Title: Cash delivery apparatus for motor fuel dispenser or other self service facility
Abstract: A system for providing cash to users in a self-service environment such as in dispensing motor fuel includes a self-service dispensing machine (12). A user is enabled to dispense merchandise from the self-service dispensing machine and is also enabled to selectively receive cash value by charging the amount of such value to a monetary source associated with a machine readable article (80, 82). A user may receive cash value by presenting a printed voucher or other item to a service provider located at a facility (14) at which the service provider exchanges the voucher or other item for cash. Alternatively, cash may be dispensed to the user directly from the self-service dispensing machine.
Patent Number: 6,845,907 Issued on 01/25/2005 to Enright
| Inventors:
|
Enright; Jeffery M. (Akron, OH)
|
| Assignee:
|
Diebold, Incorporated (North Canton, OH)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
438602 |
| Filed:
|
November 12, 1999 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
235/381; 235/375; 235/380; 235/385; 235/478; 235/487; 235/493; 902/8 |
| Intern'l Class: |
G06F 007/08 |
| Field of Search: |
235/380,385,375,493,478,487,381,374,376,378,379
902/8,13,14,15,16,17,9,10,11,12
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
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| 2001/0045457 | Nov., 2001 | Terranova et al. | 235/381.
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|
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| WO 9606415 | Feb., 1996 | WO | .
|
Primary Examiner: Frech; Karl D.
Assistant Examiner: Walsh; Daniel
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jocke; Ralph E., Wasil; Daniel D.
Walker & Jocke
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/108,340 filed Nov. 13, 1998.
Claims
I claim:
1. Apparatus comprising:
a self-service merchandise dispensing machine selectively operative to
dispense merchandise;
a user interface associated with the dispensing machine, wherein the
interface includes an article reading device, wherein the article reading
device is operative to read a machine readable article associated with a
user and including a stored value memory, wherein the machine readable
article corresponds to a source of monetary value, and wherein the
interface includes at least one input device operative to receive at least
one input from a user;
a cash value dispensing mechanism associated with the dispensing machine;
a controller operatively connected to the dispensing machine, the user
interface and the cash value dispensing mechanism;
wherein the controller is operative to cause a merchandise dispense from
the merchandise dispensing machine having an associated charge and to
cause a cash value dispense of an amount from the cash value dispensing
mechanism, responsive to at least one input to the at least one input
device, wherein the article reading device is operative responsive to the
cash value dispense to include data representative of the amount in the
stored value memory, and wherein the controller is operative responsive to
reading the machine readable article with the article reading device to
cause generation of a charge record, wherein the charge record includes
data representative of the source of monetary value, the charge, and the
amount.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cash value dispensing
mechanism is operative during the cash value dispense to dispense at least
one note.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the cash value dispensing
mechanism includes a cash supply component, wherein the cash supply
component holds a supply of notes, and wherein the cash supply component
is removably mounted to the merchandise dispensing machine.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the user interface further
includes an output device, wherein the controller is further operative to
cause the output device to output prompt messages to a user concerning
operation of the input device.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a cash value
accepting device associated with the merchandise dispensing machine,
wherein the cash value accepting device is operative to accept at least
one cash value item from a user, and wherein the cash value accepting
device is operatively connected to the controller, and wherein the
controller is operative to apply the charge associated with the dispensed
merchandise to the cash value item.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the cash value accepting
device includes a note acceptor and the cash value item includes a note.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the cash value accepting
device includes a stored value card reader and the stored value item
includes a stored value card.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the self-service merchandise
dispensing machine is operative to dispense merchandise which includes
motor fuel.
9. Apparatus comprising:
a self-service merchandise dispensing machine selectively operative to
dispense merchandise;
a user interface associated with the dispensing machine, wherein the
interface includes an article reading device, wherein the article reading
device is operative to read a machine readable article associated with a
user, wherein the machine readable article corresponds to a source of
monetary value, and wherein the interface includes at least one input
device operative to receive at least one input from a user;
a cash value dispensing mechanism associated with the dispensing machine,
wherein the cash value dispensing mechanism includes a roll of notes,
wherein the roll includes a movable web, wherein the notes in the roll are
held in supporting connection with the web, wherein the cash value
dispensing mechanism is operative to deliver a note to a user in attached
relation with the web;
a controller operatively connected to the dispensing machine, the user
interface and the cash value dispensing mechanism;
wherein the controller is operative to cause a merchandise dispense from
the merchandise dispensing machine having an associated charge and to
cause a cash value dispense of an amount from the cash value dispensing
mechanism, responsive to at least one input to the at least one input
device, and wherein the controller is operative responsive to reading the
machine readable article with the article reading device to cause
generation of a charge record, wherein the charge record includes data
representative of the source of monetary value, the charge, and the
amount;
wherein the cash value dispensing mechanism is selectively operative to
dispense at least one note from the roll during the cash value dispense.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the cash dispensing
mechanism further comprises a note/web separating member, wherein the
note/web separating member is operative to engage the note to separate the
note from the web, wherein the note is dispensed from the machine without
the web attached thereto.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the web includes a
releasible adhesive thereon, whereby notes are separable from the web
after dispense to a user.
12. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the cash value dispensing
mechanism includes disposed first and second engaging devices in operative
engagement with the web, wherein the first and second engaging devices are
in operative connection with the controller, and wherein the controller is
operative to cause the web to move to produce a loop in the web between
the first and second engaging devices in the dispensing machine, and
wherein the controller is operative to release the first engaging device
to enable delivery of a portion of the web which includes the loop from
the dispensing machine while holding the web adjacent the second engaging
device in the machine.
13. The apparatus according to claim 9 and further comprising a cash value
accepting device in operative connection with the self-service dispensing
machine, wherein the cash value accepting device is in operative
connection with the controller, and wherein the cash value accepting
device is operative to accept a presented note, and wherein the accepting
device is operative to determine if the note is genuine, and wherein the
controller is operative responsive to the accepting device determining
that the presented note is genuine to include the presented note in the
roll.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the controller is operative
responsive to the accepting device determining that the presented note is
not genuine to discharge the accepted note from the cash accepting device.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the accepted note is
associated with a cash value, and wherein the controller is operative to
apply the charge for the dispensed merchandise against the cash value.
16. Apparatus comprising:
a self-service merchandise dispensing machine selectively operative to
dispense merchandise;
a user interface associated with the dispensing machine, wherein the
interface includes an article reading device, wherein the article reading
device is operative to read a machine readable article associated with a
user, wherein the machine readable article corresponds to a source of
monetary value, and wherein the interface includes at least one input
device operative to receive at least one input from a user;
a cash value dispensing mechanism associated with the dispensing machine,
wherein the cash value dispensing mechanism includes a roll of notes
having generally parallel, opposed edges of similar dimension, and wherein
the roll comprises a plurality of releasible connectors, wherein a
connector is operative to connect an area of one first note to an area of
at least one second note, wherein the connector is operative to releasibly
connect the first and second notes with their respective edges in
generally adjacent relation, and wherein the cash value dispensing
mechanism is operative to deliver notes in attached relation with
connectors;
a controller operatively connected to the dispensing machine, the user
interface and the cash value dispensing mechanism;
wherein the controller is operative to cause a merchandise dispense from
the merchandise dispensing machine having an associated charge and to
cause a cash value dispense of an amount from the cash value dispensing
mechanism, responsive to at least one input to the at least one input
device, and wherein the controller is operative responsive to reading the
machine readable article with the article reading device to cause
generation of a charge record, wherein the charge record includes data
representative of the source of monetary value, the charge, and the
amount;
wherein the cash value dispensing mechanism is selectively operative to
dispense at least one note from the roll during the cash value dispense.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each releasible connector
comprises a generally flexible member, wherein the flexible member spans
the generally adjacent edges of the first and second notes.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the flexible member
includes releasible adhesive, wherein the adhesive releasibly engages the
first and second notes with the flexible member.
19. A method of operating an apparatus,
wherein the apparatus comprises:
a self-service merchandise dispensing machine selectively operative to
dispense merchandise;
a user interface associated with the dispensing machine, wherein the
interface includes an article reading device, wherein the article reading
device is operative to read a machine readable article associated with a
user, wherein the machine readable article corresponds to a source of
monetary value, and wherein the interface includes at least one input
device operative to receive at least one input from a user;
a cash value dispensing mechanism associated with the dispensing machine,
wherein the cash value dispensing mechanism includes a cash supply
component removably mounted to the merchandise dispensing machine,
wherein the cash supply component holds a supply of notes;
a controller operatively connected to the dispensing machine, the user
interface and the cash value dispensing mechanism;
wherein the controller is operative to cause a merchandise dispense from
the merchandise dispensing machine having an associated charge and to
cause a cash value dispense of an amount from the cash value dispensing
mechanism, responsive to at least one input to the at least one input
device, and wherein the controller is operative responsive to reading the
machine readable article with the article reading device to cause
generation of a charge record, wherein the charge record includes data
representative of the source of monetary value, the charge, and the
amount;
comprising:
(a) reading a machine readable article with the reading device;
(b) dispensing merchandise from the self-service dispensing machine
responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device, the
dispensed merchandise having an associated charge;
(c) dispensing cash value including at least one note from the cash value
dispensing mechanism responsive to at least one input to the at least one
input device, the cash value dispensed corresponding to an amount;
(d) charging the source of monetary value the amount and the charge;
(e) removing the cash supply component from the merchandise dispensing
machine, wherein in performing the method, step (c) is not executed when
the cash supply component has been removed from the merchandise dispensing
machine, and in step (d) the source of monetary value is charged only the
charge for dispensed merchandise.
20. The method according to claim 19 wherein step (a) includes reading a
credit card associated with a user's credit card account, and step (d)
includes charging the user's credit card account for the amount and the
charge.
21. The method according to claim 19 wherein step (b) includes dispensing
motor fuel from the self-service merchandise dispensing machine.
22. A method comprising:
(a) operating an article reading device to read a machine readable article,
wherein the machine readable article corresponds to a source of monetary
value and includes a stored value memory, and wherein a user interface
associated with a self-service merchandise dispensing machine includes the
article reading device;
(b) receiving at least one input at at least one input device of the user
interface;
(c) operating a controller to cause a merchandise dispense from the
dispensing machine having an associated charge, responsive to receiving at
least one input at the at least one input device;
(d) operating the controller to cause a cash value dispense of an amount
from a cash value dispensing mechanism associated with the dispensing
machine, responsive to receiving at least one input at the at least one
input device;
(e) operating the article reading device to include data representative of
the amount in the stored value memory;
(f) operating the controller to cause generation of a charge record
including data representative of the source of monetary value, the charge,
and the amount.
23. Apparatus comprising:
a self-service merchandise dispensing machine selectively operative to
dispense merchandise;
a user interface associated with the dispensing machine, wherein the
interface includes an article reading device, wherein the article reading
device is operative to read a machine readable article associated with a
user, wherein the machine readable article corresponds to a source of
monetary value, and wherein the interface includes an input device
operative to receive at least one input from a user;
a cash value dispensing mechanism associated with the dispensing machine;
a controller operatively connected to the dispensing machine, the user
interface and the cash value dispensing mechanism;
wherein the controller is operative to cause a merchandise dispense from
the merchandise dispensing machine having an associated charge and to
cause a cash value dispense of an amount from the cash value dispensing
mechanism, responsive to at least one input to the input device, and
wherein the controller is operative responsive to reading the machine
readable article with the article reading device to cause generation of a
charge record wherein the charge record, includes data representative of
the source of monetary value, the charge, and the amount.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to customer service facilities. Such facilities may
include self-service facilities such as a self-service motor fuel
dispensing facility. Alternatively such facilities may include an attended
facility such as a fast food outlet. Particularly this invention relates
to methods and systems for dispensing cash to customers at such
facilities.
BACKGROUND ART
Self-service facilities at which users may make purchases are becoming
increasingly popular. Allowing the customer to serve themself enables the
customer to work at their own pace. It also minimizes the number of
personnel that the operator of the facility must employ to service
customers. One type of self-service facility that is becoming increasingly
popular is a self-service fuel dispensing facility. At such facilities
customers are enabled to pump their own motor fuel. Users often pay a
cashier for the amount of fuel purchased. One cashier is enabled to
monitor several fuel dispensing pumps and receive payment conveniently
from many customers.
Many motor fuel dispensing establishments have expanded their merchandise
offerings to include other items. Many such facilities instead of merely
being a "gasoline station" are now a "convenience store" offering a
variety of food and beverage items as well as other products. This
business model has proven highly successful as motorists who must stop for
fuel will often make impulse purchases of beer, cigarettes, lottery
tickets, food and other items. These other purchases provide substantial
additional profit for the operator. The customer is able to pick up items
conveniently and to pay for such items as well as the motor fuel they have
dispensed.
In recent years more service stations and other self-service facilities
have enabled users to make payment using credit or debit cards. In the
motor fuel dispensing environment an electronic interface is often
provided through which a user may elect to pay either inside the facility
or at the pump. The user interface also includes a card reader into which
the user may insert their credit or debit card. If the card is verified as
a valid card, the user may dispense the motor fuel into their vehicle and
have the charge for the merchandise applied to the account associated with
the card. Many electronic self-service motor fuel dispensing terminals
also include a receipt printer which provides the customer with a printed
receipt for their purchase.
While electronic motor fuel dispensing terminals are convenient they also
have drawbacks. One drawback for the operator of the facility is that the
customer no longer needs to go into the facility where other merchandise
is available for purchase. As a result, a customer is less likely to make
an impulse purchase. This can lower the overall profitability of the
operation. A further drawback is that if the customer does wish to
purchase merchandise from the facility, the customer is required to wait
in line with other customers who are paying for fuel and merchandise. If
the customer does not have cash available to pay for the merchandise the
customer's credit card or other card must be verified again in a separate
transaction inside the facility. This unduly delays the customer as well
as other customers who are waiting to deal with the cashier or other
individual service provider.
A further drawback with conventional self-service dispensing environments,
including motor fuel dispensing environments, is that if the user does
wish to make a purchase within the facility, the user's car remains
adjacent to the dispensing station. This often delays other customers who
are waiting to fuel their vehicles. Customers may choose not to wait and
will simply drive to another service station rather than be delayed.
Most consumers prefer to pay cash for certain purchases. This is
particularly true for low value items. Many consumers do not believe that
the delays associated with card based purchases are justified when the
item being purchased is of low value. Sellers also do not appreciate the
fees, delay or inconvenience associated with processing card based
transactions for very small amounts. To provide users with cash at
convenient locations, automated teller machines (ATMs) have been installed
in retail establishments. Such ATMs enable users to obtain cash by
withdrawing it from their accounts through use of a debit card or by
charging it against a credit card account.
A drawback of using ATMs in some self-service environments such as a motor
fuel dispensing station, is that it takes time for the user to operate the
ATM within the facility. This may translate into a delay. A delay can be
harmful for the operator's business if a customer's car remains at the
fuel dispensing pump for an extended period while the customer is within
the sales facility operating the ATM. This may discourage other customers
from stopping. Further, if the customer finds a line at the ATM within the
facility, the customer may choose not to wait to obtain cash. As a result,
the user will not make the additional purchases at the sales facility that
they would have otherwise made.
Similar conditions and considerations exist in other types of customer
service facilities. For example, gaming facilities, amusement facilities,
ticketing and other environments may not provide optimum transaction
throughput and profitability due to customers having to complete a number
of time-consuming steps. Such delays exist in both self service facilities
as well as facilities that are attended by a human service provider.
Drive-through customer service operations such as fast food restaurants
also can cause customers to suffer delays and may lose business due to
slow transaction throughput. Customers in a drive-through fast food
environment may limit their purchases because they have a limited amount
of cash available. Customers in such drive-through facilities may be
discouraged from using credit or debit cards because it may slow down
activities at the payment and delivery stations. The operators of such
fast food facilities as well as customers, may prefer that credit or debit
cards not be used to make payment as to do so will increase their wait to
obtain merchandise. This additional time includes not only the time
required to authorize the transaction using an electronic payment network,
but also the additional steps associated with having the customer receive
credit card or debit card receipts related to their purchase. Potential
customers considering whether to stop to purchase food or other
merchandise from a drive-through facility may also be discouraged from
stopping to make the purchase if the wait appears too long or they have
experienced a delay in the past.
Customers wishing to make a purchase from a customer service facility but
who either prefer to use cash or are required by the seller to pay with
cash, may first need to visit a bank or other facility with an ATM in
order to acquire such cash. This requires the customer to make an
additional stop at another location before patronizing the customer
service facility. It is not uncommon for persons who might otherwise
intend to make a purchase to completely forego the purchasing activity
because they have to take the time to obtain additional cash first. This
is particularly true in operations like drive-through food service
environments where the customer may stop if they have the available cash,
but can forego the purchase if they do not have the cash available. If the
customer defers the purchase until they get the cash there is an increased
probability that they will make the food purchase at the most convenient
location after they have been able to obtain adequate cash. As a result
the customer service facility that the consumer may actually prefer may
lose the customer's business because the customer considers being able to
pay with cash a prerequisite.
Thus there exists a need for more efficient transaction processes and cash
delivery methods for use in connection with customer service facilities.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of
operating a transaction facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
method for operating a self-service facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved cash
delivery method for a customer service facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
method for delivering cash at a motor fuel dispensing facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus
which achieves improved delivery of cash at a self-service facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
method for operating an attended customer service facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
method of delivering cash at an attended customer service facility.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
method of delivering cash at a drive-through food service facility.
Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in the
following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in one exemplary embodiment of the
invention by a system and method that are carried out at a self-service
facility. In this embodiment the self-service facility is a motor fuel
dispensing facility which includes self-service merchandise dispensing
machines such as fuel pumps. A facility located remote from the
self-service dispensing machines such as a service station or convenience
store is associated with the self-service dispensing machines. The
customer may make payment or purchase other merchandise at the associated
facility.
In one exemplary form of the invention the self-service fuel dispensing
machine includes a customer interface with an article reader for reading a
credit card, debit card or other feature or article associated with a
source of monetary value. When the user dispenses the merchandise which in
the described embodiment is motor fuel from the self-service dispensing
machine, the charge associated with the merchandise is charged to the
source of value.
The user is also enabled to input through an input device on the
self-service dispensing machine an input corresponding to a request for an
amount of cash. The charge for the amount is also assessed against the
user's credit card or other source of monetary value from which payment is
being made.
In some embodiments of the invention the self-service dispensing machine
includes an output device such as a printer. This printer is operative to
produce an item which is a voucher or other printed document that may be
redeemed by the user for an amount of cash. This can be accomplished by
the user taking the item to the facility and presenting it to a service
provider. Alternatively information associated with the user or their
transaction such as biometric data, a code or other feature may be used to
identify the user as being entitled to receive cash. The service provider
provides the user with the amount of cash. If the user wishes to purchase
other merchandise or services, the value of the other merchandise or
services may be deducted from the cash which is provided to the user.
Alternatively, the user may be provided with the cash and may then provide
a portion of the cash as payment for goods or services purchased. In some
embodiments of the invention an item may be dispensed from the
self-service dispensing machine which includes machine readable indicia
corresponding to the amount that the user is to receive. At the remote
facility the service provider may read the machine readable indicia with a
reading device and dispense the cash to the user. This reading may be done
with a manually operable device for reading indicia or automatically with
a reading device connected to a cash dispensing mechanism.
In alternative embodiments of the invention the self-service merchandise
dispensing machine includes a cash value dispensing mechanism. In these
circumstances the cash value is dispensed to the user directly at the
dispensing machine in the form of one or more notes. In these alternative
embodiments the user is enabled to receive the cash without having to
enter the facility. However, if the user is interested in making a
purchase of other merchandise they may now do so with cash which reduces
the time that will be spent making the purchase.
In further alternative embodiments the self-service merchandise dispensing
machine includes a cash value accepting device. This cash value accepting
device may be integrated with the cash dispensing mechanism or may be a
separate mechanism. This enables a user to provide value to the machine in
the form of currency notes. Alternatively, machines may be equipped to
receive cash value from stored value cards or other forms of cash value
items. In these alternative forms of the invention, the self-service
dispensing machine will dispense merchandise up to the amount of cash
value input by the user. If the user does not use all of the cash value
input, the dispensing machine may be operative to provide the user with an
item such as a printed document. The printed document may be redeemed at
the facility for the amount of change the user is entitled to receive.
Alternative embodiments may use a biometric feature or other item or
feature to identify a user as entitled to receive change. Of course, the
user may choose to purchase other merchandise and apply their change
against such purchases.
Alternative forms of the invention may be used in attended customer service
environments. In an exemplary embodiment, such an environment may include
a drive-through type fast food restaurant. In such a facility a customer
may enter their order through an audio connection to a human service
provider by making selections through an input device or through other
suitable means. If the customer chooses to pay using a source of value
such as an account associated with a credit or debit card, the card or
article is presented to an appropriate reading device to identify the
account. Alternatively biometric features of the user or other articles
may be used to identify the user and/or their account.
Through an output device user may be presented with options to pay for
their order from their account and/or to obtain an amount of cash. If the
user wishes to obtain cash they do so by entering an appropriate input.
The user is then provided with the capability of being identified as
entitled to receive the cash and/or the merchandise they have ordered.
This may be done for example by providing the user with a receipt or other
paper document with indicia that can be used to indicate that they are
entitled to the selected amount of cash. Alternatively items or
information such as a code may be provided to or alternatively selected
by, the customer which identifies them and/or the transaction. The code
may then be used as a basis for providing cash. In other alternative
systems biometric features of a customer or features of their clothing or
vehicle may be used to identify them and/or the transaction which entitles
them to receive the selected amount of cash.
In the exemplary fast food drive-through embodiment, the customer after
leaving the order station travels to a cash receiving station. This may be
the same as the merchandise receiving station where the customer receives
their food. Alternatively it may be an intermediate station positioned
between where the order is placed and where food is received. At the cash
receiving station the customer and/or transaction is identified and the
cash is delivered to the customer. This may be done for example by the
customer presenting the article, feature or other characteristic, which
indicates that the customer is the person entitled to the previously
selected amount of cash. Such articles or features may include as
previously discussed, a card or other article used to initiate the
transaction, a document or receipt provided to the customer, a biometric
feature of the customer, a code provided to or selected by the customer, a
feature associated with the customer or their vehicle, or a combination
thereof, which identifies the customer as entitled to receive the cash. In
response to the identifying characteristic, the cash is provided to the
customer at the delivery station.
The customer also receives their merchandise such as the food ordered. This
may be done at the same station where the cash is delivered. Alternatively
the customer may drive to another station to receive the food. The
customer may identify themself as entitled to receive the merchandise
using one or more of the features that were used to identify the customer
as entitled to receive cash. Alternatively other or additional approaches
may be used to verify that the customer is the person entitled to receive
the ordered food.
In alternative forms of the invention a customer in a fast food
drive-through environment or other customer service environment, may be
provided with the option to receive cash at the cash delivery station and
to make payment for the food or other merchandise using a portion of the
cash delivered. In other alternative embodiments a customer who has
initially chosen to pay cash for the merchandises delivered at the
merchant delivery station may choose to obtain cash at the cash delivery
station. This may be done by enabling the cash delivery station to operate
in the manner similar to a drive-through type ATM, in addition to
operating to dispense cash to customers who have previously made a
transaction selection which includes a dispense of cash.
It should be understood that these applications of the present invention to
self service and attended customer transaction environments are but
examples of the present invention. Numerous variations and configurations
of the invention may be made utilizing the principles discussed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a system of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the user interface of a self-service
dispensing machine included in the system shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3 through 24 are views of exemplary prompt screens displayed on an
output device of the user interface and the corresponding actions which
occur in response to such screens.
FIG. 25 is an alternative form of a self-service dispensing machine of the
invention.
FIGS. 26 through 31 are exemplary screens displayed on the output device of
the alternative self-service dispensing machine shown in FIG. 25.
FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a first form of a cash value dispensing
mechanism used in connection with the machine shown in FIG. 25.
FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a cash value dispensing mechanism similar to
that shown in FIG. 32 combined with a cash value accepting device.
FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a roll of currency notes releasibly
attached to a web used in connection with a cash value dispenser
mechanism.
FIG. 35 is a schematic view of a mechanism used in connection with the roll
of notes
FIG. 36 is an isometric view of an alternative form of a roll of notes in
which the notes are connected at the edges by releasible connecting
members.
FIG. 37 is a schematic view of an alternative dispenser used for dispensing
notes from the roll of notes shown in FIG. 36.
FIG. 38 is an isometric view of an alternative form of the transaction
system of the present invention.
FIG. 39 are exemplary screens displayed at a customer request station in
the system of FIG. 38.
FIGS. 40-45 are enlarged views of the screens shown in FIG. 39.
FIG. 46 is an alternative screen shown at the customer request station of
FIG. 38 in response to certain customer inputs.
FIG. 47 shows a series of alternative exemplary screens displayed at a
customer request station in the system of FIG. 38.
FIG. 48 shows an alternative configuration of a system like that shown in
FIG. 38.
FIG. 49 shows a further alternative configuration of a system like that
shown in FIG. 38.
FIG. 50 shows a further alternative configuration of a system like that
shown in FIG. 38.
FIG. 51 shows a further alternative configuration of a system like that
shown in FIG. 38.
FIG. 52 shows a further alternative configuration for a system like that
shown in FIG. 38 and which is adapted to receive alternative sources of
monetary value.
FIG. 53 is a schematic representation of steps carried out in an exemplary
form of the system shown in FIG. 52.
FIG. 54 is a schematic view of steps carried out in an alternative system
like that shown in FIG. 52.
FIG. 55 shows an exemplary computer generated screen output at the customer
request terminal of the system shown in FIG. 52.
FIGS. 56-59 are flow charts of the logic flow carried out by the computer
in an exemplary system shown in FIG. 52.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown
therein a system for delivering cash in a self-service merchandise
environment of a form of the present invention, generally indicated 10.
System 10 includes a self-service dispensing machine 12. In the exemplary
embodiment of the invention shown, the self-service dispensing machine 12
includes a motor fuel dispensing device which operates in an outdoor
environment. It should be understood that embodiments of the invention may
include a plurality of self-service dispensing machines operated as part
of a single system. Systems of the invention may include other types of
self-service dispensing machines.
The system further includes a facility generally indicated 14 which is
remote from the self-service dispensing machines. In the embodiment shown,
the remote facility 14 includes an indoor sales area generally indicated
16. The sales area 16 includes other merchandise generally indicated 18.
In the embodiment of the invention shown the other merchandise 18 is in
the nature of items that persons would typically buy at a convenience
store, and is different from the merchandise dispensed by the self-service
dispensing machine. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention other
types of merchandise may be sold. It shall be understood that references
to merchandise herein refers to both goods and services which may be
purchased.
The remote facility shown further includes a supply of cash which includes
cash housed in a cash register 20. The cash register 20 is connected to a
reader 22 such as a bar code reader or other device for reading machine
readable indicia. An output device 24 is included in the remote facility.
The output device in the embodiment shown includes a fuel pump control
console which includes a printer or other device for giving an indication
of activity at the self-service dispensing machines. In the case where the
output device 24 is a fuel pump control board the service provider within
the facility is enabled to control or monitor operation of the fuel pumps
or other self-service dispensing machines.
The remote facility of this exemplary embodiment further includes a service
window 26 which extends through an exterior wall thereof. The service
window 26 may be in some embodiments a walk-up window or a drive-up
window. A service window 26 enables users of the system to exchange items
with the service provider within the remote facility.
The sales area 16 of this exemplary embodiment includes a cash dispenser 28
therein. The cash dispenser 28 includes therein a portion of the supply of
cash for the remote facility. The portion of the supply of cash housed
within the cash dispenser is housed in a cash dispensing mechanism
schematically indicated 30. The cash dispensing mechanism may be
selectively operated to deliver currency notes to a user. The cash
dispenser 28 further includes a customer interface 32. In the embodiment
shown the interface 32 includes a reading device 34 for reading machine
readable indicia.
The remote facility further includes at least one controller or computer
schematically indicated 36. Computer 36 is in operative connection with a
data store 38. The computer 36 is shown in operative connection
schematically with the output device 24, the cash register 20 and the cash
dispenser 28. It should be understood that in embodiments of the invention
computer 36 may not be connected to all of these types of devices or may
be connected to additional types of devices. Further, it should be
understood that while in the embodiment shown a single computer and data
store are described, in other embodiments a plurality of connected
computers and data stores may be used. Therefore in the following
description whenever a computer or controller is referred to, it shall be
deemed to refer to a plurality of operatively connected controllers or
computers as well as a single computer. Likewise herein when a data store
is referred to it shall be deemed to refer to a plurality of connected
data stores as well as a single data store.
As shown in FIG. 1, computer 36 is connected to a communications device
schematically indicated 40. In embodiments of the invention the
communications device may include any suitable type of communications
interface for communicating electronic messages. This may include for
example an interface to a modem, leased line, ISDN line, intranet
interface, LAN interface, web interface or other device. Communications
device 40 is shown schematically connected through a network 42 to a
source of monetary value schematically indicated 44. In this example the
source of monetary value is representative of a credit card processor,
debit card processor, bank or other entity that is capable of transferring
data representative of funds. It should be understood that in the
operation of the invention the communications device 40 may selectively
communicate with a plurality of entities which include sources of monetary
value.
A self-service dispensing machine 12 in the exemplary embodiment shown
includes a fuel nozzle 46. The fuel nozzle 46 may be used by a user to
deliver merchandise in the form of motor fuel into a motor vehicle. The
self-service dispensing machine 12 further includes a user interface 48.
The user interface includes an output device 50 which can be used for
outputting messages to a user of the machine. In the embodiment shown
output device 50 includes a display screen. The user interface further
includes an input device 52. In the embodiment shown the input device 52
includes a plurality of keys which may be selectively pressed by a user to
provide inputs.
The user interface further includes an article reading device schematically
indicated 54. The article reading device 54 in the embodiment shown
includes a card reader which may be used for reading credit cards, debit
cards as well as stored value type cards. Of course, in other embodiments
other types of article reading devices may be used.
The user interface further includes an item delivering device 56. The item
delivering device 56 in the embodiment shown includes a printer which can
be used to provide a printed document type item to a user. Of course, in
other embodiments other types of items may be selectively output to a user
operating the self-service dispensing machine 12.
It should be understood that the user interface also includes other
controls which a user may operate to control the self-service dispensing
machine. These may include for example the controls on the nozzle which
dispense the motor fuel. In addition, other or additional types of output
and input devices may be used.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of components included in a user
interface of the self-service dispensing terminal. In the embodiment
described the input device 52 includes an alpha numeric keypad. The input
device also includes four function keys 60, 62, 64 and 66. The function
keys may be operated by a user in a manner later described to input
instructions to the system. Of course, this arrangement of keys is
exemplary and in other embodiments other arrangements and types of keys,
input devices and functional inputs may be used.
The operation of the system represented in FIG. 1 will now be explained in
greater detail with reference to certain typical exemplary transactions. A
common exemplary transaction is a dispense of motor fuel where the user
pays with cash or credit. The computer 36 has data included in its
associated data store 38 which is used to produce certain outputs on the
output device of the user interface of the self-service dispensing
machine. These outputs which are referred to herein as "screens" may
prompt a user in the operation of the system. Computer 36 is programmed to
cause the interface to display the screens in response to the inputs and
activities of the user and the self-service dispensing machine.
FIG. 3 shows a screen 68 which is presented to a user through the output
device of the self-service dispensing machine. Screen 68 may be
continuously presented until a transaction begins, or may be presented in
response to sensing the presence of a user adjacent to the machine. This
may be done for example with a proximity type sensing device o
