WO2015186141A1 - System and method for a vending machine for money transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for controlling an automated kiosk supporting a standard Multi Drop Bus protocol, more specifically directed to an automated vending kiosk, capable of money transfer using Bluetooth. The invention encompasses an interactive payment system for cashless transactions, wherein the automated kiosk can be operated using Bluetooth enabled device to charge/ recharge a prepaid virtual wallet of the user, which can later be used to make transactions for vending products or services, from any Bluetooth enabled kiosk.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VENDING MACHINE FOR MONEY TRANSFER

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention generally relates to payment systems in automated service kiosks, and is more specifically directed to automated vending kiosks supporting a standard Multi- Drop Bus (MDB) payment system operable by means of a portable communication device like mobile phones, tablets, laptops and the like.

BACKGROUND Automated service kiosks like vending machines at gas station, gaming consoles, etc. are well known in the art which provide products or services to the users while being connected to a remote vendor for effectuating money transactions; such transactions typically involving use of cash/ coins or debit/ credit/ smart cards, etc..

With developments in technology, electronic-commerce system, a more convenient payment method has been introduced and made popular, wherein online transactions are possible with internet connection and there is no requirement to carry cash/ cards/ tokens. More recently, mobile-commerce system has become a well-known payment system, wherein transactions are possible through such kiosks by means of mobile communication devices which connect to a remote financial operator for payment of a product/ service. However such payment systems employing remote financial operator, present some drawbacks. The problem with employing currently known m-commerce payment systems is their linkage to the credit or debit cards, and there remains no prepaid system to make necessary transactions using mobile-commerce. Transferring money using electronic/ mobile-commerce while being connected to the internet where a user stores the data of his online financial payment methods such as credit or debit cards and transfers it to the machine, presents a security risk to related confidential details. The customer is exposed, as it actually often happens, to risks of a fraudulent use of said details. Furthermore, the existing kiosks have to be certified in order to guarantee the security of the payment and of the transaction procedures, which are processed by the said systems. A further drawback of the existing vending kiosks is that they have to be equipped with complicated and costly mechanical devices (like card readers) which need maintenance and are difficult to be upgraded in case of a new payment procedure.

Hence there is a requirement to provide such a payment system such that a virtual-wallet can be created, which acts as a rechargeable prepaid wallet/ account of the customer, accessible on a portable communication device such as a mobile phone, which easily helps the customer to make transactions and charge the wallet with ease. The invention ensures that the customer is readily or easily connected to the target automated service kiosk and does not have to carry any additional card or provide any confidential details of his financial accounts, thereby ensuring security, while he utilizes any service /product offered by said kiosk. The transactions can be managed with ease with no chance of loss of either card/ cash/ critical information, with no change in user experience and functioning efficiency. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a system and a method for controlling an automated "self-service" kiosk, wherein a virtual wallet is charged using a portable communication device such as a mobile phone, laptop and the like through a bluetooth connection. Said Bluetooth connection is also used to vend the desired product via the portable communication device.

It is the purpose of the present invention to replace near field communication, having the aforementioned shortcomings, with an automated kiosk for making transactions, wherein said kiosks can be employed for crediting the virtual wallet with balance, which can further be employed to get products or services, as in vending machines. An interactive payment system is what the invention achieves without the disadvantages associated with the earlier payment systems.

The system covered by this invention for controlling an automated kiosk comprises a Bluetooth communication module for establishing a Bluetooth connection between atleast one user equipment, such as a mobile phone, and said kiosk. It also comprises a user equipment for placing atleast one action request to said kiosk. The action request may either be that of vending atleast one item from the kiosk, or that of charging/ recharging a virtual wallet of the user. The system also comprises a processor in said kiosk for performance of the atleast one action request placed by the user.

Accordingly, the invention encompasses a charging unit for accepting currency into the kiosk, thereby charging/ recharging the virtual wallet of the user. Likewise, the invention also covers a dispensing unit for supplying the item desired to be vended from the kiosk. Where the system of the present invention is capable of performing charging/ recharging action request along with vending of an item from the kiosk, said kiosk is an automated vending machine allowing cashless transactions. Where only charging/ recharging function is performed by the system, the system may vend a token/ receipt of the updated balance in the virtual wallet, much like a ATM kiosk. Hence, the operation of the system covered in the invention does not depend on presence or absence of an "item" to be vended.

The method for controlling the automated kiosk, covered by this invention, requires a bluetooth connection to be established between atleast one user equipment and the kiosk. Then atleast one action request is placed by the user via a user interface on the user equipment, wherein said may be that of vending at least one item from the kiosk, or charging/ recharging the virtual wallet of the user. The requested action is then performed by the kiosk and the user is notified of the status of said action request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 depicts the overall system architecture of the present invention.

Fig. 2 depicts a system diagram of a communications system illustrating the interaction between a user equipment and network.

Fig. 3 depicts a typical multi-drop bus system architecture of a machine/ device.

Fig. 4 depicts the hardware design of the vending machine and their interaction thereof. Fig. 5 depicts the overall process of controlling a vending machine using a user equipment via Bluetooth connection for cashless transaction.

Fig. 6 depicts charging of the virtual wallet via Bluetooth. Fig. 7 depicts vending using a user equipment connected to the vending machine via Bluetooth for cashless transaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with varied combinations of such details.

The description in ensuing paragraphs cover exemplary embodiments of the present invention which are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Several features are described hereafter that can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. However, an individual feature might only address one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. The subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

The term "system" and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

The term "processor" is intended to refer to a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. The term "automated service kiosk"/ "kiosk" and the like are intended to refer to a general computer terminal featuring specialized hardware and software designed to provide an interactive interface for cashless transactions. For all practical purposes the kiosk is a vending machine (VM) capable of dispensing items, products as well as services, using a portable communication device for carrying out transactions using a virtual wallet and finds application in gaming consoles, snack bars, gas stations, laundry rooms, ATM vestibules for charging/ recharging a virtual account/ wallet of the user, none of which should be considered as being limiting.

The term "user equipment"/ "UE" and the like are intended to refer to a device used directly by an end-user to communicate with the automated service kiosk for performing atleast one of the charging/ recharging and vending function. It can be a mobile communication device equipped with a Bluetooth functionality i.e. a hand-held telephone, a laptop computer equipped with a mobile broadband adapter, or any other like device.

The term "user interface"/ "Ul" and the like are intended to refer to the space where interactions between users and machines/ devices/ systems can occur, such that effective operation and control of the machine from the users end is done via said interface, whilst the machine simultaneously feeds back information that aids the operators decision making process. The user interface in the present invention refers to one on the user equipment, which is an application running on the portable device, for controlling cashless transaction on an automated kiosk. Another user interface is a display panel/ keypad/ touch screen on the kiosk itself for commands to be entered by the user. The Ul is analogous to a graphical user interface facilitating an interaction between the kiosk and the user, which provides a platform for the user to give instructions to the kiosk and receive reports on the status of the same. The term "virtual wallet" is intended to refer to a virtual account of a user which acts as a wallet for cashless transactions by the account holder. It can be charged/ recharged using actual cash or through NFC transactions and serves as a prepaid account for vending items from automated service kiosks using a user equipment via Bluetooth. It may or may not allow credit to a certain amount at the time of purchasing.

The term "action request" is intended to refer to a command to perform a function which is given by the user to the automated kiosk through a user interface. The request may be made for an action to vend an item, being a product or a service, or to charge/ recharge the virtual wallet of the user.

The term "vending" is intending to refer to an act of dispensing of an item from the service kiosk, preferably a vending machine, which is collected by the user from a dispensing unit. The term "charging/ recharging" is intended to refer to an act of setting up a balance into the virtual wallet of the user to ensure that a prepaid system is set up for cashless transactions in future. Where charging refers to the initial setting up of the wallet balance, recharging refers to topping up of the wallet subsequently.

The technology underlying the present invention is capable of using M-commerce operable by means of a network connection to make necessary transactions at an automated service kiosk, preferably a vending machine, employing a pre-paid payment system, without hassles associated with cash or linkage of credit/ debit/ e-banking details. The present invention replaces near field communication with vending machine and the problems associated thereof, thereby developing an interactive payment system for all transactions. Said interaction between the hardware of the kiosk and a mobile communication device, for instance, or a like user equipment (laptop, tablet etc.) is established using a Bluetooth, thereby making connectivity simpler and easier to perform both vending function as well as charging of the prepaid wallet of the user.

Such a system can be placed at strategic locations like airports, hotels, colleges, office campuses, gas stations to name a few, where in case of paucity of cash of specific denominations and/or without exposing the bank account details to a security risk, products/ services ranging from eatables to gasoline may be procured.

THE SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The system architecture illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings encompasses several elements for controlling the payment process in a vending machine 200 via Bluetooth 104 by means of a portable user equipment 100 such as a mobile phone. The vending machine 200 has a remote server 300 for logging user account information, wherein said server is linked with the user equipment 100 and the vending machine 200 through a user application operation by means of a network 106. The system encompassed by the invention comprises a user equipment 100 capable of wirelessly communicating with other devices in a communication system. In a preferred embodiment, wireless communication with a system, for example, a vending kiosk, takes place via Bluetooth protocol. In an illustrative embodiment, the user equipment is a portable communication device like a mobile phone with access to network connection like internet. Alternatively, a user equipment may include a mobile station, a mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, and the like. Figure 2 is a diagram of an example of a wireless user equipment 100 that may be used within a communication system, illustrated therein, in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system may be a multiple access system that provides content, such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcast, etc., to multiple wireless users. Said enables multiple wireless users to access such content through the sharing of system resources, including wireless bandwidth.

As shown in the figure, the communications system includes at least one wireless communication devices or user equipment 100 operating on at least one network 106 connection configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment via at least one base station 103 acting as an interface. By way of example, the user equipment 100 say a mobile communication device may be configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals.

As illustrated in the figure, a user equipment 100 may include a UE processor 24 , a transceiver 10, a transmit/ receive element 26, a speaker / microphone 18, a keypad/ touchpad 22, a display 20, a memory 26, a power source 12, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 16, and other peripherals 14. It will be appreciated that the user equipment may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

The transmit/ receive element 26 may be configured to transmit signals to, or receive signals from, a base station 103 over the air interface. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the transmit/ receive element 26 may be a Bluetooth protocol configured to transmit and/ or receive Bluetooth signals. In another embodiment, the transmit/ receive element 26 may be an emitter/ detector configured to transmit and/ or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals, for example. In yet another embodiment, the transmit/ receive 26 element may be configured to transmit and receive radio frequency. It will be appreciated that the transmit/ receive element 26 may be configured to transmit and/ or receive any combination of wireless signals.

The UE processor 24 of the user equipment may be coupled to, and may receive user input data from, the speaker / microphone 18, the keypad 22, and / or the display 20 / touchpad (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 24 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 18, the keypad 22, and/ or the display 20/ touchpad. In addition, the processor 24 may access information from, and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the nonremovable and/ or the removable memory 26. According to the invention, the working of the service kiosk using a user equipment is controlled through a user interface. An enhanced user interface includes a means that functions as a home screen for a user, providing relevant content and quick access to selection panel. There may also be a means for providing users with a view or dashboard to monitor the current state of a subset of content obtainable through the mobile device. Many of the most frequently used functions or data can be accessed without navigating away from said interface. The user interface may also have means to provide a user with the data and tasks most likely to be relevant to the particular user without requiring the user to leave the interface.

In a preferred embodiment, where the user equipment 100 is a mobile communication device, the user interface on the user equipment is a mobile application 102, operable by means of an internet connection 106. The application 102 may be installed on the mobile device for a nominal amount or be readily downloadable from mobile stores supporting any operating system like Android, Windows, Mac and the like. The application 102 requires network connection 106 to operate on the user equipment 100, preferably an internet connection like 2G or 3G. The user interface 102 provides for separate options, by way of icons on the selection panels, to place action requests for vending or charging the user's virtual prepaid wallet 304. Said interface also provides for a dashboard notifying and logging the status and report of the action requested.

In another embodiment, a display/ touchpad 220 and keyboard 222 option on the Vending machine 200 may alternatively be used as an interface 102 wherein a wireless user equipment 100 need not be used to make action requests or interact with the kiosk.

The automated service kiosk covered by this invention is a vending machine 200 for dispensing items, products or services, in a preferred embodiment. Figure 4 is a block diagram that depicts a vending machine/ kiosk 200 illustrating several components and modules upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. The design of the vending machine 200 is configured to function between a currency accepting unit 216, a device processor 226 and a dispensing unit 218 which operates on actions requested through a user interface 102 using user equipment 100.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of the invention, the vending kiosk 200 comprises at least one module for receiving currency 216 from the user. The invention encompasses modules for all forms of currency including cash, coins, wireless transactions through credit/ debit/ smart cards being swiped through card readers etc. In another embodiment, where a prepaid virtual wallet 304 is used for vending products, the means to charge said wallet 304 is done through the afore-listed modules for receiving currency.

The invention encompasses within itself a payment system in an automated kiosk for cashless transactions through Bluetooth 104, wherein said kiosk comprises a dispensing unit 218 for the user to receive the requested item, be it a product or a service from the vending machine 200. In an embodiment where the vending machine 200 is for consumable food items, product like bottle, snack pack, bar, token etc. are dispensed from a large tray. In another embodiment where the vending machine 200 is for gasoline, the dispensing unit 218 is a pipe for dispensing the desired quantity of petroleum product. In yet another embodiment where the vending machine 200 gives tickets or tokens for services like gaming, laundry, the dispensing unit 218 is small module with a collecting tray or a mere outlet/ opening. The dispensing unit 218 of the invention is customised or modified depending on the item being dispensed and the users' requirement or convenience. Further, in an embodiment where the automated kiosk is used only for service as an ATM kiosk, to charge/ recharge the virtual wallet 304 of the user via Bluetooth 104, the dispensing unit 218 vends a receipt of the credited amount and the balance. Other dispensing units as may be obvious to a skilled person may also be encompassed by the invention.

Another component of the vending machine 200 is a keypad 222 along with a display 220 or alternatively a touch screen/pad with inbuilt display, acting as an interface 102 for the user. In an embodiment, where the wireless user equipment/ communication device 100 is not used to give vending instructions, the same is done through the VM keypad/touchscreen 222. The display component 220 of the machine flashes the status of the action requested, thereby ensuring an interactive transaction.

The vending machine system hardware comprises a device processor 226 compartmentalised into modules performing specific tasks that would communicate with the consumers wireless communication device and operate the machine as per the action requests received. The communication mechanism used by the kiosk in said invention is a bus, preferably a multi-drop bus (MDB) 201 for communicating information. The device processor 226, for example a general purpose microprocessor, coupled with said bus is employed for processing information received by a user interface. The invention covers hardware in the form of an electronic board configured to communicate with the vending machine as well as the user equipment running an application adapted to facilitate the functioning of the kiosk via Bluetooth connected UE, as encompassed by the invention.

The communication through an MBD 201 occurs in a single-master, multiple-slave configuration, wherein a controller module performs the function of a master, establishing connections and controlling activities of different slave modules/ peripherals of the machine/ device. Figure 3 depicts an exemplary illustration of working of an MDB protocol 201 in any device/ machine, wherein the master module is the device/ machine controller 38 which is linked through the bus circuitry to slave modules/ peripherals. As illustrated in said figure, a device/ machine typically has the following slave peripherals/ modules, namely, an input module 30, for entering/ providing an action request, including alphanumeric and other keys, coupled to bus for communicating information and command selections to processor; a user interface module 102, proving a platform for the user-machine interaction via a user equipment 100; a processor module 36, for carrying out the action request; a memory module 34, which may comprise a temporary or a permanent memory for storing the particulars of the action performed/ being performed; a network interface/ module 38, for establishing communication, wireless or otherwise to a remote device like a computer, mobile, server etc.; and an output module 32, for receiving the result of the requested action, in data or kind. Depending upon the type of device/ machine and the function it seeks to perform there may be other slave peripherals/ modules.

The working of a typical MDB 201, as depicted in Figure 3, encompasses the master module sending messages to the slave peripherals/ modules with at least one "address" byte and a variable number of "data/ instruction" bytes. The bus slave modules/ peripherals listen for the address, and where the address reaches the targeted slave, said slave processes the message, performs the desired action received through "data/ instruction" bytes and responds to the master.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vending machine/ kiosk 200 uses a Multidrop bus protocol 201, typically used by the industry, designed to establish communication between different modules/ peripherals of the device processor 226 of the vending machine thereby controlling the operation of different components like the dispensing unit 218, currency accepting unit 216 etc. The different modules of the device processor 226 of the vending machine is provided with a connectivity by an MDB protocol for attaching slave peripherals/ modules to the master controller, namely, the vending machine controller (VMC) 202. For example, an MDB 201 enables the VMC 202 to determine what action request has been received through the wireless communication device, say vend and communicates to separate modules/ peripherals of processor 226 for processing said request.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary basic architecture and interaction of different modules of the vending machine device processor 226. Additional modules performing collateral functions and providing additional features to the said kiosk may be encompassed in the metes and bounds of the invention, and the said architecture should not be construed as being limiting. The MDB 201 configured for Master-Slave operation interacts with the modules of the device processer 226, wherein the Vending Machine Controller (VMC) 202 is the master module. Said VMC 202 has the prime responsibility of commanding the slave-peripherals/ modules to process and execute the instructions received from the user. The VMC 202 coordinates the processing of an action request by giving commands to the peripherals/ modules along the MDB 201. Typically, the VMC 202 initially determines, by way of appropriate commands, the level and status of a peripheral/ module. This is necessary because different modules/ peripherals are at different levels in the device processor 226 having specific addresses and execution of an action request requires a certain sequence of processing to occur. Once, the level is determined, the command addressing the target module is issued. The VMC 202 can only send commands that are supported by the peripheral.

The device processor 226 of the vending machine encompassed by the present invention includes a communication interface module/ peripheral 212 coupled to the MDB 201. The VM communication interface module 212 encompasses a communication interface element which provides for a two-way data communication coupling to a network 106. In a specific example, a communication interface element is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In another example, communication interface element is a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface element sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. In a preferred embodiment, the VM communication interface module 212 comprises a Bluetooth module/ peripheral 212(a). Said Bluetooth module 212(a) enables the vending machine 200 to send and receive data/ messages/ information/ instructions, to and from the user equipment 100, via the Bluetooth receiver embedded in said module 212(a) functioning as the communication interface element. The received information is then processed and executed by other modules/ peripherals of the device processor 226 placed along the MDB 201. The data/ messages/ information/ instructions sent and received through Bluetooth 104 necessarily comprise an action request such as vending or charging, particulars of the product/ service required, amount of said product or service etc.

Alternatively, the invention also encompasses other communication protocols which comprising a VM communication interface 212, wherein the associated network 106 is employed to establish communication with the user, through user equipment 100. For instance, taking Internet as an exemplary protocol comprising the VM communication interface, an internet server transmits a requested code for an action requested through Internet, internet service provider, local network and the VM communication interface module/ peripheral. The received code is then executed by the appropriate modules/ peripherals of the device processor 226 once it is received, and/or stored in memory module 108 dynamically for every stage of processing and/or for a later execution.

The device processor 226 of the VM comprises a slave peripheral/ module called the Data Processor Module 210 for processing the data/ messages/ information/ instruction so received by the VM communication interface 212/ VM Bluetooth module 212(a), and converts the same to processor readable commands. In an embodiment where the message received is the amount of the product/ service desired to be vended, said amount is converted into MDB format and said information is sent to the VMC 202 which then controls the execution of the action requested. Other functions of said module as may be obvious to a skilled person may also be encompassed by the invention.

Another slave peripheral/ module along the MDB protocol is a Verification Module 214 responsible for ascertaining the correctness of users' identity and authenticating that the prepaid virtual wallet 304 associated with the transaction is that of said user. The Verification module 214 ensures that once the communication channel between the Ul 102 and the VM 200 is established through the Communication Module 212, preferably via Bluetooth 104, the user information associated with the Ul being used is cross checked. This ensures that the pre-paid wallet 304, through which transactions are made, belong to the user and that no glitch occurs. Further, the device processor 226 comprises a bill validation module 206 that accounts for the amount credited from the users' virtual wallet for purchase of a product or for debiting an amount into said wallet. After the verification module 214 authenticates the user, and a vending or charging request is placed via Bluetooth 104, the bill validating module 206 processes the transaction and informs the VMC 202 of the debited or credited amount.

Where the users' requested action is vending of a product/ service from the kiosk, the VMC 202 commands a slave peripheral called Product dispensing module 204, to ensure that the desired product is dispensed. Once the bill validation module 206 confirms that the amount of desired item has been credited from the virtual wallet 304 of the user, the VMC 202 sends a command to the product dispensing module 204 to ensure that the desired product is dispensed from the dispensing unit 218 in desired quantity.

The device processor 226 of the kiosk also includes a memory module 208 along the MDB protocol 201, such as a random access memory or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the MDB 201 for storing information and instructions to be executed by different modules of the device processor. Memory module 208 may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions. Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to device processor 226, render vending machine into a special-purpose kiosk capable of being customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. In another embodiment, the memory module 208 includes a read only memory or other static storage device coupled to MDB for storing static information and instructions for processor. A storage device, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive may be provided and coupled to bus for storing information and instructions.

Additionally, the kiosk comprises a Power module 224 for supplying power for the working of the machine. Said module 224 functions as may be obvious to a skilled person.

In a preferred embodiment the system encompassed in this invention comprises a server 300, which is virtual, remote and linked to the kiosk via the application 102 on the user equipment 100. Said server 300 is a repository for details of all the users using the application as the user interface 102. The information stored in the server, in an alternative embodiment, is stored at device level using means as may be obvious to a skilled person.

The invention also covers information being stored at both server level and device level. Said repository comprises a separate account for each user, further comprising a subaccount with pre-determined user detail 302 taken at the time of registration and/ or updated thereafter, another sub-account which has the virtual wallet 304 of the user, and other sub-accounts where necessary. The pre-determined user detail 302 may comprise user identification particulars like name, email address, contact number etc. The virtual wallet 304 is preferably prepaid, which may or may not allow credit. The virtual wallet 304 gets updated each time a charging/ recharging or vending transaction in made. The other sub-accounts may include other real time information/ data about the status of a transaction, historical log of the past transactions, etc. The main function of the server 300 deals with keeping records for every transaction that the user makes. Accordingly it 300 also ensures that interim messages/ information are provided to the user during and after the transaction is completed. Additionally, the server also makes sure that the kiosk is equipped with the stocks of the items that it dispenses. The server 300 links to the vending machine and the user equipment 100 through the user application via network 106. Other functions of the server as may be obvious to a skilled person may also be encompassed by the invention.

The communication between the different components of the system claimed in the invention are linked via at least one network 106. Exemplary networks may include core network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, and other networks, like the Bluetooth etc. or any other networks which may be obvious to a person skilled in the art may also be encompassed by the invention.

In an embodiment, the core network serves as a gateway for the UE to access from one or combination of networks like the PSTN, the Internet, and / or other networks. The core network may include a mobility management gateway (MME), a serving gateway, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway. The PSTN includes circuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet includes a global system of interconnected networks and devices that use common communication protocols, such as the transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP) and the internet protocol (IP) in the TCP/ IP Internet protocol suite. The other networks are also encompassed including wired or wireless communications networks owned and/ or operated by other service providers. While each of the foregoing elements are depicted as part of the core network, it will be appreciated that any one of these elements may be owned and/or operated by an entity other than the core network operator. In a preferred embodiment the core network serves as a gateway, such that the link between the UE and Ul, Ul and server and server and VM is established via the Internet. An alternate communication link is established between the Ul of the UE and the VM via a wireless protocol, preferably Bluetooth.

The system encompassed by the invention operates via an electronic board specifically designed to perform various functions and methods of the invention

THE METHOD OVERVIEW

The system architecture of the present invention described herein above works in a fashion as illustrated in Figure 5. In a preferred method to work the system, the user downloads the mobile application 102 specific to operation of a vending kiosk 200 and installs it in the user equipment 100, preferably a mobile communication device. Said application 102 may be available at any mobile store and post download, the said application requires to be registered in the name of the user, thereby ensuring that the server 300 has all necessary details fed in the user account. The registration processes requires the user to provide pre- determined user details 302 like name, email address, contact number, etc. which is stored and is capable to being updated into the prescribed sub-account in the user account on the server 300. After registration the installation process is complete and the said interface 102 is ready for operation. The application 102 is then connected to the network 106 for operability. In a preferred embodiment, the application working on the user equipment 100 with Internet as the preferred network 106 and interacts with the vending machine 200 via a separate communication/ Bluetooth channel 104 received by the Bluetooth interface/ module 212(a) of the VM device processor 226. The Bluetooth signals sent to the VM makes it react in the same way as it would respond to a cash/ card based transaction through a note acceptor or a card reader, thereby preparing the device processor for the ensuing that the requested action transaction be controlled and executed.

The Verification module 214 of VM device processor 226 first verifies and authenticates the user after being connected to the application 102. Subsequently, the user can place an action request on the application 102 for vending or charging/ recharging. Depending on what action request is requested, the user either inserts the cash/ card into the currency accepting unit 216 to charge/ recharge or selects an amount of the desired product/ service on the Ul 102 on the VM or that on the UE, to vend. The device processor 226 then performs all functions of charging/ recharging and deductions of the accounts. After the accounts have been validated and the transaction is complete, the server 300 provides a confirmation to the user of the success/ failure of the operation on the Ul 102 and also updates the virtual wallet 304 in the user account on server 300.

This technology may be used as an interactive system between the vending machine and the user, thus having a smart user interface in the form of a mobile/ laptop application. A consumer need not carry any additional card for the machines. Smart vending ma hines are very expensive thus having a similar interaction for the consumer would be possible at a substantially lower price. The design as described may be fitted in any machine using MDB format. Figure 6 illustrates the entire charging/ recharging process of the user's virtual wallet 304 for future cashless vending transactions. The application/ user interface 102 running on the mobile communication device (UE) via Internet 106 is connected to the VM 200 via Bluetooth 104 and the user is verified. The user, then chooses "charging/ recharging" mode from the application 102 for topping up his virtual wallet 304. As the choice is made on the Ul 102 the VM Bluetooth module 212(a) transfers the command to the VMC 202 and the machine gets ready to accept the money for topping up. The display unit 220 of the VM flashes the charge/ recharge status and the currency note/ coin/ card is inserted/ swiped into the VM currency accepting unit 216. This sensed by the Bill Validator 206 of the VM device processor 226 and is in turn communicated to the user through Ul 102. An exemplary instance of MDB format in which data may be sent is as follows: *RAxyz00# where xyz denotes the currency note. For example for INR 100/- note the data will be sent in the format *RA10000#.

Once the VM 200 accepts and validates the money received, the user virtual wallet 304 is immediately credited with the amount. The VM 200 establishes a link with the server 300 through the application 102, via network 106 and updates the virtual wallet balance in the user account. That being done, the server 300 connects to the application 102 via network 106 and sends the confirmation to the user in form of a call, message, email etc. In an embodiment the server 300 logs the details of the transactions being done by the user. Where if no new option is selected and the UI-VM interaction remains idle for more than a stipulated time, say for 60 seconds, the Bluetooth connection is terminated. Alternatively, the charging/ recharging process may be followed immediately by a vending request, wherein the same established connection continues. In an alternative embodiment, where the cashless transaction via Bluetooth, as discussed above, is not opted for, the kiosk is adapted to function as a standard vending machine.

Figure 7 illustrates the entire vending process by the user for cashless transactions for products/ services offered by kiosks. The application/ user interface 102 running on the mobile communication device (UE) via Internet 106 is connected to the VM 200 via Bluetooth 104 and the user is verified. The user, then chooses "vending" mode from the application for purchasing the desired product/ service. During this time the currency accepting unit 216 is not operational. The user is required to place/ enter/ choose/ select the amount of the particular product on the application 102 or the Ul on the VM 220 required to be vended. For instance, if one needs to make the purchase for a chocolate worth INR 45/-, the user enters the INR 45/- on the Ul of either the UE 102 or the VM (display) 220, wherein an exemplary format for sending the command may be *v4500#. The Ul either on the UE or on the VM (display), or both, may show INR 45/- received. Then the item code/ quantity etc. may be selected from either Ul, or atleast one of them, and the VM device processor 226 takes care of the execution of the process.

The VM 200 establishes a link with the server 300 through the application 102, via network 106 and the amount gets deducted from the virtual wallet 304 and the balance is updated. After the transaction is processed by the VM device processor 226 and the desired product/ service is supplied from the dispensing unit 218. That being done, the server 300 connects to the application 102 via network 106 and sends the confirmation to the user in form of a call, message, email etc. In an embodiment the server 300 logs the details of the transactions being done by the user. Where, if no new option is selected and the UI-VM interaction remains idle for more than a stipulated time, say 60 for seconds, the Bluetooth connection is terminated. In a contingency where the product is not dispensed and the vending action fails, the amount deducted from the virtual wallet is refunded and the updated account balance is communicated to the user. In an embodiment, where cashless transactions are not used for vending, there is no requirement of a UE connecting to VM via Bluetooth and the kiosk can be operated as usual, with no change in user experience. The application once connected to the internet provides a smart interactive purchase system, the data collected from it is capable of analysing the consumers buying behaviour and their preference for convenient purchasing.

The foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.

Claims

I claim,

1. A system for controlling an automated kiosk, comprising: a Bluetooth communication module for establishing a Bluetooth connection between atleast one user equipment and said kiosk, a user interface on said user equipment for placing atleast one action request at one time to said kiosk, wherein said action request comprises atleast one of vending of atleast one item from the kiosk, and charging a virtual wallet of the user, a processor in said kiosk performing said atleast one action request.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said kiosks further comprises a dispensing unit for supplying the vended item from the kiosk.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said kiosk further comprises a charging unit for accepting currency into the kiosk.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user interface is an application on the user equipment.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user interface is a display panel on the kiosk.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system operates on a communication network.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user account, wherein said user account further comprises pre-stored user verification information, virtual-wallet account information and real-time information.

8. A method for controlling an automated kiosk, comprising, establishing a Bluetooth connection between atleast one user equipment and said kiosk, placing atleast one action request at one time via the user interface on the user equipment, wherein said action request comprises atleast one of vending atleast one item from the kiosk, and charging a virtual wallet of the user. performing said atleast one action request by the kiosk; and, notifying the user of the status of the said atleast one action request.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said vending atleast one item from the kiosk comprises, placing vending request through the user interface of the user equipment connected to the kiosk via Bluetooth; selecting the amount on the user interface for the purchase of an item from the kiosk; and, choosing the item to be vended from the kiosk.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said selecting the amount and said choosing the item is performed via the user interface on one of the user equipment and the kiosk.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said performing of the vending of atleast one item from the kiosk, further comprises, receiving and validating the action request for vending; controlling the transaction; supplying the item the dispensing unit; and, updating the user account via the network.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said charging of the virtual-wallet, further comprises, placing charging request through the user interface of the user equipment connected to the kiosk via Bluetooth; and, inserting currency into the kiosk through the charging unit.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said performing of the charging of the virtual wallet, further comprises, receiving and validating the currency inserted into the kiosk by the processor; controlling the transaction; and, updating the user account via the network.

14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein notifying the user of the status of said request comprises, updating the virtual-wallet information in the user-account; and, displaying the information of said action status on the user interface.