Apparatus improving item transactions with real-time controls and navigation

• US 20120080517A1
• Filed: 09/06/2011
• Published: 04/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zachary L. Braunstein
• Original Assignee: Zachary L. Braunstein
• Inventors: Braunstein, Zachary L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,695,872 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/379
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

Invention describes real-time control system increasing shopping efficiency, maintaining item quality, inventory, and directing customer transactions, requiring handling and processing of items only once. Invention controls access to items inside modules via card with unique embedded identification features. Invention stores customer transactions and entered shopping lists. Invention per customer selected shopping list and items availability, will in real-time navigate customer to complete required transactions within customer selected criteria. Invention controls card identification features and modules containing items. Invention based on card identification and item identification such as barcode information will store customer executed transactions, and will require customer to pay for completed transactions before leaving the store. Invention in real-time maintains inventory of items, controls environment surrounding items, and reports items exceeding shelf life limit preventing their transaction. Invention analyzes transactions executed by the card, correlates transactions to customer at payment module, stores behavior patterns for future optimizations of transactions.

Claims

1. An Apparatus comprising:

at least one module, at least one card, at least one controller, at least one card recognition device, at least one non-volatile memory device for storing and retrieving data, at least one item with a barcode label, at least one barcode sensor, at least one environmental sensor, at least one actuator

wherein the module is configured to contain items, and devices, including;

user interface;

actuators;

sensors, including scales;

wherein the module is configured to include at least one door, restricting access to items inside;

wherein the module is configured to include a controller connected to devices inside the module, and connected to other controllers, including remote;

wherein the module is configured to maintain items within specifications, including environment;

wherein the module is configured to include a card recognition device, which is connected to local or remote controller;

wherein the module is configured to include a barcode reading device, which is connected to local or remote controller;

wherein the module is configured to include user interface, which is connected to local or remote controller, and is used by controller to monitor, record and complete item transactions;

wherein the module is configured to allow controller to operate the access door;

wherein the module is configured to allow authorized simultaneous access to different sections of the module, including;

item transactions related to user purchases, item transactions related to provider maintaining inventory and quality of items;

wherein the module is configured to have at least one environmental sensor connected to controller;

wherein the module is configured to have a barcode label with information, including;

code, location, capacity;

wherein the card is configured to have at least one of the identification features, which include;

mechanical identification, electronic identification, barcode identification;

wherein the card mechanical identification features are configured to include at least one of the following;

openings, characterized by their size, shape, location;

physical properties of the materials the card or section of the card is manufactured from;

card dimensions, shape, color of the entire card or color-coded sections of the card;

slots or grooves, which could be used for alignment;

symbols or markings, which could be recognized by optical reading devices and used for alignment;

openings which could be used for mechanically latching or locking the card in-place by inserting a holding pin through the opening;

wherein the card electronic identification features are configured to include at least one of the following;

active electronic circuits, including RFID;

passive electronic circuits, including network of resistors connected in-parallel;

embedded controller;

user interface, including;

control keys, display, diagnostics;

wherein the card barcode identification features include industry standard barcode label or labels, which could be configured to include;

card code;

card location;

wherein the card identification features could be attached to one or both surfaces of the card, or embedded inside the card;

wherein the card with selected identification features could be made out of environmentally friendly materials, and is recyclable for multiple use, as needed;

wherein the card with selected identification features could be used as a shopping card, allowing access to items or products inside modules, and then used by controller to record item transactions, including information related to payments required to purchase selected items;

wherein the card with selected identification features could be used by an user;

wherein the card could be configured to allow the user via controller to link selected identification features of the card with the user account information, including payment information, and then used as a payment card, allowing user to access items modules, and then used by controller to record item transactions, including executing payments for selected items during transaction;

wherein the card configured with embedded controller will enable an user to interface with store controller, and select or create a shopping list, and then display navigation instructions to direct the user within a store to complete the shopping list within set criteria, such as fastest time;

wherein card recognition device is configured to interface with controller;

wherein card recognition device is configured to allow the identification card to be inserted into the reading slot of the card recognition device;

wherein card recognition device is configured to have sensors, which are used by controller for verification of alignment of the card inserted into the reading slot of the card recognition device;

wherein card recognition device is configured to have channel or channels, which are mechanically mated with respective grooves of the card, and are used for proper direction and orientation of the card during insertion of the card into the reading slot of the card recognition device;

wherein card recognition device is configured to have an actuator, such as solenoid, which is when activated by controller, will extend its plunger through a designated opening of the card inserted into the slot, and mechanically prevent the card from being removed; and

further configured to release the card when the actuator is deactivated by controller;

wherein card recognition device is configured to have sensors, which are used by controller for verification of identification features of the card inserted into the reading slot of the card recognition device;

wherein card recognition device is configured to be installed into a module or next to the module;

wherein at least one controller is configured to be connected and have access to at least one non-volatile memory for storing and retrieving data;

wherein controller is interfaced with other devices of the apparatus via wired and/or wireless LAN, including telemetry and internet technologies;

wherein controller interfaced with other devices of the apparatus, and based on real-time item transactions and data entries, will monitor in real-time inventory of items, including;

inventory within a module, section of a store;

wherein controller interfaced with other devices of the apparatus, will coordinate store activities in providing supplies of items within a store, including;

availability of items inside modules to meet requirements of active or current shopping lists selected by users inside the store;

wherein controller interfaced with other devices of the apparatus, will generate reports in real-time, including;

list of required items to be delivered to a module, or section of a store;

items requiring removal from a module due to item specifications, such as expiration date;

wherein controller connected to devices of the apparatus will in-real time activate or de-activate the identification card inserted into a module;

wherein controller will in real-time activate or de-activate access to a module based on card information obtained from the recognition device of the module the card is inserted in;

wherein controller will in real-time using mechanical locking feature of the card will lock the card inserted into a card reading module and keep the card mechanically locked while executing controls such as;

card identification, item transactions;

wherein controller will monitor, analyze and record activities related to a card, and based on provided criteria, the controller will in real-time activate or de-activate specific identification features of the card, regulating its access to modules, or section within a designated location, such as store;

wherein controller based on information provided by an user information, will link card identification features to the user selected the card, or refuse to issue or activate the card;

wherein controller based on an user information linked to selected identification features of the card will analyze transaction records stored in the data base and generate shopping list containing the most frequently used items, and store the information in the non-volatile memory data base;

wherein controller based on an user information linked to selected identification features of the card will allow the user to record and store shopping lists in the non-volatile memory data base;

wherein controller based on an user information linked to selected identification features of the card will allow user to select specific shopping list stored in the non-volatile data base and set the list as current;

wherein controller based on an user information linked to selected identification features of the card, and based on availability of items on the current shopping list at a location such as a store, will in real-time without operator assistance control and display information on the card in possession by the user, and direct the user within the store to complete transactions of the current shopping list within set criteria, including fastest time;

wherein the item with a barcode label, with barcode label attached to the item, and label configured to be readable by barcode reading devices of the apparatus;

wherein the item with a barcode label, with barcode label configured to include information, such as;

item code;

item price;

item environment specifications;

item expiration date;

wherein the item with a barcode label could be placed into a module, or removed from a module, and its physical transition or transaction will be monitored by controller when its barcode label is scanned or read by barcode reading device of the apparatus;

wherein the item with a barcode label could be traced by controller within apparatus by monitoring item transactions at various locations, including modules, where transactions took place;

wherein controller will monitor status of barcode reading devices, and based on information obtained from barcode reading devices the controller could monitor the item transitions or transactions, including the transactions related to a module;

wherein controller will monitor status of barcode reading devices, and based on information obtained from barcode reading devices the controller will calculate the inventory of items within the apparatus, including inventory of items within modules;

wherein controller based on inventory of items could directly or indirectly execute controls to provide additional item or items with specific barcode label to a module or modules;

wherein controller will record information related to transition or transaction of items into the non-volatile data base, and the controller will obtain recorded information from the data base;

wherein controller will monitor the environmental sensor within a module and, depending on information obtained from the sensor, controller will in real-time directly or indirectly activate controls to maintain environment within the module to within required range and specifications;

wherein controller will allow access to a module for as long as the identification card is inserted into the card recognition device of the module, and is accepted or authorized by controller;

wherein controller, based on item identification such as barcode, will in-real time record transition and transaction of item or items related to a module specific to the identification card used to gain access to the module, and store the information in the data base;

wherein controller, based on item identification such as barcode, will record transition or transaction of item or items related to a module or modules where the identification card was used to gain access to the module, and store the information in the data base;

wherein controller, based on item identification such as barcode, will obtain from the data base costs information about the item or items, and calculate costs for each transition or transaction of the item or items, and store the information in the data base;

wherein controller, based on card identification features, will obtain from the data base all transactions records related to a card inserted into a slot of the card recognition device, such as modules, and present the user of the card with an opportunity to purchase items listed on the transaction report;

wherein controller could be configured to adjust in real time the price of the item, based on apparatus status, including;

inventory of items;

specification of items;

date;

user provided coupons;

wherein the apparatus, consisting of;

modules, controllers, sensors, non-volatile memory, identification card, card recognition devices—

is configured as a real-time closed loop control system, and the control system directly, without operator assistance, based on information obtained from the card and based on set criteria, will authorize access to items inside the module or access to a location where items are present, and will monitor, analyze and record transactions of items executed under unique identification features of the card being used;

wherein the apparatus is configured without operator assistance, to monitor, analyze and record transactions executed under unique identification features of a card being used, and provide the records to modules to complete the transactions, including generating an invoice of items being purchased and receipt of a payment;

wherein the apparatus is configured as a real-time closed loop control system to monitor, analyze and record information about devices within apparatus, including;

number, layout and location of devices, and provide real-time navigation instructions to users and providers to minimize time required to complete item transactions included in the activated shopping lists.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein module is configured to accept an identification card, and allow an user to configure the inserted identification card, and configuration includes:

shopping list of items, mode of navigation manual by user or automatic by remote controller, user interface controls.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein module containing items is configured as an automatic vending module, further configured to accept and verify identification features of a card inserted, and dispense items to authorized users, and based on sensors installed in the module record item transactions based on barcode information of items dispensed.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein module containing item is configured as an automated item storage module, further configured to accept and verify identification features of a card inserted, and allow access to items inside to authorized users, and using sensors installed in the module, record item transactions based on barcode information of items removed or inserted, and based on change of weight detected.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein module is configured to mechanically engage with the card inserted preventing the card from being removed while transactions are in-progress, and then releasing the card after transactions are completed and the access door to items inside the module is closed.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein controller based on set objectives by an user, such as:

shopping list;

time to complete the shopping list; and

based on store status, including;

inventory of items included on the shopping list;

availability of modules containing the items included on the shopping list;

time remaining to complete the shopping list—

will in real-time without operator assistance execute controls, including;

auto-navigation of the user activities within the store in procuring the items on the shopping list, maintaining required inventory and quality of items inside the store, with a goal to achieve set objectives.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein controller connected to sensors, actuators, other controllers will monitor item related parameters, including:

inventory, environmental specifications, and in real-time with or without operator assistance will execute controls to sustain required inventory of items within item specification requirements, and inform operator of rejected items, which need to be removed from the inventory.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein controller based on an user on-line order, such as order on internet, consisting of:

store location;

user shopping list including items typically available in a store; and

also special items requiring pre-ordering, will execute controls to estimate time required to make available ordered items at specified store location, and provide the user with initial estimate of time when the items will be available, and then confirm to the user their availability via contact by phone or internet, and reserve these items within designated modules within specified time window.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein card is configured with embedded controller, which will interface with a remote controller over wireless LAN.

10. The card of claim 9, wherein embedded controller within a card will provide user interface, including:

control buttons, display, diagnostics, audio, and communicate via wireless LAN the user activated controls to remote controller.

11. The card of claim 9, wherein embedded controller within a card will via wireless LAN obtain in real-time controls and information from a remote controller, including:

store status;

shopping list information;

information of items included in the shopping list;

location and status of modules where items from the shopping list could be purchased;

navigation instructions, such as;

direction control;

estimated time to complete selected shopping list, and present information to a card user via available visual and audio interfaces embedded into the card.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein module is configured to contain sections, including:

sections allocated to one item or different items;

sections allocated for reject item;

sections allocated for special items;

sections with designated access gate;

with controller regulating access to each section, and monitoring status and inventory of items within each section.

13. The module of claim 12, wherein the module or a section of the module could be configured as a portable module or a portable section, and each are configured to have a barcode identification label further configured to include information about the module or section of the module, which could be used by controller to monitor the location of the module or section of the module.

14. The module of claim 12, wherein portable module could be removed from its location within a store, and transported to another location within or outside the store, such as remote location, for being loaded with items, and then return back for installation in the original store or another store.

15. The module of claim 12, wherein portable section of a module could be removed from the module, and transported to another location within a store or a remote location, for being loaded with items, and then returned back for installation into original module or another mating module within or outside the store.

16. The module of claim 12, wherein each section of the module could be configured to contain sensors, including:

barcode reader;

weight scale;

environment;

security, which are monitored by controller.

17. The module of claim 12, wherein each section of the module is maintained by controller within section specifications, including:

environment;

security and expiration date, and controller configured to prevent utilization of sections which are out of specifications.

18. The module of claim 12, wherein each section of the module is monitored by controller to report inventory of items in each section, and report transaction of items related to each section.

19. The module of claim 12, wherein each section of the module is monitored by controller to report when an item in process of a transaction is out of specifications, including preventing completion of the transaction of items being out of specifications.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein controller inside a module, or a remote controller is configured to provide an user with options to link completed transactions to the user payment account, and allow the user to make required payment for executed transactions, including the module where transactions took place, and then receive a payment confirmation such as printed receipt, and leave the store with purchased items upon return of the shopping card, de-activated by controller, and which was used by the user to complete transactions.

21. The Apparatus of claim 1, wherein controller will in real-time monitor inventory of:

devices within apparatus, including portable modules and sections;

items within devices, including items within modules and sections of modules; and

based on status of the inventory and the demand for items, will provide reports of actions required to sustain required inventories in support of real-time demand of items.