Patent Application
20130118094
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to enclosures, specifically to a portable business enclosure.
2. Description of the Related Art
In architecture, construction, engineering, real estate and technology the word enclosure or building may refer to any human-made structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or continuous occupancy; or an act of construction (i.e. the activity of building). Enclosures come in a wide amount of shapes and functions, and have been adapted throughout history for a wide number of factors, from building materials available, to weather conditions, to land prices, ground conditions, specific uses and aesthetic reasons. Enclosures serve several needs of society—primarily as shelter from weather and as general living space, to provide privacy, to store belongings and to comfortably live and work. An enclosure as a shelter represents a physical division of the human habitat (a place of comfort and safety) and the outside (a place that at times may be harsh and harmful).
A commercial enclosure or building is an enclosure that is used for commercial use. Types of commercial enclosures may include office buildings, warehouses, or retail (i.e. convenience stores, ‘big box’ stores, shopping malls, etc.). In urban locations, a commercial building often combines functions, such as an office on levels 2-10, with retail on floor 1. Local authorities commonly maintain strict regulations on commercial zoning, and have the authority to designate any zoned area as such. A business must be located in a commercial area or area zoned at least partially for commerce.
Portable enclosures allow for construction of the enclosure, or parts thereof, to be completed offsite and then brought in to be “installed” at a desired location. This allows for manufacturing technologies to be utilized more effectively at an off-site manufacturing location, while still permitting distribution of the enclosure(s) to be effected. Portable enclosures are generally trucked into a location and then connected to local infrastructure. An example of a portable enclosure is a mobile home.
Enclosures may include tools, systems, devices and the like that facilitate business transactions. Such may include POS (point-of-sale systems), marketing tools, customer service tools, inventory management tools, and the like and combinations thereof. Further, enclosures generally provide for human needs for those who visit the enclosure, live there, man the operation thereof and the like. Such provision may include bathrooms, secure rooms for privacy, tools for temperature management, and structures configured to protect from outside environmental conditions (rain, wind, snow, pollution, etc.).
Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,685, issued to Heim Sr. et al., discloses service carts are provided that can be advantageously used to hold both diagnostic tools and repair tools and can be flexibly configured or customized for different work environments or worker preferences. The service carts include a cabinet having two side outer-walls, a back outer-wall, a bottom, and a top. The cabinet can include a plurality of configurable storage spaces with each storage space having a height that is approximately an integer multiple of a minimum storage space height. The cabinet can also be configured to provide electrical power into storage spaces in the cabinet. The cabinet top can comprise a plurality of slots adapted to hold mounting brackets adjustable along a length of the slots. The cabinet may include a fan that pulls air into the cabinet through a filter.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,354, issued to Kuehnrich et al., discloses a system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,795,837, issued to Haun et al., discloses a portable solar power supply trailer with a security containment area and multiple power interfaces, wherein the trailer has a trailer frame with wheels on axels and a support hitch. An enclosure on the trailer frame covers about 25 percent of the trailer frame and a solar array frame is disposed on the enclosure, and wherein the solar array frame covers the entire trailer frame and the enclosure, and the solar array frame has at least one photovoltaic cell. The enclosure has plurality of power interfaces for access by a user external to the enclosure, a plurality of batteries, a solar controller, a power interface timer in the enclosures for providing power to the power interfaces, and two posts and two supports for supporting the solar array frame.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0039253, by Snowden, discloses a small format retail business building includes a modular enclosure with at least four insulated walls, an insulated roof disposed over the walls, and a facade located parallel to each wall and adhered to the roof. The roof can support at least about 20 pounds per square foot and the roof and the walls are encapsulated with an elastomeric multilayer system. The system includes a first curable elastomeric layer, a polymeric mesh disposed on the first curable elastomeric layer, a second curable elastomeric layer disposed on the polymeric mesh, at least one insulated door disposed in one wall, at least one drive up window disposed in one wall and a framed flooring comprising a curable elastomer.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0241242, by De La Marche, discloses a modular building structure comprises a service corridor (2) to which are connected separate cabin modules (1) that form accommodation or offices etc. The service module contains apparatus for the supply and distribution of mains services such as water, electricity, waste disposal and air conditioning to the building modules. The modules are connected to the corridor and to said mains supply services. Each of the cabin modules is free-standing, pre-fitted for its intended use. Adjacent modules are interconnected by a flexible grommet (26) that extends between aligned apertures in each module.
The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being limited in use, being limited in function, being configured to be treated unfavorably for tax/fee purposes, failing to have a physical address, limiting consumer access to only portions of the inventory of the enclosure when multiple customers are present, are treated as real property, cannot be depreciated favorably, are difficult to install, are awkward to use, are unable to be broadly distributed, are limited in locations where they can be installed, fail to adequately protect the users thereof, fail to adequately protect the interests of the owners thereof, and the like and combinations thereof.
What is needed is a business enclosure that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available business enclosures. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a business enclosure configured to beneficially provide business services to a location.
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a business enclosure configured to provide easily deployed automated business services to a region. The business enclosure may include a shelter structure. The shelter structure may not include any plumbing and may be configured to protect contents thereof and may be configured to provide power and communication thereto.
The shelter structure may include a rigid box that may have walls and a ceiling that may include a plurality of foundation mounts that may be disposed on a bottom region thereof and may be configured to mount to a foundation. The rigid box may include a plurality of crane mounts. The shelter structure may include a power module that may be configured to distribute power within the rigid box that may have a power coupling that may be configured to couple to an external power source. The shelter structure may include a communication module that may be functionally coupled to the power module and may be configured to communicate with a remote computerized network.
The shelter structure may include a HVAC module that may be configured to provide heating and cooling capabilities to the shelter structure. The shelter structure may include an access control module that may have a magnetic lock module that may be configured to lock an entry into the shelter structure according to a predetermined schedule. The shelter structure may include a recognition module that may be configured to provide facial recognition capabilities of customers thereof. The shelter structure may include a self-service financial transaction module that may be configured to permit users to provide direct payments to target individuals with a financial account.
The business enclosure may include an automated business service kiosk that may be configured to provide business services to customers. The automated business service kiosk may be disposed within the rigid box and may be functionally coupled to each of the power module and the communication module. The automated business service kiosk may include a single robotic dispensing module servicing a plurality of customer interface modules.
The business enclosure may include a kiosk control module that may be disposed within the shelter structure and may be in communication with a management system over a computerized network through the communication module. The kiosk control module may receive and execute operating instructions from the management system.
The business enclosure may include a prefabricated slab that may be disposed on a bottom region of the rigid box. The business enclosure may include a kiosk configuration module that may be configured to provide pre-set kiosk configuration parameters to the enclosure. The kiosk configuration module may be configured to activate upon installation of the business enclosure in a location.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.
Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of programmable or executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
Indeed, a module and/or a program of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
The various system components and/or modules discussed herein may include one or more of the following: a host server or other computing systems including a processor for processing digital data; a memory coupled to said processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for inputting digital data; an application program stored in said memory and accessible by said processor for directing processing of digital data by said processor; a display device coupled to the processor and memory for displaying information derived from digital data processed by said processor; and a plurality of databases. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any computers discussed herein may include an operating system (e.g., Windows Vista, NT, 95/98/2000, OS2; UNIX; Linux; Solaris; MacOS; and etc.) as well as various conventional support software and drivers typically associated with computers. The computers may be in a home or business environment with access to a network. In an exemplary embodiment, access is through the Internet through a commercially-available web-browser software package.
The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, screen shots, user interaction, optional selections, various processing steps, and the like. Each of such described herein may be one or more modules in exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, AJAX, extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like. Still further, the invention may detect or prevent security issues with a client-side scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.
Additionally, many of the functional units and/or modules herein are described as being “in communication” with other functional units and/or modules. Being “in communication” refers to any manner and/or way in which functional units and/or modules, such as, but not limited to, computers, laptop computers, PDAs, modules, and other types of hardware and/or software, may be in communication with each other. Some non-limiting examples include communicating, sending, and/or receiving data and metadata via: a network, a wireless network, software, instructions, circuitry, phone lines, internet lines, satellite signals, electric signals, electrical and magnetic fields and/or pulses, and/or so forth.
As used herein, the term “network” may include any electronic communications means which incorporates both hardware and software components of such. Communication among the parties in accordance with the present invention may be accomplished through any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), networked or linked devices and/or the like. Moreover, although the invention may be implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols, the invention may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI or any number of existing or future protocols. If the network is in the nature of a public network, such as the Internet, it may be advantageous to presume the network to be insecure and open to eavesdroppers. Specific information related to the protocols, standards, and application software utilized in connection with the Internet is generally known to those skilled in the art and, as such, need not be detailed herein. See, for example, DILIP NAIK, INTERNET STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS (1998); JAVA 2 COMPLETE, various authors, (Sybex 1999); DEBORAH RAY AND ERIC RAY, MASTERING HTML 4.0 (1997); and LOSHIN, TCP/IP CLEARLY EXPLAINED (1997), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
The business enclosure 10 generally includes a shelter structure. In one non-limiting embodiment, the shelter structure does not include any plumbing, such as but not limited to water pipes, water valves, faucets, drains, water hook-ups, and the like and combinations thereof. However, the shelter is configured to provide power and communication thereto and includes such electronic devices/structures as needed to provide the same, such as but not limited to transformers, wiring, outlets, sockets, power supplies, power regulators, and the like and combinations thereof to suit the expected needs of the business enclosure. Advantageously, this embodiment strongly impacts the cost-benefit of the business enclosure for the owner and/or the operator as it maximizes business utility value while reducing overall cost, operating cost, and maximizing favorable tax treatment.
The shelter structure is configured to protect contents thereof. Generally a shelter structure will include a plurality of walls, a roof and a floor, each coupled to the others as appropriate and customary. The shelter structure is configured to provide shelter from exterior environmental conditions, such as but not limited to wind, rain, snow, cold, heat, sun exposure, and the like and combinations thereof as well as generally protecting from animals and insects and other undesired influences. The protection offered by the shelter may be limited and may not be absolute in restricting the influences of undesired exterior conditions and etc. from influencing the conditions inside the structure.
The business enclosure 10 may include an automated business service kiosk that is configured to provide business services to customers. The automated business service kiosk is disposed within the shelter and is functionally coupled to each of a power module and a communication module. The business enclosure may include a kiosk control module that is disposed within the shelter structure and is in communication with a management system 12 over a computerized network 14. The kiosk control module is configured to receive and execute operating instructions from the management system 12. The illustrated modular business enclosure is configured to provide a self-service business system for automated retailing of various media products.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a modular business enclosure may be disposed anywhere where there is a power source available. The modular business enclosure may be disposed about a parking lot, a vacant lot, a fair, a convention, a festival, etc. The modular business enclosure is configured to provide digital products through automated dispensing kiosk systems, without the need for human on site-monitoring and/or control (and/or without the need for constant and/or regular human on-site monitoring and/or control).
The illustrated network may be embodied by a wireless network, cellular network, internet, intranet, wired network, microwave communication network and the like and combinations thereof. Such a network permits remote communication, monitoring and/or control of the modular business enclosure(s). The illustrated network 14 functionally couples the modular business enclosure 10 with the management system 12 such that the operation of each is facilitated and may be coordinated/communicative.
The illustrated management system 12 is configured to manage and monitor a plurality of modular business enclosures 10 over a network 14. A management system 12 may be embodied by one or more servers, computers, laptops, smart phones, tablet personal computers, and the like that may include one or more devices for communicating over a network, such as but not limited to Ethernet cards, wireless networking cards, cellular transponders, and the like and combinations thereof. The management system 12 may further include one or more applications, control modules, and etc. that may be resident on one or more machines and/or may be resident on a machine different from an interface used by an operator. Such a system may include a display that may be functionally coupled to data supplied by a modular business enclosure such that an operator may observe reported characteristics from the modular business enclosure such as but not limited to inventory levels, system errors/faults, transaction information, video/audio surveillance feeds, maintenance conditions, maintenance history.
The illustrated modular business enclosure 10 may be configured to include a plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems. The automated dispensing kiosk systems may be configured to dispense videos, games, music, media, digital content, DVDs, CDs, books, etc. The modular business enclosure 10 is configured to be a self-service business system that allows for automated retailing of various products.
In one embodiment, there is a fully functional video store that is run by robots. Such may be a media store vending games, music, movies, books, accessories, and etc. Such may be browsed and dispensed from a single robot in a retail store setting/format that is more than just a single solitary kiosk but also includes at least an enclosure or building where customers may enter to use the system. Such a building or enclosure may be portable, such as but not limited to wherein the building/enclosure includes walls, ceiling and floor that are structured sufficient to withstand transportation without substantial deformation which may include having a prefabricated slab attached thereto. There may also be structures such as but not limited to footings, mounts, utility ports (especially electrical, network, etc.), and the like such that on delivery the enclosure may be integrated into its environment and caused to function. In one embodiment, there are no water/sewer hookups and/or no water/sewer systems within the enclosure.
In one embodiment in the store are multiple media browsers and/or multiple media dispensers that may be all serviced by a single inventory unit and retrieval system. There may be one or more modules that have the ability to issue cash cards or virtual currency cards in exchange for credit card swipes, cash deposits, deposits at other institutions and the like and combinations thereof for people who do not have their own credit cards so they can rent from the system/robot. There may be structures that provide for automated return capabilities: allows the consumer to walk up and put the media in a drop box and that automatically returns the inventory. Such may include a system that records the return and places the item in a deposit buffer such that storage in the inventory system may occur after the deposit is credited to allow for more immediate and rapid returning. There may be online browsing and reservations in communication with the modular enclosure that may permit in-store pickup by use of a redemption code or the like. There may be one or more customer interaction centers/displays/interfaces that may have multiple browsing interfaces.
Advantageously, such a system permits efficient and cost effective distribution of physical media (and/or electronic download media) to a plurality of consumers at a particular location. The system may be installed in a location with minimal effort and may be serviced as needed without needing full-time staff on location. Accordingly, labor resources may be put to higher use and the cost of media distribution to consumers may be reduced. Further, such a system provides a lower cost and lower risk investment and business opportunity for individuals, thereby bringing the opportunity for wealth and prosperity to a greater segment of the population. Such a system, further provides consumers with rapid delivery of media content (and/or other physical products that may be desired) on demand and at low prices. Thereby the standard or living of a surrounding area may be improved. Such a system may be disposed in locations and regions where a similar investment in a full service store might not be appropriate. Accordingly, the benefits of the products therein may be distributed to a wider demographic.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 is configured to provide easily deployed automated business services to a region. The illustrated modular business enclosure is configured to provide a self-service business system for automated retailing of various media products. The business enclosure 10 includes a power module configured to distribute power within the business enclosure 10 and includes a power coupling configured to couple to an external power source.
The business enclosure 10 includes a communication module, such as a wireless communication module 26 functionally coupled to the power module and configured to communicate with a remote computerized network. The communication module 26 is configured to provide communication capabilities, such as wireless communication, to the modules and components of the business enclosure and the components and systems disposed therein. The wireless communication module is in communication with a management system over a network. The wireless communication module is configured to provide communication between the plurality of kiosk systems of a plurality of business enclosures to a management system over a network. The wireless communication module may be configured to provide communication between a wireless device, such as a cell phone, and a modular business enclosure. Non-limiting examples of a wireless communication module may be but not limited to: a communication module described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,463, issued to Hyatt et al.; or a communication module described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,886, issued to Fariello et al., which are incorporated for their supported herein.
The business enclosure 10 includes an access control module 20 configured to provide access to the business enclosure 10. The business enclosure 10 includes an access control module 20 may have a magnetic lock module configured to lock an entry into the business enclosure 10 according to a predetermined schedule. The access control module 20 is in communication with a management system over a computerized network. The management system is configured to manage and set parameters for accessing the business enclosure 10 through the access control module 20. The access control module 20 may require identification, age verification, membership verification, owner verification, etc. to access the enclosure. Non-limiting examples of an access control module may be an access control module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,296 issued to Palmer Jr. et al.; or an access control system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,728,351 issued to Ahlstrom, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a virtual currency module 22 configured to provide credits to be used at the business enclosure 10. The virtual currency module 22 is configured to provide credits in the form of tokens, coins, cards, coupons, vouchers, certificates, codes, scans, etc. exchanged for currency/money to be used at an automated dispensing kiosk system of the business enclosure 10. The credits may be exchanged at any of the plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems disposed within any of the plurality of business enclosures 10. The exchange rate may be set by a management system over a computerized network. Non-limiting examples of a virtual currency module may be a currency module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0177464 by Komem et al.; or a multi currency module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0321695 by Digrigoli et al., which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a kiosk control module 24 configured to control aspects, characteristics, and parameters of an automated dispensing kiosk system disposed within the business enclosure 10. The business enclosure 10 includes a kiosk control module 24 disposed within the business enclosure and is in communication with a management system over a computerized network through the wireless communication module 26. The kiosk control module 24 is configured to receive and execute operating instructions from the management system. The kiosk control module 24 may be configured to control accessibility, usage, type of media being dispensed, configuration, display capabilities, marketing capabilities, etc. of each kiosk system disposed in each of the business enclosures 10. The kiosk control module 24 may be accessed by an administrator of a management system over a computerized network. The kiosk control module 24 may be accessed with a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone. Non-limiting examples of a kiosk control module may be a control module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0184258 by Korala et al.; or a server system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,694 issued to Chen et al., which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a router module 28 configured to provide internal communication between the automated dispensing kiosk systems within the business enclosure 10. The router module 28 is configured to provide internal communication between the virtual currency module 22 and the automated dispensing kiosk systems. The business enclosures 10 are configured to be pre-wired throughout the enclosure 10, thereby providing pre-wired communication pathways for the systems and modules to communicate therethrough. Non-limiting examples of a router module may be a router module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0115807 by Rombeaut; or a internal communication module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0234838 by Ghanekar et al., which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a kiosk configuration module 30 configured to provide pre-set kiosk configuration parameters to an automated dispensing kiosk system disposed within the business enclosure 10. The kiosk configuration module 30 is in communication with the kiosk control module 24, wherein the kiosk control module 24 is configured to provide instructions, parameters or limitations to the kiosk configuration module 30. The business enclosure 10 includes a kiosk configuration module 30 configured to provide pre-set kiosk configuration parameters to the business enclosure 10. The kiosk configuration module 30 is configured to activate upon installation of the business enclosure 10 in a location. The kiosk configuration module 30 is configured to set prices or exchange rates for credits used at each of the automated dispensing kiosk systems disposed within the business enclosure 10. The kiosk configuration module 30 is managed by a management system over a computerized network. Non-limiting example of a kiosk configuration module may be a configuration module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0150678 by Giobbi et al.; or a kiosk management client module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0057612 by Wagenhals, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a digital product module 32 configured to store digital media for dispensing through the automated dispensing kiosk systems disposed within the business enclosure 10. The digital product module 32 is configured to store videos, games, music, media, digital content, DVDs, CDs, books, etc. to be dispensed through the automated dispensing kiosk systems. The digital product module 32 includes a storage module configured to store digital content to be downloaded to a medium, such as a CD or DVD. The digital product module 32 is configured to be in communication with an automated dispensing kiosk system configured to dispense a digital product. Non-limiting examples of a digital product module may be a product sub-system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,620,565 issued to Abelow; or an audio/video system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,459 issued to Lee el al., which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a payment module 34 in communication with the virtual currency module 22 and a plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems disposed within the business enclosures 10. The payment module 34 is configured to provide payment receiving capabilities and exchange currency/money for credits to be used to purchase digital products through the automated dispensing kiosk systems of the business enclosure 10. The payment module 34 is disposed within each business enclosure 10 or may be accessible over a computerized network and accredited to a user account in association with the business enclosure 10. Non-limiting examples of a payment module may include a HP POS system Rp5700, manufactured by Hewlett Packard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, Calif., 94304; or a pcAmerica Retail POS system, manufactured by pcAmerica, One Blue Hill Plaza 2nd Floor, PO Box 1546, Pearl River, N.Y., 10965; or a POSMicro Premier Retail POS PMSM-2-BO, manufactured by POSMicro, 1225 E. Sunset Dr. Ste 145 #356, Bellingham, Wash., 98226.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a security module 36 disposed within each business enclosure 10. The security module 36 is configured to provide security parameters thereto. The security module 36 is configured to provide motion sensor lighting, alarm notification, alarm capabilities, an audio alarm, lock down capabilities, etc. to secure the enclosure after a break in or an attempt to damage or steal property disposed within the enclosure. The security module 36 is in communication with a management system over a computerized network, wherein the management system manages and monitors the security module 36. The security module 36 is configured to notify a third party, authorized personnel, or the police after a break in. Non-limiting examples of a security module may be a wireless security module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,230 issued to Forrest; or a security module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0072762 by Buer, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes an inventory tracking module 38 in communication with the digital product module 32. The inventory tracking module 38 is configured to track digital product inventory disposed within each business enclosure 10. The inventory tracking module 38 is configured to track and store data related to the inventory disposed within each business enclosure 10. The inventory tracking module 38 is configured to store metadata related to each digital product being sold at each business enclosure 10. The inventory tracking module 38 is managed by a management system over a computerized network. The inventory tracking module 38 may be accessed using a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone. Non-limiting examples of an inventory tracking module may be an inventory tracking module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0210325 by Bhogal et al.; or a key inventory module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0250411 by Williams, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes an interface module 40 configured to provide one or more interfaces for accessing the business enclosure 10 and the modules and systems disposed therein. The interface module 40 is configured to provide access to the business enclosure 10 for control, information, interaction and the like. Such may include one or more graphical user interfaces that may be embodied in software instructions for controlling display on a display (such as but not limited to a TV, monitor, cellphone/tablet screen, etc.) and/or for routing signals from an input device (such as but not limited to a keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, etc.) such that a user may perform queries on the system, issue commands, and receive information therefrom. Such may be embodied in one or more customer interfaces that permit browsing of the system inventory and purchase/rental therefrom. Such may be embodied in one or more service interfaces that permit service personnel to make adjustments, changes, and otherwise provide maintenance to the system. Such may be embodied in one or more administrative interfaces that permit review of data from the system, such as but not limited to financial and inventory data, and/or permit adjustments to the functions and characteristics of the system including but not limited to operational hours, price levels, inventory makeup and the like and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of interface modules may be a HTML player, client server application, Java script application. A non-limiting example of an interface module is FlowPlayer 3.1, manufactured by FlowPlayer LTD, Hannuntie 8 D, ESPOO 02360, Helsinki, Finland. Non-limiting examples of a display/interface module may be a display/interface module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,562, issued to Scott et al.; a touch screen interface module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,202 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,609, issued to Arjomand, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated business enclosure 10 includes a product routing module 42 configured to physically route product about the plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems of the business enclosure 10. In particular, it is configured to provide requested materials to consumers and to receive deposited materials from consumers. Such may include one or more inventory storage modules, inventory transpower modules, inventory receipt modules, and/or inventory dispensing modules that may be in communication with each other and/or functionally coupled to one another and/or disposed accessible to each other in a manner that facilitates operation thereof.
An inventory storage module may include a physical storage system, such as but not limited to a set of racks, bins, slots, shelves, and the like and combinations thereof wherein inventory may be stored. Such racks/etc. may be configured according to a preset geometry and/or the geometry of such may be observable to or recorded within one or more modules of the system such that such modules may be able to interact therewith in a manner that facilitates movement/tracking/etc. of the inventory. Such racks/etc. may include detectable indicators of geometry such as but not limited to bar codes, QR codes, RFID tags, notches, and the like and combinations thereof such that another module may observe or detect such and may thereby be informed of a particular aspect of a geometry of a potion of the rack/etc. such as but not limited to inventory slots providing an indication as to the width and/or height of such a slot so that a robot arm may interact therewith out having to actually “see” the slot, but instead observing an indicator and thereby knowing its geometry. In another embodiment, a geometry of a rack/etc. may be preconfigured in another module on setup and may be reconfigured on any change.
An inventory transpower module may include one or more arms, retrieval devices/systems, product transport devices/systems and the like and combinations thereof and is configured to physically transport product from one portion of the enclosure to another and in particular to transport product to and from the inventory storage module so that it may go in and out of inventory as desired. Such a system may include a robotic arm coupled to a transport mechanism such as but not limited to a motorized track, vehicle, belt-pulley system, and the like and combinations thereof such that the robotic arm may traverse the inventory storage module and have substantial access thereto whereby it may move to a particular rack/etc. and retrieve an item from inventory and/or place an item therein. Such a system may be functionally coupled to a database wherein item size/shape and handling instructions may be stored such that the robotic arm/hand may know the location of the item and how to grip/retrieve the same. As a non-limiting example, such a database may include an item code functionally linked to one or more of the following: item width, item weight, item height, grip angle, grip pressure, which hand to use, minimum rack size where it may be placed, transport speed min or max, preferred storage location, and the like and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of product routing modules include those described in the following references, which are incorporated herein for their supporting teachings: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,525,071; 5,143,193; 4,563,120; 5,206,814; 7,797,077; 6,450,318; 7,447,605; 7,474,938; and 7,747,346.
An inventory receipt module may include one or more receiving devices for taking possession of an item from a user, one or more temporary storage devices in functional communication with the one or more receiving devices, one or more sensor modules for observing a characteristic of the items so processed, and/or one or more hand-off devices configured to pass the items to an inventory transpower module or otherwise permit the same to take such an item. Such may include a slot through which a consumer (or service operator/inventory manager) may deposit a product, a transpower module that may transport the item/product to a storage bin/queue/stack/rack/etc. where the item may be temporarily stored, a reader such as but not limited to a bar code reader, RFID detector, image processing module and the like and combinations thereof that may observe an identifying characteristic of the item and may communicate the same to the system, such that on receipt the item may be credited to the depositor. Advantageously, such may all be performed before the item is actually placed back in inventory and may be queued for replacement in inventory when the inventory transpower module is available. In one non-limiting embodiment, an inventory transpower module may include a protocol for handling a queue of transport requests and such a protocol may include a priority for handling dispensing requests over restocking requests. Wherein the inventory receipt module is able to process (fully or otherwise) receipt of inventory and store the same temporarily, a single inventory transpower module having a single inventory transport device may be able to quickly service customers without delays caused by the return of rented merchandise.
An inventory dispensing module may be as simple as a bin to which consumers and the inventory transpower module both have access. Such may also include one or more sensors, security devices, anti-theft devices, barriers, audio/visual indicators that trigger a notice when a product is dispensed and the like and combinations thereof. There may be a plurality of inventory dispensing modules throughout an enclosure and such may be indexed within the system and such index may be displayed visually or audibly to consumers.
In one embodiment, there is a business enclosure including one or more of the following functions/structures: single robotic dispenser serving a plurality of browser interfaces and/or dispenser modules, a prefabricated enclosure that is pre-wired and includes no plumbing, a prefabricated enclosure having an HVAC module with no plumbing, a prefabricated enclosure having a magnetic lock system that locks according to a time or schedule may be opened by a swipe card or PIN, a recognition module including facial recognition software coupled to a database for recording identified individuals and in communication with displays wherein the facial recognition software identifies demographic characteristics of users within the enclosure and alters a browsing and/or advertising interface according to recognition of demographic groups represented within the enclosure, an ATM machine, a cell phone reclamation module configured to receive a cell phone and/or verify functionality thereof through powering the phone and/or photographing the phone and providing a quote for an immediate payment in exchange for the phone, and/or a self-service financial transaction module configured to permit users to direct payments to target individuals and/or companies using a kiosk interacting with a financial account of a user.
Advantageously, a business enclosure may permit quick, efficient, and effective delivery of inventory on demand to consumers in a manner that is less frustrating, more comfortable, and more convenient than existing systems. Accordingly, deployment of such a system may be simultaneously advantageous to an owner thereof and the users.
The illustrated virtual currency module 22 is configured to provide credits to be used at a business enclosure. The virtual currency module 22 is configured to provide credits in the form of tokens, coins, cards, coupons, vouchers, certificates, codes, scans, etc. exchanged for enclosure currency/money to be used at an automated dispensing kiosk system of a business enclosure. The credits may be exchanged at any of the plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems disposed within any of the plurality of modular business enclosures. The exchange rate may be set by a management system over a computerized network.
The illustrated virtual currency module 22 includes a control module 50 configured to provide operational controls and instructions to the modules and components thereof. The control module 50 is in communication with the modules and components of the virtual currency module 22 and is configured to provide operational instructions and commands thereto. Non-limiting examples of a control module may be a control module described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,836, issued to Wolf et al.; or a control module described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,635, issued to Swan et al. which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein. A control module may include but is not limited to a processor, a state machine, a script, a decision tree, and the like.
The illustrated virtual currency module 22 includes a data storage module 58 in communication with the various modules and components of the virtual currency module 22. The data storage module 58 is configured to store data transferred through the virtual currency module 22. The data storage module 58 is configured to securely store user account data along with authentication and authorization codes to access the virtual currency module 22. The data storage module 58 is configured to store data from the virtual currency module 22, including data from previous usage, data from users accessing the account, etc. Data storage modules may be databases or data files and the memory storage device may be hard drives or tapes. A non-limiting example of a data base is Filemaker Pro 11, manufactured by Filemaker Inc., 5261 Patrick Henry Dr., Santa Clara, Calif., 95054. Non-limiting examples of a storage module may include: a HP Storage Works P2000 G3 Modular Smart Array System, manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, Calif., 94304, USA; or a Sony Pocket Bit USB Flash Drive, manufactured by Sony Corporation of America, 550 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y., 10022.
The illustrated virtual currency module 22 includes a deposit module 52 configured to receive a monetary currency from a user and deposit the currency amount into a user account associated with the user to be used at a plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems of a business enclosure. The deposit module 52 is in communication with the data storage module 58 and is configured to store deposit and user account data therein. Non-limiting examples of a deposit module may be a cash deposit apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,162, issued to Jonson et al.; or an system as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0235523, by Clements, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated virtual currency module 22 includes a conversion module 54 in communication with the deposit module 52. The conversion module 54 is configured to provide up to date conversion rates for monetary currency being deposited into the deposit module 52. The conversion module 54 is configured to convert a monetary currency into credits; in the form of tokens, coins, cards, coupons, vouchers, certificates, codes, scans, etc. to be used at an automated dispensing kiosk system of the business enclosure. Non-limiting examples of a conversion module may be a system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,953,634, issued to Cleary et al.; or a money conversion module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,745, issued to Tamori, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings.
The illustrated virtual currency module 22 includes a withdrawal module 56 configured to provide withdrawal capabilities to a user of a business enclosure. The withdrawal module 56 is in communication with the data storage module 58 and is configured to store withdrawal data therein. The withdrawal module 56 is in communication with conversion module 54 and is configured to provide various monetary currencies for withdrawal there from. Non-limiting examples of a withdrawal module may be a cash withdrawal system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,533, issued to Ramachandran; or a system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,676,395, issued to Foss Jr. et al., which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated digital product module 32 is configured to store digital media for dispensing through an automated dispensing kiosk system disposed within a business enclosure. The digital product module 32 is configured to store videos, games, music, media, digital content, DVDs, CDs, books, etc. to be dispensed through the automated dispensing kiosk systems.
The illustrated digital product module 32 includes a control module 60 configured to provide operational controls and instructions to the modules and components thereof. The control module 60 is in communication with the modules and components of the digital product module 32 and is configured to provide operational instructions and commands thereto.
The illustrated digital product module 32 includes a product storage module 64 configured to store digital content to be downloaded to a medium, such as a CD or DVD. The digital product module 32 is configured to be in communication with an automated dispensing kiosk system configured to dispense a digital product. The product storage module 64 may include a physical storage system, such as but not limited to a set of racks, bins, slots, shelves, and the like and combinations thereof wherein inventory may be stored. Such racks/etc. may be configured according to a preset geometry and/or the geometry of such may be observable to or recorded within one or more modules of the system such that such modules may be able to interact therewith in a manner that facilitates movement/tracking/etc. of the inventory. Such racks/etc. may include detectable indicators of geometry such as but not limited to bar codes, QR codes, RFID tags, notches, and the like and combinations thereof such that another module may observe or detect such and may thereby be informed of a particular aspect of a geometry of a potion of the rack/etc. such as but not limited to inventory slots providing an indication as to the width and/or height of such a slot so that a robot arm may interact therewith out having to actually “see” the slot, but instead observing an indicator and thereby knowing its geometry. In another embodiment, a geometry of a rack/etc. may be preconfigured in another module on setup and may be reconfigured on any change.
The illustrated digital product module 32 includes a dispensing module 62 configured to dispense a digital product. The dispensing module 62 may include one or more arms, retrieval devices/systems, product transport devices/systems and the like and combinations thereof and is configured to physically transport product from one portion of the enclosure to another and in particular to transport product to and from the product storage module 64 so that it may go in and out of inventory as desired. Such a system may include a robotic arm coupled to a transport mechanism such as but not limited to a motorized track, vehicle, belt-pulley system, and the like and combinations thereof such that the robotic arm may traverse the inventory storage module and have substantial access thereto whereby it may move to a particular rack/etc. and retrieve an item from inventory and/or place an item therein. Such a system may be functionally coupled to a database wherein item size/shape and handling instructions may be stored such that the robotic arm/hand may know the location of the item and how to grip/retrieve the same. As a non-limiting example, such a database may include an item code functionally linked to one or more of the following: item width, item weight, item height, grip angle, grip pressure, which hand to use, minimum rack size where it may be placed, transport speed min or max, preferred storage location, and the like and combinations thereof.
The dispensing module 62 may be as simple as a bin to which consumers and the dispensing module 62 both have access. Such may also include one or more sensors, security devices, anti-theft devices, barriers, audio/visual indicators that trigger a notice when a product is dispensed and the like and combinations thereof. There may be a plurality of dispensing modules throughout a business enclosure and such may be indexed within the system and such index may be displayed visually or audibly to consumers.
The illustrated digital product module 32 includes an authorization module 66 configured to authorize access and purchase of a digital product. The authorization module 66 is configured to verify data from the user of the digital product module before allowing access and purchase of a digital product there from. The digital product modules 32 is in communication with a virtual currency module and configured to access and maintain user account data, such as authorization of a transfer of funds to purchase a digital product. Non-limiting examples of an authorization module may be an authorization module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,993, issued to Vayman; or an authorization module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,265, issued to Harris, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated security module 36 is disposed within each business enclosure and configured to provide security parameters thereto. The security module 36 is configured to provide motion sensor lighting, alarm notification, alarm capabilities, an audio alarm, lock down capabilities, etc. to secure the business enclosure after a break in or an attempt to damage or steal property disposed within the business enclosure. The security module 36 is in communication with a management system over a computerized network, wherein the management system manages and monitors the security module 36. The security module 36 is configured to notify a third party, authorized personnel, or the police after a break in. Non-limiting examples of a security module may be a wireless security module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,230 issued to Forrest; or a security module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0072762 by Buer, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated security module 36 includes a control module 70 configured to provide operational controls and instructions to the modules and components thereof. The control module 70 is in communication with the modules and components of the security module 36 and is configured to provide operational instructions and commands thereto.
The illustrated security module 36 includes a data storage module 74 in communication with the various modules and components of the security module 36. The data storage module 74 is configured to store data transferred through the security module 36. The data storage module 74 is configured to securely store user account data along with security data associated therewith. The data storage module 74 is configured to store data from the security module 36, including facial recognition data, data from users accessing the account, date and time of user accessing the business enclosure, etc.
The illustrated security module 36 includes a camera module 72 configured to provide photo image capturing capabilities to the security module 36. The camera module 72 is configured to monitor a perimeter and an interior area of a business enclosure. The camera module 72 is in communication with the data storage module 74 and is configured to store image data therein. The camera module 72 is configured to record and capture an image, once a user enters or accesses the business enclosure. Non-limiting examples of a camera module may be a recording system as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0170838, by Teetzel et al.; or a video recording module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0013802, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated security module 36 includes a facial recognition module 76 configured to provide facial recognition capabilities of customers of the business enclosure. The facial recognition module 76 is in communication with the camera module 72 and configured to provide a facial recognition of an image taken by the camera module 72. The facial recognition module 76 is in communication with the data storage module 74 and is configured to store facial recognition images therein. The facial recognition module 76 is configured to determine a profile of a user of a business enclosure. The facial recognition module 76 may be configured to determine a race, a gender, a body type, an age, a physical attribute, etc. of the user of the business enclosure. Non-limiting examples of a facial recognition module may be a face recognition system as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0042643, by Yeh; or a face recognition system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,992, issued to Turk et al., which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated security module 36 includes a display module 78 configured to display an image or video data to a user of the business enclosure. The display module 78 is configured to provide visual display to the user while interacting and interfacing with the plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems. The display module 78 is configured to provide video images to the user while inside of the business enclosure. Non-limiting examples of a display/interface module may be a display/interface module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,562, issued to Scott et al.; a touch screen interface module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,202 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,609, issued to Arjomand, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
The illustrated security module 36 includes an advertisement module 75 in communication with the facial recognition module 76 and the display module 78. The advertisement module 75 is configured to display an advertisement specifically for the user of the business enclosure based upon imaging data from the facial recognition module. The advertisement module 76 is configured to display the advertisement on the display module 78. Non-limiting examples of an advertisement module may be an ad module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,485, issued to Lin et al.; or a system as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0021403, by Ozer et al., which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated payment module 34 is in communication with a virtual currency module and a plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems disposed within a business enclosure. The payment module 34 is configured to provide payment receiving capabilities and exchange currency/money for credits to be used to purchase digital products through the automated dispensing kiosk systems. The payment module 34 may be disposed within each enclosure or may be accessible over a network and accredited to a user account in association with the modular business enclosures. Non-limiting examples of a payment module may include a HP POS system Rp5700, manufactured by Hewlett Packard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, Calif., 94304; or a pcAmerica Retail POS system, manufactured by pcAmerica, One Blue Hill Plaza 2nd Floor, PO Box 1546, Pearl River, N.Y., 10965; or a POSMicro Premier Retail POS PMSM-2-BO, manufactured by POSMicro, 1225 E. Sunset Dr. Ste 145 #356, Bellingham, Wash., 98226.
The illustrated payment module 34 includes a control module 80 configured to provide operational controls and instructions to the modules and components of the payment module 34. The control module 80 is in communication with the modules and components of the payment module 34 and is configured to provide operational instructions and commands thereto.
The illustrated payment module 34 includes an authentication module 82 in communication with the control module 80. The authentication module 82 is configured to authenticate a user, based upon password, pass codes, access codes, authentication codes to determine the user of the business enclosure and the modules, components, and systems disposed therein. The authentication module is in communication with a management system over a computerized network configured to enable access to a user account based upon the authentication data. Non-limiting examples of an authentication module may be an authentication module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,243, issued to McKenney et al.; or an authentication module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,562,221, issued to Nystrom et al., which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated payment module 34 includes a banking module 86 in communication with the control module 80 and configured to provide banking capabilities to the user of the payment module 34. The banking module 86 is in communication with the authentication module 82 configured to authenticate the user, in addition to authenticating and associating the user and the banking module 86 with a banking account, such as a credit card, checking account, savings account, etc. The banking module 86 is configured to provide secure access and interface with a banking account associated with a user of the payment module 34. Non-limiting examples of a banking module may be a system as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0332386, by Vancini et al.; or a system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,865,435, issued to Medina III, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated payment module 34 includes a transfer module 88 configured to provide fund transfer capabilities to a user of the payment module 34. The transfer module 88 is in communication with the banking module 86 and is configured to transfer funds from a banking account associated with the banking module to a third party specified by the user over a computerized network. The transfer module 88 includes a data storage module configured to store transfer data therein. Non-limiting examples of a transfer module may be a system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,414, issued to Benton; or a payment resolution module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0199709, by Linlor, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated payment module 34 includes a transaction module 85 configured to provide transaction capabilities to a user of the payment module 34. The transaction module 85 is in communication with the banking module 86 and is configured to make payment transactions to various third parties over a computerized network. The transaction module 85 includes a data storage module configured to store transaction data therein. Non-limiting examples of a transaction module may be a system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,887, issued to Rosen; or a system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,745, issued to Tamori, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated payment module 34 includes an authorization module 84 in communication with the banking module 86, the transfer module 88, and the transaction module 85. The authorization module 84 is configured to authorize the transfer of funds from the transfer module 88. The authorization module 84 is configured to authorize the payment of funds from the transaction module 85 to a third party. The authorization module 84 is in communication with a management system over a computerized network configured to set parameters and settings for the payment module and the authorization module.
There is shown a shelter structure 90, not including any plumbing, configured to protect contents thereof and to provide power and communication thereto. The shelter structure 90 includes a rigid box having walls and a ceiling including a plurality of foundation mounts 92 disposed on a bottom region thereof and configured to mount to a foundation. The rigid box may include walls of various construction, including molded plastic, metal, sheet metal, wood, wood frame, metal frame, drywall, and the like and combinations and composites thereof. The rigid box forms a shell that protects the interior thereof.
Further, the illustrated rigid box further includes a plurality of crane mounts 96 configured to permit a crane to be coupled thereto to allow the enclosure to be lifted from a truck bed and lowered to a foundation to be coupled thereto. Crane mounts may include but are not limited to attachment structures (rings, loops, bars, connectors, etc.) coupled to a portion of the structure that is reinforced such that it may support the structure as needed wherein the structure is lifted by the crane mounts. Generally such crane mounts will be coupled directly to a reinforced load bearing wall and may generally be disposed towards a bottom region thereof wherein it is important to carry the load from a bottom and/or from a top region thereof wherein it is important to keep crane wires from rubbing against the walls of the rigid box. Such will include structure for coupling to one or more crane wires/lines/guides/cables/etc. such as but not limited to inset bars, D-Rings, eyed-posts, and the like and combinations thereof.
There is also shown a power module 44 configured to distribute power within the rigid box. The power module 44 has a power coupling configured to couple to an external power source. Non-limiting examples of a power module may be a power module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,446, issued to Sankaran et al.; or a power module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,891,214, issued to Mori et al., which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
Additionally, there is shown an HVAC module 46 configured to provide heating and cooling capabilities to the shelter structure 90. Non-limiting examples of a HVAC module may be a HVAC module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,464, issued to Kinmartin et al.; or a HVAC module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,294, issued to Bollweg et al., which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
There is also shown a prefabricated slab 94 coupled to a bottom region of the rigid box. The prefabricated slab may a slab as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,240, issued to Soum; or a slab system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,832, issued to Yee, which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
The illustrated structure 90 may include an access control module having a magnetic lock module configured to lock an entry into the shelter structure according to a predetermined schedule. There may also be a recognition module configured to provide facial recognition capabilities of customers thereof. Further, there may be a self-service financial transaction module configured to permit users to provide direct payments to target individuals with a financial account. Still more there may be an automated business service kiosk configured to provide business services to customers, disposed within the rigid box and functionally coupled to each of the power module and the communication module; wherein the automated business service kiosk includes a single robotic dispensing module servicing a plurality of customer interface modules. Yet still further, there may be a kiosk control module disposed within the shelter structure and in communication with a management system over a computerized network through the communication module, wherein the kiosk control module receives and executes operating instructions from the management system. Finally, there may be a kiosk configuration module configured to provide pre-set kiosk configuration parameters to the enclosure and wherein the kiosk configuration module activates upon installation of the business enclosure in a location.
The illustrated modular business enclosure 10 is configured to be pre-wired and pre-structured prior to delivery. The business enclosure 10 includes a shelter structure 90. The modular business enclosure is configured to include an entrance to access the enclosure. The modular business enclosure is configured to include lighting, display modules, a plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems, other operational modules and components disposed therein. The illustrated modular business enclosure is depicted to include measurements and specifications to the design and layout of the enclosure, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the enclosure may vary in design, size, shape, color, layout, etc. and still perform its intended function.
In one embodiment, there is a portable and/or modular video store that you can move and put anywhere. Such may be embodied as a modular building, similar in some respects to a trailer/mobile home/etc., that can be dropped off at any retail location and just needs to be connected to a power line in order to operate. No onsite employees are required for regular operation and therefore the store includes no plumbing and no bathrooms. The store can be lifted with a crane and put on a tractor trailer and then deployed anywhere appropriate. Such may come with a precast slab coupled to it.
Advantageously, such a store is a fixture and therefore not considered real-estate or real property and therefore does not require a building permit. Everything is prewired to code and prefabricated so that construction is not required on deployment. In one embodiment, there is a robot in a self-contained enclosure that can dispense to multiple points from a single inventory container. There may be a robotic dispenser movable on an x-y axis (and/or an x-z axis and/or an x-y-z axis) that removes inventory from a shelf and brings it to the dispenser associated with a browsing and purchasing interface used by a consumer within the modular business enclosure.
In one embodiment, a plurality of stores are controlled from a single networked operations center and such may be by wireless, cellular or wired networks or the like or combinations thereof. Control may include: placing/retrieving articles from inventory, add/delete inventory records, change pricing, stream advertising, control messages, fully automated help desk for users that are in the store, see inventory levels, error signals and codes and the like and combinations thereof. Access to the store may be through a standard retail door and/or there may be 24 hour access like at an ATM machine in an unlocked portion of a bank. There may be one or more browsing stations that may be on the walls whereby a user may be able to reserve product such as but not limited to when there is no line at the dispensers. There may be advertising video screens on the walls. There may be optimization of dispensing and/or inventory storage by putting the “hot” titles closer to the dispenser and the older or weaker titles further away and such may be managed when users return titles and they are replaced in the inventory storage module. The system may also spend time rearranging inventory items during down time or as it has available resources not being prioritized by consumers. Such a system may track changing popularity of inventory items and adjust storage accordingly. In one embodiment, flagged/damaged products can be put in a special bin to be picked up and/or removed later. When the store is not busy then the returned movies may be put away intelligently as described above or in another system.
In operation, storage racks may be modular and/or changeable in the field so you can change and adjust the racking and recalibrate the dispenser arm to identify the shelf space and the new products to fit different sized products. Recalibration may be through firmware and then the system may fine tune itself by grabbing/replacing particular items multiple times and adjusting its own measurements to be more accurate based on the success/failure and degree thereof observed by the system of such efforts. A store may include vending machine placement and power hookups for regular vending machines that may not be integral to the rest of the system but desired to be included.
Advantageously, such a system may provide a tax advantages since it is not real property and can therefore be depreciated over 5 years. However, it also has a physical address because you have separate power connection and so you are considered to be a physical store according to the Robinson-Patman Act and therefore you are afforded its protections under federal law and similar state laws in the United States. Additionally, it is advantageous that several customers can browse from multiple points and have full access to the entire store inventory.
The illustrated standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system 95 is configured to dispense various digital media products. The standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system includes a picker robot module having a RFID reader. The kiosk system includes a dual interface module, such as a touch screen monitor, configured to provide interface controls thereto. The kiosk system includes a payment module configured to provide payment capabilities to purchase digital media products therefrom. The kiosk module includes a thermal receipt printer configured to provide a receipt upon purchase of a digital media product. The standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to store digital media products such as videos, games, music, media, digital content, DVDs, CDs, books, etc. The standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to store up to twice as many digital media products compared to a standalone single automated dispensing kiosk system. The kiosk system includes a display module having audio/video module configured to broadcast sound and video on the interface module.
The illustrated automated dispensing kiosk systems 95 are configured to provide a standalone structure for dispensing of digital products. The automated dispensing kiosk systems are configured to be disposed within a modular business enclosure and be in communication with the modules and components disposed within the enclosure. The automated dispensing kiosk systems are configured to be in communication with a management system over a network. The illustrated standalone single automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to provide a single access interface to dispense a digital product. The illustrated standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to provide dual access interfaces to dispense a digital product. The illustrated through-glass automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to be disposed through a glass, a wall, or structure, thereby providing access to the kiosk system from an exterior of an enclosure.
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a plurality of automated dispensing kiosk systems of a modular business enclosure. Such systems may be included in one or more modular business enclosures and may be functionally coupled to one or more of the modules described herein. Further, such may occupy slots/sockets of a modular business enclosure and/or may be functionally separate from one or more of the modules described herein. There is shown a standalone single automated dispensing kiosk system, a standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system, and a through-glass automated dispensing kiosk system.
The illustrated automated dispensing kiosk systems are configured to provide a standalone structure for dispensing of digital products. The automated dispensing kiosk systems are configured to be disposed within a modular business enclosure and be in communication with the modules and components disposed within the enclosure. The automated dispensing kiosk systems are configured to be in communication with a management system over a network. The illustrated standalone single automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to provide a single access interface to dispense a digital product. The illustrated standalone double automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to provide dual access interfaces to dispense a digital product. The illustrated through-glass automated dispensing kiosk system is configured to be disposed through a glass, a wall, or structure, thereby providing access to the kiosk system from an exterior of an enclosure.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For example, although the specific modules are illustrated as being associated with other specific modules, other associations and cross-associations are contemplated.
Additionally, although the figures illustrate a particular exemplary shape and layout of a business enclosure, it is contemplated that the specific shapes and layouts that may be used are plethoric.
It is also envisioned that cultural influences associated with placement of such business enclosures may play a large role in the specific embodiments of the business enclosure, impacting issues such as but not limited to environmental conditions to be protected from and to be not protected from, architectural style, business goods/services to be offered, power needs, business enclosure management needs, and the like and combinations thereof.
It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the business enclosure may include brand design elements associated with a particular business brand.
Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, rubbers, plastics, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woods, recycled materials, ceramics, minerals, cements, and the like and combinations thereof.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.
This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/560,050 to John Laspia, et. al., filed on Nov. 15, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61560050 | Nov 2011 | US |
