Integrated ordering system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to an ordering system, and particularly to an ordering system for consumable products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vending machines are frequently used to dispense beverages, such as sodas or coffee, and individually packaged servings of food, such as sandwiches or fruit.

[0003] Prior art efforts to increase the efficacy of vending machines in marketing products have generally focused on attracting potential customers to the machines through the use of advertising on the front and sides of the machine and placement of the machines in high traffic areas. Use of aromas in conjunction with vending machines is also known in the prior art.

[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,778 discloses a vending machine that uses an aromator to draw customers toward its product. The machine of the '778 patent automatically emits an aroma when a physical proximity sensor detects a person. The '778 patent allows more than one aroma to be consecutively emitted. The emissions of the individual aromas are not based upon any user interaction other than proximity.

[0005] There is a continuing need for systems to enable vending machines to be used more effectively in marketing of consumable products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a method and apparatus enabling the purchase of consumable products. The ordering system includes a vending station, an ordering station, and a processing station coordinated to allow for purchase of a first product for immediate delivery, and purchase of a second product for later deliver. The second product may be the same as the first product, or may be a related product.

[0007] The vending station may be adapted to dispense a first quantity to the user for consumption by the user. Proximate the vending station is an ordering station adapted to allow the user to place an order for another product, which may be a related product, such as a second quantity of the same product that the consumer has just purchased from the vending station. The ordering station may work with a processing station that receives the order for the second product and arranges to send the second product to the user.

[0008] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the ordering station comprises a visual interface presenting a plurality of different images to the consumer to promote the product. At least one of the images may comprise the product that the consumer has just purchased from the vending machine. The visual interface may comprise a display screen positioned for viewing by the consumer.

[0009] The ordering station may also include an audio interface directing a plurality of different sounds toward the user. Each different sound may be selected to be associated with one or more of the plurality of different images presented on the visual interface. These sounds, which may include music, are selected to create an association with the product by the user to promote the product. Soothing music may be associated with a product having relaxing attributes, such as when the product comprises tea. Exotic music may associated with a product having exotic attributes, such as when the product comprises a spiced beverage.

[0010] The ordering station may also include an aromatic interface for releasing a plurality of different scents toward the user. Each different scent may be associated with one or more of the plurality of different images presented in the visual display or sounds produced by the audio interface. The different scents may create an association with a particular product by the user to promote the product. For example, a chocolate scent may be dispensed when a user has selected an image pertaining to chocolate, such as a chocolate candy or a chocolate beverage.

[0011] The ordering station may also include a method of obtaining payment from the user. The payment may be obtained by entry of data into the ordering station by the consumer. Payment data previously entered by the user may be recalled upon entry of a user name or other identification associated with payment data of the particular user. Similarly, product delivery data may be entered or submitted at the ordering station by the user or may be associated with a user name or user profile assigned to the particular user.

[0012] A processing station may also be provided for receiving the order from the ordering station and arranging for the delivery of the order to the consumer. The processing station may be remote from the vending and ordering stations.

[0013] An interface system between a user and a computer is preferably provided. The interface system includes a visual interface, an audio interface, an aromatic interface, and a tactile interface between the system and the user. The visual interface is configured to present a plurality of different images to the user. The audio interface directs a plurality of different sounds at the user. Each different sound may be associated with one or more of the plurality of different images presented on the visual interface. The aromatic interface releases a plurality of different scents at the user. Each of the different scents may be associated with one or more of the plurality of different images presented on the visual interface. The tactile interface allows the user to change the images presented on the visual interface. Upon the change of select images to other select images, the sound and/or scent created by the audio interface and aromatic interface, respectfully, are also changed.

[0014] A vending station may be included with the interface system to enable the user to purchase a first quantity of the product prior to ordering a related product such as a second quantity of the product. By providing the vending station proximate the visual, audio, aromatic, and tactile interfaces, a combined marketing and sales effort for the product may achieved. The marketing effort may include allowing the consumer to sample a product received from the vending station, and then using the visual interface to select and order more of the just sampled product.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for user interface with a computer. The method includes adopting a first image and a second image for display on the screen. The images may comprise products that the consumer desires to purchase. A first scent is associated with the first image, while a second scent is associated with the second image. Similarly a first sound may be associated with the first image, and the second sound may be associated with the second image. The consumer may use the tactile interface to selectively display either the first image or the second image. Upon display of the first image, the first scent and the first sound will be emitted for the perception by the user. Likewise, when the second image has been selected by the user, the second scent and the second sound will be emitted for perception by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates an ordering system in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive interface for an ordering station of the ordering system;

[0018]FIG. 3 illustrates the visual interface of the ordering station;

[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates another visual interface of the ordering station; and

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates interaction between components of the ordering system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention is preferably embodied in a method and apparatus for allowing a user to obtain a first product from a vending station for immediate consumption, and immediately thereafter order a related product. Preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein an interactive ordering system is provided for sampling and promoting purchase of a product that can be ordered, are disclosed below.

[0022] FIGS. <b>1</b>-<b>5</b> illustrate apparatus and methods for allowing a user <b>6</b> to purchase a product <b>34</b> and order a related product <b>36</b>, both having the same content source <b>2</b>, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, an interactive ordering system <b>1</b> allows a user <b>6</b> to purchase a product <b>34</b> from a vending station <b>30</b>. The user <b>6</b> can order a related product <b>36</b> from an ordering station <b>20</b> proximately located by the vending station <b>30</b>. A processing station <b>4</b> receives the order from the ordering station <b>20</b> and facilitates deliver of the related product <b>36</b> to the user <b>6</b>.

[0023] The vending station <b>30</b> is configured to dispense one or more different types of the product <b>34</b> to a consumer. The vending station <b>30</b> may, for example, be configured to dispense a variety of different freshly brewed coffee varieties. Payment may be made directly at the vending station <b>30</b>, or at a cashier removed from the vending station <b>30</b>. The vending station <b>30</b> preferably dispenses freshly brewed single serving cups of coffee <b>34</b> of different sizes and/or different varieties to consumers.

[0024] Proximate the vending station <b>30</b> is the ordering station <b>20</b>, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The ordering station <b>20</b> and vending station <b>30</b> may be combined into one integrated unit, or may be physically separate but adjacent or in the same area <b>8</b>, or even in different areas or rooms.

[0025] The ordering station <b>20</b> comprises a kiosk <b>22</b> which includes both a visual and a tactile interfaces <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> to allow for consumer interaction. The kiosk <b>22</b> includes a computer that may function as a dedicated ordering terminal, connected via Internet or Intranet to a website allowing consumers to order products. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user <b>6</b> may order a product that the user <b>6</b> has just purchased and/or sampled from the vending station <b>30</b>.

[0026] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the product comprises coffee. The vending station <b>30</b> may dispense freshly brewed coffee <b>34</b>, and a related product <b>36</b> such as coffee beans or freshly ground coffee of the same varieties or some of the varieties used in the vending machine <b>30</b> may be purchased from the ordering station <b>20</b>. Other related products might include coffee cups or articles of clothing with a brand name, trademark, coffee theme, or logo.

[0027] In order to direct a user's attention from the vending station <b>30</b> to the ordering station <b>20</b>, the vending station <b>30</b> may include a display <b>36</b> that directs the user's attention toward the kiosk <b>22</b> of the ordering station <b>20</b>.

[0028] The display <b>36</b> may include a screen with a variety of images that are customized according to the product <b>34</b> that the consumer just purchased from the vending station <b>30</b>. For example, if a consumer purchases a particular type of coffee from the vending station <b>30</b>, the screen <b>36</b> may display a message indicating the price at which the consumer can order more of the coffee using the ordering station <b>20</b> for home delivery. The screen <b>36</b> may also advertise specials or discounts on the product <b>34</b> the user <b>6</b> has just purchased from the vending station <b>30</b>, or may include similar products that the consumer may be interested in purchasing. For example, a purchaser of coffee may be shown an image on the screen <b>36</b> disclosing a coffee mug or coffee machine that may be purchased using the ordering station <b>20</b>.

[0029] The ordering station <b>20</b>, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes the kiosk <b>22</b> having a visual interface <b>50</b>, a tactile interface <b>60</b> for allowing user <b>6</b> interaction with the ordering station <b>20</b>. The visual interface <b>50</b> may include a display screen <b>52</b>, and the tactile interface <b>60</b> may include a keyboard <b>64</b> and/or a mouse <b>62</b>. The visual and tactile interfaces <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> may be combined, such as in a touch sensitive screen.

[0030] The ordering station <b>20</b> may also include an audio interface <b>40</b> comprising a sound dome <b>44</b> for directing sound locally toward the user <b>6</b> positioned therebeneath, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The sound dome <b>44</b> is configured to allow the user <b>6</b> to fully hear the music generated by thereby, while separating the sound from the surrounding areas. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound dome is manufactured by Brown Innovations, Inc., and is a Solosphere (TM) Virtual Audio Imager coupled with The Virtuoso (TM) amplifier/equalizer.

[0031] The kiosk <b>22</b> may also include an aromatic interface <b>70</b> comprising an aromatic scent dispenser <b>72</b> for releasing scents at the user <b>6</b>. The scent dispenser <b>72</b> may be disposed in the sound dome in order to locally direct the scent at the user <b>6</b>. The scent dispenser <b>72</b> may also be located as part of the kiosk <b>22</b>. The scent dispenser may be of a type sold by Aerome GmbH Scent System Engineering, of Düsseldorf, Germany. The scent dispenser is capable of dispensing the following six different scents, each contained in a replaceable cartridge: <tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="1"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="OFFSET" colwidth="42PT" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35PT" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="140PT" align="center" /><thead><row><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry namest="OFFSET" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Cartridge</entry><entry>Scent</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="OFFSET" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Scent A</entry><entry>Hazelnut Coffee</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Scent B</entry><entry>Coffee</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Scent C</entry><entry>Chocolate</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Scent D</entry><entry>Tea</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Scent E</entry><entry>Orange</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Scent F</entry><entry>Festive</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="OFFSET" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

[0032] As discussed above, the vending station <b>30</b> may include a screen <b>36</b> that directs the user's attention toward the kiosk <b>22</b> of the ordering station <b>20</b>. The kiosk <b>22</b> may also include a variety of different images displayed on the screen <b>52</b> for attracting the user <b>6</b> thereto. The images may display products that are available for purchase using the ordering station <b>20</b> and may also show products available from the vending machine <b>30</b>. The images may be configured into an attract loop that changes the images displayed at predetermined time intervals. The images may include food, beverages, such as coffee, and other products available for purchase, such as coffee machines and coffee cups.

[0033] Once attracted to the kiosk <b>22</b> of the ordering station <b>20</b>, such as by the screen <b>52</b> at the vending station <b>30</b> and/or the attract loop displayed on the screen <b>52</b> at the kiosk <b>22</b>, users <b>6</b> are able to purchase products for delivery. In order to promote the products using the ordering station <b>20</b>, the kiosk <b>22</b> includes interactive images, scents, and sounds all configured to enhance the purchasing and sale experience for the user <b>6</b>.

[0034] Once the user <b>6</b> uses the tactile interface <b>60</b> to initiate an ordering sequence and stop the display attract loop images, a welcome page <b>100</b> is presented on the screen <b>52</b>. Coinciding with the presentation of the welcome page <b>100</b>, a first scent <b>102</b> and a first sound <b>104</b> are released and directed at the user <b>6</b> using the sound dome <b>44</b> and the aroma emitter <b>72</b>. In an embodiment of the invention, the first scent <b>102</b> released approximates hazelnut coffee. The first sound <b>104</b>, directed at the user <b>6</b>, may comprise a clip of jazz music. The jazz music may be selected to match commercials or other music previously associated with the brand of product being sold through the kiosk <b>22</b>. For instance, the first sound <b>104</b> may be a clip of jazz music that the user <b>6</b> has previously heard in a commercial for the coffee.

[0035] The welcome page <b>100</b> has a variety of links that the user <b>6</b> can select to direct the user <b>6</b> to a variety of different pages <b>110</b>, <b>120</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, and <b>150</b>. For example, the welcome page may have selections for directing users <b>6</b> to pages for direct delivery of products <b>110</b>, single orders of product <b>120</b>, learning more about products <b>130</b>, gifts and other accessories <b>140</b>, and user <b>6</b> feedback <b>150</b>.

[0036] The direct delivery page <b>110</b> may be configured to allow users <b>6</b> who have previously registered with the ordering system <b>10</b> for delivery to quickly make selections of product for delivery. The direct delivery page <b>110</b> is suitable for frequent purchaser of products via the ordering system <b>10</b>. By registering, such as at the ordering station <b>20</b> or a location other than the system <b>10</b>, a consumer can store information in order to quickly recall the information to conveniently purchase products without having to repeatedly reenter the information. For example, a consumer can enter the delivery and payment information and then recall that information at the ordering station <b>20</b> without having to reenter the information each time they wish to make a purchase.

[0037] When a user <b>6</b> selects the direct delivery page <b>110</b> from the welcome page <b>100</b>, in addition to displaying images for ordering product, a second sound <b>114</b> and a second scent <b>112</b> may be directed at the user <b>6</b>. The second scent <b>112</b> may comprise a coffee aroma. The second sound <b>114</b> may comprise a jazz selection having a subtle Latin rhythm and/or Latin-American or Colombian theme that a user <b>6</b> may associate with coffee. The combination of the coffee aroma <b>112</b> and the Latin inspired jazz sounds <b>114</b> are selected to associate with the user <b>6</b> the coffee products that may be purchased using the ordering station <b>20</b>.

[0038] Once a user <b>6</b> has entered the direct delivery page <b>110</b> and the second scent and sound <b>112</b> and <b>114</b> have been released, the purchaser may enter a user <b>6</b> name or other identifying information in order to make selections for ordering products. The user <b>6</b> identification enables the rapid purchase of a product without having to repeatedly enter delivery and payment data, thereby increasing the convenience of purchasing product for frequent consumers.

[0039] Different ways of entering information into the ordering station are contemplated. For example, a credit card, smart card, or other card can have data contained therein extracted by the ordering station. Infrared or other electronic transmission of data from a remote source, such as a hand-held computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone or other device, is also contemplated.

[0040] A single order page <b>120</b> may also be selected from the welcome page <b>100</b>. Upon selection of the single order page <b>120</b>, users <b>6</b> may place orders for products without having to have previously registered, such necessary with the direct delivery page <b>110</b>. When placing an order via the single order page <b>120</b>, the consumer is directed to screens that require entry of payment and delivery data, which can be entered with the keyboard and mouse <b>64</b> and <b>62</b>. However, other ways of entering information into the ordering station are contemplated by the invention. For example, entry of information may be accomplished remotely, such as by a hand-held transmitting device.

[0041] The single ordering page <b>120</b> includes a plurality of images corresponding to different products that the user <b>6</b> may purchase or links to pages through which the user <b>6</b> may purchase the products. When the user <b>6</b> selects the single order page <b>120</b> from the welcome page, a third scent <b>122</b> and a third sound <b>124</b> are emitted from the aroma emitter <b>72</b> and sound dome <b>44</b>, respectively. The third scent <b>122</b> may be the same as the first scent <b>102</b>, comprising hazelnut coffee aroma. The third sound <b>124</b> may be a clip of classical music, such as may be played in a European coffee house.

[0042] The ordering pages <b>110</b> and <b>120</b> communicate with the delivery or processing station <b>4</b>, which is remote from the ordering station <b>20</b>. The delivery station <b>4</b> receives the order, the payment data, and the delivery data. The delivery station <b>4</b> then generates an order to deliver the purchased product <b>36</b> to the consumer <b>6</b>. The product <b>36</b> may be delivered to the consumer's home via mail or courier service. The delivery may be made in person, such as at a workplace. The delivery may comprise placing the ordered product <b>36</b> in a convenient location for the consumer <b>6</b> to pick up the product <b>36</b>. For example, the purchased product <b>36</b> can be delivered to the location of the ordering station <b>20</b> to allow the user <b>6</b> to obtain the purchased product <b>36</b> upon return to the ordering station <b>20</b>.

[0043] The welcome page <b>100</b> may also include a link to a learning page <b>130</b> at which users <b>6</b> may learn more about the product being sold through the ordering system <b>10</b>. The learning page <b>130</b> is configured to increase brand awareness and association therewith on the part of the consumer. Upon selecting the learning page <b>130</b>, a fourth scent <b>130</b> and a fourth sound <b>134</b> may be directed at the user <b>6</b>. The fourth scent <b>134</b> may be the same as the second scent <b>112</b>, comprising a coffee aroma. The fourth sound <b>134</b> may comprise a jazz selection, and may be matched to a commercial the consumer may associate with the product, similar to the jazz clip <b>104</b> of the welcome page <b>100</b>.

[0044] From the learning page <b>134</b>, the users <b>6</b> are directed to a page containing information about the various products available. For example, information about coffee roasts, flavored coffees, limited edition coffees, varietal coffees, and European coffees, may be available.

[0045] In addition, the learning page <b>130</b> may include an interactive product finder <b>170</b> for assisting users <b>6</b> in selecting a product from those available for ordering via the ordering station <b>20</b>. The product finder <b>170</b> may include several prompts <b>182</b>, <b>184</b>, <b>186</b>, and <b>188</b> that correspond with the mood or desired mood of the user <b>6</b>. For example, the moods may include descriptions such as “a bold, aromatic wake-up,” “a smooth, relaxing escape,” “flavorful indulgence,” and “a complex, exotic getaway.”

[0046] Upon selecting a mood prompt <b>182</b>, <b>184</b>, <b>186</b>, or <b>188</b>, the sound dome <b>44</b> will emit a sound corresponding to the mood selected by the user <b>6</b>. Selection of the “bold” mood <b>182</b> causes an eighth sound <b>192</b> comprising a jazz audio clip to be directed at the user <b>6</b>. When a user <b>6</b> selects the “smooth” mood <b>184</b> a ninth sound <b>194</b> comprising a smooth jazz clip will be emitted from the sound dome <b>44</b> and directed at the user <b>6</b>. When the “flavorful” mood <b>186</b> is selected by a user <b>6</b>, a tenth sound <b>196</b> comprising light classical music is emitted by the sound dome <b>44</b>. Selected of the “complex” mood <b>198</b> by the user <b>6</b> will cause an eleventh sound <b>188</b> comprising exotic sounding jazz to be directed by the sound dome <b>44</b> at the user <b>6</b>.

[0047] The mood selector <b>170</b> and associated sounds <b>192</b>, <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, and <b>198</b> are configured to associate in the users <b>6</b> mind a particular product, such as coffee, with the sounds and mood selected by the user <b>6</b>. An image of one or more of the products available for sale through the ordering station <b>20</b> and associated with the selected mood <b>182</b>, <b>184</b>, <b>186</b>, or <b>188</b> will be presented to the user <b>6</b>. Once directed to the choice or choices of product available, the user <b>6</b> may select from the products for later delivery and purchasing.

[0048] The learning page <b>130</b> may also include a link to a page <b>160</b> for learning more about coffee. The coffee information page <b>160</b> may include information about the history and origin of the product, the product market, and steps used in the manufacturing of the products that the consumer may purchase. Once the coffee information page <b>160</b> has been selected from the learning page <b>130</b>, a seventh sound <b>164</b> and seventh aroma <b>162</b> may be emitted. The seventh sound <b>164</b> may comprise a subtle African rhythm to relate to African coffee images that may be displayed. The seventh scent <b>162</b> may comprise a coffee aroma, similar to the fourth and second scents <b>132</b> and <b>112</b>.

[0049] From the welcome page <b>100</b>, users <b>6</b> may also be directed to a page <b>140</b> for purchasing additional products, such as gifts and accessories. Upon selecting this page <b>140</b> a fifth sound <b>144</b> and a fifth scent <b>142</b> may be directed at the user <b>6</b> via the sound dome <b>44</b> and aroma emitter <b>72</b>. The fifth scent <b>142</b> may include a chocolate aroma, particularly if chocolate or chocolate containing products are being sold via the page <b>140</b>. The fifth sound <b>144</b> may comprise a jazz or classical selection.

[0050] Within the purchasing page <b>140</b> a variety of different images <b>141</b>, <b>143</b>, <b>145</b>, <b>147</b>, and <b>149</b> of products may be presented, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Upon selection of a certain image <b>141</b>, <b>143</b>, <b>145</b>, <b>147</b>, or <b>149</b>, a corresponding scent <b>153</b>, <b>142</b>, <b>155</b>, <b>157</b>, or <b>102</b> may be released to appeal to the consumer. For example, the image A <b>141</b> may comprise a tea product, and selection thereof will cause the aroma emitter <b>72</b> to release a tea scent <b>153</b>. Similarly, the image B <b>143</b> may illustrate chocolate products available for purchase. Selecting image B <b>143</b> will cause emission of a chocolate scent <b>142</b>. Image C <b>145</b>, image D <b>147</b>, and image E <b>149</b> may be associated with an orange aroma <b>155</b>, a festive or spicy aroma <b>157</b>, and a hazelnut coffee aroma <b>102</b>, respectively.

[0051] A newsletter or feedback page <b>150</b> may also be selected by the user <b>6</b> from the welcome page <b>100</b>. Upon selecting the feedback page <b>150</b> a sixth sound <b>154</b> may be directed at the user <b>6</b> via the sound dome <b>44</b>. The sixth sound <b>154</b> may include a jazz or classical clip. The feedback page includes a comment submission interface allowing users <b>6</b> to easily provide comments.

[0052] The pages <b>100</b>, <b>110</b>, <b>120</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b>, and <b>160</b> viewable at the screen <b>52</b> of the kiosk <b>22</b> may be linked to pages accessible through the world wide web at locations other than the ordering station <b>20</b>. However, the pages at the ordering system <b>10</b>, may, in addition to the typical content from the world wide web pages, include frames customized for the ordering system <b>10</b> in order to create a unique experience for the consumer.

[0053] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the invention provides a method and apparatus for allowing a user <b>6</b> to sample and order a product using an interactive ordering system <b>10</b>. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove or to any particular embodiments. Various modifications to the aforementioned specific embodiments will result in substantially the same invention.

[0054] The invention is defined more particularly by the following claims: