Methods and Apparatus for Automated Order Delivery in Customer Service Applications
First Claim
1. A system for partial order delivery, comprising:
- a reader for receiving an identifier associated with a customer order;
an automated dispenser; and
a control mechanism for using the identifier to retrieve customer order information and to direct the automated dispenser to allow dispensing of products of the size and number purchased by the customer as reflected in the order.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and techniques for automated partial order delivery. After a customer has entered a self service order and presented payment, the customer is able to present a receipt at an automated dispensing station. An automated dispensing mechanism retrieves order information associated with the receipt and allows dispensing of products, such as drink cups at a fast food restaurant, whose purchase is reflected in the order. Upon release of all the authorized products, authorization for dispensing of products is revoked. If a predetermined time passes after the last release, authorization is temporarily revoked, renewable upon subsequent presentation of the receipt, if products that have not yet been dispensed are reflected in the order.
38 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for partial order delivery, comprising:
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a reader for receiving an identifier associated with a customer order; an automated dispenser; and a control mechanism for using the identifier to retrieve customer order information and to direct the automated dispenser to allow dispensing of products of the size and number purchased by the customer as reflected in the order. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of partial order delivery, comprising the steps of:
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receiving an identifier; retrieving customer order information associated with the identifier; controlling an automated dispenser so as to release products of the size and number purchased by the customer as reflected in the order. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of product delivery, comprising the steps of:
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reading encoded information on a medium submitted by a customer and interpreting the encoded information so as to determine whether dispensing of beverage cups is authorized and to determine the size and number of cups authorized to be dispensed; and controlling an automated dispenser so as to release the size and number of cups authorized. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification