Virtual vendor shelf inventory management

A cooler system for providing goods. The cooler system may include a cooler with a refrigeration system and a shelf monitor, a data processing device remote from the cooler, and a vending bridge. The data processing device is in communication with the refrigeration system and the shelf monitor of the cooler.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to vending machines, coolers, or other types of product dispensers and more particularly relates to vending machines, coolers, or other types of product dispensers with virtual operating modules in communication via a vending bridge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally described, known immediate consumption equipment, such as vending machines, coolers, fountain dispensers, and the like, was designed to operate autonomously. In this regard, all of the hardware systems and electronics as well as the necessary software generally were packaged into the cabinet of the equipment.

Though card readers, online monitoring hardware, and other devices equipped with communication means, such a radio modem or Internet connections, a vending machine or other device may communicate historical inventory information and other types of historical system information. Such devices and external communications, however, generally do not provide operational command and control type functionality from a central facility.

Currently, vending machines and other devices may use an onboard local control system called a vending machine controller. The vending machine controller may be configured to accept consumer payment, provide product selection, and dispense products. Because only autonomous local operation is generally available, such vending machine controllers may be limited in the types of process flow methods that can be performed. As an example, it is common to find a vending machine controller that first requires an input of money, secondly requires a product selection, and then thirdly dispenses the product from the vending machine. The trouble with such a mono-process flow method is that this often is not how consumers would prefer to interact on a purchase. In contrast, consumer insights typically suggest that consumers may prefer to select items first and then pay.

The inability to control the process flow of a vending cycle may prevent certain consumer preferences from being realized. Specifically, the process flow generally cannot be changed based on the type or kind of consumer using the vending machine. Consumer insight into how consumers prefer to buy products cannot be implemented and sales may be lost when vending machine operating models or process flows cannot be tailored to the type or kind of product or service being dispensed as well as to the type or kind of environment in which the vending machine is located.

In addition to the inability to control the process flow, equipping the vending machine, cooler, or other type of product dispenser with all of the electronics necessary to operate autonomously increases the cost of the machine while reducing its reliability, as there are more elements to malfunction. If energy management systems are required, even more electronics may be added. Likewise, if credit card readers are required then even more electronics may be added. Each system adds costs and each system must be maintained and serviced. The result is that more electronics then necessary may be deployed, resulting in increased costs, decreased reliability, more parts to stock, more service calls, and perhaps reduced vending route profitability.

Another issue in the vending industry is a large supply of used vending machines, coolers, and other types of product dispensers. In this regard, there are programs currently underway to refurbish used product dispensers. Refurbished product dispensers typically may be cheaper than a new machine such that a savings may be realized by the operator. Although cheaper, the refurbished vending equipment may have the same shortcomings as the exist equipment. If the shortcomings were overcome and if certain components in the refurbished product dispenser were reduced or eliminated to improve overall reliability, costs could be less than a new machine. In cost sensitive channels, such as at work and other places where it is difficult to place venders, the channel may be a new and open marketing opportunity.

Another issue may be that the electronics used in vending machines may differ from that found in coolers, fountain dispensers and other devices. In this regard, there are no economies of scale, shared network services, or other synergies that may be realized because devices may utilize different and non-compatible technologies. As such, much time may be spent on electronics that can be added to a vending machine to provide payment and inventory information but little time may be spent on how a vending machine, a cooler, or other device may improve product quality, save energy, and effectuate new consumer experiences.

There is therefore a desire to improve the consumer experience, improve equipment reliability, and reduce the overall cost of the equipment. Specifically, there is a desire for a refurbished product dispenser that overcomes the shortcomings mentioned above as well as reduces the cost of the equipment such that new markets may be opened. Furthermore, there is a desire to find synergies between the electronics used for vending machine, coolers, fountain equipment, and the like such that all such devices may realize economies of scale in manufacturing and operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application thus provides a goods storage system for providing goods. The goods storage system may include a goods storage unit with a temperature control system and an inventory monitor, a data processing device remote from the goods storage unit, and a vending bridge. The data processing device is in communication with the temperature control system and the inventory monitor of the goods storage unit.

The inventory monitor may include a shelf inventory sensor and/or an inventory imaging interface. The data processing device may include an inventory module and/or an energy management system virtual equipment module in communication with the temperature control system via the vending bridge. The data processing device also may include a humidity management system virtual equipment module and/or a thermostat virtual equipment module. The data processing device may include one or more data exchange files based upon output from the inventory monitor.

The present application further provides a method of operating a goods storage unit with a temperature control system and a number of goods positioned therein. The method may include monitoring the number of goods positioned therein, communicating the number of goods positioned therein to a remote data processing device, and receiving instructions from the remote data processing device on operating the temperature control system based on the number of goods positioned therein.

The communicating and the receiving steps may include communicating and receiving via a vending bridge. Monitoring the number of goods positioned therein may include monitoring with an inventory monitor and/or determining an inventory level adjustment. The method further may include generating a number of sales and marketing data related to the inventory level adjustment, analyzing the sales and marketing data to determine when restocking of the goods storage unit is appropriate, generating a data exchange file based upon the sales and marketing data, communicating the data exchange file to a vending operation server, and managing a route based in part on processing of the data exchange file by the vending operation server.

The data processing device may include an inventory module and the method further may include determining restocking route planning via the inventory module. Monitoring the number of goods positioned therein may include comparing a number of successive images to determine the number of goods added or removed and/or reading RF(D tags associated with the goods. Operating the temperature control system may include operating the condenser and/or controlling humidity.

The present application further provides for a method of operating a vending machine with a number of goods positioned therein. The method includes receiving a request for one of the goods at the vending machine, communicating that request to a data processing device remote from the vending machine, receiving instructions from the data process device to dispense one of the number of goods at the vending machine, monitoring the number of goods positioned therein, and communicating the number of goods positioned therein to the data processing device.

The communicating and the receiving steps may include communicating and receiving via a vending bridge. Monitoring the number of goods positioned therein may include monitoring with a shelf monitor or a shelf inventory level adjustment. The method further may include generating sales and marketing data related to the shelf inventory level adjustment and analyzing the sales and marketing data to determine when restocking of the vending machine is appropriate. The method further may include generating a data exchange file based upon the sales and marketing data, communicating the data exchange file to a vending operation server, and managing a vending route based in part on processing of the data exchange file by the vending operation server. The data processing device may include an inventory module so as to determine a restocking route planning via the inventory module.

Monitoring the number of goods positioned therein may include comparing a number of successive images to determine the number of goods added or removed. Monitoring the number of goods positioned therein also may include reading RFID tags associated with the goods.

These and other features of the present application will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in greater detail, it will be seen that inFIG. 1Athere is illustrated one example of a known vending machine212. The vending machine212may include a vending machine controller (VMC)202and a number of peripherals. Such peripherals may include a coin mechanism204, a bill acceptor206, a cashless terminal208, an energy management device210, and similar devices.

In operation, the vending machine controller202may interface with the various switches, sensors, motors, and peripherals of the vending machine212. The vending machine controller202may implement the protocols and communications necessary to operate the attached peripherals. These protocols and communications may include industry standards such as a multi-drop-bus (MDB), a data exchange interface (DEX), and similar devices. These protocols and communication standards are supported by the European Vending Association (EVA) and The National Automated Merchandising Association (NAMA). Other known vending machines212also include other types and kinds of protocols and communications to support the peripheral devices.

The vending machine controller202also includes all the necessary logic and decision making capability to accept money from consumers, determine sold out products, determine product selection by a consumer, and dispense products. In general, the vending machine controllers202used in the known vending machines212included all that is necessary to enable the vending machines212to operate autonomously. The vending machines212required no external support, such as networking or external data communications, for vending operations.

The known vending machines212also may be characterized by the need for a host of peripheral devices required to accept payment from a consumer. In this regard, a coin mechanism204such as a COINCO, MARS/MEI, or other types or kinds of coin mechanisms, may be required to accept coins. A bill acceptor206, such as a COINCO, MARS/MEI, or other types or kinds of bill acceptors, may be required to accept currency bills. A cashless terminal208, such as an ISOCHRON, USA TECHNOLOGIES, TRANSACTION NETWORK SERVICES (TNS), MARS/MEI, or other types or kinds of cashless readers, may be required to accept credit card payments. In addition to the cost of the cashless terminal hardware, monthly service fees and transaction processing fees may be required.

The known vending machines212also may be characterized by having a refrigeration system to keep cold the products therein. In this regard, vending machines212are typically manufactured such that the vending machine controller202turns the cooling system “ON” and “OFF” as required to keep the products at the desired temperature. Many vending machine controllers202perform this refrigeration control function with little consideration of the consumer traffic or the buying usage patterns of the vending machine212. As a result, the known vending machines212generally may not be energy efficient. To supplement these shortcomings, energy management devices210may be added for an additional cost. Once installed, various types of “smart” algorithms with varying levels of performance may be employed in an attempt to better manage the refrigeration cycle and to save energy.

Another characteristic of the known vending machines212is that the vending machine controller202and the array of peripherals are all built into the cabinet of each vending machine212. In this regard, the vending machines212operate in autonomous mode and are packed full of single functionality electronics. As such, the known vending machines212may be relatively expensive. In addition, operators generally have to pay transaction processing fees that cut into profits to process cashless payments from consumers.

Service technicians find that such vending machines212may be somewhat unreliable. Moreover, such vending machines212require service to clean, repair, and replace the associated electronics and peripherals devices. In addition, upgradeability, variations between equipment models, and compatibility issues between peripheral devices may give rise to operational underperformance and high costs to operate vending routes.

In contrast,FIG. 1Billustrates one example of a vending machine102as is described herein. The vending machine system102may include a vending bridge500. The existing vending machine controller, the peripherals, and other associated electronics are removed from the vending machine102. As such, a cost savings and an increase in vending machine reliability may be realized. In lieu of the existing vending machine controller and peripherals, the vending machine102utilizes the vending bridge500in communication with the vending machine102.

The vending machine102may include, but is not limited to, a product or beverage dispenser, a vending machine, a snack dispenser, a device capable of dispensing or providing a consumable food or drink item, a device capable of dispensing or providing a non-consumable item, or a device capable of facilitating the purchase of a good and/or service. The vending machine102may include a vending machine102A, a cooler102B, a fountain dispenser102C, and similar devices. The vending machine102also may be referred to as immediate consumption equipment, immediate consumption equipment102, a virtual vending machine102, equipment102, cooler equipment102, fountain equipment102, or vending equipment102. Vending, cooler, and fountain equipment also may be referred to as the vending machine102and vice versa.

In an exemplary embodiment, a virtual equipment module replaces the electronic hardware in the known vending machines with networked virtual equipment modules that reside external to and remote from the vending machine102. As an example, a known vending machine controller202may be replaced with a virtual vending machine controller708A. In operation, the vending bridge500may be in data communication with the virtual vending machine controller708A, resident external to and remote from the vending machine102. The virtual vending machine controller708A may receive data, determine sold out status, manage space to sales dispensing, account for consumer payment, reconcile consumer selection to product location, and remotely send data communications to effectuate the dispensing of products or services from vending machine102.

Such virtual equipment modules708may include the virtual vending machine controller708A, a virtual hot/cold vending machine controller708B, a virtual premium brewed beverage (PBB) vending machine controller708C, a virtual beverage or snack vending machine controller708D, a virtual bill or coin management708E, a virtual energy management system (EMS)708F, a virtual thermostat708G, a virtual humidity control708H, a virtual payment centers708I, a virtual ready-to-drink (RTD) vending machine controller708J, and/or other types and kinds of virtual equipment modules. The virtual equipment modules708may control any and/or all of the functionality of the vending machine102. The vending machine102thus may utilize one or more virtual equipment modules708, as may be required and/or desired. The vending machine102may communicate by way of a network104to the virtual energy management system708F whose functionality is, among other things, to improve the energy utilization and equipment operation as it relates to energy utilization.

The vending machine102may be networked to the virtual equipment modules708by way of the network104and a data processing device. Such a data processing device may be a switch type server704. Data communications may arrive at the switch server704and be routed appropriately to the virtual equipment modules708. A data processing device also may be a micro-switch server702. Whereas the switch server704may be designed to handle heavy data loads and communications from many different vending machines102, the micro-switch server702may be more suited for office, school, hospital, and other applications where a smaller population of vending machines102may be used. The servers704,702may be referred to as a virtual vend server. In addition, a data processing device108or a personal computer110may operate in the role of a server. As such, the data processing device108and the personal computer110also may be referred to as the server108,110or the virtual vend server108,110.

In a number of applications, the functionality offered by the micro-switch server702and the switch server704may be comparable. In addition, the micro-switch server702may be networked to the switch server704so as to create a network of micro-switch servers. Likewise, the personal computer (PC)110may run desktop type software applications that supports the virtual equipment modules708and/or be networked to the micro-switch servers702or the switch servers704. In addition, the PC110may communicate with the vending machine102by way of web browser access, desktop type applications, and the like. The personal data device108may be a wireless phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a pocket PC, an IPHONE, and the like. The network104may be a global network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a virtual private network (VPN). Furthermore, the network104may be wired and/or wireless. Specifically, the network104may include Ethernet, 802.11 wireless, GPRS, GSM, 1XRTT, CDMA2000, 3G, 4G, and other types and kinds of wired and or wireless data communication protocols, and/or technologies.

With respect to the virtual hot/cold vending machine controller708B, functionality may include, for example, managing on-demand heating and cooling of goods or services available from the vending machine102and similar functions. Various product storage areas may be maintained at different temperatures. Products also may be stored at or near room temperature and then rapidly heated or cooled to a predetermined ready to serve temperature after selection by a consumer. In addition, management of parameters, such as shelf storage life, may be effectuated by way of the virtual hot/cold vending machine controller708B.

With respect to the virtual premium brewed beverage (PBB) vending machine controller708C, functionality may include, for example, receiving a consumer's selection of a customized Barista style beverage and remotely controlling the vending machine102to form the customized beverage. Such customized Barista style beverages may include coffees, teas, espressos, hot chocolates, and other types and kinds of customized beverages. Remote formation of such a beverage may include remotely controlling beverage composition, brewing times, additives, shake or stirring, condiments, and similar functions.

With respect to the virtual beverage or snack vending machine controller708D, functionality may include, for example, managing out of range temperatures and power conditions to insure product integrity. Similar functions may be included herein.

With respect to the virtual bill or coin management708E, functionality may include, for example, managing payment, managing change dispersion, and related service conditions, including alerts, and calls to maximize service performance and better insure consumer vending satisfaction. Similar functions may be included herein.

With respect to the virtual energy management system (EMS)708F, functionality may include, for example, managing energy efficiency, monitoring utilization and parts usage patterns, implementing algorithms to save energy, insuring optimum product delivery temperature, and extending the service life of the refrigeration components through smart usage algorithms and cleaning features. Similar functions may be included herein.

With respect to the virtual thermostat708G, functionality may include, for example, remotely managing vending machine performance, refrigeration, and/or heating, by monitoring ambient, product, and other temperatures. With respect to the virtual humidity control708H, functionality may include, for example, remotely managing vending machine performance, refrigeration, and/or heating by way of monitoring ambient, product, and other humidity levels. As an example, temperature and humidity may be remotely monitored. A determination may be made as to whether condensation has the likelihood of forming on the surfaces of the vending machine102such as on the cooler glass doors. As necessary, communication with the vending machine102may effectuate steps including heating the glass, changing air flow patterns, controlling refrigeration cycles, or optimizing vending machine settings to prevent, mitigate, or treat condensation formation.

With respect to the virtual payment centers708I, functionality may include, for example, managing the remote acceptance of payment such as coins, bill currency, or cashless transactions, pooling payment at central locations to allow a consumer to operate a number of different vending machines102, revaluing cashless accounts or authorizing purchases, accounting for the remote acceptance of coins, bill currency, or other payments, managing promotions, and being responsive to remote data communications that may indicate whether to accept payments, and similar functions.

With respect to the virtual ready-to-drink (RTD) vending machine controller708J, functionality may include, for example, receiving consumer selections and preferences, managing vending machine operations, preparation and dispensing of RTD products and services in accordance with consumer preferences, including heating and cooling preferences, and similar functions.

Referring toFIG. 1C, there is illustrated one example of an immediate consumption equipment network. Vending bridges500may be used therein to network the vending machines, the coolers, and the fountain dispensers to the network services700including the virtual equipment modules708. The vending bridge500may be embodied in the vending machine102A, the cooler102B, and/or the dispenser102C. A number of network services external to and remote from the vending equipment102A-C may be utilized to provide operational control, decision making, optimization, and other functionality. The vending machine102A, the cooler102B, and the dispenser102C may be referred to as a vending machine102, vending equipment, vending equipment102, or immediate consumption equipment. The vending bridge500includes all functionality and communications between the virtual equipment modules708and the individual components of the vending machine102.

An immediate consumption global network705may be characterized as having a number of network services700. Such network services700may include, for example and not a limitation, virtual equipment module services708, payment services721, consumer interaction services714, route operation services706, and settlement auditing and accountability services710. Furthermore, the vending machine102(which includes vending machine102A, cooler102B, and dispenser102C) may be networked to the network services700by way of the network104as well as the micro-switch server702, the switch server704, the personal computer110, the personal data device108, or other devices.

With respect to the virtual equipment module network services708, functionality may include, for example, receiving data, determining sold out status, managing space to sales dispensing, accounting for consumer payment, reconciling consumer selection to product location, and remotely sending data communications to dispense the products or services from the vending machine102, and similar functions.

With respect to the payment network services712, functionality may include, for example, managing consumer accounts, authorizing transactions, interfacing with third party backend servers and systems, facilitating consumer payments, hotel room key payments, employee badge payments, school ID payments, loyalty programs, stored value systems, credit card system, campus systems, web pay innovation payment systems, payment icon systems, and similar functions.

With respect to the consumer interaction network services714, functionality may include, for example, managing consumer vending occasion preferences, managing digital vending solutions and interactive media content, interfacing with global digital marketing platforms (GDMP), effectuating interactive packaging and mobile digital solutions, and similar functions.

With respect to the route operations network services706, functionality may include, for example, supply chain management, scheduled service planning, predictive equipment maintenance, predictive restock, inventory management, route planning, pricing management, SKU management, space-to-sales management, and ready to drink (RTD) services, and similar functions.

With respect to the settlement, auditing, and accountability network services710, functionality may include, for example, settling cashless transactions, reconciling coin, bill currency, and cashless transactions, auditing third party servers, managing data warehousing, performing data accountability services, and similar functions.

Referring toFIG. 1D, there is illustrated one example of an immediate consumption global network705. In an exemplary embodiment, a number of vending machines102having the virtual bridges500may be networked and access a number of the network services700. The vending machines102, by way of the vending bridge500, may access network resources by way of the micro-switch servers702, the switch servers704, the network104, and application software.

In a first embodiment, the application software may be executed on the micro-switch server702. Less then all of the network services700may be implemented and the application software may be tailored for at work, at school, at hospital, at hospitality, and/or other market channels as may be desired. An advantage of this configuration is the reduced infrastructure requirement as opposed to support for all possible network services in a hosted network services model. This configuration also allows custom application software applications to be tailored for specific market channels, low cost and custom implementations, and other benefits.

In a second embodiment, a vending bridge500may access the switch server704directly or indirectly by way of the micro-switch server702. In addition, a number of micro-switch servers702also may access the switch server704so as to utilize distributed networking to manage directly and indirectly the vending machines102.

In operation, a number of the network services700, including the virtual equipment modules services708, the payment services712, the consumer interaction services714, the route operation services706, and the settlement auditing and accountability services710, may be accessed by a number of the vending machines102through a series of gateways. Such gateways may include, for example, payment gateways, consumer gateways, settlement gateways, virtual equipment gateways, route operations gateways, and other gateways.

Referring toFIG. 2A, there is illustrated one example of the vending bridge system500. In an exemplary embodiment, the vending bridge500may be interconnected with a number of sensors, a vend dispense mechanism, and a network connection. In this regard, the dispense functionality is responsive to data communication received by way of a network interface530of the vending bridge500. In addition, sensor data may be collected and communicated from the vending bridge500to remote data processing resources by way of the network interface530.

Remote data processing resources may determine the state and status of the vending machine102by employing virtual software modules to effectuate refrigeration control, energy management optimization, vending machine control functionality, and other types and kinds of virtual equipment modules. Furthermore, consumer selections may be determined at the remote data processing resources so as to validate payments, and send the appropriate commands to cause the correct vending machine item to be vended or otherwise dispensed.

A microcontroller520may be interconnected with motor drivers522, a sold-out interface524, a heating/refrigeration control528, a network interface530, and a general purpose input/output (I/O)528. The microcontroller520may be a microcontroller containing flash and random access memory (RAM) in addition to a number of on-chip features such as USB, I2C, UART, SPI, ETHERNET, and/or other types and kinds of interfaces. The microcontroller520may be a MOTOROLA, INTEL, FREESCALE, MICROCHIP, RABBIT, ZILOG, or other type and kind of microcontrollers, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller520may be a ZILOG F91 EZ80 ACCLAIM PLUS microcontroller or configured as a ZILOG F91 EZ80 ACCLAIM PLUS SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER (SBC). The microcontroller520may be referred to as a microprocessor.

The motor drivers522may be configured to drive the existing dispense motor in the vending machine102. As such, the motor driver522may be configured to drive one or more stepper motors, AC or DC motors, or other types and kinds of motors as may be desired. The motor drivers522may utilize relays, triacs, zero crossing opto-isolated drive circuits, stepper motor driver integrated circuits, field effect transistors (FETS), MOSFETS, TRANSISTORS, and/or other types and kinds of devices to control the motors.

The vending bridge500may be installed within a refurbished vending machine102. As such, the motor drivers522may interconnect with the dispense motor of the refurbished vending machine such that the motor drivers522dispense products and/or services by way of network control. One such refurbished vending machine that can be utilized with the vending bridge500includes the ROYAL660sold by Royal Vendors of Keameysville, W. Va. The ROYAL660utilizes a single stepper motor to dispense products from a number of inventory storage chutes or bin areas. The motor drivers may be configured to drive the stepper motor to dispense the products from the various storage chutes or bin areas.

The sold-out interface524may be mechanical, optical, or other types and/or kinds of sold-out switches. The sold-out switches524indicate which products are out of stock. Such information may be communicated to the remote data processing resources wherein consumer and route servicemen can be notified as appropriate.

When retrofitting the vending bridge500into a vending machine, there may be sold-out switches mounted in places that can be utilized by the vending bridge500. The sold-out interface524may be connected to the preexisting sold-out switches already in the vending machine102. Alternatively, some vending machines use a “drop sensor” to determine if a selected product “drops” and is actually vended. In operation, if the selected product fails to vend then it is considered to be out of stock or sold-out. The sold-out interface524may be configured to use the existing sold-out switches of the vending machine102, interface to the existing “drop sensor”, or accommodate the adding of at least one sold-out sensor or switch to detect when inventory products are sold-out. Such a sold-out interface524may be switches, optical sensors, audible sensors, vibration sensors, and/or other types and/or kinds of sold-out switches, as may be desired. Preferably, the sold-out interface524may be configured to indicate when a product is sold-out prior to a consumer selecting and being denied a successful vend as is the case with the known vending machines.

The heating/refrigeration control528controls the vending machine refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may provide cooling or heating. The remote data processing resources may monitor refrigeration system operation, control the compressor “ON” and “OFF” cycles, and optimize energy savings aspects of the refrigeration system. As illustrated inFIG. 2D, the heating/refrigeration control528may further include a compressor interface528A, an evaporator fan interface528B, a line power interface528C, a reverse relay528D, a high temperature sensor528E, a return air sensor528F, a remote motion detector528G, a user interface528H, a general purpose input/output (I/O)5281, an evaporator sensor interface528J, an independent condenser fan interface528K, an electronic evaporator valve (EEV) interface528L, a general purpose input/output night mode button528M, a variable speed evaporator fan interface528N, and other components.

The compressor interface528A may be a high current high capacity relay capable of switching the vending machine compressor power “ON” and “OFF”. Such a compressor interface528A may be a POTTER & BRUMFFELD T9AS1D12-12 relay or other types and kinds of interface.

An evaporator fan interface528B may be a relay capable of switching the vending machine evaporator fan “ON” and “OFF”. Such an evaporator fan interface528B may be a TYCO RTD14012 relay or other types of relays.

The line power interface528C may supply power to the system705as a whole. Such a power supply may have an isolation transformer, wherein a high voltage sense output is available to effectuate the ability of the vending bridge500to monitor the supply line voltage, monitor supply line status, line voltage anomalies including brown-out detection, and monitor other types and kinds of line supply conditions as may be desired. In addition, at least one low voltage step down power output in the range of about five (5) to about thirty (30) DC volts may be provided to supply low voltage to the semiconductor, logic, and other portions of the vending bridge500. Such low voltage power output may be DC power that may be obtained by way of a diode bridge and/or suitable switching or linear voltage regulators. In a preferred embodiment, a four diode bridge and a linear 7805, or 7812 voltage regulator, 3.3V or 5 VDC switching voltage regulator may be used to supply+VDC to the appropriate portions of the system.

The reverse relay528D may be a relay capable of switching the rotational direction of the vending machine condenser fan. In this regard, reversing the normal direction of the condenser fan may cause dirt, dust, and other particulates to be blow off of the condenser coils. This in effect cleans the condenser, which in turn keeps the refrigeration system performing at an optimum efficiency. Such a reverse relay528D may be a TYCO RTD14012 relay or other types of relays.

The high temperature sensor528E may be positioned to monitor the temperature of the compressor to avoid overheating and/or compressor damage. Such a high temperature sensor528E may be a thermister or other type or kind of temperature sensor.

A return air sensor528F may monitor the efficiency of the refrigeration system. The return air sensor528F may monitor the airflow that is being circulated through the vending machine or cooler refrigeration compartment.

The remote motion detector528G may be utilized to monitor the presence of a consumer106in front of the vending machine102. Monitoring the foot traffic in and around the vending machine or cooler may utilize energy savings algorithms to optimize the operation of the cooling system so as to save energy when consumers106are generally not expected to be in and around the vending machine102. As an example, energy savings may be optimized during periods when the location is closed or the employee break room is empty. In addition, such occupancy monitoring may be used to determine when and how the vending machine102and the refrigeration system should operate to insure that a cold product is delivered at the optimum ice cold temperature every time.

The user interface528H may be utilized to allow a customer or equipment operator to see displayed information as well as make certain adjustments. Such adjustments may include entering the night mode, setting refrigeration temperature, resetting alarms, display status of the compressor, the fans and other components, or other type and kinds of user interface display features.

The general purpose input/output (I/O)5281may be utilized to interface with other refrigeration system components to effectuate monitoring and/or control of the vending machine102or the cooler refrigeration system.

The evaporator sensor interface528J may be utilized to monitor the operation of the evaporator and/or the evaporator fan. Such an evaporator sensor interface528J may be a buffered input to the microcontroller520.

The independent condenser fan interface528K may be a relay capable of switching the vending machine condenser fan “ON” and “OFF”. Such an independent condenser fan interface528K may be a TYCO RTD14012 relay or other type of relay.

The electronic evaporator valve (EEV) interface528L may be utilized to operate an EEV. Such an EEV may be used to adjust the size and/or the length of the heat exchanger coils thus changing certain refrigeration system operational characteristics.

The general purpose input/output night mode button528M may be provided to receive and buffer inputs to the system and drive certain system output loads. The night mode button528M signals that the location is closing for the night. This operator input informs the vending bridge500that it can switch to energy saving mode and otherwise prepare the vending machine102for an overnight duration, wherein little to no vending activity can be expected.

The variable speed evaporator fan interface528N may provide a variable drive speed for an evaporator fan. Energy can be saved by running the evaporator fan at only the required speed to maintain cooling efficiency, slowing the fan, and saving power whenever possible.

The network interface530may provide network connectivity to the vending bridge500. The network interface530may be an ETHERNET, FIREWIRE, or other type or kind of network interface. Furthermore, the network interface530may provide local area network access (LAN), wide area network access (WAN), wired network access, wireless network access, or other types or kinds of network access.

The general purpose input/outputs (I/O)528may receive and buffer inputs to the system and drive certain system output loads.

Also interconnected with the microcontroller520may be an ambient light sensor502, a vending machine or cooler lighting control504, a product temperature sensor506, an ambient temperature sensor508, an infrared data communication interface (IRDA)512, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or vacuum florescent display (VFD) interface514, a light emitting diode WED) interface516, a goods or services dispensed sensor518, and a power supply542. Other components may be used herein.

The ambient light sensor502may monitor the light level around the vending machine102. Lighting patterns may be used to determine if the vending machine102is indoors or outdoors and/or whether it is daytime or nighttime. Such information may then be used in various algorithms including, for example, lighting algorithms, operational algorithms, energy savings algorithms, or other types and kinds of algorithms or applications.

The vending machine lighting control504may be implemented to light the interior and/or exterior of the vending machine102. In this regard, door, cabinet, shelving, or other elements of the vending machine102may be illuminated with various types of lights including light emitting diodes (LEDs). Such lighting may be controlled in an “ON”0and “OFF” fashion by way of a relay or a switch, or such lighting may be controlled by a variable luminance control circuit. Such “ON” and “OFF” relays may include a TYCO RTD14012 relay or other types of relays. Such a variable luminance control circuit may be implemented as necessary to provide dimming functionality to whatever types or kinds of LED or other type of lighting device as may be selected. Furthermore, the ambient light sensor502may be used in a lighting algorithm to determine when or which lights to illuminate the equipment102. In addition, the ambient light sensor502may be used in energy saving algorithms to determine which and how bright the lights should be to adequately illuminate the vending machine102while saving energy when and where possible.

The product temperature sensor506may monitor the temperature of the products inside the vending machine102. In this regard, such product temperature information may be utilized in various algorithms so as to control the refrigeration system to maintain proper product temperature.

The ambient temperature sensor508may be implemented to monitor the temperature around the vending machine102. In this regard, such ambient temperature information may be utilized in various algorithms such as in control of the refrigeration system.

The infrared data communication interface (IRDA)512may be used to communicate between the vending bridge500and a payment icon600. Such communication may include, for example, effectuating a vending cycle with the payment icon600, exchanging data with the payment icon600, or other types and kinds of communication with the payment icon600, the data processing device, and/or other types and kinds of devices. Such an IRDA512may be implemented with a transmitter/receiver IRDA module or other types and kinds of IRDA data communication devices.

The light emitting diode (LED) interface516may be implemented for certain informational purposes, to draw attention or attraction to the vending machine102or to certain aspects of the technology, or for other purposes. Such a LED interface516may be implemented with an array of various colored, color changing, and red-green-blue (RGB) type color changing LEDs.

The goods or services dispensed sensor518may be implemented and operated in a similar manner as sold-out interface524. The power supply542may be implemented to supply power to the vending bridge500.

In a number of embodiments, the vending bridge500may include more or less of the features detailed above. Market preference, costs, consumer insights, technical insights, business needs, and desired features may influence which of the features may be used for a particular embodiment. In addition, a number of vending bridge configurations may be implemented. Furthermore, different vending bridge configurations may be implemented for various types and kinds of the vending machines102. A particular brand or model of the vending machines102may require certain vending bridge hardware configurations, whereas coolers or fountain equipment may require different hardware configurations. An example tailored for immediate consumption equipment such as the coolers102is detailed inFIG. 2C.

Referring toFIG. 2B, there is illustrated one example of the payment icon system600. Such a payment icon600may be used by a consumer to effectuate vending cycles from the vending machines102. The payment icon600may operate as a consumer interface to the vending machines102and/or a payment device having storing-accessing-loyalty-or other payment functionality. Such functionality may identify the consumer106and provide for billing and/or inventory release for goods and services dispensed from vending machine102.

A microcontroller606may be interconnected with an IRDA interface602, a LED display interface604, and/or a touch input606. The microcontroller606may be a MOTOROLA, MICROCHIP, RABBIT, ZILOG, or other manufacturer or brand. The microcontroller606may be referred to as a microprocessor.

An IRDA interface602may communicate with the vending bridge500by way of the IRDA interface512. Such an IRDA interface602may be implemented in similar fashion and components as the IRDA interface512.

A LED display interface604may provide LED lighting and display effects. Such LED lighting and display effects may make use of single and/or multicolor producing LED so as to allow a wide range of color options. Such effects may be tailored as may be desired.

A touch input606may be used to accept consumer input. Such consumer inputs may be used to make product selection, to manage account information, to change the color or functionality of the icon600, or other consumer input. Touch input may be by way of capacitive sense, pressure sensitive surfaces, buttons, switches, or other touch input technologies.

Referring toFIG. 2C, there is illustrated one example of a vending bridge system500having cooler specific inventory management and pricing features. The vending bridge500may be configured for operation in a vending machine102such as a cooler. Such a cooler typically may be one, two, or three door front open or top open refrigerated immediate consumption equipment having shelves for holding beverages, food, and other products.

A microcontroller520may be interconnected with the motor drivers522, the sold-out interface524, the heating/refrigeration control528, the shelf inventory sense526, the heating/refrigeration control528, the network interface530, the shelf pricing interface532, the inventory imaging interface534, the multimedia interface536, and the general purpose input/outputs (I/O)528. The microcontroller520may be interconnected with the ambient light sensor502, the vending machine or cooler lighting control504, the product temperature sensor506, the ambient temperature sensor508, the card reader interface510, the infrared data communication interface (IRDA)512, the liquid crystal display (LCD) or the vacuum florescent display (VFD) interface514, the light emitting diode (LED) interface516, the goods or services dispensed sensor518, the power supply542, and other components.

The shelf inventory sensor526may be used to monitor the product inventory on a shelf. As product is inserted into and removed from the vending machine102, such inventory fluctuations may be monitored and used in inventory management data communications, inventory and refrigeration algorithms, or other types and kinds of shelf sensing applications. Such shelf inventory sensing may be effectuated by way of contact sensing, optical sensing, infrared sensing, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag sensing, or other types and/or kinds of sensing technologies.

The shelf pricing interface532may be utilized on the product shelves to indicate the price of the product. Changeable electronic signage may be implemented with LED, LCD, OLED (organic LED) display technology and/or with other types and/or kinds of display technology. The signage information may include the price of the products proximate to the display or shelf area, promotional advertising, informational advertising, or other types and/or kinds of signage information as may be desired. The shelf pricing interface532may be an I2C, SPI, serial, USB, IRDA, RS232, wired, wireless, direct display driving interface, GPIO, or other type of kind of interface.

The inventory imaging interface534may be used to take images of the inventory on the shelf. Such images may then be utilized to track changes by comparing prior images to current images so as to determine changes in inventory quantities, types, and/or product placement. Such changes may include the insertion or the removal of product from the vending machine102by service personal and/or the consumer106. In addition, such inventory imaging interface534may be used to observe what and how consumer106makes their product selection and removes the product from the vending machine102. Such an inventory imaging interface534may be a camera module strategically located in proximity to the inventory of the shelf. The inventory imaging device534may be a camera, a photo module, or other type or kind of inventory image device.

The multimedia interface536may be implemented to effectuate the ability to interconnect the vending bridge500to other multimedia display equipment. Such multimedia display equipment may include displays, projectors, or other types and/or kinds of multimedia display equipment. Such a multimedia interface536may be I2C, SPI, serial, USB, IRDA, RS232, wired, wireless, or other types and/or kinds of displays.

The card reader interface510may be used to allow a consumer106to use magnetic, RFID, smart, or other types and/or kinds of cards at the vending bridge500. The card reader interface510may be a bit strobe type track 1,2, and/or 3 type reader, a serial port interface style, a GPIO interface type reader, a card reader and card writer combination device, or other types and/or kinds of card readers.

Referring toFIG. 2E, there is illustrated one example of the vending bridge500configured as a retrofit device having at least one MDB interface and/or a DEX interface. The vending bridge500may be configured to operate with legacy vending equipment by connecting the system500to a multi-drop-bus (MDB) interface550configured to be a master, a multi-drop-bus (MDB) interface546configured to be a slave, and a data exchange interface (DEX)548configured to be able to poll machine information from an industry standard DEX port.

The MDB interfaces550,548may be in optically isolated bidirectional serial data communications. The DEX interface548is a serial type interface. Interfaces550,546, and548may conform to vending industry standards such as National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) MDB specification, EVS standards, European Vending Association (EVA) DEX specification, and/or other industry standards.

Referring toFIG. 3, there is illustrated one example of a method of consumer initiated vending by way of consumer-vender transaction interaction. The consumer106may use the personal data device108to initiate a vending transaction with the vending machine102by way of the vending bridge500. In this regard, the consumer106may use the personal data device108to make product selection, approve any charges, and effectuate the dispensing of goods or service from the vending machine102. Such a vending cycle may be completed and effectuated without the consumer having to touch the vending machine102to insert money or make a product selection.

Block1002illustrates data flow ‘1’, shown in the figure as a communication between the personal data device108and the vending bridge500. As described above, the personal data device108includes a PDA, a PC, or a wireless phone having network capabilities. The consumer106uses the personal data device108to transact a purchase (also referred to as a vend cycle) by accessing the vending bridge500. The vending bridge500is configured to operate as a web server to provide content to the personal data device108. The personal data device108may send email type data communications, a text message, or other information to the vending bridge500. The communication protocol between the personal data device108and the vending bridge500may be HTTP, HTTPS, SNMP, or other types and/or kinds of protocols.

Block1004illustrates data flow ‘2’, shown in the figure as communication between the personal data device108and the virtual bridge500. Using the personal data device108, the consumer106may provide identification, payment, or other information as may be desired via website/web-based type data entry, email type data entry, text messaging type data entry, or by other methods. The vending bridge500may provide goods or services inventory, sold-out status, pricing, and/or other information to the personal data device108.

Block1006illustrates data flow ‘3’, shown in the figure as communication between the personal data device108and the vending bridge500. Using the personal data device108, the consumer may select the products or services to be dispensed.

Block1008illustrates the data flow ‘4’, shown in the figure as communication between the personal data device108and the vending bridge500. A total sales amount may be determined and displayed on the consumer's106personal data device108.

Block1010illustrates the data flow ‘5’, shown in the figure as communication between the personal data device108and the vending bridge500. The consumer's account or other purchase approval authorization located on the vending bridge500or accessible by way of the vending bridge500may be adjusted or otherwise charged for the selected products or services.

Block1012illustrates the vending machine102activity ‘6’, shown in the figure as the process of dispensing the goods or services from the vending machine102. The vending machine102dispenses products or services in a certain quantity from a certain product or service storage location as instructed by the vending bridge500.

Block1014illustrates the data flow ‘7’, communication between the vending bridge500and the personal data device108. If the vend cycle was successful, that is the product or service was successfully vended, the consumer106receives a confirming and/or “thank you” type message viewable on the vending machine102or preferably viewable on the personal data device108. If the vend cycle was not successful, that is the product or service did not successfully vend, then the consumer106account is refunded and the consumer106is prompted by way of the vending machine102or preferably the personal data device108to make another selection. On vend success, the routine is exited while on vend fail the processing returns to block1006.

Referring toFIG. 4there is illustrated one example of a method of consumer initiated vending by way of consumer-vender transaction interaction, wherein the payment icon600is utilized. The payment icon600may have stored account values, credit card information, payment information, or other identification necessary for the selection and dispensing of goods or services from the vending machine102by way of the vending bridge500. In addition, the payment icon600may be in communication with other data processing devices, including the micro-switch server702, the switch serve704, the personal computer110, or other data processing devices. The consumer106may receive information displayed by the payment icon600, use the payment icon600to make product and services selections, and pay with a variety of payment options. Furthermore, the payment icon600may send appropriate commands to the vending bridge500for the dispensing of products and services from the vending machine102.

Block2002illustrates data flow ‘1A’ and ‘1B’, shown in the figure as data communication initiated by the payment icon600. The consumer106may use the payment icon600to transact a purchase from the vending machine102in a variety of ways. One such way illustrated by data flow ‘1A’ is by using a stored value account located on the payment icon600. In another way illustrated by data flow ‘1B’ is by way of consumer information stored on the payment icon600that is used to access consumer106account information on the remote micro-switch server702, the switch server704, or other data processing device via the vending bridge500. Data communication between the payment icon600and the vending bridge500can be by way if infrared IRDA, wireless, or other data communication method.

Block2004illustrates utilization of the payment icon600by the consumer106. Data flow ‘2’ shows the consumer106selecting products to be dispensed on the payment icon600consumer interface.

Block2006illustrates data flow ‘3’, communication between the vending bridge500on the vending machine102and the server704,702,110. Such a server may be the micro-switch server702, the switch server704, the personal computer110, or other type and/or kind of server. Such a server is shown having data communication access to a database112. The vending bridge500may determine a total sale amount by taking into consideration sold-out and inventory status. The vending bridge500also may communicate with the server to obtain the necessary information to allow a total sale amount to be determined. Such data communication between the vending bridge500and the server702,704,110can be by way of HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, UDP, or other types and/or kinds of data communication protocols.

Block2008illustrates data flow ‘4’ between the vending bridge500and the server702,704,110or between the vending bridge500and the payment icon600. The consumer's account on the payment icon600or the consumer's account located on the server702,704,110may be adjusted or otherwise charged for the selected product or services.

Block2010illustrates data flow ‘5’ between the server702,704,110and the vending bridge500. The vending bridge500receives data communication from the server702,704,110to dispense the selected products or service from the vending machine102.

Block2012illustrates the data flow ‘6’ between the vending bridge500and the payment icon600. If the vend cycle is successful, that is the product or service was successfully vended, the consumer106receives a confirmation message and/or a “thank you” type message viewable on the vending machine102or preferably on the payment icon600. If the vend cycle was not successful, that is the product or service did not successfully vend, then the consumer106account is refunded and the consumer106is prompted by way of the vending machine102or preferably the payment icon600. On vend success the routine is exited while on vend failure the processing returns to block2004.

Referring toFIG. 5, there is illustrated one example of a method of effectuating consumer-vender transactions, having optional transaction authorization and vending operations server update support.FIG. 5illustrates the communication between the consumer106, the server704,702,110or108, the vending machine102and the vending bridge500(Vender), and a vending operations management server114(Vops Server),

The consumer106may effectuate a vending cycle without the need for the server702,704,110,108. In this configuration, the consumer106transacts a vending cycle with the vending bridge500. As an optional step, authorization for the vending cycle may be obtained from the server702,704,110, or108. An advantage of this method is that the server is not required for the consumer to transact a vending cycle.

In block3002, the consumer106initiates communications with the vending bridge500to transact a vending cycle by way of the personal data device108or the payment icon600. In block3004, the vending bridge500identifies the consumer106and communicates with the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600. Processing then moves to block3006, block3016, or block3018for authorization.

In block3006, the vending bridge500allows products or services to be selected. The consumer receives information by way of the personal data device108or the payment icon600about the products or services available from the vending machine102by way of communication with the vending bridge500. The consumer may select the products or services to be dispensed from the vending machine102by using the personal data device108or payment icon600as processed by the virtual bridge500. In block3008, the vending bridge500dispenses the selected products or services from the vending machine102.

In block3010, vending operations data may be communicated from the vending bridge500to the server702,704,108,110. Vending operations and marketing data is not stored in the vending bridge500but instead on the server702,704,108,110. The vending operations data does not need to be retrieved from the vending machine102. Such retrieval may be costly, timely, unreliable, and prone to data collection problems. In block3012, the consumer receives the selected product or service dispensed from the vending machine102.

In block3014, data from the server702,704,110,108optionally may be data to a vending operations server114. Such a vending operations server114may be a third party server designed to aggregate and report on vending and route operations or the data may be communicated to other types or kinds of servers. In block3016, an authorization of consumer identification, payment, or other authorization optionally may be performed by the server702,704,110,108. In block3018, an authorization of consumer identification, payment, or other authorization optionally may be performed by the vending operations server114.

Referring toFIG. 6, there is illustrated one example of a method of consumer initiated vending by way of a consumer-data processing device-vender transaction interaction. The consumer106may initiate a vending transaction with a server and not directly with the vending machine102. Although the consumer106may be standing in front of the vending machine102, the actual data communication and vending transaction is initiated and occurs on the server702,704,110,108. Upon a determination that a vending cycle should proceed, the server702,704,110,108may then communicate with the vending machine102and command that the dispensing of products or services.

Block4002illustrates data flow ‘1’, a data communication between the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600and the server702,704,110. The consumer106may use a PDA, a personal computer, a wireless phone, or the payment icon600to transact a purchase by accessing a website supported by the server702,704,110, by sending an email to the server702,704,110, by sending a text message to the server702,704,110, by accessing stored account information on the payment icon600or the server702,704,110, by receiving consumer information received at the vending machine102that may be used to access consumer account information stored on the server702,704,110, or by other methods as may be desired.

Block4004illustrates data flow ‘2’, a data communication between the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600and the server702,704,110. The consumer106may provide identification information via the website presented on the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600, or via email, or text message.

Block4006illustrates data flow ‘3’, a data communication between the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600and the server702,704,110. The consumer may select the products or services to be dispensed by way of the personal data device108or the payment icon600.

Block4008illustrates data flow ‘4’, a data communication between the server704,702,110and the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600. A total sale amount is determined for the selected products or services to be dispensed.

Block4010illustrates data flow ‘5’, a data communication between the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600and the server704,702,110. The consumer's account may be adjusted or otherwise charged for the selected products or services.

Block4012illustrates data flow ‘6’, a data communication between the server704,702,110and the vending machine102. The server704,702,110sends vend commands to the vending machine102so as to cause the vending machine102to dispense the selected products or services.

Block4014illustrates data flow ‘7’, a data communication between the vending machine102and the server704,702,110. The vending machine102sends a vending machine status message to the server704,702,110.

Block4016illustrates data flow ‘8’, a data communication between the server704,702,110and the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600. If the vend is successful, the consumer106receives a confirming message and/or a “thank you” message and the routine is exited. If the vend fails, then the consumer's account is refunded, the consumer106is prompted to make another selection, and the processing returns to block4006.

Referring toFIG. 7, there is illustrated one example of a method of effectuating indirect vending transactions. A consumer106may use a data processing device to communicate with the server704,702,110,108and the server704,702,110,108communicates with the vending machine102to effectuate the vending cycle.FIG. 7illustrates the data communication between the consumer106, the server704,702,110,108, the vending machine102with the vending bridge500(Vender), and a vending operations management server114(Vops Server).

Thee consumer106may effectuate an indirect vending transaction by using a data processing device to communicate with the server704,702,110,108instead of directly communicating with the vending machine102. The server704,702,110,108may communicate with the vending machine102and, when appropriate, cause the vending machine102to dispense products or services. The consumer's data processing device may include the consumer's personal data device108or payment icon600.

In block5002, the consumer106may initiate communications with the server704,702,110,108. Such communications may be a request to initiate a vending session with the vending machine102. In block5004, the server704,702,110,108identifies the consumer. If the consumer106is identified and the transaction is allowed to continue, processing then moves to block5006. In block5006, the consumer106is allowed to make vend selections. In addition, vending purchase amounts and additional vending operations data may be determined.

In block5008, the vending machine102, by way of vending bridge500, receives the communication from the server704,702,110,108to dispense the selected products or services. Vending machine status and operational data related to the vending transaction, inventory, vending machine operation, and dispensed product or service status also may be communicated to the server704,702,110,108.

In block5010, the server704,702,110,108receives the vending operations update data from the vending machine102. Upon a successful vend, the data communication message is sent to the consumer. In addition, vending operations data and/or other transaction data may be sent to the vending operations management server114. In block5012, the consumer106receives the dispensed product or service.

In block5014, the vending operations management server114receives the vending operations data and/or other transaction data and updates as required and/or desired. The vending operations server114may accumulate vending operations data and/or other transaction data from a number of vending machines102. The server114may then be used to report on vending activity, manage inventory and route planning, and/or provide other information as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 8, there is illustrated one example of a method of managing consumer accounts and/or collecting vending operations data. Consumer accounts may be stored in the vending bridge500. The consumer accounts may include the account balances, rules for vending products, and/or other information. Such information may be accessed and/or otherwise maintained by way of communications with a personal computer or the server704,702,110,108. Remote data access may be used to manage the consumer accounts stored in the vending bridge500.

Block6002illustrates data flow ‘1’, a data communication between the personal computer/server704,702,110,108and the vending machine102by way of the vending bridge500. The consumer accounts stored on the vending bridge500in vending machine102may be managed by remote access of the personal computer or server704,702,110,108. Consumer account management may include adding or deleting consumers, setting price to be charged that may be unique to each consumer or location, managing an account balance associated with each consumer, and/or other activities.

Block6004illustrates data flow ‘2’, communication between the vending bridge500of the vending machine102and the personal computer or the server704,702,110,108. Status of the vending machine102may be communicated to the personal computer or the server704,702,110,108. Vending machine status may include tracking the consumer and the date, time, and type of product dispensed. Such vending machine status also may include vending machine sold-out status, temperatures, compressor activity, and other operational conditions.

Referring toFIG. 9, there is illustrated one example of a vending system configured to transition between a consumer-vending machine interaction model and a consumer-server-vending machine interaction model. A consumer-vending machine interaction model is one in which the consumer106communicates directly with the vending bridge500of the vending machine102to effectuate a vending cycle. As such, no server intervention is required. Alternatively, a consumer-server-vending machine interaction model is one in which the consumer106communicates with the server704,702,110. The server704,702,110then communicates with the vending bridge500of the vending machine102to effectuate the vending cycle.

The configuration of the consumer-server-vending machine interaction model may be compromised by the server704,702,110being unavailable or going offline. If so, the system may transition to the consumer-vending machine interaction model so as to allow the consumer106to access the vending machine102directly. When the server704,702,110is made available again or brought back online, the system may transition back to a consumer-server-vending machine interaction model. Data then may be communicated and the server704,702,110may be updated with any vending operations and/or other transaction data that may have occurred while the server was unavailable or offline. As such, data integrity may be maintained as the system transitions between the consumer-vending machine interaction model and consumer-server-vending machine interaction model.

Referring to theFIG. 9, the consumer106may utilize a number of data processing devices such as the personal computer110, the personal data device108, or the payment icon600to initiate a vending cycle with the vending machine102. In an ‘Option 1’, the data processing device data may communicate with the server704,702,110. The server then may communicate with the vending machine vending bridge500to effectuate the vending cycle. This option may be referred to as the consumer-server-vending machine interaction model. In an ‘Option 2’, the data processing device data may communicate with the vending bridge500of the vending machine102to effectuate the vending cycle. This option may be referred to as the consumer-vending machine interaction model.

The system may be transitioned between the consumer-vending machine interaction model and the consumer-server-vending machine interaction model. Such transitioning may be selected on demand or utilized in a fail over configuration. In such a fail over configuration as indicated in ‘Option 1’, the consumer-server-vending machine interaction model is rendered inoperative by the server704,702,110being unavailable or offline. The system then may automatically utilize ‘Option 2’, the consumer-vending machine interaction model. In this regard, vending from the vending machine102may continue even when the server704,702,110is unavailable or offline.

Referring toFIG. 10, there is illustrated one example of a method of transitioning between a consumer-vender interaction model and a consumer-server-vender interactions model.FIG. 10illustrates communications between the consumer106, the server704,702,110,108, the vending bridge500of the vending machine102(Vender), and the vending operations management server114(Vops Server).

The system may transition between consumer-vending machine interaction model and the consumer-server-vending machine interaction model. If the consumer-server-vending machine interaction model is compromised by the server704,702,110being unavailable or going offline, the system may transition to the consumer-vending machine interaction model so as to allow the consumer to access the vending machine102directly. Such a transition allows vending cycles to be completed by the consumer106when the server704,702,110is unavailable or offline.

In block9002, the consumer106initiates a vending cycle by communicating with the vending bridge500of the vending machine102. In block9004, the vending bridge500communicates with the server704,702,110,108to determine the availability of the server. If no response is received from the server704,702,110,108or the server sends a response indicating it is not available, then processing moves to block9006to test the availability of the server and then to decision block9008. In block9006, if the server704,702,110,108is available, a response is returned indicating such availability. In decision block9008, a determination is made as to whether the server is available. If the resultant is in the affirmative, then processing moves to block9010. If the resultant is in the negative then processing moves to block9014.

In block9010, the consumer initiated communication is redirected from the vending bridge500to the server704,702,110,108for further data processing. In block9012, the consumer106is allowed by way of the server704,702,110,108to make vend selections. In addition, vending purchase amounts and additional vending operations data are determined. In block9014, the consumer106is allowed by way of the vending bridge500to make vend selections. In addition, vending purchase amounts and additional vending operations data are determined. In block9016, the vending machine102dispenses the selected products or services. Vending machine status and operational data related to the vending transaction, inventory, vending machine operation, and dispensed product or service status may be determined and prepared for processing. In block9018, the consumer106receives the dispensed product or service.

In block9020, vending machine status and operational data related to the vending transaction, inventory, vending machine operation, and dispensed product or service status are held for future data processing when the server is available and/or redirected to vending operation management server114. In block9022, vending machine status and operational data related to the vending transaction, inventory, vending machine operation, and dispensed product or service status is updated by server704,702,110,108. In block9024, the vending operations management server114receives the vending operations data and/or other transaction data and updates. The vending operations server114accumulates vending operations data and/or other transaction data from a number of vending machines102. Such a server114then may be used to report on activity, manage inventory and route planning, and/or provide other information.

Referring toFIG. 11, one example of a method of tracking shelf inventory is shown. The vending bridge500may be utilized to monitor a shelf. Such a shelf may be a shelf in a cooler102B (shown inFIG. 1C) or any type of shelf or product dispenser. The shelf may be monitored by way of shelf monitor. Such a shelf monitor may include a shelf inventory sense526, an inventory imaging interface534, a GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output)538, a goods or services dispense sensor518, or other methods, sensors, and/or interfaces. By the term “shelf”, we mean any type of product support for any part of the product. The term includes traditional shelves, gravity fed devices, neck tracker tubes, and other types of product supports.

The vending bridge500may monitor one or more of the shelves. A shelf inventory level adjustment may be determined from this monitoring information. The shelf inventory level adjustment includes the determined change in the inventory level oil the shelf. For example, the shelf inventory level adjustment determines an increase in inventory when products are added to a cooler shelf and determines a decrease in inventory when a consumer removes products. As such, the shelf inventory level adjustment may be used in part to manage an inventory level on a shelf. The shelf inventory level adjustment may be determined and then communicated to a remote data processing resource or device such as the server108,110,702,704. Alternatively, the vending bridge500may communicate with a remote data processing resource and the shelf inventory level adjustment may be determined at the remote data processing resource or device. The vending bridge500also may be in communication with the refrigeration system528so as to maintain the desired temperature therein, based upon temperature sensors, shelf level inventory adjustments, compressor run time, energy management, etc.

In addition to the shelf inventory level adjustment data, sales and marketing data, and other types of data optionally may be stored. The data then may be analyzed and used in part to determine when shelf restocking, service, or other action may be required. Optionally, an inventory module, such as the inventory module associated with route operations706or other type of module may be used for route management, planning, or other types of operations.

Monitoring the shelves of a cooler not only may be used to manage inventory but the collected data also may be used to form an inventory management file or a DEX file (Data Exchange File) so as to allow coolers to be managed in the same manner as vending machines. A DEX file is an industry standard in the vending industry and is supported by and detailed in the European Vending Association (EVA) DEX specifications. Traditional inventory management software used in the vending industry and other types of software capable of reading DEX files and other types of inventory management files may be used to manage the coolers and the venders. This management provides the ability to plan and monitor routes and operations.

In block10002, the vending bridge500may be used to monitor a shelf Such a shelf may be associated with a cooler, other types of immediate consumption equipment, or other types of shelves. In addition, monitoring may be of one shelf or of a number of shelves. Processing then moves to either block10004or block10010. In block10004, shelf monitoring data is communicated to a remote data processing device. Processing then moves to either block10006or block10012.

In block10006, sales and marketing data, shelf inventory level adjustment data, or other data is determined and optionally stored. The sales and marketing data may be generated each time a consumer removes inventory from a shelf or at other intervals. As such, sales and marketing data and patterns may be used to monitor inventory, determine day part sales, plan restocking, service, route operations, or functionality. In block10008, the sales and marketing data, shelf inventory level adjustment data, or other data may be analyzed to determine in part when shelf restock, service, or other action is required. In block10014, an inventory module associated with the remote data processing device optionally may be used for route management, planning, or other operations. For example, the route operation module706may be utilized.

Alternatively in block10010, shelf inventory level adjustment data or other data optionally may be determined. Processing then moves to block10004. In block10012, shelf inventory level adjustment data or other data optionally may be determined. Processing then moves to block10006.

Inventory management thus may be performed with respect to coolers and vending machine as well as other types and/or kinds of immediate consumption equipment. Data from coolers and vending machines may be processed by route management software and reported accordingly. Coolers and vending machines thus may have inventory managed from a single data processing resource and/or software that has traditionally been developed to manage only vending machine inventory. Shelf inventory monitoring may be used in immediate consumption equipment that generally does not have an inventory control system built in to generate, communicate, and otherwise monitor shelf inventory.

Referring toFIG. 12, one example of forming inventory management files or DEX files to track shelf inventory is shown. The sales and marketing data, shelf inventory level adjustment data, or other data captured inFIG. 11may be used to form an inventory management file or a DEX file. Such an inventory management file or DEX file may be communicated to the vending operation server114or otherwise wherein route management, sales, reporting, equipment statuses, inventory, and other planning and operations may be provided. Forming and communicating a DEX file based on shelf monitoring by the vending bridge500thus allows coolers and non-vending machines to have inventory and route planning activities coordinated as is commonly done with vending machines. As such, both shelf based equipment and vending machine type equipment may be managed by way of industry standard DEX files.

While the preferred embodiments of the application have been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements that fall within the scope of the claims that follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.