consumer's current total of $12.00 illustrated by the message60 includes the price of the point ofpurchase product52, i.e., fifty cents. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention combines the cost ofitems42 brought to the point of purchase and theproducts52 purchased thereafter. In this way, the consumer pays cash and receives change once, writes one check or swipes a credit or debit card one time. The self-scanningcheckout10 therefore supplies and the consumer receives only one receipt.
In this illustrated embodiment, the consumer can select the[0121]same button62 and purchase thesame product52 as many times as the consumer desires. The consumer can select as manydifferent buttons62 and purchase as many different products52 (and as many different types of products52) as the consumer desires. Each time the consumer presses abutton62, thedispenser54 dispenses asingle product52. In an alternative embodiment, thetouch screen display30 provides a simulated numerical keypad and prompts the consumer to enter a quantity. If the consumer enters a quantity greater than one, thedispenser54 dispenses the multitude ofproducts52 at once. It should be appreciated that any of the simulated input devices described herein, such as thebuttons62, the next and purchase buttons described above and the simulated keypad, may alternatively be provided as electromechanical input devices mounted to the panel of the automatedcheckout10 and hard wired as discrete inputs into the I/O card ormodule20, as is well known by those of skill in the art.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the present invention provides a stand-alone point of[0122]purchase device50, which is housed within abody66 that is separate from anautomated purchasing device70. For purposes of the present invention, theautomated purchasing device70 is any device that accumulates a cost of items or accepts payment for items. In an embodiment, theautomated purchasing device70 is the self-scanningcheckout10 described in FIG. 1. Theautomated purchasing device70 in another embodiment is any standard checkout device manned by a store operator. That is, theautomated purchasing device70 may be used in an employee operated purchasing line for any type of retail store, e.g., grocery store, fast food store, convenience store, drug store, hardware store, clothing store, superstore, etc., where the employee scans items or where the operator scans items using ascanner40 or inputs selections into acash register72, point of purchase kiosk or touch screen input device. Theautomated purchasing device70 also includes credit/debit card readers and bill acceptors. Theautomated purchasing device70 further includes any type of device, such as the speed-pass, that bypasses the store operator and automatically sends a cost for one or items to a credit or debit account.
The stand-alone point of[0123]sale device50 preferably mounts to or near theautomated purchasing device70 so that thedevice50 is at the point of purchase. Theautomated purchasing device70 includes thecontroller12 having aprocessor14,memory device16,power supply18 and I/O card ormodule20. Theautomated purchasing device70 may also include any other feature and apparatus described above in connection with FIG. 1, except that the point ofsale device50 is discrete.
The[0124]controller12 electrically communicates with thescanner28 viawires22 and/or alternatively optically connects or connects by an RS-232 or RS-485 cable to thescanner28. Thecontroller12 alternatively communicates with thescanner28 via a radio frequency (“RF”) signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. When theautomated purchasing device70 is a self-scanning checkout10 (FIG. 1), the consumer retrieves anitem42 from one of the store isles, brings the item to thescanner28 and scans the item by passing it across thetransparent cover40. When theautomated purchasing device70 is an operator controlled checkout, the consumer retrieves anitem42 from one of the store isles, brings the item to thescanner28, wherein the store operator scans the item by passing it across thetransparent cover40. In either case, thescanner28 in one embodiment is a stand-alone scanner28, as illustrated, and in another embodiment, thescanner40 is a hand-held scanner that either the consumer or the operator holds so that a smallertransparent cover40 of the hand-held scanner passes across the barcode of thepurchasable item42.
The[0125]controller12 electrically communicates with thecash register72 viawires22 and/or via an RS-232 or RS-485 connection. Thecontroller12 alternatively communicates with thecash register72 via an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. Thecontroller12 in an embodiment only couples to thescanner28, in another embodiment only connects to thecash register72 and in a further embodiment couples to both thescanner28 and thecash register72.
When the[0126]controller12 couples to thecash register72, a store operator mans thecash register72. In certain retail operations, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, hardware stores, clothing stores, superstores, the consumer retrieves anitem42, such as a box of food, from one of the store isles, and brings the item to the operator, who enters the item or price of the item into thecash register72. In other retail operations, such as fast food restaurants or at will-call windows, the consumer approaches the operator and orders purchasableitems42, such as hamburger and fries, wherein the operator enters the item or price of the item into thecash register72.
The[0127]controller12 also communicates with one of the touch screen displays30aor30b. Here, thedisplays30aand30bare shown as being mounted on the exterior of theautomated purchasing device70. Although two touch screen displays are illustrated, only one is necessary as described above. Thedisplay30ais adapted for when the consumer scans theitems42, i.e., at a self-scanning checkout (FIG. 1). Here, thedisplay30aprovides asuitable message74athat prompts the consumer, after the consumer has scanned all thepurchasable items42, whether the consumer wishes to purchase one of the point ofpurchase products52, namely, products A to D. Thedisplay30aalso providessimulated buttons62. In FIG. 1, thetouch screen display30 enabled the consumer at any point during the self-scanning process to select one or more of thebuttons62. The touch screen displays may be adapted to prompt the consumer to select aproduct52 to immediately dispense before during or, as here, after the scanning sequence.
The[0128]display30amay have any suitable message that prompts the consumer to purchase adispensable product52. For instance, thedisplay30amay be adapted to show the consumer the current total plus the cost for a dispensedproduct52. For example, thedisplay30amight read, “Your total comes to $12.00. A pack of gum would add forty cents including tax. Press one below to dispense.” Thedisplay30acould also disclose a new total, e.g., “Your total comes to $12.00. A pack of gum would bring the total to $12.40 including tax. Press one below to dispense.” Any of the messages or prompts disclosed herein may be visual, audio or audiovisual.
In any of the embodiments described herein, the[0129]memory16 of thecontroller12 may be adapted to store a computer program that enables the prompt to be a “smart prompt.” That is, the software is configured to: (i) select a prompt based on one ormore items42 that the consumer has selected and transported to the point of purchase; (ii) select a prompt based on a customer profile obtained from the customer's grocery store card or from data collected by the controller; or (iii) select a prompt based on an algorithm that combines (i) and (ii). Theprocessor14 of thecontroller12 operates with the computer program stored in thememory16 to display a smart prompt on thedisplay30aor30b.
When the smart prompt is based on the[0130]items42 that the consumer has selected and transported to the point of purchase, the program in an embodiment looks for patterns or signals provided by theitems42. For instance, if the consumer collects and brings one ormore items42 to the point of purchase that are sugar free, fat free, low fat, have sugar substitutes, etc., the smart prompt may include a sugar free item, such as sugar free gum. 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 has pulled a magazine from the store rack, the smart prompt may include another periodical. Obviously, those of skill in the art may adapt the software to perform many different types of analysis.
Grocery store or supermarket customer cards enable the store to compile data including the buying habits of the particular customer. The software may be adapted to use this information to display a smart prompt. For instance, if the customer card indicates that the consumer has purchased a number of sugar free or fat free items in the past, the smart prompt may include a sugar free item even if the consumer has not currently brought such an item to the point of purchase.[0131]
In another embodiment, a plurality of[0132]controllers12 from different devices can link over a local area network (“LAN”) to a server computer maintained within the grocery store or supermarket. The server computer stores buying habit information, which is compiled whenever the consumer pays by credit or debit card. A customer number may be internally assigned to the credit or debit card number, wherein information is stored under the customer number. Regardless of which standard checkout or self-scanning checkout the customer uses within the store, the server computer recognizes the credit/debit number, calls up the customer number and updates the buying habit information under the customer number. Further, regardless of which standard checkout or self-scanning checkout the customer uses, the software is able to access information stored by the server computer under the customer number to provide a smart prompt. If the user has purchased aparticular product52 at the point of sale in the past, for example, the smart message may include the previously purchasedproduct52.
In another embodiment, the customer card or server computer may be adapted to accumulate “customer points” and automatically dispense one or more point of[0133]purchase product52 when the consumer's points reach a predefined threshold. Points may be issued foritems42 that the consumer brings to the point of purchase, for purchasing point ofsale products52, or both. In a quick service restaurant (“QSR”), points may be accumulated for fast food items purchased. The points can: (i) yield one or more free products; (ii) lead to an entry into a contest; and (iii) yield coupons for store items, point of purchase products or a contest entry, etc. Thedisplay30 may be adapted to visually and/or audibly inform the consumer, e.g., “Congratulations, you've earned a free pack of gum.”
The[0134]display30bis adapted for when the store operator scans theitems42 usingscanner28 or inputs the items using thecash register72. Here, thedisplay30bprovides a suitable message74bthat prompts the store operator, after the operator has scanned or inputted all thepurchasable items42, to request whether the consumer wishes to purchase one of the point ofpurchase products52, namely, products A to D. Alternatively, the operator may prompt the consumer before or while the operator scans or enters the consumer's selected items. Thedisplay30bmay also be adapted to prompt the store operator to quote the price of adispensable product52 or a new total that includes the price of thedispensable product52. Further, thedisplay30bthat prompts the store operator may contain a smart prompt configured based on the products purchased or a user profile.
The[0135]display30balso provides thebuttons62, which the operator presses when the consumer wishes to have a point ofpurchase product52 immediately dispensed. In either the consumer controlled or operator controlled embodiments, suitable advertisements in the form of a static or dynamic displays also inform the consumer of the availability of the point of purchase products.
In FIG. 2, the point of[0136]purchase device50 has no control capability, i.e., is a dumb device, and completely relies on thecontroller12 to command thedispenser54 to dispense theproducts52. Thedispenser54 may be any suitable type of dispenser for dispensing confectionery products such as chewing gum or candy, periodicals such as magazines, books or newspapers, toiletries such as razors or small tissue packets, batteries, cigarette lighters, key chains, writing instruments or small toys.
In the illustrated embodiment, the[0137]dispenser54 includes aseparate solenoid72 for each product A to D. Thesolenoids72 in an embodiment are push-type solenoids, each having ahot wire76 and aneutral wire78. Similarly, thewires22 coming from the I/O card ormodule20 of the controller include hot wires22aand a neutral wire22b. Thehot wires76 andneutral wires78 of thesolenoids72 connect to aterminal strip80, wherein the neutral wires are “jumpered” together. The neutral wire22bfrom the I/O card ormodule20 connects to one of the jumpered neutral terminals on thestrip80. The hot wires22afrom the I/O card ormodule20 each individually connect to one of the hot wire terminals on thestrip80.
In this arrangement, when the consumer presses a[0138]button62 on thescreen30aor the operator presses abutton62 on thescreen30b, an input signal is sent to the I/O card ormodule20. Device software stored in thememory device16 acknowledges the input and closes a designated output switch, which allows thepower supply18, rated for the solenoid voltage (e.g., 120 VAC or 24 VDC) to apply power across the corresponding hot wire22aand neutral wire22b. The powered up hot wire22aand neutral wire22bin turn apply power across thehot wire76 andneutral wire78 of the correspondingsolenoid72.
Applying power to one of the[0139]solenoids72 causes an electrical to mechanical conversion to take place and a mechanical motion to occur, e.g., a lever to move from a first position to a second position. At this point any suitable mechanical linkage may be employed to dispense one or more of the point ofpurchase products52. For ease of illustration, the dispenser is illustrated as having hinged orslideable doors82 that open enough to allow one or more of the products A to D fall, due to gravity, onto the ramp or slide58, wherein theproduct52 dispenses through theopening56. Obviously, those of skill in the art can and have devised other mechanical linkages, which may make more efficient use of thesolenoids72 or avoid them altogether. Importantly, however, in each implementation the initiation of aparticular button62 has a unique consequence in that it dispenses a specified amount of one of the products A, B, C or D.
It should be appreciated that since the stand-alone point of[0140]purchase device50 of FIG. 2 has no control capability, thecontroller12 accomplishes all the cost accounting. That is, thecontroller12 maintains and recalls prices for thepurchasable items42, such as the food box or the fast food items, and the point ofpurchase products52, such as chewing gum. The consumer controlledtouch screen display30aor the store operator controlledtouch screen display30bshows a running list of scanned or inputteditems42 and dispensedproducts52.
Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment for a stand-alone point of[0141]purchase device90 is illustrated. The point ofpurchase device90 has a rudimentary level of control capability. That is, thedevice90 does not have processing capability or the ability to store a computer program, however, thedevice90 does have electrical switching capability. Thedevice90 includes apower supply18 and a plurality of relays92. Relays are well known electrical switching devices that contain a coil on an inlet side and one or more normally open or normally closed contacts on an outlet side. The output side of eachrelay92 electrically connects to thesolenoids72, and the input side of each relay electrically connects to anelectromechanical pushbutton94 according to an electrical flowchart commonly referred to as a “ladder logic diagram.”
The point of[0142]purchase device90 including therelays92 has the capability to enable a consumer or a store operator to input a decision, at thedevice90, to dispense a point ofpurchase product52. Thepower supply18 supplies power to thesolenoids72, through therelays94, and possibly to thepushbuttons94, for example, if thepushbuttons94 are lighted. Theterminal strip80 facilitates the wiring. When a consumer or store operator presses one of thepushbuttons94, a coil on a correspondingrelay92 energizes, a contact within therelay92 closes and a correspondingsolenoid72 energizes. A lever of the solenoid moves and causes one of the hinged orslideable doors82, through a suitable mechanical linkage, to open, so that a specified quantity of one of the point of purchase products A to D falls onto the ramp or slide58 and dispenses through theopening56. It should be appreciated that those of skill in the art can optimize the number ofsolenoids72 and the number ofrelays92 necessary to enable the consumer or operator to dispense each of theproducts52 from the point ofpurchase device90.
It should be appreciated that since the stand-alone point of[0143]purchase device90 has electrical switching capability, but no processing capability, a separateexternal controller12 must accomplish all the cost accounting. In an embodiment, acontroller12 maintained within a separateautomated purchasing device70 maintains and recalls prices for thepurchasable items42, such as the food box or the fast food items, and the point ofpurchase products52, namely, products A to D. The point ofpurchase device90 sends a signal through thewires22 to the I/O card ormodule20 whenever the consumer or store operator dispenses a product. If the products A to D have different associated costs, then thedevice90 has the capability to send one of a number of signals to the I/O card ormodule20, which corresponds to the particular associated cost.
The stand-alone point of[0144]sale device90 preferably mounts to or near theautomated purchasing device70 so that thedevice90 is at the point of purchase. Theautomated purchasing device70 may be a self-scanning checkout or a standard checkout as described above in connection with FIG. 2. For the sake of illustration, only the consumer controlledtouch screen display30ais illustrated, however, the store operator controlledtouch screen display30bmay alternatively couple to the controller viawires22 and/or an RS-232 or RS-485 link. Thedisplay30aor30balternatively communicates with the controller via an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. Either of thedisplays30aor30bshows a running list of scanned or inputteditems42 and dispensedproducts52.
The[0145]controller12, having theprocessor14,memory16,power supply18 and I/O card ormodule20, electrically, optically, via RS-232, RS-485, RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or by any other suitable communication link connects to a stand-alone or hand-heldscanner28 and/or to acash register72. The stand-alone or hand-thescanner28 includes thetransparent cover40 across which the either the consumer or the store operator passes apurchasable item42. A store operator preferably runs thecash register72.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a further embodiment for a stand-alone point of purchase device[0146]100 is illustrated. The point of purchase device100 has full control capability. That is, the device100 can perform electrical switching, has processing capability and the ability to store a computer program. The device100 includes thecontroller12 having theprocessor14, thememory device16, thepower supply18 and the I/O card ormodule20. Thecontroller12 enables the point of purchase device100 to have atouch screen display30, withsimulated buttons62 for the dispensable products A to D. Either the consumer or the store operator presses abutton62 on thescreen30 so that an input signal is sent to the I/O card ormodule20. Device software stored in thememory device16 acknowledges the input and commands the closure of a designated output switch on the I/O unit, which allows thepower supply18 to energize theappropriate solenoid72. The selectedproduct52 falls onto the ramp or slide58 and dispenses through theopening56.
The[0147]display30 can display dynamic advertising for one or moredispensable products52 and for one or more suppliers of theproducts52. The dynamic displays include still video, streaming video and animations as well as any other type of audio, visual or audiovisual display. Thedisplay30 can advertise a plurality ofproducts52 at once or run a single video that sequentially displays a plurality of different advertisements from one or more suppliers.
In a typical point of purchase environment, smaller suppliers may not have the means to afford advertising for their point of purchase products. For example, providing cardboard displays or physical mock-ups at multiple locations is typically expensive. The present invention provides a method by which any supplier, regardless of its size, can afford at least some advertising. Each of the suppliers can pay for a portion of the total advertising time provided by the[0148]display30. If thedisplay30 can advertise more than oneproduct52 at a time, the suppliers can also pay for a percentage of the screen and run a “full-screen ad” or a “half-screen ad” or an ad in any suitable proportion. A supplier can, for example, run a half-screen ad for fifteen percent of the total advertising time and a full screen ad for another fifteen percent of the time.
The[0149]controller12 may be adapted to connect to one or more server computers maintained by one or more suppliers of theproducts52 by a linked system commonly referred to as a wide area network or WAN. The WAN links one or more product suppliers by phone line, T-1 or T-3 connections, leased phone lines, RF signals, microwaves or the Internet. The WAN provides suppliers the ability to update or change their advertisements in real time. A supplier may wish to run a certain advertisement in the morning and another in the afternoon. A supplier may wish to change the advertisement based on inventory or to streamline its advertisements with products for which the supermarket or grocery places on sale or discounts.
The suppliers can store a number of advertisements in the[0150]memory16 of thecontroller12. Thecontroller12 includes suitable sound and graphics cards to display the advertisements. The point of purchase devices also include speakers that communicate with theprocessor14 of the controller to play programmed sounds. The supplier at a remote location selects which advertisement to display and sends a signal over the WAN, wherein thecontroller12 recalls and displays the desired advertisement. Alternatively, as is known 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. When the supplier desires to run a particular advertisement, the supplier downloads the file or files from the remote server or the Internet to thecontroller12, which displays the desired advertisement.
The WAN linkage also enables the suppliers of the[0151]products52 to perform inventory management. That is, the WAN provides the suppliers the ability to monitor the movement of theproducts52 in real time or over a period of time, e.g., hours, days or weeks. A supplier can determine which products move at particular times of the day, days of the week or times of the year. This aids the suppliers in supplyingproducts52 that will sell and also in providing targeted and focused advertising. Thecontroller12 can be configured to automatically send a signal to or place a call to the supplier or the supplier's distributor when a product supply at the point of purchase falls to a certain level. The supplier or distributor thereby automatically knows when to restock the point of purchase device.
Using the real time inventory information provided by the WAN, the Internet, etc., and the ability to change advertisements on the fly or in real time, the supplier can tailor advertisements to push particular products. The supplier can advertise a[0152]product52 at a time that it sells particularly well to maximize throughput. The supplier can alternatively attempt to create a market by advertising aproduct52 at a time that it has not sold particularly well. Similarly, if the supplier determines that there is an abundance of stock for aparticular product52, the supplier can advertise that product and/or run a special for the product. If the point of purchase device enables the consumer to accrue points for purchases, the software can be configured to dispense one of theproducts52 that is in ample supply when the consumer wins, e.g., a free pack of gum.
Obviously, the supplier is not expected to manually input advertisements at all times. Either the supplier's server computer or the[0153]memory16 of thecontroller12 stores sequences that include one or more advertisements that cycle continuously. The supplier updates its sequence periodically to add, subtract or re-proportion the advertisement of one ormore products52. The supplier's sequence integrates with sequences provided by other suppliers. Either the supplier's server or thememory16 of thecontroller12 can also store software that automatically runs a particular advertisement or sequence based on inventory level. For example, if thecontroller12 senses that products B, C and D have sold more than Product A, the software in an embodiment is programmed to advertise product A so as to even the dispensing levels.
The stand-alone point of purchase device[0154]100 has the capability to communicate directly with a credit/debit card reader24 and/or an automated purchasing device70 (not illustrated), such as a self-scanning checkout or a standard checkout. Thetouch screen display30 enables a product to be dispensed at any time before, during or after the scanning or cash registry sequence.
As used herein, the term “credit/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 without using hard currency, e.g., cash, coins or checks. The credit/debit card therefore also includes any type of card or smart card dedicated to a particular institution, such as a school card, retail outlet card, etc. Credit/debit card also includes phone cards, hotel cards, casino cards or other types of service cards that enable the consumer to purchase services and/or goods in a cashless transaction.[0155]
Alternatively, after the consumer or the operator has scanned all the purchasable items or the store operator has entered each item into the cash register, the credit/[0156]debit card reader24 prompts the consumer to purchase adispensable product52 via thecard reader display34. In an embodiment, thecard reader display34 is a vacuum florescent display (“VFD”). In a preferred embodiment, the consumer can select adispensable product52 at any time before an electronic funds transfer takes place, i.e., before a bank or credit card company authorizes the amount. In this way, the consumer makes a single payment.
The credit/[0157]debit card reader24 includes aninsert slot32 and a plurality ofnumerical input buttons36. If, after inserting a card into theslot32, thereader24 cannot read the card number, the consumer can key in the card number using thenumerical input buttons36. Thenumerical input buttons36 can also be used to specify which product (e.g.,Product #1 to Product #9) to dispense or the quantity ofproducts52 to dispense. Thecard reader24 may also be adapted to includeseparate product buttons102. TheVFD24 directs the consumer to enter a product using eithernumerical input buttons36 or thededicated product buttons102. Thecard reader24 in an embodiment communicates with thecontroller12 of the stand-alone device100 viawires22 and/or via an RS-232 or RS-485 cable104. Thecard reader24 alternatively communicates with thecontroller12 via an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. In an alternative embodiment, theVFD24 directs the consumer to select one ormore products52 using thetouch screen display30 at the stand-alone point of purchase device100.
The stand-alone point of sale device[0158]100 preferably mounts to or near the automated purchasing device (scanner or cash register) so that the device100 is at the point of purchase. The device100 may also be adapted to enable the consumer to receive cash back from the transaction using funds transferred from the consumer's credit/debit card account.
As stated above, in an embodiment the[0159]automated purchasing device70 is the self-scanningcheckout10 described in FIG. 1. Any of the previously disclosed embodiments for the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 may be adapted to couple to the self-scanningcheckout10. The point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 may be mounted on any exposed surface of the self-scanningcheckout10 including the top, front, rear or sides of the self-scanningcheckout10. The purchasing device may be adapted to dispense a product to a higher or lower elevation and/or horizontally to a new location.
Supermarkets and grocery stores may install a bank of self-scanning[0160]checkouts10 that stand side by side. In such a case, it may be desirable to install a single point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 between two self-scanningcheckouts10, to dispense products to the same. Here, the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 may be mounted on a side of one of self-scanningcheckouts10, wherein the side opposes the other checkout. Or, the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 may be mounted separately from and between two adjacent self-scanningcheckouts10.
Supermarkets and grocery stores may install parallel rows of self-scanning[0161]checkouts10 that face each other and are overseen by a single retail operator. In such a case, it may be desirable to install one or more point ofpurchase devices50,90 or100 between two rows of self-scanningcheckouts10, to dispense products to one or more checkouts of the two rows. In such a case, the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 is mounted as a stand-alone unit, separate from any of the self-scanningcheckouts10. The device however, is at the point of purchase between a plurality of rows of self-scanningcheckouts10.
Referring now to FIG. 5, any of the previously disclosed embodiments for the point of purchase device ([0162]50,90 or100,only device50 shown for convenience) may further be adapted to couple directly to ascanner28, acash register72 or simultaneously couple to thescanner28 and thecash register72. Alternatively, any of the previously disclosed point ofpurchase devices50,90 or100 may couple to or be integrally formed within adispensing device110 that dispensesnon-consumable products112.
The[0163]scanner28,cash register72 and dispensingdevice110 each include acontroller12 having aprocessor14, amemory device16, apower supply18 and an I/O card ormodule20. Thecontrollers12 of each of these devices optically couple or electrically couple viawires22 to a point of purchase device (50,90 or100), which dispensesconsumable products52.
The[0164]controller12 integral to thescanner28 may be adapted to couple, viawires22 and/or an RS-232 or RS-485 cable104, to a credit/debit card reader24 or to a bill acceptor (not illustrated). As used herein, the term “scanner” refers to a conventional scanner that reads bar coded information. “Scanner” also includes any device that reads or accepts any type of identification information provided by aretail item42. “Scanner,” as used herein, includes the speedpass or wand that accepts identifying information from fast food items or other retail items. “Scanner” also includes a device that reads or accepts any type of signal transmission emanating from the item.
The[0165]controller12 integral to thescanner28 may alternatively be adapted to communicate with thecard reader24 or the bill acceptor via an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. When a consumer or store operator scanspurchasable items42 past thetransparent cover40 of thescanner28, thecontroller12 of thescanner28 accumulates the cost of theitems42. When the consumer selects adispensable product52 via thebuttons36 or102 on the credit/debit card reader24, thecontroller12 of thescanner28 recognizes the input, sends a signal to the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 to dispense theproduct52 and accumulates the additional cost of the dispensedproduct52. When the consumer or store operator selects adispensable product52 via the input devices located on the point ofpurchase devices90 and100, thecontroller12 of thescanner28 recognizes the input and accumulates the additional cost of the dispensedproduct52.
When a store operator inputs purchasable[0166]items42 into thecash register72, thecontroller12 of thecash register72 accumulates the cost of theitems42. The cash register may be adapted to havecertain buttons106 dedicated to dispense theproducts52. When the store operator selects adispensable product52 via thebutton106 on thecash register72, thecontroller12 of thecash register72 recognizes the input, sends a signal to the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 to dispense theproduct52 and accumulates the additional cost of the dispensedproduct52. When the consumer or store operator selects adispensable product52 via the input devices located on the point ofpurchase devices90 and100, thecontroller12 of thecash register72 recognizes the input and accumulates the additional cost of the dispensedproduct52.
Dispensing[0167]devices110 that dispensenon-consumable items112 are known to those of skill in the art. Generally, thecontroller12 integral to the dispensing device11O controls a dispenser (not illustrated), which dispensesnon-consumable items112, such as movie tickets or airline tickets. Non-consumable items include any non-edible items such as tickets, toiletries and periodicals including magazines, newspapers and books. Thecontroller12 of thedispensing device110 may be adapted to couple, viawires22 and/or an RS-232 or RS-485 cable104, to a credit/debit card reader24 or to a bill acceptor (not illustrated). Atouch screen display30 electrically communicates with thecontroller12 viawires22 and/or cable104. Alternatively, an RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or any other suitable communication link may be used. Thedisplay30 has simulatedbuttons62 adapted to enable the consumer to select one or morenon-consumable items112 and one or moreconsumable products52 from the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100.
When the consumer selects a[0168]non-consumable item112 via thebuttons62 on thetouch screen display30, thecontroller12 of thedispensing device110 recognizes the input, sends a signal to the non-consumable item dispenser to dispense thenon-consumable item112 and accumulates the cost of the dispenseditem112. When the consumer selects aconsumable product52 via thebuttons62 on thetouch screen display30, thecontroller12 of thedispensing device110 recognizes the input, sends a signal to the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 viawires22 and/or cable104 to dispense theconsumable product52 and accumulates the additional cost of the dispensedproduct52. The consumer may therefore purchase, for example, a movie ticket and a confectionery item and make one payment via cash or credit.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, any of the previously disclosed embodiments for the point of[0169]purchase device50,90 or100 may further be adapted for a quick service restaurant (“QSR”). QSR's are continuously looking for technologies that alleviate their limited space and labor issues, increase operational efficiencies and mitigate product shrinkage. QSR's typically require floor space in front of the cashiers to be open, wherein customers form lines, peruse overhead menus and order food upon approaching a cashier. Thus while QSR's provide a captive market for point of purchase products, they do not provide a convenient place for a typical grocery store rack.
Drive through stands also provide a captive front-end marketplace. Outdoor drive through stands, however, do not provide a suitable location for a product rack. Shrinkage, both inside and at the drive through stand, poses a serious barrier to the introduction of front-end products. Cashiers at QSR's, who must deliver prepared food items as well as receive and exchange money, do not have enough extra time to ensure that off-the-rack items are accounted for. It should be appreciated, however, that any of the point of[0170]purchase devices50,90 or100 are operable in a QSR environment.
FIG. 6 illustrates the point of[0171]purchase device50,90 or100 implemented inside the QSR at the cashier station. Thecashier114 stands behind theQSR counter116. Thecustomer118 observes anoverhead display122 that sets forth a number offast food items42 that the QSR prepares and brings to the point of purchase. Thedisplay122 also presents a number ofproducts52 that thecustomer118 can purchase and that will immediately be dispensed at the point of purchase.
The point of[0172]purchase device50,90 or100, including the dispenser54 (not illustrated), flush mounts to the backside of the cash register and includes atouch screen display30. The cash register/point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 includes a controller having a processor and a memory that stores a program. In an embodiment, as soon as thecashier114 begins to enter the order of thecustomer118, the program and the processor cooperate to display themessage124 and activate thesimulated input buttons62. When thecashier114 enters a payment from thecustomer118, the program and the processor cooperate to discontinue themessage124 and deactivate thesimulated input buttons62. At any time in between, thecustomer118 can select one of theinput buttons62, wherein aproduct52 dispenses through anopening56 into a tray142 (which can also be the coin change tray, see FIG. 9 below) and the cost of theproduct52 automatically accumulates with the cost of thefast food items42.
The procedure above is virtually invisible to the[0173]cashier114. The QSR employees or the product suppliers can restock theproducts52 during non-business hours. In an alternative embodiment, the point ofpurchase device50,90 or100 prompts thecashier114 to ask thecustomer118 to purchase one ormore products52. Asecond dispenser126 mounts inside thecounter116 and dispenses periodicals or other consumable ornon-consumable products52. Thesecond dispenser126 can operate according to the computer program discussed above, wherein thecustomer118 purchases a magazine or newspaper by pressing abutton62 while ordering theitems42. Alternatively, thecustomer118 requests a periodical from thecashier114, wherein thecashier114 presses a button on the cash register, a door on thedispenser126 opens, thecustomer118 removes the selectedproduct52 and the cost of the product automatically adds to the cost of thefast food items42. Each of these embodiments consumes no floor space and requires little effort by thecashier114.
FIG. 7 illustrates the point of[0174]purchase device50,90 or100 implemented outside the QSR at the drive-up window. QSR's typically employ a display, such as theoverhead display122 of FIG. 6, at a drive-through ordering station (not illustrated). This display can present the point ofpurchase products52, as does thedisplay122 of FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive-upcustomer118 encounters atouch screen display30 having simulatedinput buttons62 when thecustomer118 pulls up to the exchange window. As thecustomer118 waits for the fast food, themessage128 prompts thecustomer118 to purchase, e.g., a pack of gum. Additionally or alternatively, the cashier (not illustrated) can prompt thecustomer118 to purchase aproduct52. If the customer selects abutton62, aproduct52 dispenses through theopening56 into the tray142 (in an embodiment with coin change as discussed with FIG. 9) and the cost of theproduct52 automatically accumulates with the cost of thefast food items42. Suitable precautions may be employed to counteract product shrinkage, such as automatically deactivating thebuttons52 before accepting money from the customer. Alternatively, the dispensingbuttons62 can be located inside at the cashier station, wherein thecustomer118 requests that the cashier dispense aproduct52 for the customer.
Referring now to FIG. 8, yet another embodiment for a stand-alone point of[0175]purchase device120, which has an integrated method of payment, is illustrated. Thedevice120 mounts to or near the automated purchasing device70 (scanner or cash register) so that thedevice120 is at the point of purchase. Thedevice120 may include one or more mounting brackets or members that allow thedevice120 to readily mount to thedevice70.
The point of[0176]purchase device120 includes acontroller12 having aprocessor14,memory device16,power supply18 and I/O card ormodule20. The consumer selects one or more of the products A to D by pressing thesimulated input buttons62 on atouch screen display30, wherein theinputs62 couple to the I/O card ormodule20. Thedevice120 dispenses theproduct52 onto the ramp or slide58 and through theopening56. Thecontroller12 communicates with thetouch screen display30 and either a credit/debit card insert slot32 a cash/coin acceptor (not shown). Before, during or after the other purchasable items are scanned or entered into a cash register, the consumer may select one or more of the buttons and purchase one or more of theproducts52. The player pays for the one or more dispensedproducts52 using a credit card, debit card or cash. The purchase is made at the point of purchase for the other purchasable items.
Referring now to FIG. 9, still another embodiment of a stand-alone point of[0177]purchase device130 is illustrated, whereindevice130 dispenses theproduct52 and also dispenses change in the form of coins. Thedevice130 electrically couples to any of the automated purchasing devices disclosed above. Thedevice130 includes a plurality ofslot openings132 for holding thedispensable products52. Acontroller12 having a processor, memory, power supply and I/O capability controls one or more solenoids, such as a push-type solenoid72. When asolenoid72 energizes, aproduct52 dispenses through aslot134. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality ofslots134, here, aseparate slot134 for each for eachdifferent product52.
The[0178]device130 includes aconveyor belt136 tensioned between a drive roller138 and afollower roller140. The memory stores a program that operates with the processor so that upon an input to dispense one of theproducts52 by a consumer or a store operator, the program and processor cause aproduct52 to dispense through its associatedslot134. At the same time, the program and processor of thecontroller12 cause a drive motor (not illustrated) to rotate and thebelt136 to move. Theproduct52 drops onto the conveyingbelt136, which conveys the product to atray142.
The belt and rollers are just one way known by those of skill in the art to convey the dispensed[0179]product52. For instance, the motor can couple to a lead screw, wherein a product-carrying slide translates when the motor rotates. For quicker movements, a pneumatic system can be employed. Further alternatively, a ramp or slide can be disposed at a vertical angle, wherein gravity pulls theproduct52 into thetray142. In any embodiment, thetray142 is located at the point of purchase for one or more other purchasable items.
The point of[0180]purchase device130 also includes a plurality ofcoin holders144 for dispensing change. The program and the processor control a plurality ofsolenoids72 to allow a proper amount of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters to dispense from one or more of the coin holders. Thedevice130 is therefore adapted to dispense one ormore products52 and coin change to the consumer for a transaction including a transaction having scanned items or items inputted into a cash register. As such, the device may be adapted to include an agitator (not illustrated) in communication with thecontroller12 that vibrates thedevice130 to aid in properly dispensing the coins and theproducts52.
In any of the embodiments provided herein, one or more point of purchase product sellers is able to distribute their point of[0181]purchase products52. That is, the sellers stock, display and sell the point of purchase products through the self-scanning checkout, through one of the stand-alone point of purchase devices or through a combination consumable product and non-consumable product dispensing device.
The manufacturers of these devices benefit when a retail outlet purchases one or more of the devices. The point of purchase product sellers (manufacturer and/or distributor) benefit from the sale of these devices because they can display and distribute their products through these devices and increase brand recognition. The retail outlets benefit from the sale of these devices through increased throughput, by providing convenience and speed, by reducing labor costs and by making point of purchase sales. The devices, however, cost money.[0182]
The present invention includes a method of making these devices more economical for the retail outlets, i.e., funding the devices. In one embodiment, the point of purchase product seller pays a lump-sum or alternatively a plurality of continuous royalty payments to the retail outlets in exchange for the right to stock the seller's product. In this manner, the retail outlet recoups some of its out-of-pocket cost for the devices. In another embodiment, the point of purchase product seller pays continuous royalty payments or more likely a lump-sum payment to the device manufacturer. In this manner, the manufacturer can sell the device at a lower price (or the product seller pays part of the normal price) so that the retail outlet pays less up front. Here, the retail outlet makes a lower up-front payment, but the product seller likely owns rather than leases at least part of the stocking space.[0183]
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.[0184]