Vending kiosk
First Claim
1. A self-service vending kiosk in a kiosk environment, the kiosk comprising:
- (a) a plurality of self-service, open cubicles secured in a frame;
(b) an electronics compartment in the frame including a computer assembly having an Internet connection;
(c) a touch screen monitor operationally connected to the computer assembly;
(d) a barcode scanner operationally connected to the computer assembly;
(e) a transaction facilitator operationally connected to the computer assembly for facilitating payment;
(f) a camera operationally connected to the computer assembly and mounted to observe the kiosk environment;
(g) audio devices operationally connected to the computer assembly;
(h) the computer assembly running a program to control the kiosk, the program including (1) a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication function utilizing the monitor, the audio devices, and the camera, and (2) security functions utilizing the camera; and
(i) an openable, full closure security curtain that covers the open cubicles to secure the kiosk;
(j) whereby a customer retrieves an item from one of the open cubicles, informs the kiosk which item has been retrieved, and pays for the item using the transaction facilitator.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An open merchandise, multi-cubicle display, vending kiosk, custom-fabricated from a plurality of visually open materials and sized to suit the products being sold. The kiosk provides a self-service customer purchase via a barcode scan or touch selector, payment facilitator, and integrated computer assembly with programming to control the kiosk. Also incorporated are audio components which attract customers to the kiosk and a webcam video device which observes the kiosk environment, serves the kiosk'"'"'s security and can provide customer inquiries to a remote manager via a VoIP communication feature. When necessary, wireless Internet components connect the kiosk functions to process financial transaction services, or to a remote manager for the kiosk'"'"'s inventory, records management, and programming functions. In addition to its vending attributes, the kiosk has a full closure curtain with a tubular motor which secures the kiosk after business hours.
14 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A self-service vending kiosk in a kiosk environment, the kiosk comprising:
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(a) a plurality of self-service, open cubicles secured in a frame; (b) an electronics compartment in the frame including a computer assembly having an Internet connection; (c) a touch screen monitor operationally connected to the computer assembly; (d) a barcode scanner operationally connected to the computer assembly; (e) a transaction facilitator operationally connected to the computer assembly for facilitating payment; (f) a camera operationally connected to the computer assembly and mounted to observe the kiosk environment; (g) audio devices operationally connected to the computer assembly; (h) the computer assembly running a program to control the kiosk, the program including (1) a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication function utilizing the monitor, the audio devices, and the camera, and (2) security functions utilizing the camera; and (i) an openable, full closure security curtain that covers the open cubicles to secure the kiosk; (j) whereby a customer retrieves an item from one of the open cubicles, informs the kiosk which item has been retrieved, and pays for the item using the transaction facilitator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification