Abstract:
The invention provides a system to physically dispense an item on-site from a dispenser whereby the item to be dispensed is selected by the system based on user-specific or item-specific information. In an embodiment, the system selects the dispensed item based on both user-specific and item-specific information. In another embodiment the invention comprises a system that activates gaming features in a gaming device based on user-specific information.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates in general to systems and methods for on-site, automated dispensing of items to users based on user-specific information. The system and methods can also be applied to gaming devices in which a special feature is actuated and/or an item is dispensed based on user-specific information. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   In general, the retail market continues to become more competitive. There are an increasing number of options for consumers in terms of where to shop and which items to purchase. At the same time, providing targeted samples to consumers is an effective method of marketing. Therefore, there exists a powerful need to direct consumers into appropriate store locations and/or to direct samples of products into the hands of a targeted consumer. 
   While promotional methods have existed for ages, e.g., sales coupons, targeted discounts, free items with purchase, no system or method has attempted an automated approach to targeted on-site sampling. To do so would require (1) pre-knowledge of the targeted consumer, also referred to as the “user” of the system, and (2) the actual dispensation of samples to said user based on that pre-knowledge. Such a system would differ from one that issues a coupon or other redeemable, such as a token, to a user based on user-specific information, in that said system would actually physically dispense the item to the user on-site, thereby removing the necessity of a redemption step. 
   Such a system would provide a novel method and system to provide automated, on-site sampling based on user-specific information. The system and method could incorporate RFID, bar code, or any other reader technology into an automated system that can be kept and maintained on a target site or maintained from a central site. Reader systems such as RFID tags, bar codes, and other conventional data reading methods are incorporated into a variety of devices ranging from monitoring systems to gaming devices. One example would be a grocery store chain issuing discounts to holders of a preferred customer card. The card may have information on it that is readable by a bar code reader. The system identifies the user by the information contained on the card and issues a discount, or tracks the consumers purchase history, and issues coupons based on said history. Another example is Bam et al.&#39;s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,459 (Publication No. US 2004/0128197), which discloses an electronic promotion system that sends coupons to targeted consumers, the coupons tailored to the specific consumer&#39;s profile. The consumer then may redeem said coupons at some future time. 
   Another example of the prior art is Meyer&#39;s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,149 (Publication No. US 2003/0061098 A1), which discloses a system that encourages consumers to patronize a particular business by awarding a prize or a discount to randomly selected consumers. But the system disclosed in Meyer&#39;s patent application does not physically dispense a sample. Another drawback of this system is that a dispensed item may not meet the needs or desires of the actual user because the dispensed item is not customized to that user&#39;s individual characteristics or preferences. Such a system is not necessarily based on user-specific information but rather simply rewards consumers that have a card. 
   Thus, there is a need for a system that both physically provides the item on-site from the dispenser unit itself and one that dispenses an item that is user-specific based on the particular user&#39;s characteristics. 
   SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   In general, the dispensing system of the present invention comprises a user-identifier, such as an RFID tag or a bar code, containing information associated with a user. The system also comprises a reader that is capable of reading the user-identifier. The system has a processor that is capable of executing instructions to actuate dispensing means that in turn dispenses an item to the user. In this way, the system is designed to dispense an item that is appropriate for the user based on user-specific information. 
   In an alternate embodiment, the system is capable of conveying information associated with the items. In this alternate embodiment, the processor is capable of instructing an actuator to dispense items based on item-specific information. Item-specific information includes, but is not limited to, the number of items dispensed from at least one storage compartment or the weight of items remaining in at least one storage compartment. 
   In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system incorporated into a gaming device. Instead of dispensing a sample, the system will actuate at least one gaming feature based on the information associated with the identified user. This embodiment is designed to actuate a gaming feature that is appropriate for the user based on the user-specific information. 
   All embodiments may be optimally coupled with any device that dispenses a service or item in exchange for currency or other monetary means, such as a credit card. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system to physically dispense a sample item on-site to a user based on user-specific information. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system that physically dispenses an item on-site to a user based on information related to the items remaining in the system. 
   It is also an object of the invention to provide a gaming system that activates gaming features based on user-specific information. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a system that activates features within an existing gaming machine based on user-specific information. 
   It is still a further object of the invention to provide targeted automated sampling of items. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a system to encourage consumer traffic to a location. 
   Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood or apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic depiction of the user-specific dispensing system in an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic of another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is depiction of one embodiment of the invention incorporated into a gaming device. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the process and system for on-site dispensing of items based on user-specific information. In this embodiment, the system is schematically represented as a vending-type machine dispensing cylindrical items to a user. The skilled artisan will appreciate, of course, that there are a multitude of types of vending machines, many of which have differing mechanical or electrical configurations and capabilities. Thus, this embodiment of the invention is in no way limited to vending-type machines represented in this schematic. The skilled artisan will also appreciate, of course, that the dispensed items need not be cylindrical or be limited to any shape. The items could be intangible, such as a music clip. Thus, an item can be a physical sample or a service. Another example of an item as a service would be the system dispensing multi-media clip. Some of the other applications of the invention will become apparent from the schematic figures discussed below. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a user  100  receives a user identifier  200 . That step is represented as  1000 . The way in which a user receives a card varies, but an example would be as follows: A vendor stationed at an event, for example, a sporting event, would solicit interested consumers and would gather information from the interested consumers. Such information could include the consumer&#39;s age, gender, sporting team or apparel preferences, location of residence, etc. The vendor would issue the user a card that could be used with the system. In this example, the card would be a user-identifier  200 . Skilled artisans will appreciate that the user-identifier  200  need not be a card, for example, the user-identifier  200  could be any physical holder of information and need not be limited to any size or shape. Further, the user-identifier  200  could be any information that is specific to a user  100 , which is inputted into the system, for example, the user  100  could enter the user&#39;s phone number into the system. Still further, the issuer of the user-identifier  200  need not necessarily be a vendor as is currently understood by the ordinary and accustomed meaning of “vendor.” The user-identifier  200  comprises readable information that is specific to or is associated with the user. As stated above, said user-specific information may include gender, name, address, age, athletic preference, food preferences, music preferences, etc.  FIG. 1  schematically represents such preferences as  210 ,  220 , and  230 . User-specific information  210 ,  220 , and  230  on the user-identifier  200  may be in the form of a bar code or RFID information, but is not limited as such. User-specific information also includes information that a user is simply authorized to receive a sample. Therefore, information on a user-identifier that instructs the system to simply dispense an item is user-specific information. 
   Another step of the invention is represented by  2000 . In this step, the user  100  presents the user-identifier  200  to the system. The system comprises a reader  300  capable of reading the coded information off of the user-identifier  200 . In one example of an embodiment, the reader  300  is an RFID reader capable of reading data on a card that corresponds to the user&#39;s  100  age  210 , gender  220 , and soft drink preference  230 . The reader  300  sends the user-specific data to a processor, the step being represented by  3000 . In step  4000 , the processor  400  is capable of processing the inputted user-specific data in order to instruct the system to dispense an item to a user, that item being selected based upon the user-specific data. The step of dispensing is represented by  5000 .  FIG. 1  depicts the item being dispensed as  508 . 
   In some of the embodiments of the invention where the instructions are software, the software contains coded instructions, which translate the user-specific data into mechanical action of the system, specifically, mechanical actions of the dispensing means  501 ,  503 ,  505 ,  507 , or  509 . Software can also log the activities in a file. The software can validate whether the user-identifier  200  is authorized for activity. It can determine, for example, whether the user history warrants an item to be dispensed. The software can determine which type of item will be dispensed and log a tag number along with a time stamp and activity type to a file. A control code tag is able to retrieve the file and reset the system. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the invention is not limited or dependent upon any type of computer system, operating environment, architecture, or required to have a conventional computer to operate. As referred to above, in other embodiments of the invention, it is possible to reduce the software routine to a dedicated chip, and remove the typical computer components from the invention completely. 
   The step of the reader  300  being provided with the user-specific information  210 ,  220 , and  230  of the user-identifier  200  to the processor  400  is represented by  3000 . Once the processor accepts the user-specific data  210 ,  220 , and  230 , it executes an instruction to actuate a dispensing means  500 ,  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508  based on set instructions. 
   In this embodiment, the system has at least one compartment  600 ,  602 ,  604 ,  606  and  608 , each of which stores a plurality of items to dispense. One such item is represented as  508 . The invention is not limited to a type of item so long as the item is dispensed based upon user-specific data. However, presently such items may include toys, prizes, candy, soda, athletic gear, towels, etc. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , each item is schematically represented, and each item is stored in its respective storage compartments  600 ,  602 ,  604 ,  606 , and  608 . In the preferred embodiment, the items meet a pre-selected set of characteristics appropriate for a user. That is, for example, if the user-specific information includes soda or candy preference, a soda or a candy item would be dispensed that corresponds to the preference. 
   Related to this aspect of the invention, other embodiments of the invention comprise dispensing an item based on whether the user  100  meets the pre-selected criteria selected by an entity wishing to promote certain goods. For example, the system could be located in a retail area such as a grocery store. The system may contain samples of after-shave, samples of a skin-toning product, and samples of vitamin supplements respectively. The pre-selected criteria may define that (1) males under forty five years of age are to receive after-shave samples; (2) females under forty-five years of age are to receive samples of the skin toning product; and that (3) all individuals over forty-five years of age will receive the sample of vitamin supplements. A twenty-nine year old male presenting his user-identifier to the system will cause the system to dispense to him a sample of after shave. In this way, the invention can provide for focused automated sampling, which is an important marketing tool. The invention also can drive consumer traffic to a location, which in this example, is a grocery store. In this embodiment, the steps of presenting  2000  the user identifier, reading the user-specific information  3000 , and processing  4000  are the same as described above. 
   Dispensing  5000  is another aspect of the invention. The skilled artisan will appreciate that any conventional dispensing means can be used. Since the invention is not limited to any particular mechanical or electrical specifications, the dispensing means will depend largely on the type of unit the system is embodied within. In one embodiment, the dispensing means is a flange that is activated by a solenoid. The reader reads information contained on the user-identifier and sends the information to the processor, which processes instructions to send an electrical signal to the solenoid. This electrical signal charges a coil in the solenoid, which in turn pushes a rod mechanism in the solenoid to open the flange to dispense an item from the respective storage compartment—, for example into a dispensing chute  800 , out of the opening  810 , and on to the user  100 . Alternate embodiments will use shooting solenoids to drive the sample into a dispensing chute ultimately accessible by the user. 
   In other embodiments, the invention has dimensions that are suitable for a retail shelf, for example, on the confectionery shelf of a convenience store; however, the size dimensions of the units are variable and could easily be adapted to any environment whether it be retail or service. The system could also be freestanding in a public place. 
   In another embodiment, the system could be installed or made a part of a jukebox type machine, or a machine that otherwise dispenses music or multimedia presentation. In such a system, the user-identifier would be presented to a reader on the system. The user-specific information would be sent to the processor. The processor would instruct the system to “dispense” or otherwise play a multimedia or music clip based on the user-specific information. 
   In an alternate embodiments shown in  FIG. 2 , the invention could be a dispensing or vending type system of the conventional type where the system is configured to accept currency and to dispense an item paid for by the user. A typical example of this would be a soda vending machine. In this alternate embodiment, the system contains a currency accepting means  900 . The processor can contain and/or execute instructions to only activate the system if currency accepting means indicator to the process that the user  100  has paid for one of the items  508 . For example, a user could purchase a soda by inserting currency into the currency acceptor  900  (the step represented as  6000 ), which would be communicated to the processor  400 , represented by step  7000 . In some embodiments, the processor  400  executes instructions to output a prompt to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the prompt would be a graphical display indicating to the user to present his or her user-identifier  200 . The system then reads the user-specific information  210 ,  220 , and  230 , and optionally, the user&#39;s  100  immediately previous purchase choice, and instructs the dispensing means ( 508  for example) to dispense a separate item to the user  100  based on the selected criteria for that user type and/or the user&#39;s  100  selection. 
   Other embodiments of the invention include a system to distribute items to a member of a health club, where the distributed items are chosen based on pre-selected athletic interests of the member, such as providing tennis balls to a member who has previously indicated an interest in playing tennis. Alternatively, the member of the athletic club may have purchased a premium service. The information regarding the premium service would be contained on the user-identifier and the system would dispense items based on the member&#39;s status and/or preferences. 
   Another embodiment comprises a system to distribute meals to school students based on pre-selected menu preferences. 
   The skilled artisan will appreciate that the components of the system can be used with any vending machine, amusement machine, slot machine, or any device that dispenses an item or service. 
   In another embodiment, the system dispenses items based on said user-specific information and item-specific information. In this embodiment, the system dispenses at least one item based on information associated with the items in at least one of the storage compartments. This item-specific information includes, but is not limited to, the number of items dispensed from at least one storage compartment, the number of items remaining in at least one storage compartment, or the weight of items remaining in at least one storage compartment. This sample-specific information is conveyed to the processor, which in conjunction with the programmed instructions is capable of translating the information into mechanical actions of the dispensing means as described above. 
   Another embodiment of the invention is utilized in a gaming device. A gaming device according to the present invention incorporates all or some of the elements described in the embodiments above, except that the primary “item” being “dispensed” is a gaming feature. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the “dispense” is to be understood as the activation of a gaming feature. 
   The user-identifier, reader, and processor are the same as those described above in  FIG. 1  except that in this example system, the processor executes programmed instructions to translate the user-specific information to activate at least one gaming feature based on user-specific information stored on user-identifier and read by reader. Activated gaming feature is appropriate for user based on user-associated information. Activation of gaming feature includes deactivation of the gaming feature. The instructions, which can be encoded in software or embedded in a chip in the processor, are capable of validating whether the user-identifier is authorized for activity, determining history of use of the gaming system by user, and determining if and which gaming feature  575  should be activated. The instructions in conjunction with computer memory means also maintains a log of information, including the user-identifier and user&#39;s usage history, such as time, points scored, and what gaming feature was activated. Any processor known to those skilled in the art may be used in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   In  FIG. 3 , the system is shown in conjunction with a pinball machine. A close-up view of the activated gaming feature  575 , which is a gate in this example, is shown. Gaming feature  575  may be a feature that is not typically activated until user completes a sequence of flipper lane and ramp spinner switches. By activating gaming feature  575 , the system provides easier play for a new or young user by blocking the outlane  577  where the pinball  576  could be lost. 
   Another example of the system involves video games. In this example, a user of the system may present her card to a video game having the system incorporated therein. The user could then be awarded specific advantages in the video game based on the user-specific information contained on her card. 
   In some embodiments, the gaming feature that is activated is a free game on the system. The gaming feature could also be an adjustment of the threshold necessary to reach a new level of the game or to obtain a re-play of the game. 
   While the foregoing has been set forth in considerable detail, it is to be understood that the drawings and detailed embodiments are presented for elucidation and not limitation. Design variations, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangements of parts may be made but are within the principles of the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that such changes or modifications of the invention or combinations of elements, variations, equivalents or improvements therein are still within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.