WO2024119269A1

WO2024119269A1 - Distributor and related data management methods

Info

Publication number: WO2024119269A1
Application number: PCT/CA2023/051619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maxime PAULHUS GOSSELIN; Adekambi LALEYE
Original assignee: Uptaste Group Inc
Current assignee: Uptaste Group Inc
Priority date: 2022-12-06
Filing date: 2023-12-06
Publication date: 2024-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-06

Abstract

A networked distributor and a method. A plurality of sensors is distributed in a sample repository related to one and only one product and a sample distribution module. A graphical user displays a product display space that shows one or more images of at least one of: the one and only one product and a brand associated to the product. Upon actuation of an actuation space provided by the networked distributor, a processor module causes a sample to be provided from the sample repository to the sample distribution module. The actuation space has a single purpose of causing the sample to be provided from the sample repository to the sample distribution module. A method comprising, at one or more premises, obtaining a plurality of data points from one or more networked distributor and evaluating a plurality of conversion rates between different ones of the data points.

Description

TITLE

DISTRIBUTOR AND RELATED DATA MANAGEMENT METHODS

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food distributor and related data management methods.

Background

[0002] Live tasting of product has been around in grocery stores for a long while. However, limited data are being gathered regarding the success of the tasting campaigns.

[0003] The following disclosure provides at least partial solutions to this problem.

Summary

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.

[0006] In one general aspect, a networked distributor having a processor module, a display panel, a plurality of sensors distributed, a sensors module, a graphical user interface module is provided. The plurality of sensors is distributed in a sample repository for holding samples related to one and only one product and a sample distribution module. The sensors module is for aggregating data based on a plurality of sensing signals received from the plurality of sensors and selectively storing at least one of: the plurality of signals, the aggregated data and computed data into a storage system. The processor module computes the aggregated data into the computed data. The graphical user interface module is configured to display, on the display panel, a product display space that shows one or more images of at least one of: the one and only one product and a brand associated to the product. Upon actuation of an actuation space provided by the networked distributor, the processor module causes a sample to be provided from the sample repository to the sample distribution module. The actuation space has a single purpose of causing the sample to be provided from the sample repository to the sample distribution module.

[0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. An activation signal may be received from an imaging module at the sensors module upon detection of an user at the food distributor; an engagement signal may be generated when the user spends a specific amount of time in front of the food distributor at a maximum distance therefrom; an actuation signal may be received by the sensors module upon actuation of the actuation space indicating that the user actuated distribution of the sample; a distribution signal may be received by the sensors module upon distribution of the sample from the sample distribution module to the user indicating that the user has taken the sample; a disposal signal may be received by the sensors module upon disposal of the sample or disposal of a packaging of the sample into a sample disposal module indicating that the user disposed of the sample or the sample packaging; a product pickup signal may be received by the sensors module upon pickup by the user of a stock keeping unit (SKU) from a product offering module. The networked distributor may also include distribution environmental controls to maintain the sample S in appropriate conditions once distributed and a sample discarder to selectively remove the sample S from the sample distribution module. The sample S may be discarded to the sample disposal module. The networked distributor may also include repository environmental controls to maintain samples in appropriate conditions before distribution. The networked distributor may also include product environmental controls to maintain SKUs in appropriate conditions before pickup.

[0008] Another aspect relates to a method comprising, at one or more premises, obtaining a plurality of data points from a plurality of signals generated by one or more networked distributor; evaluating a plurality of conversion rates between different ones of the data points. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or a computer tangible medium.

Brief description of the drawings

[0009] Further features and exemplary advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a first logical modular representation of an exemplary networked distributor deployed in a system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; [0011] Figure 2 is a second logical modular representation of the exemplary networked distributor deployed in a system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Detailed description

[0013] Reference is now made to the drawings in which Figure 1 shows a first logical modular representation of an exemplary system 2000 comprising a networked distributor 2100. The networked distributor 2100 comprises a memory module 2160, a processor module 2120, a sensors module 2130 and a network interface module 2170. The networked distributor 2100 may also include a graphical user interface (GUI) module 2150.

[0014] The system 2000 may comprise a storage system 2300 for storing and accessing long-term (i.e., non-transitory) data and may further log data while the networked distributor 2100 is being used. Figure 1 shows examples of the storage system 2300 as a distinct database system 2300A, a distinct module 2300C of the networked distributor 2100 or a sub-module 2300B of the memory module 2160 of the networked distributor 2100. The storage system 2300 may be distributed over different systems A, B, C. The storage system 2300 may comprise one or more logical or physical as well as local or remote hard disk drive (HDD) (or an array thereof). The storage system 2300 may further comprise a local or remote database made accessible to the networked distributor 2100 by a standardized or proprietary interface or via the network interface module 2170.

[0015] The network interface module 2170 represents at least one physical interface that can be used to communicate with other network nodes. The network interface module 2170 may be made visible to the other modules of the networked distributor 2100 through one or more logical interfaces. The actual stacks of protocols used by the physical network interface(s) and/or logical network interface(s) 2172-2178 of the network interface module 2170 do not affect the teachings of the present invention. In some implementations, the network interface module 2170 is split into local area network (LAN) components and wide area network (WAN) components such that the LAN components are used locally (e.g., for communication within the system) and the WAN components are used to communicate with portions of the system not reachable through the LAN or with other system (not shown). The WAN components may be strategically located within a premises (e.g., near an entrance of a building) while the networked distributor 2100 may be located according to other constraints (e.g., best location for the product being sampled). The WAN components may therefore connect the LAN components therethrough. In certain implementations, a single set of WAN components may be deployed at a premises allowing multiple networked distributors thereat to communicate therethrough.

[0016] The processor module 2120 may represent a single processor with one or more processor cores or an array of processors, each comprising one or more processor cores. The memory module 2160 may comprise various types of memory (different standardized or kinds of Random Access Memory (RAM) modules, memory cards, Read-Only Memory (ROM) modules, programmable ROM, etc.).

[0017] A bus 2180 is depicted as an example of means for exchanging data between the different modules of the networked distributor 2100. The teachings presented herein are not affected by the way the different modules exchange information. For instance, the memory module 2160 and the processor module 2120 could be connected by a parallel bus, but could also be connected by a serial connection or involve an intermediate module (not shown) without affecting the teachings of the present invention.

[0018] A sensors module 2130 interfaces with one or more devices as will be exemplified hereinbelow. The processor module 2120 further provides control for different hardware components of the networked distributor 2100 as will also be exemplified hereinbelow.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a second logical modular representation of the exemplary system 2000 comprising the networked distributor 2100. The system 2000 comprises a display panel 3200, an imaging module 3300, a sample distribution module 3250, a product offering module 3400, a sample disposal module 3500 and a sample repository 3150. Figure 2 shows examples of the imaging module 3300 as a distinct system 3300B or a sub-module 3300A of the networked distributor 2100. The imaging module 3300 may be distributed over different systems A, B. Likewise, Figure 2 shows examples of the product offering module 3400 as a distinct system 3400B or a sub-module 3400A of the networked distributor 2100. The product offering module 3400 may be distributed over different systems A, B. Again, Figure 2 shows examples of the sample disposal module 3500 as a distinct system 3500B or a sub-module 3500A of the networked distributor 2100. The sample disposal module 3500 may be distributed over different systems A, B. The alternate and/or complementary systems B of the modules 3300, 3400 and 3500 are shown as being directly or indirectly connected 3600A, 3600B, 3600C to the networked distributor 2100. Skilled persons will readily understand that the connections 3600A, 3600B, 3600C are logical illustrations of one or more connections that may be enabled, for instance, by the network interface 2170 and/or the bus 2180, among other possibilities. [0020] The networked distributor 2100 is dedicated to sampling of single product distributed in a sampling package (referred to hereinafter as “sample”) which may comprise complementary elements (e.g., nut butter with cracker; coleslaw with spoon; ...). Likewise, pickup is limited to the single product. Samples are loaded into the sample repository 3150. The samples may take different forms such as pods, bags, bottles. The sample repository 3150 may also be a bulk repository (e.g., dry or wet reservoir) further comprising a portioning mechanism 3152 for providing samples in individual portions. The sample repository 3150 may further comprise one or more quantity sensors 3154 (e.g., camera, weight sensor, volume measurement sensor, optical scanner etc.) in unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the sensors module 2130 (e.g., through the network interface 2170, a dedicated interface 2132, the bus 2180, ...), allowing for an estimate and/or measurement of available samples. The one or more quantity sensors 3154 may provide signals to sensors module 2130 continuously, periodically and/or on demand.

[0021] Depending on the nature of the samples, the sample repository 3150 may further comprise environmental controls 3156 to maintain the samples in appropriate condition for distribution (e.g., temperature range, humidity range, ...). The sample repository 3150 may also provide a loading mechanism 3158 to enable reloading thereof. The quick loading mechanism 3158 may further comprise one or more dedicated sensors (not shown) and/or may communicate with the one or more quantity sensors 3154 to maintain the estimate and/or measurement of available samples. The sample repository 3150 may be fully enclosed (not shown) within the networked distributor 2100, may also be juxtaposed thereto as depicted or may be interconnected therewith (not shown). Skilled persons will readily recognize that the position of the sample repository 3150 may vary based on various constraints (available space, type of samples, ...) as long as samples can be taken therefrom directly or indirectly towards the sample distribution module 3250.

[0022] The display panel 3200 comprises a product display space 3210 that shows one or more images of the product and/or a brand associated to the product. A user (not shown) is explicitly or implicitly invited to interact physically with the networked distributor 2100 to obtain a sample of the product. The interaction(s) of the user with the networked distributor 2100 may take place via an actuation space 3220 of the display panel when the display panel is touch- enabled. Alternatively or additionally, one or more dedicated physical devices (not shown) such as a touch panel, a button or a lever may be used as the actuation space 3220. Furthermore, the actuation space 3220 may comprise one or more surfaces positioned considering accessibility requirements (e.g., maximum height, minimum height).

[0023] Once a signal from the actuation space 3220 is received by the sensors module 2130 (e.g., through the network interface 2170, a dedicated interface 2132, the bus 2180, ...), a sample S is provided from the sample repository 3150 to the sample distribution module 3250. The user is explicitly (e.g., through the display panel 3200) or implicitly invited to remove the sample S therefrom. A distribution sensor 3252 may be provided to confirm that the sample S has been removed from the distribution module 3250. The distribution sensor 3252 may also comprise environmental measurement tools to measure environmental conditions of the sample S. Depending on the nature of the samples and whether it is relevant for operations of the networked distributor 2100, the sample distribution module 3250 may further comprise environmental controls 3256 to maintain the sample S in appropriate conditions for distribution (e.g., temperature range, humidity range, ...). A sample discarder (not shown) may also be provided to remove the sample S from the sample distribution module 3250 (e.g., upon the environmental conditions not being met and/or upon expiry of a timer and/or upon detection that the user left) and, in certain embodiments, to discard the removed sample S in the sample disposal module 3500A.

[0024] Other physical space on or juxtaposed to the networked distributor 2100 may show information about the product and/or one or more brands related to the product (e.g., one or more brands owned by the owner of the brand of the product).

[0025] The imaging module 3300 comprises one or more cameras, one or more optical scanner and/or one or more motion detectors in communication with the sensors module 2130 (e.g., through the network interface 2170 and/or a dedicated interface 2132). The imaging module 3300 may send signals from to the sensors module 2130 upon detection of the user in proximity to and/or in interaction with the networked distributor 2100. Alternatively, or additionally, the imaging module 3300 may send additional information regarding the user (distance from the networked distributor 2100, view angle of the user towards the display panel 3200, focus point of a user’s gaze at the networked distributor 2100, total time of the user in proximity to the networked distributor 2100, time of interaction of the user, etc.). The additional information regarding the user may also be provided as raw data therefrom (e.g., images with metadata) to the sensors module 2130 for further real-time or offline analysis (e.g., by an artificial intelligence system and/or an expert system (not shown) dedicated thereto). In certain embodiments, the imaging module 3300 may participate to a fidelity program transaction whereas a fidelity program identifier is obtained for the user (e.g., from the cameras and/or optical scanner). The fidelity program identifier may be actively provided by the user or as a condition of one or more of the interactions of the user with the network distributor 2100). For instance, the user may be invited to provide the fidelity program identifier by scanning a card related thereto. The scanning may be performed to complete the fidelity transaction (e.g., in exchange of one or more perks related to the fidelity program such as points, coupons, instant monetary reward, ...). The user may be invited to provide the fidelity program identifier only after sampling the product (e.g., before or after being shown a survey) instead of prior to the sampling in order to increase the likelihood of completing the fidelity transaction. The GUI module 2150 may display one or more messages (e.g., on the display panel 3200) concerning the fidelity transaction (e.g., personal information retention) and may further require consent from the user before proceeding thereinto. The networked distributor 2100 may further communicate with an outside agency (fidelity program manager, credit card emitter, ...), e.g., to initiate and/or complete the fidelity transaction.

[0026] The product offering module 3400 may further comprise shelves, compartments and/or another division mechanism 3410 to allow multiple ones of packages corresponding to the single stock keeping unit (SKU) to be made manually available to the user from the networked distributor 2100. The networked distributor 2100 is provisioned with instances of the SKU, which is packaged in a manner that is compatible with the product being offered as samples by the networked distributor 2100. Variations of product packages that may be provisioned should therefore be understood in the context of the product (e.g., bag containing the loose product, bottle of the product, box filled with the product, etc.). In expected use cases, the SKU is an existing product offering (e.g., also offered elsewhere at the location where the networked distributor 2100 is installed). Of course, it is understood that a specific SKU could also be developed for the networked distributor 2100.

[0027] The product offering module 3400 may also comprise one or more offering sensors 3420 (e.g., camera, weight sensor, volume measurement sensor, door operation sensor, optical scanner etc.) in unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the sensors module 2130 (e.g., through the network interface 2170, a dedicated interface 2132, the bus 2180, ...), allowing for an estimate and/or measurement of available SKUs available therein. The one or more offering sensors 3420 may also allow detection of pickup of a SKU from the product offering module 3400. The product offering module 3400 may further comprise environmental controls 3430 to maintain the SKUs in appropriate condition for distribution (e.g., temperature range, humidity range, ...). In some implementations, a payment module (not shown) may further be provided such that a payment is received before a SKU is provided from the product offering module 3400 (e.g., from a juxtaposed distributor 3400B) and/or before access is granted to the product offering module 3400.

[0028] The sample disposal module 3500 comprises one or more compartments to receive discarded containers (e.g., from sample packages and/or samples). The sample disposal module 3500 may further comprise a discarded sensor 3510 (e.g., camera, weight sensor, volume measurement sensor, optical scanner etc.) in unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the sensors module 2130 (e.g., through the network interface 2170, a dedicated interface 2132, the bus 2180, ...), allowing for an estimate and/or measurement of discarded containers. In certain implementations, physical elements received though the sample disposal module 3500 are sorted into different ones of the compartments to distinguish between unrelated garbage and containers and, in certain cases, between full, empty and/or partially empty containers.

[0029] The GUI module 2150 may further display a feedback space (not shown) on the display panel 3200 to receive information from the user regarding the product and/or the sample S. The feedback space may be displayed when one or both of the following happens: the sample S is distributed to the sample distribution module 3250, the sample or the sample package is discarded in the sample disposal module 3500.

[0001] The imaging module 3300 may further allow the user to take selfies at the networked distributor 2100. The imaging module 3300 may further detect to count activations and engagements. An activation forthe purposes of the ongoing disclosure is defined as a user passing in front of the networked distributor 2100 (e.g., could be compared to a user hovering a mouse above a clickable image on a website). An engagement for the purposes of the ongoing disclosure is defined as a user spending at least specific amount time (e.g., 3 seconds or more) in front of the networked distributor 2100 at maximum distance (e.g., 1.70m or 5’6”).

[0030] The different sensors and modules 3154, 3252, 3420, 3300, 3510 and 3220 may provide signals to the sensors module 2130 continuously, periodically and/or on demand. For instance, a request may be made (e.g., self-initiated or from an external system) on an hourly basis to inventory the sample repository 3150 through the sensors 3154, the product offering module 3400 through the sensors 3420 and the sample disposal module 3500 through the sensors 3510. Additional data points and/or signals may also be combined from other sources (e.g., sales data of the product from a store where one or more networked distributors 2100 are deployed; data from advertising campaign related to the product; etc.)

[0031] Examples of use of the signal to obtain valuable data points regarding the networked distributor 2100 and its use include:

• Evaluating product loss (e.g., stolen or otherwise lost) from data from the sample repository 3150 compared to the data from the sample distribution module 3250 positioned on a timeline and a location;

• Evaluating conversion rate of activation to engagement for a sampling campaign positioned on a timeline and a location;

Evaluating conversion rate of engagement to distribution for a sampling campaign positioned on a timeline and a location; Evaluating conversion rate of sampling (e.g., distribution) to product pickup for a sampling campaign positioned on a timeline and a location;

• Evaluating conversion rate of product pickup to sale for a sampling campaign positioned on a timeline and a location;

• Evaluating conversion rate of sampling to survey results for a sampling campaign positioned on a timeline and a location;

• Evaluating conversion rate of sampling to social media creation for a sampling campaign positioned on a timeline and a location;

• Evaluating efficiency of a sampling campaign across multiple conversions positioned on a timeline and a location;

[0032] For instance, a funnel of data points from one or more networked distributor 2100 located in one or more premises for a known period of time could be made as follows: motion sensor / camera for activation (e.g., physical hover) -> motion sensor / camera for engagement -> distribution module for sampling (e.g., sensory evaluation from user) -> optional feedback as survey from user -> optional feedback as social media post from user (e.g., with or without fidelity program transaction) -> pick up sensor for actual pickup at one networked distributor 2100 -> sale data for actual sale at one premise. Multiple tasting campaigns may then be compared on a time and/or location basis.

[0033] The different sensors and modules 3154, 3252, 3420, 3300, 3510 and 3220 or a subset thereof may provide signals to the sensors module 2130 for resolving a specific question. For instance, when the networked distributor 2100 provides samples of a product subject of restrictions (e.g., age restrictions), different signals received at the sensors module 2130 may be used alone or in combination to allow or disallow sample distribution. For instance, a camera, a scanner (e.g., optical scanner) or the likes of the imaging module 3300 may take an image or other digital representation of an ID document (e.g., value encoded in a bar code, QR code or the likes). Analysis of the image or digital representation may then be performed by the networked distributor 2100 or sent to an expert system and/or Al system to resolve the question. In some implementations, the image or digital representation is discarded once the question is resolved. The GUI module 2150 may display one or more messages (e.g., on the display panel 3200) concerning the question (e.g., personal information retention) and may further require consent from the user before proceeding into the resolution. The networked distributor 2100 may further communicate with an outside agency (credentials manager, credit card emitter, ...), e.g., to obtain validation of the ID document. [0034] The variants of processor module 2120, memory module 2160 and network interface module 2170 usable in the context of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Likewise, even though explicit mentions of the sensors module 2130, the memory module 2160, the GUI module 2150 and/or the processor module 2120 are not made throughout the description of the present examples, persons skilled in the art will readily recognize when such modules are used in conjunction with other modules of the networked distributor 2100 to perform routine as well as innovative elements presented herein.

[0035] Various network links may be implicitly or explicitly used in the context of the present invention. While a link may be depicted as a wireless link, it could also be embodied as a wired link using a coaxial cable, an optical fiber, a category 5 cable, and the like. A wired or wireless access point (not shown) may be present on the link between. Likewise, any number of routers (not shown) may be present and part of the link, which may further pass through the Internet.

[0036] The present invention is not affected by the way the different modules exchange information between them. For instance, the memory module and the processor module could be connected by a parallel bus, but could also be connected by a serial connection or involve an intermediate module (not shown) without affecting the teachings of the present invention.

[0037] A method is generally conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps require physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic/ electromagnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, parameters, items, elements, objects, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however, that all of these terms and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention in order to implement various embodiments with various modifications as might be suited to other contemplated uses.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A networked distributor comprising:

- a processor module;

- a display panel;

- a plurality of sensors distributed in: a sample repository for holding samples related to one and only one product; and a sample distribution module;

- a sensors module for aggregating data based on a plurality of sensing signals received from the plurality of sensors and selectively storing at least one of: the plurality of signals, the aggregated data and computed data into a storage system; wherein the processor module computes the aggregated data into the computed data;

- a graphical user interface module configured to display, on the display panel, a product display space that shows one or more images of at least one of: the one and only one product and a brand associated to the product;

- wherein upon actuation of an actuation space provided by the food distributor, the processor module causes a sample to be provided from the sample repository to the sample distribution module; and

- wherein the actuation space has a single purpose of causing the sample to be provided from the sample repository to the sample distribution module.

2. The networked distributor of claim 1 , wherein:

- an activation signal is received from an imaging module at the sensors module upon detection of a user at the food distributor;

- an engagement signal is generated when the user spends a specific amount of time in front of the food distributor at a maximum distance therefrom;

- an actuation signal is received by the sensors module upon actuation of the actuation space indicating that the user actuated distribution of the sample;

- a distribution signal is received by the sensors module upon distribution of the sample from the sample distribution module to the user indicating that the user has taken the sample;

- a disposal signal is received by the sensors module upon disposal of the sample or disposal of a packaging of the sample into a sample disposal module indicating that the user disposed of the sample or the sample packaging; - a product pickup signal is received by the sensors module upon pickup by the user of a stock keeping unit (SKU) from a product offering module.

3. The networked distributor of claim 1 , further comprising distribution environmental measurement tools to measure environmental conditions of the sample once distributed.

4. The networked distributor of claim 1 , further comprising distribution environmental controls to maintain the sample S in appropriate conditions once distributed.

5. The networked distributor of claim 1 , further comprising a sample discarder to selectively remove the sample S from the sample distribution module.

6. The networked distributor of claim 5, wherein the sample S is discarded to the sample disposal module.

7. The networked distributor of claim 1 , further comprising repository environmental controls to maintain samples in appropriate conditions before distribution.

8. The networked distributor of claim 1 , further comprising product environmental controls to maintain SKUs in appropriate conditions before pickup.

9. A method for measuring relative success of a tasting campaign comprising:

- deploying one or more networked distributors according to any one of claims 1 to 9 at one or more premises;

- obtaining a plurality of data points from a plurality of signals generated by the one or more network distributor;

- evaluating a plurality of conversion rates between different ones of the data points.