Patent Application
20140244032
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for dispensing (e.g., measuring, cutting, separating, etc.) soft goods such as fabric, lace, foam, canvas, felt, and other consumer materials that are dispensed in smaller quantities from a relatively larger supply. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a user-operable device for automatically dispensing a particular quantity of a soft good (e.g., a “fabric cutting kiosk”) and a method for operating the same.
This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Many retail stores sell fabric or other soft goods (e.g., lace, foam, canvas, felt, etc.) which are typically merchandised in large quantities. For example, soft goods may be maintained by the retail stores in the form of a bolt, roll, spool, or other configuration for efficiently storing and displaying many different soft goods in a limited retail space. Conventional systems for dispensing soft goods typically require a customer (e.g., at a retail store or other similar outlet) to bring the bolt or reel of the soft good to a service counter where store personnel assist the customer. The store personnel typically measure-out the customer's desired quantity of the soft good and then manually cut the desired quantity from the bolt or roll using scissors or other cutting instruments.
Conventional systems for dispensing soft goods suffer from several disadvantages. Customers are often forced to wait in a line or other queuing system (e.g., “take-a-number,” etc.) until store personnel are available to assist the customer in manually measuring and cutting the soft good from the bolt or roll. Store personnel generally provide customers with more than the requested amount of material due to inaccuracies in the manual cutting process. Additionally, conventional systems for dispensing soft goods typically require large, space-consuming measuring tables that occupy a significant portion of the retail space. It would be desirable to provide an improved system and method for dispensing soft goods that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional systems.
One implementation of the present disclosure is a method for dispensing a soft good. The method includes receiving a soft good supply at a loading zone of a soft good dispensing device, reading a machine-readable image affixed to the soft good supply using a scanner of the soft good dispensing device, and determining an identity of the soft good supply in the loading zone using data from the scanner. The method further includes measuring a weight of the soft good supply using a scale of the soft good dispensing device and estimating an amount of the soft good remaining on the soft good supply using the measured weight. The method further includes displaying a graphical user interface via a user interface of the soft good dispensing device. The graphical user interface includes an indication of the identity of the soft good supply and the estimated amount of the soft good remaining. The method further includes receiving a desired quantity of the soft good at a controller of the soft good dispensing device and operating, by the controller, a dispensing mechanism of the soft good dispensing device to automatically dispense the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the soft good includes at least one of fabric, lace, trim, ribbon, cording, elastic, foam, batting, stitching cloth, interfacing, plastic, vinyl, fur, felt, fleece, and fusible web.
In some embodiments, the method includes determining whether the desired quantity of the soft good exceeds the estimated amount of the soft good remaining on the soft good supply displaying a message via the user interface indicating that an insufficient amount of the soft good is available in response to a determination that the desired quantity of the soft good exceeds the estimated amount of the soft good remaining on the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the method includes, in response to a determination that the estimated amount of the soft good remaining on the soft good supply exceeds the desired quantity of the soft good, calculating a difference between the estimated amount of the soft good remaining on the soft good supply and the desired quantity of the soft good, comparing the calculated difference with a threshold value, and displaying a prompt via the user interface for a user to indicate whether to increase the desired quantity in response to a determination that the calculated difference is less than the threshold value.
In some embodiments, the method includes displaying instructions via the user interface for at least one of loading the soft good supply into the loading zone, unloading the soft good supply from the loading zone, and reloading the soft good supply in the loading zone.
In some embodiments, the method includes moving a clamp roller of the soft good dispensing device between an unclamped position in which the soft good supply is loaded into the loading zone and a clamped position in which a free end of the soft good is clamped between the clamp roller and another roller of the soft good dispensing device.
In some embodiments, the method includes moving the clamp roller from the unclamped position into the clamped position in response to a determination, by the controller, that a loading zone door of the soft good dispensing device is closed. The controller may operate an actuator configured to move the clamp roller between the clamped position and the unclamped position.
In some embodiments, operating the dispensing mechanism of the soft good dispensing device includes operating a motor of the dispensing mechanism to control a rotational position of one or more rollers rotatably coupled to the motor, unwinding the soft good from the soft good supply by rotating the rollers until the desired quantity of the soft good is unwound from the soft good supply, and operating a cutting mechanism to separate the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the method includes moving a lift element of the soft good dispensing device between a lowered position in which the soft good supply is loaded into the loading zone and a raised position in which an unwound portion of the soft good is directed at least partially upward from the soft good supply, over the lift element, and at least partially downward from the lift element toward the dispensing mechanism.
In some embodiments, the method includes operating a lift element of the soft good dispensing device. The lift element may be configured to direct an unwound portion of the soft good toward the dispensing mechanism from a uniform position for multiple different loading orientations of the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the method includes determining whether the desired quantity of the soft good exists in more than one piece on the soft good supply and displaying a prompt via the user interface for a user to indicate whether to purchase the desired quantity of the soft good in a single piece or in multiple pieces.
In some embodiments, the method includes using an optical sensor of the soft good dispensing device to detect whether operation of the dispensing mechanism results in an unwinding of the soft good from the soft good supply and determining that the desired quantity of the soft good exists in more than one piece in response to a detection, by the optical sensor, that the unwinding of the soft good has stopped prior to unwinding the desired quantity of the soft good.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a soft good dispensing device including a loading zone configured to receive a soft good supply in multiple different orientations, a scale configured to measure a weight of the soft good supply in the loading zone, a controller configured to estimate an amount of a soft good remaining on the soft good supply using the measured weight, a user interface configured to display the estimated amount of the soft good remaining and to receive a user selection of a desired quantity of the soft good, and a dispensing mechanism configured to automatically dispense the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the soft good includes at least one of fabric, lace, trim, ribbon, cording, elastic, foam, batting, stitching cloth, interfacing, plastic, vinyl, fur, felt, fleece, and fusible web.
In some embodiments, the soft good dispensing device includes a scanner configured to read a machine-readable image affixed to the soft good supply in the loading zone. The controller may be configured to determine an identity of the soft good supply in the loading zone using data from the scanner. The user interface may be configured to display an indication of the identity of the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to use the identity of the soft good to determine one or more attributes of the identified soft good. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to use the one or more attributes of the identified soft good in conjunction with the measured weight to estimate the amount of the soft good remaining on the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism includes a motor in communication with and operable by the controller, one or more rollers rotatably coupled to the motor and configured to unwind the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply, and a cutting mechanism in communication with and operable by the controller, the cutting mechanism configured to separate the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the soft good dispensing device includes a lift element is configured to direct an unwound portion of the soft good toward the dispensing mechanism from a uniform position for multiple different orientations of the soft good supply in the loading zone.
In some embodiments, the soft good dispensing device includes a clamp movable between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The controller may be configured to cause the clamp to move into the unclamped position in response to a determination by the controller that the desired quantity of the soft good has been unwound from the soft good supply. The clamp may be configured to hold an unwound portion of the soft good in a stable position while a cutting mechanism separates the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply.
In some embodiments, the soft good dispensing device includes an optical sensor configured to detect whether operation of the dispensing mechanism results in an unwinding of the soft good from the soft good supply. The controller may be configured to determine whether the desired quantity of the soft good exists in more than one piece in response to a detection, by the optical sensor, that the unwinding of the soft good has stopped prior to unwinding the desired quantity of the soft good.
The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, systems and methods for dispensing soft goods are shown, according to various exemplary embodiments. Soft goods encompass a wide variety of consumer materials including, for example, fabric, lace, trim, ribbon, cording, elastic, foam, batting, stitching cloth (e.g., needlework canvas, aida cloth for cross-stitching, etc.), interfacing, flexible polymers (e.g., plastics), fur, felt, fleece, fusible web, textiles, woven, and non-woven materials. Dispensing a soft good may include one or more actions related to obtaining a relatively smaller quantity of the soft good from a relatively larger quantity or supply. For example, dispensing a soft good may include unwinding or unwrapping the soft good from a bolt, spool, or roll; measuring or weighing a desired quantity of the soft good; and/or separating the desired quantity of the soft good from the supply or source (e.g., cutting, tearing, shearing, etc.) such that the desired quantity can be transported and/or purchased separate from the supply. The systems and methods described herein may be used to automatically or semi-automatically dispense a desired quantity of a soft good or other suitable material.
Before discussing further details of the soft good dispensing system and/or the components thereof, it should be noted that references to “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “inner,” “outer,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGURES. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 is a fabric cutting kiosk. In various embodiments, dispensing device 10 may be physically separate from other structures or devices in its immediate surroundings (e.g., a kiosk, as shown in
Still referring to
Housing 12 may facilitate connecting (e.g., mounting, attaching, etc.) various external and/or user-facing components of dispensing device 10. For example, housing 12 is shown with a user interface 18 mounted on an upper surface of housing 12 and a printer 26 mounted on a front surface of housing 12. In some embodiments, housing 12 includes access panels (e.g., doors, removable panels, etc.) for accessing the internal components of dispensing device 10. Housing 12 may include one or more ports for receiving electrical and/or data connections from external sources.
Still referring to
In some embodiments, loading zone 14 facilitates rotation of the soft good supply contained therein. For example, loading zone 14 may include a sloped or curved support surface configured to cause rotation of the soft good supply. As the soft good supply rotates within loading zone 14, the soft good may unwind or unwrap from the soft good supply. In some embodiments, loading zone 14 is configured to maintain the soft good supply in a dispensing position. For example, loading zone 14 may secure the soft good supply in a rotatable position such that the soft good can unwind or unwrap therefrom while preventing the soft good supply from slipping, sliding, or otherwise moving or rotating in an undesirable direction. In some embodiments, loading zone 14 is configured to allow the soft good supply to rotate about one axis of rotation (e.g., a horizontal axis extending between scanners 28) while preventing rotation about other axes and/or while preventing substantial horizontal or vertical translation.
Loading zone 14 can be accessed via a loading zone door 20. Loading zone door 20 may be configured to move between a closed position (shown in
Still referring to
Dispensing zone 16 can be accessed via a dispensing zone door 22. Dispensing zone door 22 may be configured to move between a closed position (shown in
In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 is configured to dispense a soft good only when loading zone door 20 and/or dispensing zone door 22 are closed, thereby ensuring user safety throughout the dispensing process. Dispensing device 10 may include one or more sensors (e.g., optical sensors, magnetic sensors, etc.) configured to detect the position of loading zone door 20 and/or dispensing zone door 22. For example, the sensors may detect whether doors 20 and 22 are in the open position, the closed position, and/or an intermediate position between the open and closed positions.
Still referring to
User interface 18 may display a price, description, quantity, total amount, product details, or other data related to a particular soft good selected for dispensing by a user. In some implementations, the data displayed via user interface 18 include information related to the user. The user information may be based upon the purchasing history of the user or other useful information related to the user (e.g. suggested quantities, complementary products, etc.). For example, user interface 18 may provide a coupon to the user based on the frequency of the user's purchasing. In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 is configured to receive user-specific information by accessing a database.
User interface 18 may be configured to receive user input. For example, a user may input item information such as a desired quantity of the soft good to be dispensed (e.g., a desired length or area). In some embodiments, user interface 18 may prompt a user to enter an item identifier (e.g., UPC, product number, etc.). In other embodiments, scanners 28 automatically scan a barcode or other machine-readable image affixed to the soft good supply such that manually entering product information is unnecessary.
In some implementations, a user may indicate the preferred method of payment (e.g., cash, credit card, debit card, gift card, etc.) via user interface 18. For example, the user may touch an icon on a touch-sensitive display or press a corresponding button to indicate the preferred method of payment. User interface 18 may be configured to prompt the user for a signature and receive a signature from the user (e.g., if a purchase is made via a credit card or other form of payment that requires a signature). User interface 18 may include a card reader 32 for reading a credit card or other type of card (e.g., a store membership card, an employee ID card, an RFID card, etc.).
User interface 18 may present visual data (e.g., video data, image data, etc.) as well as other types of data (e.g., sound data) to the user. User interface 18 may communicate with a controller, described in greater detail below. Exemplary user interfaces that can be presented via user interface 18 are described in greater detail with reference to
Referring now to
Still referring to
The weight of the soft good supply in loading zone 14 may be used to determine a total quantity of material on the soft good supply (e.g., total linear distance of material, total area of material, total volume of material, etc.) prior to beginning the cutting process. Dispensing device 10 may be configured to convert the measured weight of the soft good supply into a total quantity of material using a conversion formula, chart, lookup table, or other conversion process. For example, dispensing device 10 may subtract the weight of an empty bolt from the measured weight to determine a total weight of the soft good in loading zone 14. Dispensing device 10 may divide the total weight of the soft good by various metrics (e.g., material density, weight per unit area, weight per unit length, etc.) to determine the total quantity of material available in the soft good supply. The various metrics may be material properties specific to the particular soft good in loading zone 14. Material-specific properties may be retrieved from a data storage device based on the identity of the material loaded into loading zone 14. The identity of the material in loading zone 14 can be determined automatically (e.g., by scanners 28 reading a barcode on the soft good supply) or manually (e.g., by inputting product information via user interface 18).
Referring particularly to
In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 includes a roller 43 attached to an interior surface of loading zone door 20. When loading zone door 20 is in the open position shown in
Still referring to
Lift bar 42 causes an unwound portion of soft good 66 to be directed upward from bolt 62, over lift bar 42, and then toward rollers 46 and 48. Advantageously, the initial upward deflection of soft good 66 facilitates unwinding soft good 66 from bolt 62 regardless of the orientation of bolt 62 in loading zone 14. When lift bar 42 is raised, the unwound portion of soft good 66 approaches rollers 46 and 48 from a uniform position (i.e., the raised position of lift bar 42), regardless of the orientation of bolt 62.
Still referring to
In the clamped position shown in
Still referring to
Referring now to
Motor 52 may be rotatably coupled to rollers 46 and 48 via gears 72-78. In some embodiments, gears 72-76 rotate about fixed axles and gear 78 rotates about a variable position axle. For example, gears 72-76 may rotate about axles which are fixedly attached to housing 12. Gear 78 may rotate about an axis 88 which passes through roller 48 and which moves between the clamped position and the unclamped position along with roller 48. In some embodiments, the combined assembly of roller 48, gear 78, and brackets 84 is configured to pivot about an axis 86 coincident with an axis of rotation of gear 76 as roller 48 moves between the clamped position and the unclamped position.
Still referring to
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring specifically to
As shown in
In the dispensing position shown in
In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 includes one or more optical devices 100. Optical devices 100 may include an optical emitter and may be positioned to emit light 102 (e.g., infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc.) toward plate 104. In some embodiments, plate 104 includes a reflector configured to reflect emitted light 102 back toward optical devices 100. Optical devices 100 may include an optical sensor configured to detect emitted light 102 reflected from plate 104. In other embodiments, plate 104 includes an optical sensor configured to detect emitted light 102. As soft good 66 is pulled downward by rollers 46 and 48, soft good 66 blocks emitted light 102 from reaching plate 104. Optical devices 100 may be in communication with controller 50 and configured to provide controller 50 with a signal indicating whether emitted light 102 is detected.
Controller 50 may use the signal from optical devices 100 to determine whether soft good 66 is being unwound from bolt 62. If emitted light 102 is detected, controller 50 may determine that soft good 66 is not blocking emitted light 102 and therefore no soft good is currently being unwound. The significance of the determination made by controller 50 with respect to whether soft good 66 is currently being unwound may vary throughout the dispensing process. For example, if controller 50 does not detect any unwinding of soft good 66 during the dispensing process (e.g., soft good 66 is not detected at all by optical devices 100), controller 50 may determine that soft good 66 has not been properly fed through rollers 46-48. In response to such a determination, controller 50 may cause user interface 18 to display a prompt to re-load or re-feed soft good 66.
If controller 50 initially detects the unwinding of soft good 66 but such unwinding terminates prematurely (e.g., if soft good 66 is detected by optical devices 100 but the detection is lost before the desired quantity of soft good 66 has been dispensed), controller 50 may determine that the dispensing process has ended prematurely. The dispensing process may end prematurely if bolt 62 contains more than one single continuous strip of soft good 66. Multiple strips of soft good 66 on a single bolt 62 may cause soft good 66 to stop unwinding after the first strip has been unwound from bolt 62. In response to a determination that the dispensing process has ended prematurely, controller 50 may cause user interface 18 to display a message that the soft good exists in multiple pieces. User interface 18 may present a user with an option for purchasing the desired quantity of soft good 66 in multiple pieces or restarting the dispensing process to dispense the desired quantity in a single continuous strip.
Referring specifically to
As shown in
In some embodiments, clamp 54 includes pinch strips 92. Pinch strips 92 may press soft good 66 against plates 94 and 95 as clamp 54 is rotated into the clamped position. Soft good 66 may be held in a fixed position between pinch strips 92 and plates 94-95. In some embodiments, clamp 54 includes a cutting surface 106. Cutting surface 106 may be a strip of polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene) or any other suitable material against which cutting mechanism 70 can provide sufficient cutting force for separating the desired quantity of soft good 66 from bolt 62. In some embodiments, cutting surface 106 is made from a relatively soft material to facilitate improved cutting performance. Cutting surface 106 may be removable from clamp 54 to allow cutting surface 106 to be replaced (e.g., due to degradation caused by performing multiple cuts) without requiring replacement of clamp 54.
Referring now to
Cutting mechanism 70 is shown to include a rotary cutting blade 112. As cutting mechanism 70 moves along guide rails 122, cutting blade 112 cuts soft good 66 from bolt 62. Cutting blade 112 may be a sharp instrument or other suitable device configured to sever (e.g., separate, detach, remove, cut, etc.) a portion of soft good 66 from bolt 62. In some embodiments, cutting blade 112 is retractable by rotating key 114. Key 114 may be rotated manually (e.g., by a user) or automatically (e.g., by an actuator controlled by controller 50) to retract or extend cutting blade 112 from cutting mechanism 70.
In some embodiments, controller 50 automatically adapts the cutting process based on the identity of the soft good being cut. For example, if the soft good is a relatively thick soft good, controller 50 may cause the cutting operation to be performed more slowly or may penetrate the soft good more deeply when performing the cut (e.g., by extending cutting blade 112). In some embodiments, cutting mechanism 70 is controlled by a control signal received from controller 50. Controller 50 may cause cutting mechanism 70 to perform a cutting operation in response to a determination that the desired quantity of the soft good has been dispensed (e.g., based on the signals received from motor 52).
Cutting mechanism 70 may be configured to cut soft good 66 in either direction (i.e., from right to left or from left to right) as cutting mechanism 70 travels along guide rails 122. Advantageously, the use of a rotary cutting blade 112 facilitates cutting in both directions. In some embodiments, cutting mechanism 70 is configured to automatically stop at each end of guide rails 122 once the cut has been completed. Controller 50 may keep track of the number of cuts that have been performed and provide replacement recommendations for cutting blade 112 and/or cutting surface 106.
Referring now to
Input/output devices 126 may include one or more systems or devices configured to facilitate user interaction with dispensing device 10. For example, input/output devices 126 may include a scanner (e.g., scanners 28), camera, or other input device configured to read or store an item code (e.g., a bar code, a UPC, company symbol, alphanumeric character, a QR code, etc.) or another identifier related to the item to be purchased. In some embodiments, input/output devices 126 include a card reader (e.g., card reader 32). Card reader 32 may be configured to read and interpret data from a credit card, debit card, gift card, customer card, RFID card, memory card, or other portable data storage devices. User 124 may use input/output devices 126 to quickly and easily input information without having to manually enter the information via user interface 18.
In some embodiments, input/output devices 126 include a printer (e.g., printer 26) for providing information in a portable format to user 124. Printer 26 may be used to print a label (e.g., a sticker, a bar code, etc.) or other indicia of the type and quantity of soft good dispensed by dispensing device 10 (i.e., dispensed quantity 128). For embodiments in which direct purchase of the dispensed quantity 128 is not performed directly by dispensing device 10, the output of printer 26 may be attached to dispensed quantity 128 (e.g., by a user, by dispensing device 10, etc.) for subsequent check-out and purchase at a different location or time.
Still referring to
In some embodiments, data communications interface 132 may be used to communicate with an inventory control system 136 to track and/or update the remaining quantity of soft good supply 130 in an inventory database. For example, dispensing device 10 may subtract the dispensed quantity 128 from a previously-recorded quantity in the inventory database upon completion of the dispensing process. In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 automatically initiates a reordering process or provides a notification to store personnel when a predetermined minimum quantity of soft good supply 130 is reached.
Data communications interface 132 may conduct electronic data communications via a direct connection (e.g., a wired connection, an ad-hoc wireless connection, etc.) or a network connection (e.g., an Internet connection, a LAN, WAN, or WLAN connection, etc.). For example, data communications interface 132 can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In various embodiments, data communications interface 132 may include a WiFi transceiver, a cellular transceiver, or a mobile phone transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In some embodiments, dispensing device 10 may be one of a plurality of networked dispensing devices.
Data communications interface 132 may be used to monitor the performance of dispensing device 10. For example, dispensing device 10 may collect usage data such as the number of dispensing operations (i.e., cuts) performed, the quantity and type of soft good dispensed, user identifiers associated with each dispensing process, or other data relating to the operation of dispensing device 10. Data communications interface 132 may be used to report the usage data and other types of performance data (e.g., diagnostic data, fault detection data, performance metrics, etc.) to one or more remote systems or devices. In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a retailer) can interact with dispensing device 10 remotely via data communications interface 132 to collect usage data and/or otherwise monitor the performance of dispensing device 10 and other networked dispensing devices. In some embodiments, system updates (e.g., firmware updates, operating software updates, soft good attributes, user interface enhancements, etc.) can be downloaded remotely via data communications interface 132.
Still referring to
Memory 53 may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, solid state memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code. Memory 53 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory 53 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory 53 is communicably connected to processor 51 via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 51) one or more processes performed by dispensing device 10 or a component thereof.
Controller 50 may communicate with user interface 18, input/output devices 126, data communications interface 132, and dispensing mechanism 61. For example, controller 50 may receive data signals from user interface 18 indicating a desired quantity of a soft good to be dispensed and/or a preferred form of payment. Controller 50 may provide data signals to user interface 18 to provide feedback to user 124 and to present various graphical user interfaces to guide user 124 through an automated dispensing process. Several exemplary user interfaces that can be presented via user interface 18 are described with reference to
Controller 50 may receive data signals from input/output devices 126 indicating the identity of a soft good loaded in loading zone 14 (e.g., via scanners 28) and/or payment information such as a credit card number or customer account number (e.g., via card reader 32). Controller 50 may provide data signals to input/output devices 126, for example, to print a label or bar code via printer 26. Controller 50 may send and receive data signals via data communications interface 132 to process customer payments (e.g., using payment processing system 134) and/or to check or update product inventory (e.g., using inventory system 136).
Controller 50 may receive data signals from various measurement devices 65 of dispensing mechanism 61. Measurement devices 65 may include, for example, scale 40 for weighing the soft good supply 130 in loading zone 14 and scanners 28 for identifying the soft good supply 130 in loading zone 14. Measurement devices 65 may include position sensors configured to detect the positions of loading zone door 20 and dispensing zone door 22 (e.g., open or closed), lift bar 42 (e.g., raised or lowered), clamp 54 (e.g., clamped or unclamped), and roller 48 (e.g., clamped or unclamped). Measurement devices 65 may include optical sensors 100 configured to detect whether the soft good is currently being fed through rollers 46 and 48, and rotation sensors configured to detect the rotational position of motor 52 and/or rollers 46-48. Measurement devices 65 may include cutting mechanism sensors configured to detect the position of cutting mechanism 70.
Controller 50 may use the data signals from measurement devices 65 to determine a quantity of the soft good that has been unwound from soft good supply 130. By comparing the quantity indicated by measurement devices 65 with the desired quantity received via user interface 18, controller 50 may determine an appropriate control action for drive motor system 63. Drive motor system 63 may include motor 52 gears 72-78, rollers 46-48, and other mechanical or electromechanical components configured to unwind the desired quantity of the soft good from soft good supply 130 and to transport the unwound portion of the soft good through dispensing mechanism 61.
Controller 50 may send data signals to drive motor system 63 and cutting mechanism 70. Data signals sent to drive motor system 63 may include control signals provided to motor 52 to control the amount of soft good dispensed from soft good supply 130. For example, controller 50 may instruct drive motor system 63 to continue dispensing soft good supply 130 until the desired quantity has been dispensed. Data signals sent to cutting mechanism 70 may include a command to perform a cutting operation in response to controller 50 determining that the desired quantity of the soft good has been fed through rollers 46-48.
Referring now to
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
While user interface 220 is displayed, controller 50 may monitor inputs from door position sensors and scanners 28. Inputs from the door position sensors may indicate whether loading zone door 20 is open or closed. Inputs from scanners 28 may include product data (e.g., bar code data, product ID, etc.) obtained from a machine-readable image affixed to bolt 62. If scanners 28 are unable to read the machine-readable image, controller 50 may cause an error message to be displayed (e.g., “scan error”). If scanners 28 successfully read the machine-readable image, controller 50 may compare the scanned product ID with product data stored in inventory system 136. If the scanned product ID is not found in inventory system 136, controller 50 may cause an error message to be displayed (e.g., “item scanned but not found”). If the scanned product ID is found in inventory system 136 and loading zone door 20 is closed, controller 50 may cause user interface 230 to be displayed.
In some embodiments, several of the graphical user interfaces displayed via user interface 18 include store branding information 226 (e.g., a store name, a store logo, etc.), advertisements 228 (e.g., display advertisements, video advertisements, text advertisements, etc.), a help icon 221, and a cancel icon 223. Selecting help icon 221 may cause a help screen to be displayed. Selecting cancel icon 223 may end the current user session and cause user interface 200 (i.e., the welcome screen) to be displayed.
Referring specifically to
User interface 230 is shown to include an item name 232 indicating the identity of the soft good loaded into loading zone 14 and an estimate 234 of the amount of the soft good remaining on bolt 62. Estimate 234 may be generated by controller 50 using weight data measured by scale 40. For example, scale 40 may measure the weight of the soft good in loading zone 14. Controller 50 may subtract the weight of an empty bolt and divide by the density, thickness, and/or width of the soft good to calculate estimate 234. Product-specific information such as the density, thickness, width, or other properties of the soft good may be determined by accessing inventory system 136 or may be loaded from local memory 53.
User interface 230 is shown to include pricing information 236 and a product image 238. Pricing information 236 includes a price per unit (e.g., dollars per yard) of the soft good. In some embodiments, pricing information 236 includes a regular price and a sale price. Product image 238 may include a photograph or drawing of the soft good loaded into loading zone 14. Pricing information 236 and product image 238 may be retrieved from an external data source (e.g., inventory system 136) or loaded from local memory 53.
User interface 230 is shown to include a prompt 231 asking the user whether the displayed soft good is the soft good that the user wants to cut. The user can select the “yes” icon 233 to confirm the soft good selection or the “no” icon 235 to reject the soft good selection.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
User interface 250 is shown to include an input panel 256 allowing the user to select a unit of measurement (e.g., yards, feet, inches, meters, centimeters, etc.) and to input a numerical value for the desired length of the soft good. The input length may be displayed in boxes 258 along with the selected unit of measurement. Upon inputting the desired length of the soft good, the user can select the accept icon 251 to submit the currently-displayed values or the clear icon 253 to clear all fields. Upon selecting accept icon 251, controller 50 may compare the user-submitted length value shown in boxes 258 with the estimated amount 254 of the soft good remaining on bolt 62.
Referring specifically to
User interface 260 is shown to include a prompt 268 for the user to select whether the user still wishes to purchase the soft good, given the insufficient length. The user can select “yes” icon 261 to purchase the remaining length of the soft good or “no” icon 263 to reject the purchase. If the “no” icon 263 is selected, controller 50 may cause user interface 240 (i.e., “request cancelled”) to be displayed.
Referring specifically to
User interface 270 is shown to include the requested length 272 and an estimate of the remaining length 274 on bolt 62 in excess of the requested length 272. Remaining length 274 may be calculated by subtracting requested length 272 from the estimated length 254 of the soft good on bolt 62. In some embodiments, user interface 270 includes a prompt 276 for the user to select whether the user wishes to purchase remaining length 274. Remaining length 274 may be purchased at a discounted price to entice the purchase of a relatively small length of the soft good that may be undesirable for other customers. The user can select the “yes” icon 271 to add remaining length 274 to requested length 272 or the “no” icon 273 to reject purchasing remaining length 274.
Referring specifically to
User interface 280 is shown to include change icons 286 and 288. The user can change the soft good to be dispensed by selecting change icon 286. Selecting change icon 286 may cause user interface 240 (i.e., “request cancelled”) to be displayed. The user can then remove bolt 62 from loading zone 14 and restart the dispensing process with a different soft good. The user can change the desired length of the soft good to be dispensed by selecting change icon 288. Selecting change icon 288 may cause user interface 250 (i.e., “length selection”) to be displayed.
User interface 280 is shown to include a confirmation icon 283 (e.g., “okay to cut”). Selecting confirmation icon 283 may confirm the name 282 of the soft good to be dispensed and the requested length 284 of the soft good to be dispensed. Selecting confirmation icon 283 may initiate an automated dispensing process during which requested length 284 is automatically unwound and separated (e.g., cut) from bolt 62.
Referring specifically to
During the dispensing operation, controller 50 may determine the amount of the soft good that has been unwound by monitoring the rotational position of motor 52. Controller 50 may monitor inputs from optical devices 100 to determine whether the soft good is being fed through rollers 46-48. If optical devices 100 do not detect the soft good at any time during the cutting operating, controller 50 may determine that the soft good has not been properly fed through rollers 46-48 and may prompt the user to reload bolt 62.
If optical devices 100 initially detect the soft good but such detection is lost before the requested length is dispensed, controller 50 may determine that the soft good on bolt 62 exists in more than one piece (i.e., more than one continuous strip). Optical devices 100 may fail to detect the soft good after the first piece of the soft good has been unwound. The second piece of the soft good may remain on bolt 62 and may need to be fed through rollers 46-48 to continue the dispensing operation.
Referring specifically to
User interface 300 is shown to include a message 302 informing the user that the estimated amount 304 of the soft good on bolt 62 exists in more than one piece. In some embodiments, user interface 300 includes a display of the requested length 301, a dispensed length 303 of the first piece of the soft good (i.e., the length that has been unwound before detection is lost), and a balance 305 representing a difference between requested length 301 and dispensed length 303.
User interface 300 may display a prompt 307 for the user to select whether to purchase the soft good in multiple pieces or a single continuous piece. The user can select multiple pieces icon 306 to accept a purchase of the soft good in multiple pieces. If icon 306 is selected, the dispensed length 303 may be labeled and retained and balance 305 may be dispensed to fulfill requested length 301. The user can select single piece icon 308 to purchase the soft good in a single piece. If icon 308 is selected, the dispensed length 303 may be labeled and discarded (e.g., placed in a return area) and the dispensing operation may be restarted to dispense requested length 301 in a single continuous piece.
Referring specifically to
In some embodiments, printer 26 may print a label that can be applied to the first piece of the soft good while user interface 310 is displayed. User interface 310 may include an animation or illustration 316 depicting the first piece of the soft good being retrieved from dispensing zone 16 and/or the label being applied to the first piece of the soft good.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
User interface 330 is shown to include a prompt 332 for the user to select whether to dispense the remaining balance 338. The user can select “yes” icon 331 to purchase balance 338 or the “no” icon 333 to cancel the cutting operation. Selecting “no” icon 333 may cause user interface 240 (i.e., “request cancelled”) to be displayed. Selecting “yes” icon 331 may cause user interface 280 (i.e., “confirm all”) to be displayed. The second piece of the soft good may be dispensed in the same manner as the first piece.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
In some embodiments, controller 50 causes user interface 250 (i.e., “length selection”) to be displayed after user interface 350. Through user interface 250, the user can confirm the original requested length and proceed to cut the requested length from bolt 62. In various embodiments, controller 50 causes user interface 280 (i.e., “confirm all”) or user interface 290 (i.e., “cutting in progress”) to be displayed after user interface 350. After displaying user interface 350, dispensing device 10 may perform another automated dispensing operation to cut the requested length from bolt 62.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
User interface 370 is shown to include a prompt 376 for a user to select whether to cut another soft good. The user can select “yes” icon 371 to cut another soft good or “no” icon 373 to end the current user session. Selecting yes icon 371 may cause controller 50 to check for critical errors and to display user interface 210 or 220 based on a result of the error check. Selecting no icon 373 may cause controller 50 to display user interface 300.
Referring now to
Process 400 is shown to include determining whether an error is detected (step 404). Step 404 may include determining whether any required peripheral not functioning, if printer 26 is out of paper, if printer 26 is not functioning, if scanner 28 not functioning, or if dispensing mechanism 61 is not functioning. If an error is detected in step 404, a system down message may be displayed (step 406). The system down message may indicate that dispensing device 10 is out of service. In some embodiments, step 406 includes displaying user interface 210 as described with reference to
Still referring to
In some embodiments, step 408 includes monitoring inputs from door position sensors. Step 408 may include using inputs from door position sensors to determine whether loading zone door 20 is open or closed.
Still referring to
Process 400 is shown to include estimating the remaining length (E) of the soft good in the loading zone (step 412). The remaining length of the soft good may be estimated using weight data measured by scale 40. For example, scale 40 may measure the weight of the soft good in loading zone 14. Controller 50 may subtract the weight of an empty bolt and divide by the density, thickness, and/or width of the soft good to estimate the remaining length (E).
Still referring to
Still referring to
If the soft good is not confirmed in step 416 (i.e., the result of step 416 is “no”), unloading instructions may be displayed (step 418). Step 418 may include displaying user interface 240 as described with reference to
If the soft good is confirmed in step 416 (i.e., the result of step 416 is “yes”), process 400 may proceed to receive the requested length (R) of the soft good (step 420). Step 420 may include displaying user interface 250 as described with reference to
Still referring to
If the requested length (R) does not exceed the estimated remaining length (E) (i.e., the result of step 422 is “no”), process 400 is shown to include determining whether the difference between the requested length (R) and the estimated remaining length (E) (i.e., E−R) is less than a threshold value (step 428). In some embodiments, step 428 includes displaying user interface 270 as described with reference to
In some embodiments, step 428 includes displaying a prompt for the user to select whether to purchase the excess length (step 430). The excess length may be purchased at a discounted price to entice the purchase of a relatively small length of the soft good that may be undesirable for other customers. Step 430 may include displaying a discounted price for the excess length and a selection option for choosing to purchase the excess length or to not purchase the excess length.
Still referring to
Step 432 may include displaying selectable options to change the soft good and/or the requested length. If the user selects the option to change the soft good, process 400 may proceed to displaying the unloading instructions (step 418). If the user selects the option to change the length, process 400 may proceed to step 420.
Still referring to
In some embodiments, step 434 includes determining the amount of the soft good that has been unwound by monitoring the rotational position of motor 52. Controller 50 may monitor inputs from optical devices 100 to determine whether the soft good is being fed through rollers 46-48. If optical devices 100 do not detect the soft good at any time during the cutting operating, controller 50 may determine that the soft good has not been properly fed through rollers 46-48 and may prompt the user to reload bolt 62.
Still referring to
If the soft good exists in multiple pieces (i.e., the result of step 436 is “yes”), process 400 may include printing a label for the first piece (step 438) and displaying reloading instructions (step 440). The first piece of the soft good has a length L1, where L1<R′. Step 440 may include displaying user interface 320 as described with reference to
Still referring to
If the soft good exists in a single piece (i.e., step 436=no) or the user selects to purchase as a single piece (i.e., step 442=no), process 400 may proceed to step 448. In step 448, the requested length R′ is unwound and cut from bolt 62 as a single continuous piece. Process 400 may include printing a label for the requested length R′ (step 450).
Still referring to
In some embodiments, process 400 includes displaying a prompt for specifying whether to dispense another soft good (step 454). If the user selects to dispense another soft good (i.e. the result of step 454 is “yes”), process 400 may return to step 408. If the user selects to not dispense another soft good (i.e., the result of step 454 is “no”), process 400 may return to step 402.
Referring now to
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
Selecting icon 513 may cause user interface 530 to be displayed. User interface 530 is shown to include a start reset icon 532. Selecting icon 532 may reset one or more components of dispensing device 10 (e.g., scale 40, scanners 28, printer 26, cutting mechanism 70, motor 52, etc.). In some embodiments, user interface 530 includes a help video icon 534. Icon 534 can be selected to view an instructional video or other instructions for resetting dispensing device 10 via user interface 530.
Selecting icon 514 may cause user interface 540 to be displayed. User interface 540 is shown to include a blade replacement instruction 542 and a replacement complete icon 544. Selecting icon 544 may reset a counter tracking the number of cuts performed by cutting mechanism 70. In some embodiments, user interface 540 includes a help video icon 546. Icon 546 can be selected to view an instructional video or other instructions for replacing blade 112 of cutting mechanism 70.
Selecting icon 515 may cause user interface 550 to be displayed. User interface 550 is shown to include a vacuuming instruction 552 and a vacuum complete icon 554. Selecting icon 554 may reset a timer or date attribute indicating the most recent time that dispensing device 10 was vacuumed. In some embodiments, user interface 550 includes a help video icon 556. Icon 556 can be selected to view an instructional video or other instructions for vacuuming dispensing device 10.
Referring specifically to
Technician interface 560 is also shown to include icons 511-515. Icons 511-515 provide the service technician to perform all of the functions available to store personnel via associate menu 510.
Referring specifically to
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,575 filed Sep. 17, 2013, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/702,633 filed Sep. 18, 2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,575 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/702,633 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61702633 | Sep 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14029575 | Sep 2013 | US |
| Child | 14270535 | US |
