US20060190128A1 - Vending machine with transponder interrogator - Google Patents
Vending machine with transponder interrogator Download PDFInfo
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- US20060190128A1 US20060190128A1 US11/334,984 US33498406A US2006190128A1 US 20060190128 A1 US20060190128 A1 US 20060190128A1 US 33498406 A US33498406 A US 33498406A US 2006190128 A1 US2006190128 A1 US 2006190128A1
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- transponder
- interrogator
- customer
- vending machine
- external database
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
- G06Q20/342—Cards defining paid or billed services or quantities
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/32—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using wireless devices
- G06Q20/327—Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
- G06Q20/341—Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
- G07F13/025—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume wherein the volume is determined during delivery
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
- G07F7/025—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices by means, e.g. cards, providing billing information at the time of purchase, e.g. identification of seller or purchaser, quantity of goods delivered or to be delivered
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/0866—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means by active credit-cards adapted therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/0873—Details of the card reader
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/0873—Details of the card reader
- G07F7/0893—Details of the card reader the card reader reading the card in a contactless manner
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
Abstract
A vending machine includes a transponder interrogator. A customer carries a transponder embedded within an ornamental or useful item, such as a key chain ornament. When the customer desires to make a purchase from the vending machine, the customer presents the transponder to the transponder interrogator. The transponder is identified and a credit amount associated with that transponder is debited the purchase price. The system enables the vending machine operator to track the purchasing habits of the transponder user, and to provide instant incentives to purchasers using the transponder, based upon the customer's profile or purchasing habits.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a consumer rewards system and consumer purchasing-history tracking system including a customer carried transponder unit. Also, the present invention relates to a vending machine for dispensing goods or services, which interacts with the transponder unit.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- Transponder—interrogator systems are known in the existing arts. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,762 to Klensch, a transponder interrogator generates electromagnetic energy of a predetermined frequency. This energy is received by a proximate transponder tag and used to pulse modulate a harmonically derived signal in accordance with a predetermined digital identification code. The pulse modulated signal is received by the transponder interrogator and used to uniquely identify the transponder tag.
- Further, it is known to employ a transponder—interrogator system in a sales transaction. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,380 to Randelman et al., a transponder interrogator is located at a service station. The transponder interrogator includes an antenna embedded near a gas pump which transmits a constant electromagnetic field. A transponder card is provided in a vehicle. When the vehicle approaches the pump, the transponder is energized by the electromagnetic field and responds with an identification code, such as the VIN (vehicle identification number). The transponder interrogator receives the identification code and reports the same to a controller, which logs the customer's transaction and bills the customer's account for the gas purchased.
- To date, a transponder—interrogator system has not been employed in conjunction with a consumer rewards system or a consumer purchasing-history tracking system. Moreover, a transponder—interrogator system has not been integrated into a vending machine having certain data handling procedures, so as to reward purchasers with incentives, debit a stored credit value within the transponder, and/or track purchasing habits of individual customers.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage vending machine having a transponder interrogator for interacting with a customer carried transponder.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine which identifies a transponder and rewards a customer with free services or goods in response to a predetermined condition.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine which determines a credit amount stored within a transponder and debits a purchase price of a dispensed service or good from the credit amount.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a consumer purchasing-history monitoring system which identifies a transponder and communicates with a database to track purchasing habits of a customer associated with the transponder and to reward the customer upon a predetermined condition.
- These and other objects of the present invention are fulfilled by providing a beverage vending machine comprising: a housing; a dispenser disposed within said housing for dispensing a beverage; a transponder interrogator disposed within said housing for reading a transponder unit; and a controller connected to said transponder interrogator for receiving data from said transponder interrogator, said controller also being connected to said dispenser and being able to cause said dispenser to dispense a beverage in response to the received data.
- Also, these and other objects of the present invention are fulfilled by providing a beverage vending machine in combination with a transponder, said combination comprising: a housing; a dispenser disposed within said housing for dispensing a beverage; a transponder, which is physically disconnected from said housing, for transmitting data; a transponder interrogator disposed within said housing for reading said data of said transponder unit; and a controller connected to said transponder interrogator for receiving data from said transponder interrogator, said controller also being connected to said dispenser and being able to cause said dispenser to dispense a beverage in response to the received data.
- Moreover, these and other objects are fulfilled by a method of operating a vending machine, said method comprising the steps of: providing a vending machine with a dispenser and a transponder interrogator disposed within a housing; providing a database; providing a transponder, which is physically disconnected from the housing, and which includes a memory for storing identifying data; transmitting an activation signal from the transponder interrogator to the transponder; transmitting the identifying data from the transponder to the transponder interrogator; using the identifying data to access transponder data in the database; and determining whether the accessed transponder data meets a predetermined condition, and communicating a dispense signal from the transponder interrogator to the dispenser if the predetermined condition is met.
- Furthermore, these and other objects are fulfilled by a method of operating a vending machine, said method comprising the steps of: providing a vending machine with a dispenser and a transponder interrogator disposed within a housing; providing a transponder, which is physically disconnected from the housing, and which includes a memory for storing credit amount data; transmitting an activation signal from the transponder interrogator to the transponder; transmitting the credit amount data from the transponder to the transponder interrogator; and communicating a dispense signal from the transponder interrogator to the dispenser if the credit amount data, received by the transponder interrogator, exceeds a purchase price.
- Furthermore, these and other objects are fulfilled by a consumer data tracking and reward system comprising: a plurality of point of potential sale or interest terminals; a transponder for interacting with said terminals; a communication medium connecting each of the terminals to an external database; and a processor, associated with said external database, monitoring data sent by said terminals representing the interaction of said transponder with said terminals, and permitting a reward to be issued upon a predetermined condition.
- Furthermore, these and other objects are fulfilled by a method of tracking consumer data comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of point of potential sale or interest terminals, a transponder for interacting with any of said terminals, and an external database; interacting the transponder with a one or more of the terminals; sending identifying information concerning an interacted transponder to the external database; tracking consumer data in the external database relating a person associated with the transponder; and rewarding the person, if the consumer data satisfies a predetermined condition.
- Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a customer presenting a transponder to a beverage vending machine, in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of circuitry used in the transponder; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of circuitry used in a transponder interrogator; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating signaling between the transponder and transponder interrogator ofFIGS. 2 and 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of the transponder, embedded in a promotional key chain, being waved in front of the transponder interrogator; and -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a consumer purchasing-history monitoring system and consumer rewards system in accordance with the present invention. - Referring in detail to the drawings and with particular reference to
FIG. 1 , abeverage vending machine 10, in accordance with the present invention, includes a coin andbill accepting unit 11 located on afront panel 12 thereof. The vending machine also includes conventionalbeverage selector buttons 13 and adispensing chute 14 for retrieving a purchased beverage container. Located within or behind thefront panel 12 is atransponder interrogator 15. As will be more fully described hereinafter, thetransponder interrogator 15 interacts with atransponder 16, carried by a customer C of thevending machine 10. - The
vending machine 10 has conventional payment components, such as the coin and bill-acceptingunit 11, and/or a smart card reader, so that thevending machine 10 may be operated by conventional payment methods. It should be appreciated that a modified vending machine having no coin or bill-acceptingunit 11 or smart card reader could be provided. Such a modified vending machine would be dedicated to transactions initiated by thetransponder 16 and would not operate with coins, bills, or smart cards. Also, the present invention could be employed in conjunction with a vending machine for dispensing beverages into cups, or in conjunction with vending machines for dispensing other goods or services, such as candies, cigarettes, fare cards, stamps, sandwiches, gaming credits, video/pinball play credits, etc. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thetransponder 16 includes a receiver/transmitter unit 17, atransponder controller unit 18, amemory unit 19, and apower supply unit 20. Thememory unit 19 includes a program of operation for thetransponder controller unit 18. Theunits transponder 16 are operational units. In constructing the actual circuitry of thetransponder 16, one or more operational units may be performed by the same circuitry component. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thetransponder interrogator 15 includes an activator/transmitter/receiver unit 21, aninterrogator controller unit 22, amemory unit 23, and aninterface unit 24. Thememory unit 23 includes a program of operation for theinterrogator controller unit 22. Theinterrogator controller unit 22 of thetransponder interrogator 15 communicates with adispenser 25 provided within thevending machine 10. Also, theinterface unit 24 communicates with anexternal database 26 remote from thevending machine 10. Again, theunits transponder interrogator 15 are operational units, the operations of which may be performed by common circuitry. - Now, with reference to
FIG. 4 , the operation of the interrogator—transponder system will be described. The activator/transmitter/receiver unit 21 includes a coil for producing anelectromagnetic field 27 having a predetermined frequency. Theelectromagnetic field 27 emanates some predetermined distance away from thefront panel 12 of thevending machine 10 depending upon the power supplied to the activator/transmitter/receiver unit 21. For example, theelectromagnetic field 27 might emanate six inches to five feet from thefront panel 12. This electromagnetic field is normally provided by the activator/transmitter/receiver unit 21 in anticipation of a customer wishing to use thetransponder 16 to make a purchase. - The receiver/
transmitter unit 17 of thetransponder 16 includes a coil for receiving theelectromagnetic field 27, when the transponder is placed in the vicinity of thefront panel 12 of thevending machine 10 by the customer C. The receivedelectromagnetic field 27 is supplied to thepower supply unit 20, which may be in the form of a capacitor. Thepower supply unit 20 powers thetransponder controller unit 18 and thememory unit 19. - When the
transponder controller unit 18 is initially powered, it executes a programming step whereby it automatically retrieves a code from thememory unit 19. The communications. Preferably, an encryption scheme would be applied to the communications to protect privacy and to reduce the likelihood of fraud. - It is also envisioned that all or part of the communication would occur over the internet. The communication of the identifying code could be sent, via an e-mail, to the central,
external database 26. Thevending machine 10 could also include audio/video capture and display devices. If such devices are included, the email sent to the central,external database 26 could include an image or sound bite of the customer. Also, the signal returned from the central,external database 26 could include images and/or sounds for presentation to the customer. - The
external database 26 has the ability to track the purchase times, prices, and locations for each transaction relative to eachindividual transponder 16. If thetransponder 16 is registered to an individual customer C, then the transactions of theindividual transponder 16 can be used to approximate the purchasing habits for that individual customer C. - Referring back to
FIG. 4 , theinterrogator controller unit 22 must now decide whether the customer'stransponder 16 is authorized to cause a vending operation. If so, theinterrogator controller unit 22 will issued a vend signal to thedispenser 25 causing thedispenser 25 to vend a beverage. If not, theinterrogator controller unit 22 will not issue a vend signal to the dispenser, but rather will issue a command to a display 29 (SeeFIG. 5 ) located on thefront panel 12 of thevending machine 10, informing the customer C that thetransponder 16 is not enabled to cause a vending operation. - Now, the manner by which the
interrogator controller unit 22 decides whether a vending operation will be allowed will be described. In a first embodiment, thememory unit 19 of thetransponder 16 stores a credit amount. The credit amount relates to the purchasing power of the transponder. For example, thetransponder 16 could have ten dollars worth of credit. The credit amount could be initialed stored in thetransponder 16 at the time the customer C takes possession of thetransponder 16, or the credit amount could be subsequently added to thetransponder 16 at a special credit purchasing machine or at the vending machine. - In the first embodiment, the
electromagnetic signal 28, initially sent by the receiver/transmitter unit 17 includes not only the identifying code, but also this credit amount. Theinterrogator controller unit 22 evaluates the credit amount. If the credit amount is greater than the purchase price of the beverage selected by the customer C, the purchase is allowed. If not, the purchase is denied. Referring toFIG. 5 , thedisplay 29 is a particularly advantageous way of informing the customer C of the remaining credit amount stored within thetransponder 16. - Once the
interrogator controller unit 22 establishes that the credit amount exceeds the purchase price, theinterrogator controller unit 22 transmits anelectromagnetic signal 30. Theelectromagnetic signal 30 informs thetransponder 16 of its new credit amount, which equals the old credit amount minus the purchase price. The new credit amount is received by the receiver/transmitter unit 17, processed by thetransponder controller unit 18, and stored in thememory unit 19. Thus, thetransponder 16 is a read/write type of transponder. - Once stored, the
transponder controller unit 18 causes the receiver/transmitter unit 17 to transmit the unique identification code and the new credit amount. When theinterrogator controller unit 22 verifies that the new credit amount is stored within thememory unit 19 of thetransponder 16, theinterrogator controller unit 22 causes a dispense signal to be sent to thedispenser 25. - Now, a second embodiment by which the
interrogator controller unit 22 decides whether a vending operation will be allowed will be described. In the second embodiment, theexternal database 26 stores the credit amounts associated with the individual, uniquely identified,transponders 16. Therefore, the credit amount, which was stored in thememory unit 19, in the first embodiment, will now be stored in theexternal database 26, and thetransponder 16 can be a read-only type of transponder. - The second embodiment has the following advantages. First, the
memory unit 19 of thetransponder 16 can be a read-only memory and can be smaller and less expensive. Second, when the transaction data is being sent to theexternal database 26, as described above, theexternal database 26 can respond with the credit amount associated with the identifiedtransponder 16. Third, storing the credit amount in the external database eliminates the possibility of fraudulent purchases being made by using an unauthorized electronic device which replicates the transponder's credit signals. One drawback is that when theexternal database 26 is inaccessible, the purchase of the beverage using thetransponder 16 will not be allowed, since theinterrogator controller unit 22 will be unable to verify that a sufficient credit amount exists. All other aspects of the dispensing operation are similar to those describe in relation to the first embodiment. - In both the first and second embodiments, the
external database 26 can be, or is, contacted and supplied with the unique identifying code for thetransponder 16, respectively. One particular advantage of contacting theexternal database 26 is that data can be transmitted from theexternal database 26 to theinterrogator controller unit 22. Theinterrogator controller unit 22 can evaluate this data and reward the customer with incentives. - For example, if the present purchase is the first time the customer C has used the
transponder 16, theinterrogator controller unit 22 can reward the customer with a free beverage, or a reduced price beverage (i.e. debit the stored credit amount some value less than the purchase price). As another example, theinterrogator controller unit 22 can reward the customer C with a free beverage, or reducedprice database 26. - It is envisioned that the
transponders 16 would be reusable and embedded in ornamental items or useful items, such as a key chain attachment, a fob, a watch, a ring, a necklace locket, other jewelry, a small flashlight, a pocket knife, or various other types of frequently carried items. These items would be sold to the public, or given to the public as a promotion. - A machine would be provided for supplementing a credit amount to the
transponder 16, this making thetransponder 16 reusable. The machine would include a money acceptance and verification section and would either establish communication with thetransponder 16 in order to rewrite the credit amount stored within thememory unit 19, or contact theexternal database 26 and rewrite the credit amount stored therein. - It would also be possible to use the
vending machine 10 to rewrite the credit amount stored within thememory unit 19 or stored within theexternal database 26. Under this approach, a customer C would insert money into the coin orbill acceptor 11 or insert a smart card into the smart card reader, present thetransponder 16 to thetransponder interrogator 15, and use selection buttons to instruct thevending machine 10 to credit the customer's transponder 16 a desired amount. - As an alternative to a
reusable transponder 16, thetransponders 16 could be disposable. In this alternative,transponders 16, having a pre-stored credit amount, would be sold to the public. When the credit amount of thetransponder 16 was depleted through purchases, thetransponder 16 would be discarded. - Now, with reference to
FIG. 6 , a broader aspect of the present invention, concerning the processing of consumer data, will be described. In the broader aspect of the present invention, the purchasing power of thetransponder 16 is not required. In other words, thetransponders 16 can include a credit amount associated therewith, as described in relation toFIGS. 1-5 above, or thetransponders 16 may simply be used as an identification tool to uniquely identify the customer owning the transponder. - In
FIG. 6 ,transponder interrogators 15 are placed in terminals at various points of potential sale or interest. For example, the terminals could be placed at various cash registers Cw, vending machines Vx, automatic teller machines (ATMs) Ay, and points of customer interest Iz. The terminals could be contained in separate housings or integrated into existing structures associated with the various points of potential sale or interest. The points of potential sale or interest would be dispersed over a large network which could spread within a city, over a state, or entirely across the United States and/or foreign countries. - The cash registers Cw would be typical cash registers, as located at grocery stores, convenience stores, department stores, gas stations, etc. The ATMs Ay could be located at banks or at remote service areas, such as inside shopping malls, at amusement parks, etc. The vending machines Vx could be beverage vending machines, as well as vending machines for dispensing other goods or services, such as candies, cigarettes, fare cards, stamps, sandwiches, gaming credits, video/pinball play credits, etc. The points of customer interest Iz could be parks, fairs, concert pavilions, car sales lots, real estate agencies, travel agencies, etc.
- Each terminal would be linked to an external processor P and database D, via a communication medium M. The communication medium M could be hardwired or wireless, such as via telephone lines, the internet, cellular channels, satellite channels, microwave channels, etc. Preferably, an encryption scheme would be applied to the communications occurring over the communication medium M to protect privacy and to reduce the likelihood of fraud.
- The processor P would receive information from a terminal when a
transponder 16 is presented to that terminal. The information would uniquely identify thetransponder 16 and could also indicate transaction information. The transaction information could include the location of the terminal, the date and time thetransponder 16 was presented, the amount of dollars spent, the goods or service purchased, etc. - The processor P would access a look-up table, in the database D, associating the uniquely identified
transponder 16 to a person, presumably the registered owner of thetransponder 16. As information is received from the various terminals, the processor P logs the information into the database D. This information could be useful in tracking a customer's purchasing habits, and could be used in market research, advertisements, and promotions. - A customer would have the opportunity to present their
transponder 16 to any or all of the terminals. In order to entice the customer to present theirtransponder 16, a program would be established to reward customers based upon the purchases made at various points of potential sale or interest, and/or the mere act of presenting thetransponder 16 at the various points of potential sale or interest. - One such program would be an instant rewards program. In the instant rewards program, customers could receive reduced prices on one or more of the products purchased. Also, as part of the instant rewards program, the processor P could communicate back to the terminals. If the customer's transaction met a predetermined condition, a reward would be given to the customer on the spot or at a later date. For example, if the customer purchases a case of beverages and two bags of chips, when using the
transponder 16, the customer is given a free T-shirt or a hat. The predetermined condition could also be met on a random basis, regardless of the purchases made. For example, if a customer makes a purchase and presents thetransponder 16, the customer could possibly win a vacation trip to Hawaii, a stereo, etc. The reward would be presented, or indicated, to the customer on the spot, or indicated to the customer at a later date, such as by mail. - Another such program would be a points reward program. In the points reward program, it is not necessary for the processor P to communicate back to the terminals. Points would be rewarded to the customers each time the
transponder 16 is presented to a terminal. Points could be awarded for the simple act of presenting thetransponder 16 to one of the terminals, and/or for the act of making a purchase at one of the terminals. The number of points could be based upon the location of the terminal, the product or service purchased or the amount spent. For example, five points could be awarded for the presentation of thetransponder 16; one point could be awarded for each dollar spent; and ten points could be awarded for the purchase of a specified product. In addition, the points system could have certain bonus incentives. For example, purchases made at a certain location or at certain hours could earn double points; every tenth purchase could earn triple points; or bonus points could be awarded randomly. - Points could be redeemed for rewards in the form of money, goods, or services. In one embodiment, the rewards could be given automatically to the customer, at the point of potential sale or interest, once sufficient points are accumulated. In this embodiment, the processor P communicates back to the terminals to inform a store clerk to reward the customer on the spot, e.g. present the customer with a T-shirt, a coupon, or a gift certificate.
- In another embodiment, the customer can select from various rewards for various attained point levels. Selection could occur at one of the terminals, by responding to a catalogue order form, or over the internet. For example, a customer could visit a web site, enter their transponder's serial number, enter a PIN number, access their accumulated points balance, and then select from various possible rewards.
- The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. For example, the
external database 26 may be provided within thevending machine 10. In this instance, thevending machine 10 would be a standalone system, and would not need to resort to the use of hardwired or wireless communication channels in order to access information concerning thetransponder 16. - Please note, “Coca-Cola”™ and the Contour Bottle Shape used in the drawings are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
Claims (6)
1-32. (canceled)
33. A consumer data tracking system comprising:
a plurality of vending machines, each of said machines comprising:
a dispenser housing;
a dispenser disposed with said dispenser housing for dispensing a good or service;
a transponder interrogator disposed with said dispenser housing;
a transponder for interacting with said transponder interrogator; and
a communication medium connecting the transponder interrogator to an external database for monitoring the interaction of said transponder with said transponder interrogator.
34. The method according to claim 33 , wherein said external database is connected to the Internet.
35. A method of tracking consumer data comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of vending machines, each of said machines comprising:
a dispenser housing;
a dispenser disposed within said dispenser housing for dispensing a product; and
a transponder interrogator disposed with said dispenser housing for reading a plurality of transponder units;
reading one of said plurality of transponder units by said transponder interrogator; and
sending identifying information concerning said one of said plurality of transponder units to an external database.
36. The method of claim 35 , further comprising the step of using said identifying information concerning said one of said plurality of transponder units to track consumer data in said external database.
37. The method of claim 36 , further comprising the step of providing a reward if said consumer data satisfies a predetermined condition.
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/334,984 US20060190128A1 (en) | 1999-03-03 | 2006-02-28 | Vending machine with transponder interrogator |
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US11/334,984 US20060190128A1 (en) | 1999-03-03 | 2006-02-28 | Vending machine with transponder interrogator |
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EP (1) | EP1159714A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002538561A (en) |
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AU (1) | AU745229B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0008671A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2364367A1 (en) |
CZ (1) | CZ20013161A3 (en) |
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Also Published As
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JP2002538561A (en) | 2002-11-12 |
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CN1342302A (en) | 2002-03-27 |
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