TWI387938B - Tobacco dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Tobacco product dispenser

The present invention relates to a tobacco product dispenser for dispensing cigarettes and the like, and the control operation of the dispenser.

Vending machines are used to dispense a wide range of products, such as beverage cans, confectionery, and the like. One of the disadvantages of vending machines is that customers do not always have the right amount of money to make the purchases they need. While some (or more complex) machines do have equipment for change, this is not always the case. Another problem is that the cash in the vending machines often makes them a target for attracting thieves (especially if installed in quite remote areas). Any theft can result in damage to the vending machine operator and usually the machine can be damaged. A vending machine describing this problem is described at: http://ti.com/tiris/docs/solutions/pos/vending.shtml This document proposes the use of a radio frequency identification (RFID) card as a selective payment mechanism for vending machines. . More specifically, a consumer is paid an RFID card that contains unique information that identifies the consumer. When the RFID card is used in a vending machine, the machine contacts an approved user, and the purchase amount is billed to the credit card account of the consumer holding the RFID card.

While this approach avoids the need for cash in transactions, it requires a large and complex infrastructure. This vending machine needs to be connected to the credit card system via the Internet, and consumers are required to send appropriate RFID cards. In addition, if the RFID card is lost or stolen, there are still security concerns.

Vending machines are also often used to sell cigarette products. In stores such as hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars, there are typically two ways to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products. In one method (in front of the bar), there is a vending machine for customers to use. The store owner usually signs a contract with a vending machine manager (VMO) who provides the machine and is responsible for its effectiveness and inventory. In order to repay the space occupied by the store, VMO usually pays for the tobacco products sold in each package. The owner of the field has a certain fee. A vending machine used in front of a bar is described in EP-A-1426905.

In another method (〞后后〞), the cigarette packet is displayed on the shelf or in the vending dispenser behind the bar. In this way, when paying the relevant money, the cigarette pack is usually handed to the customer by one of the employees rather than allowing the customer to directly obtain the product. The vending machine used after the bar is described in GB 2180527.

The sale of cigarettes is often subject to legal restrictions. I hope that the store owner can properly comply with this restriction. In addition, because cigarette packs are relatively expensive products, it is common for store owners and/or cigarette dispenser managers to be able to track inventory usage and access.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a tobacco product dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism, a memory, an input device, and control logic. The memory is for storing authorization data relating to performing at least two or more different operations related to the dispenser and information about each event of dispensing a product from the machine, the information including at least an event Date and time and the symbol of the product to be dispensed. The input device can be operated to accept the requirements for access to the dispenser. The control logic then confirms this requirement for the stored authorization data. If this requirement satisfies the authorization material for this particular operation, the result of this requirement will only permit one operation. This system thus provides a safe and reliable multi-operational access to the dispenser. It should be noted that such a tobacco product dispenser is primarily intended to be used at a previous retail location, where one of the staff members can approach the machine on behalf of the customer (this is a common situation in bars, as well as restaurants).

Various systems can be used as input devices, such as buttons (possibly mounted on a touch screen), radio frequency identification (RFID) card readers, magnetic cards or chains, bar code readers, wireless remote control receivers, and the like. The user is then given information (keys) or access devices (ie cards with barcodes or RFID tags, etc.) to access the dispenser.

In one embodiment, the dispenser's security is based on a role-based model in which two or more roles associated with the machine are defined. The authorization profile then specifies which actions are allowed for each role. Control logic by checking when a request is received Whether the operation of the role related to the person making the request is permitted to determine whether the request satisfies the authorization information of the specific operation.

It should be noted that the request can be related to the role in various ways. A possibility is that the role is directly incorporated into the requirement itself. For example, each character can be assigned a different RFID tag or a different key code (depending on the access mechanism involved). The user is then considered to have the role specified by the RFID tag or key code (which is used to make the request, and thus authorized).

In another embodiment, a more indirect method may be utilized where each user is assigned his or her own serial number. Then a set of serial numbers of all users is stored as part of the authorization data (each serial number is assigned a role). In this case, each entry and exit mechanism (key code, RFID tag, etc.) is assigned a confirmation user's serial number, and this serial number is provided as part of the dispenser request. For example, the serial number can be encoded as an RFID tag or a bar code to be scanned, or can be incorporated into an input key code. Upon receipt of the sequence number, the control logic can determine the role of the requestor (via the received sequence number), and thus decide whether to permit or deny the associated action based on the determined role.

Another embodiment of a tobacco product dispenser does not require a role-based authorization model. For example, the authorization material can simply load the operations permitted by each of the serial numbers in the sequence number (in fact, the role of the media between the serial number and the operation is ignored).

A wide variety of operations with respect to the dispenser can be defined and controlled in the manner described above. Examples of such operations include replenishing the dispenser, updating the price information of the products of the dispenser, dispensing (selling) tobacco products from the dispenser, and performing administrative tasks, such as adding new authorization materials to the system (eg, approving new users or Rebut the staff who have left.)

It should be noted that in an embodiment, the user may load the desired operation (possibly inclusive, depending on how the input is required) when requested. In this case, depending on the authorization information corresponding to this requirement, the desired operation can be approved or revoked. Alternatively, the initial request may not load the pending action, in which case authorization may be performed for all possible operations. Then, when the user wants to perform a specific operation, the specific operation desired is approved or reclaimed according to the authorization.

In one embodiment, the data stored in the memory further includes the role and/or serial number of the operator, depending on the particular authorization model used. (Note that the stored serial number data allows for the difference between most of the employees (possibly all designated as the same role)). In addition, the data can also store other events, such as the addition of machines, the addition of new users. This stored data can then be used to provide an audit of the arrival and output of the dispenser. This is useful for the purpose of internal inventory control and for demonstrating conditions that meet any relevant regulations.

In one embodiment, the dispenser is provided with one or more data ports to provide an external output for storing the data. This data may be used to output stored data to a regional printer, or to output stored data to a remote system via a network connection. Other possibilities are to use the data to synchronize the stored data with a laptop or PDA. Any known dispenser can support one or more output paths. Typically, the stored data is output as a report. These reports can cover multiple time scales (such as daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.).

The data can also be used as a mechanism for transferring data to the dispenser, such as for setup purposes. For example, the price of the different product lines of the dispenser and/or the settings associated with the various users or roles may be downloaded from the external resources via the data to the dispenser. There are still many options for this download operation, such as synchronizing with a laptop and/or contacting a remote system on the network.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of operating the above described tobacco product dispenser. The method includes storing, in the dispenser, authorization information regarding at least two or more different operations to be performed associated with the dispenser. This method further includes accepting the requirements for access to the dispenser and then confirming the requirements against the deposited authorization data. This requirement is only allowed if the authorization material for a particular operation is required here.

This method generally utilizes the same features as the related device embodiments described above.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a tobacco product dispenser for dispensing cigarette packets and other similar products, such as cigars. In one embodiment, the tobacco product dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism, a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader, a memory, and a control logic. RFID readers use serial numbers from an RFID card, and the memory system is used to store a set of serial numbers that are licensed to operate the dispenser. Control logic is read from the RFID card Whether the serial number is included in the authorization number of the group to make the allocation mechanism valid or invalid.

In a particular embodiment, the tobacco product dispenser controls inventory removal and replenishment based on the character based security model. The dispenser therefore requires a safe start-up, typically via an RFID tag or card to access the inventory in the machine. All inventory removal events can be dated and timed, and information about these events is stored in the zone memory of the dispenser. The stored data can contain information about the price and the particular assigned row or column. Other roles that have been defined in the system and documented in a particular RFID tag may include the ability to supplement the dispenser and update the price information stored in the dispenser.

In one embodiment, the tobacco product dispenser is provided with at least one data to permit access to the area and remote access of the stored data. One possibility is to attach a thermal printer via this data to provide a regional reporting mechanism. Tobacco dispensers typically output a range of stored data reporting formats, such as the sales cycle (days, weeks, months, etc.), the user (as determined by the RFID tag), and the brand (as determined by the operating slot) ) information, as well as information on existing stocks and prices.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of operating a tobacco product dispenser. The method includes inputting a set of serial numbers that are allowed to be dispensed from the machine to the dispenser and reading the serial number from the RFID card using an RFID reader integrated with the tobacco product dispenser. It is then determined whether the read sequence number is included in the sequence number assigned by the set of allowed dispensers. The product is dispensed from the dispenser only if the read sequence number is determined to be included in the serial number assigned by the set of allowed dispensers.

In a particular embodiment, multiple roles are provided in the tobacco product dispenser. Each character has one or more operations that are allowed to be performed. Each sequence number is assigned to one of the multiple roles. One example of this role is inventory replenishment whereby a user with an RFID card serial number assigned to the inventory replenishment role will be permitted to open the dispenser to replenish the product. Another possible role is the store owner. A user with an RFID card serial number assigned to the store owner role will be permitted to add a new serial number to a set of serial numbers and assign a serial number to the character. Another possible role is the inventory dispenser. A user having an RFID card serial number assigned to the inventory dispenser role will be permitted to dispense the product from the dispenser.

1 and 2 illustrate a tobacco product dispenser 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 and 4 illustrate a tobacco product dispenser 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. These two embodiments have many common components and will therefore be described together.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dispenser 10 includes an intermediate chamber 8 in the housing defined by the top cover 52, the bottom cover 35, and the back cover 50. In the described embodiment, the caps are formed from aluminum or a compound derived therefrom, such as alucobond (which contains two sheets of aluminum separated by a plastic core). These covers are attached to each other by a stainless steel fastener 28. While aluminum has the advantage of being strong and strong, it is understood that other embodiments may use other materials as the outer casing (e.g., some in the form of acrylic).

The key lock 44 is provided on the back cover 50 of the dispenser. Someone can use the associated lock to access the chamber 8 by removing the back cover 50 and the top cover 52 (if needed). This access is required during service operations. The key lock 44 can also be used as a manual override to provide inventory access in the dispenser when, for example, a machine failure.

The chamber 8 encloses one or more drawers 18 as a cigarette pack storage box. It is important to note that these boxes are usually waterproof to avoid any spillage that may occur near the dispenser causing product loss. Each drawer includes a plurality of slots 12, each of which can be filled with a row of cigarette packets. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the drawer 18 has six slots 12, and in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 there are two drawers 18, each having three slots 12. It is understood that many other tank and drawer configurations are possible, depending on the desired size and orientation of the tobacco product dispenser, as well as the volume of transactions supported and the number of brand lines.

Packages typically placed in one tank belong to the same brand of cigarettes, so all cigarettes in the same tank have the same price. The tank can be used to accommodate different brands, so the price will vary from one tank to another (depending on the price of the different brands). Cigarettes are dispensed from the slot 12 in front of the machine 10 (one at a time). It should be noted that any package presented to the user in front of the slot can be dispensed (so the user does not expect the machine to have available inventory, unless this is the case).

A rubber foot 24 is attached to the bottom cover 35 of the tobacco product dispenser to support the dispenser. Also, the power cord 26 extends from a socket that is disposed in a recess in the bottom cover (not visible in the drawing). The power supply is passed to a transformer 42 in a 110 volt to 220 volt switching mode, which then supplies power to the rest of the dispenser. Note that in one embodiment, the tobacco product dispenser 10 also includes a nickel chrome battery (not shown) that provides machine backup power in the event of a line power outage.

The front of the tobacco product dispenser includes a key lock 20 having three settings of opening, closing and alarming. At the time of alarm setting, the machine will not operate for the purpose of the sale, but any attempt to interfere with the machine will cause the alarm to sound. The tobacco product dispenser can also be operated simply by interrupting the power cord 26. It is noted that in one embodiment, the dispenser is provided with an additional alarm facility that is sensitive to detecting any intervention (e.g., placing a hand above the slot) during standard operational settings.

The front of the tobacco product dispenser is also equipped with sequence data 埠22. As will be described in more detail below, this data 22 is used to input data and control commands to the dispenser 10 and to retrieve data from the dispenser. It can be seen that this data is not necessarily based on a wired sequence connection, but can be connected using any suitable form of data, such as a parallel connection, or some form of wireless connection (such as Bluetooth). It should be noted that the tobacco product dispenser can actually support multiple data. One possibility is to place this (etc.) additional connection in a slot that is also used to attach a power cord.

A plurality of pressure sensing buttons (PSBs) 15 are further disposed in front of the tobacco product dispenser. These buttons are used to dispense cigarette packets from the tobacco product dispenser. Each button contains an identifier (number) to indicate the slot to which the particular button is applied. Also, each button is provided with a light emitting diode (LED) 16. If the associated slot is vacant and cannot be dispensed, it will not illuminate.

The tobacco product dispenser is further provided with a small display 11 that can be provided by an LED, liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other suitable device. Display 11 is typically used to display the current time, but can also be used to display any other desired information. For example, if one of the PSBs is depressed, the display 11 can be used to display the brand price associated with the PSB located in the slot. The display 11 can also be used to display the status of the machine, such as whether to set the alarm. Report status.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader 30 is included in the tobacco product dispenser 10. As will be detailed later, the tag reader 30 cooperates with the machine's dispensing mechanism to confirm that only the appropriate authorized personnel can enter and exit the dispenser inventory. In other words, only users with appropriate authorization labels or cards are permitted to operate the machine.

Note that techniques other than RFID can also be used for the access control of the tobacco product dispenser 10. For example, a magnetic key fob, a bar code, a key code input via a contact pad, and/or some form of biometric examination may be used for this purpose. However, RFID tags are generally cost effective and can be used to uniquely identify the user and the program.

The tobacco product dispenser 10 can employ a wide variety of dispensing mechanisms (not visible in the figures) to release the cigarette packets when authorized to be removed from stock. Such institutions (e.g., releasing products when the correct payment is made to the vending machine) are known (essentially) in the prior art. Typically, the dispensing mechanism will cause the package to be dispensed and dropped into the user collection tray 38 (see Figure 2). However, other dispensing mechanisms such as releasing a door in front of the machine for the user to remove the dispensed package may also be used. (Note that in the text after the bar, there is no direct customer who uses the tobacco product dispenser 10, and the safety conditions can be slightly relaxed compared to the bar front dispenser in the text).

The tobacco product dispenser 10 may further comprise one or more microelectronic boards 30, 31. Board 30 includes some form of processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or special application integrated circuit (ASIC), as well as volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory is typically provided in the form of random access memory (RAM), while flash memory, disk drives, and/or any other suitable storage device provides non-volatile memory. As described below, the panel 30 contains suitable software (firmware) and/or hardware to perform the function of the tobacco product dispenser. This software is typically stored in non-volatile memory and loaded into RAM for execution by the processor at the appropriate time.

The tobacco product dispenser 10 illustrated in Figures 1 through 4 is provided by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will be aware of many variations that may be made, such as in structural materials, fixtures, layout, and number of components. For example, the tobacco product dispenser 10 can be equipped with various forms of input data. The display screen of the button and/or output data (the dot type is an LCD panel). The latter may be used to report the situation to review the sale information and display the advertisement message on standby.

Figure 5 depicts a sketch of the use of the tobacco product dispenser 10 in a bar or similar environment. A typical transaction begins with the customer 103 asking a bartender or other staff member for a pack of cigarettes. Customers can cooperate with this request or pay when the package is actually received, depending on the procedures established.

Typically each store waiter or operator 101 is equipped with his or her own RFID tag or card 102. These labels are often like credit cards, although they can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. The RFID card 102 may be provided with means attached to a key ring, a belt, etc. to facilitate portability and ease of use at hand. Each card contains a unique serial number 107 that is stored in some form in a read-only memory (ROM). For identification purposes, one side of the card can be attached to a photo, the card is assigned to the person, and the other side of the card can carry the instructions for use of the card. Note that the waiter may use the card 102 for other commercial purposes, such as entering and leaving the building, timing on/off, and the like. In this manner, the general organization's safety and management facilities can be integrated into and out of the tobacco product dispenser 10, if desired. This has the advantage of eliminating the dual (majority) card issuance and tracking procedures.

To use the card, the operator 101 inserts (sweeps) the card dispenser 10 into the card. This causes the RFID reader 30 (see FIG. 1) within the tobacco product dispenser 10 to read the unique serial number 107 in the card 102, as indicated by arrow 190. (Similar to those skilled in the art are familiar with RFID technology, so the details of the priming and retrieval of data from the card 102 are not detailed here).

The serial number 107 received by the tobacco product dispenser 10 is now compared to a set of storage rules 108 to determine whether to authorize inventory dispensing. These rules 108 will be detailed below. In some cases, the operator may also need to hold his or his RFID card 102 against the card reader 30 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 4 seconds) as a second form of authorization. If the comparison of the serial number 107 with the character information 108 indicates that the operator 101 has been properly authorized and also meets any other relevant conditions, the machine will dispense the desired cigarette pack. The operator 101 can then provide it to the customer 102 to complete the transaction.

Note that in an alternative embodiment, the character level of the operator 101 can be encoded to Above the RFID tag 102 itself. In this case, the tobacco product dispenser 10 only needs to confirm that the encoded character is in compliance with the requested item. If so, authorize related operations (such as inventory allocation). In this embodiment, the RFID tag does not need to store the identification code (serial number) of the respective operator 101 to provide the dispenser user authorization. However, it is still generally desirable to record the serial number on the card and then provide each transaction to the tobacco product dispenser 10. This allows the use of the machine to be tracked based on individual users.

Whenever a cigarette pack is dispensed, the tobacco product dispenser records the transaction details in the reservoir 109. The stored data for any particular transaction typically includes the date and time of the transaction, the RFID card serial number 107 used to authorize the purchase, and the slot in which the cigarette pack was purchased (and then mapped to a particular purchase brand). Note that where this information is available in the Tobacco Dispenser 10 (this information can be provided at the time of setup), Serial Number 107 can add more information about the holders of the card 102 (such as their name or employee number).

In some embodiments, a special facility can be incorporated into the tobacco product dispenser 10 to confirm that the cigarette packet has actually been dispensed. For example, a cigarette packet falling into the slot 38 can block light and thus emit a signal for providing a packet of cigarettes. This signal can be used to cause event data to be written to the storage 109 and update the inventory.

The tobacco product dispenser 10 can be coupled to a remote machine (shown as rear office 130 in Figure 5) via a network 120. Network 120 may be provided by a local area network (e.g., Ethernet), a bus (e.g., USB), a fixed or mobile telephone line, or any other suitable connection. Note that in one embodiment, multiple tobacco product dispensers 10 can be daisy-chained together to provide access to all of the different machines.

The network 120 permits the sales analyst 131 or other suitable person to read the record 109 of the tobacco product dispenser 10 from the remote system 130. This reading can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, an operator or tobacco product company can track the sale to determine when the tobacco product dispenser 10 needs to be replenished. Trafficking information can also be tracked for surveillance purposes or for market purposes (eg comparing the sale of machines in different locations to understand the many factors affecting the performance of the dispenser).

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the dispensing of a cigarette pack from the machine 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Operation. The transaction begins with the customer requesting a cigarette pack (step 210). In response to this request, the waiter sweeps his or her RFID card 102 across the tobacco product dispenser 10 such that the dispenser reads the serial number 107 in the card 102 (step 215). The rear dispenser then reads its stored character profile 108 (step 220) to determine if the user indicated by serial number 107 has authorization to dispense the cigarette pack (step 225).

If the user does not have the required authorization, the machine will reject the request to dispense the cigarette pack (step 228). The tobacco product dispenser can store the desired (failed) operational details in a record 109, such as the time or date of the request, or the proof of identity of the requester. More generally, the tobacco product dispenser can store details of all requested transactions, and the records contain an area indicating whether a particular transaction is authorized.

If the user identity certificate 107 is authorized based on the stored role information 108, the revenue from step 225 is positive. In this case, the desired cigarette pack is dispensed (step 235) and can be supplied to the customer (step 235). Again, the tobacco product dispenser 10 records the transaction details (step 230) in the storage 109 for subsequent acquisition and analysis.

Table 1 specifies various participant role information 108 associated with tobacco product dispenser 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Table 1 specifies the classification of different roles and functions, such as the roles that are desired to be performed, and the access restrictions imposed on the roles.

The correct way to operate the tobacco product dispenser 10 is determined by the interconnectivity of the machine with the external system (as shown in Figure 5). According to an embodiment, this can be set to one of three levels.

Level 1 (stand-alone) - In this case, the machine is a stand-alone unit containing its own data storage module. It is not connected to other third party devices. Each user is assigned a unique identity by RFID card. The store owner and/or manager can generate a fixed report for a period of time in a hard format (eg, connected to a printer) to obtain report information 109.

Level 2 (Pre-Program Report) - Level 2 Dispenser provides functionality based on Level 1 but with two main additions: (a) Provides many pre-programmed and predefined reports (as detailed below); b) The tobacco product dispenser includes the ability to interface with external devices (e.g., laptops, PDAs, etc.) via serial data 22 or any other suitable connection. Information about transaction 109 can be downloaded from this external device for further analysis and questioning.

Level 3 (Timely Connectivity) - Level 3 Dispenser provides functionality based on Level 1 but with the following additions: (a) Permanently connect to a network 120 (eg, Local Area Network (LAN)); (b) The network inputs data to the dispenser and outputs data from the dispenser; (c) the timely data query and customized report output in the dispenser and via the network.

The operations performed by the tobacco product dispenser 10 and performed by various participants are now considered.

1. System configuration

This is the initial configuration of the tobacco product dispenser 10 when the manager is in the store. After the system is configured, the system is started and the details of the staff store are available at any time.

The system configuration begins with the manager initiating the dispenser (ie, plugging the machine and turning the key lock 20 to the open position). The manager now plugs a laptop into the tobacco dispenser 10 and runs the setup program on the laptop. Also, the manager holds his or her RFID card for 4 seconds or more against the RFID card reader. This causes the tobacco product dispenser 10 to transmit its own serial number to the laptop and then to some of the centrally located recording facilities.

The administrator now enters a number of configuration data into the dispenser. This is done by first entering the data into a suitable configuration program on a laptop and then uploading the configuration settings to the dispenser. In particular, the current manager enters the details of the data, the time and the store, and the setting label of one or more store owners. Managers typically also set up complementary roles for the tobacco product business representatives and configure reporting systems. The form of the report usually depends on how (and if) the external connection of the machine is reflected in the machine level (as described below). The current manager also enters detailed information and pricing for the relevant brands in each slot, although this work may be delayed by the store owner.

Once the above information is uploaded, the dispenser LED11 should now display the correct time. At this point in time, the manager typically performs certain machine tests, such as confirming that the dispensing and reporting functions are operating correctly, and whether the display 11 displays the correct time.

Note that Level 2 and Level 3 dispensers, some or all of the system configuration can be implemented using a remote system. Thus, when the tobacco product dispenser 10 has been activated, the administrator can establish a data connection between the tobacco product dispenser 10 and one or more remote systems, such as using the network 120 to interface with the rear office 130. The administrator can then use this connection to enter configuration settings on one or more of the networks 120 into the tobacco product dispenser 10. For example, there may be a standard record format that is deployed to all tobacco product dispensers operated by a particular group.

2. User configuration

Once the tobacco product dispenser 10 is installed and configured at a particular store, the store owner (or more precisely, someone who is paid to the store owner's character) produces additional users of the machine at the location. In particular, the store owner defines the tobacco product dispenser 10 to be primarily responsible for the vendor who dispenses cigarettes from the machine.

In one embodiment, the user-configured program is in a manner that the store owner first swipes his or her card to determine the dispenser. Note that the card reader must be held in advance for a predetermined period of time before being authorized. (This avoids any unintentional authorization, such as the store owner only passing through the tobacco product dispenser). The store owner now activates the appropriate RFID tag number for the desired person and then assigns the role to each of these tags to be associated with the person number (or some other appropriate setting). The store owner can then test the tags to confirm that they are operating properly. In addition, the store owner can test the label to provide only the appropriate level of entry and exit for the staff (ie, they can be dispensed from the tobacco dispenser, but cannot perform tasks that require more privileges, such as adding or deleting users).

It is common for the staff to continue the process of holding the card. Here, if it is necessary to reflect the replacement and re-setting of the personnel, the staff on the tobacco product dispenser will be created, modified and deleted. Note that the possibility is to properly transfer authorized cards between staff members to control the replacement of such personnel. However, it is often desirable to track which RFID card is assigned to which worker at any time. This record will be maintained outside of the tobacco product dispenser 10 or included in the stored material 109.

Note that the store owner is usually responsible for defining roles and assigning RFID cards to other machine-related groups. For example, a store owner can initiate and assign RFID tags to a tobacco product company's business representative for use in replenishing inventory.

3. Stock replenishment

The dispenser needs to be replenished when inventory levels are low. Supplementary work is typically performed by a store owner or a tobacco company's business representative, both of whom are designated for entry and exit. Other possibilities are to specifically define a role associated with inventory replenishment and to issue RFID cards that support this particular function of one or more appropriate staff members. (This may increase the store owner and/or business representative to replenish inventory or replace it).

Inventory replenishment is performed by swiping an appropriately authorized RFID card 102 across the RFID card reader 30. This then causes the unit to open to give the drawer 18 access to replenish inventory. After replenishing the machine, the operator resets the system and confirms the number of packages in each tank. The operator then turns off the tobacco dispenser and it is ready to use. Note that information about supplementary operations (such as date and time, card number of the relevant person) can be stored in the stored material 109.

In an alternate embodiment, the inventory replenishment is outside the scope of the RFID control mechanism. For example, a special key 44 (see Figure 2) can be provided to open the tobacco product dispenser and access the product drawer. In this embodiment, a simple reset button is provided once the stock has been added. It is believed that each slot is now filled with a cigarette pack when the reset button is pressed, and this can be properly displayed in the stored material 109. A further possibility is that the tobacco product dispenser 10 is provided with a sensor that automatically determines how many packages are now in any known slot and this information is subsequently properly recorded into the material 109.

4. Inventory sales

This operation is related to the flow chart of Figure 6, where the customer requests a pack of cigarettes, and a bartender or other staff member removes the inventory from the tobacco product dispenser to sell to the customer. Although the store owner may trade, this job is typically performed by a general staff member.

Considering this work in detail, the dispenser is initially assumed to be in a standby mode. A staff member then touches the PSB 15 corresponding to the desired selection, which causes the LED 11 to switch back and forth between the channel price and the inventory level. The staff is now sweeping his or her RFID tag through the card reader. This causes the tobacco product dispenser to read the serial number on the label. In one embodiment, an audible click is used to determine that the tobacco product dispenser has successfully read the serial number (now verifying the authorized level of the dispenser).

If the staff is properly authorized to allocate inventory, the machine enters the sales mode and the LEDs 16 on all of the commercially available channels turn green. The staff then touches the PSB 15 corresponding to the desired cigarette brand. All other channel lights are not lit and there is a click to provide an audible selection confirmation. The dispensing mechanism of the tobacco product dispenser 10 is now operational and the selected cigarette packet is transferred and dropped into the trough. The staff then removes the cigarette pack and supplies the cigarette pack to the guest. Which stock of the tobacco product dispenser is taken out and the serial number of the relevant staff member is recorded in the storage News 109. Finally the dispenser returns to standby mode.

5. Report

This system provides a variety of reports, including daily, weekly and monthly. Each report usually includes information indicating the scope of the report and the date and time at which the report was generated. Regional reports are typically generated when the store is closed each day to make the removal of inventory consistent with the store payment system. In this case, when the report is obtained, the store typically stops trading for a period of time, or at least the tobacco product dispenser stops serving. The operator then presses the different PSB to clear the data and archive it. Data archiving ensures that reports can still be generated after prolonged periods of time, such as weekly, monthly or quarterly. In one embodiment, the set archive data is retrieved and cleared on a one month basis. However, any schedule that is intended to match the memory capacity of the tobacco product dispenser can be implemented. For example, implementing a memory capacity of approximately 1 million bits corresponds to the storage of approximately 10 full-load inventory events.

The regional report is generated by an appropriate licensor, such as the store owner, using the associated RFID tag to activate the dispenser. In one embodiment, when the dispenser is in standby mode, this is achieved by holding the appropriately authorized RFID tag for the card reader for 4 seconds. The user then enters the appropriate instructions into the machine to obtain the desired report. Note that the user can first connect an appropriate printer to the machine to produce a hard copy of the report. The user then leaves the system as soon as the required report is obtained.

As mentioned before, Level 2 and Level 3 machines have additional communication capabilities. This can be used to download the report material 109 stored in the tobacco product dispenser to a central repository where the data can be analyzed and viewed to produce specific reports and customized reports.

Typically, the choice between different reports is achieved by pressing the PSB of a different tobacco product dispenser. For example, in one embodiment, an associated operator who swipes his or her RFID card and then presses a particular first report PSB can obtain a regional report of the printer. A specific button can also be provided to initiate data transfer to the remote system.

In an embodiment, the level 1 (ie, area) daily report includes the following ranges: Date and time report Store Sales volume User identification code Number of sales Slot number (ie brand) total Sales by user identification code Sales of slot numbers and user IDs Sales of each slot number Total sales

Other reports that may be supported include the user’s monthly sales: Date and time report Coverage period (week x-y) User identification code Sales volume of each tank Total sales of each slot and user

In addition, based on the total sales of each slot (ie brand), the system can support inventory reporting for the relevant period: Date and time report Establish the inventory level of each slot (by the previous number) Sales volume of each tank Total remaining stock for each slot

It is important to note that different tobacco product dispenser inventory levels can support alternative (or increased) reporting formats. For example, in one embodiment, Level 2 and Level 3 machines are typically connected via a suitable cable (e.g., via serial data 22), and the original information can be downloaded from the regional data store 109 to a third device. The software on the third device is then used and the data can be further examined. For level 3 machines, data can be pushed from the regional repository 109 to a central data resource using a land-line instant connection where it can be analyzed in detail to produce a customized report.

In summary, many specific embodiments have been described in detail herein, but it is understood that this is merely exemplary. Many further modifications and applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

8‧‧‧ chamber

10‧‧‧Tobacco product dispenser

11‧‧‧ Display

12‧‧‧ slot

15‧‧‧ Pressure sensing button

16‧‧‧Lighting diode (LED)

18‧‧‧Drawers

20‧‧‧Key lock

22‧‧‧Sequence data埠

24‧‧‧foot

26‧‧‧Power cord

28‧‧‧Fixed parts

30‧‧‧RFID tag reader (microelectronic board)

31‧‧‧Microelectronic board

35‧‧‧ bottom cover

38‧‧‧Collection tray (slot)

42‧‧‧Transformers

44‧‧‧Key lock

50‧‧‧Back cover

52‧‧‧Top cover

101‧‧‧ Operator

102‧‧‧RFID card

103‧‧‧Customer

107‧‧‧ Serial number (identification)

108‧‧‧Storage rules, role information

109‧‧‧Storage

120‧‧‧Network

130‧‧‧Office, remote system

131‧‧‧Trafficking Analyst

190‧‧‧Arrow

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the following drawings (the same component numbers are the same elements), the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail by way of example, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tobacco product dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is an exploded view of a tobacco product dispenser; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tobacco product dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tobacco product dispenser of FIG. 3; 4 is a schematic view of the use of the tobacco product dispenser of the embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the use of the tobacco product dispenser according to the embodiment of the present invention.

10‧‧‧Tobacco product dispenser

11‧‧‧ Display

12‧‧‧ slot

15‧‧‧ Pressure sensing button

16‧‧‧Lighting diode (LED)

20‧‧‧Key lock

22‧‧‧Sequence data埠

30‧‧‧RFID tag reader

Claims (39)

A tobacco product dispenser comprising: a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a product; a memory operable to store authorization data relating to performing at least two or more related to the dispenser a plurality of different operations and information about each event of dispensing a product from the machine, the information including at least the date and time of the event and an identification symbol of the product dispensed by the dispensing mechanism; an input device Operating to accept a request to and from the dispenser; and control logic operable to confirm a request for authorization material stored in the memory, wherein if the request satisfies the authorization material for the particular operation, the result of the request is only permitted An operation. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a keyboard. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a magnetic card or a chain. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a bar code reader. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a wireless remote control receiver. A dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The dispenser defines two or more roles associated with the machine; the authorization material specifies which operations are permitted for the two or more roles; and the control logic checks the action associated with the person making the request Whether it is licensed to determine whether the requirement meets the authorization information for that particular operation. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein: the requirement includes a serial number of the requesting party; the authorization material includes a set of serial numbers, and each set of serial numbers is assigned to one of the two or more roles; And the control logic is operable to read the authorization data to locate the requestor's serial number in the set of serial numbers, wherein the role associated with the requesting the request is a role assigned to the located serial number. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the requirement includes a role associated with the person making the request. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises a supplement to the dispenser. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises updating price information stored in the dispenser. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises dispensing a tobacco product from the dispenser. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the control logic causes the dispensing mechanism to act or not to act according to whether the requirement meets the authorization information of the dispensing operation. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the information stored in the memory includes at least one role regarding the person making the request. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the information stored in the memory includes at least one serial number relating to the requesting the request. For example, the dispenser of claim 1 includes at least one data to provide an external reading of the stored information about the event. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the at least one data is operative to supply an architectural setting of one or more dispensers from an external system. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the requirement includes a specific operation to be performed. A method of operating a tobacco product dispenser, comprising: storing, in a dispenser, authorization information regarding at least two or more different operations to be performed associated with the dispenser; accepting a request to enter and exit the dispenser; confirming and depositing the authorization The requirement of the data comparison whereby the request only allows the operation when the requirement meets the authorization information for a particular operation; and stores the operation for dispensing the per-product from the machine, which includes at least the operation Date and time and the identification symbol of the product being dispensed. The method of claim 19, further comprising: defining two or more roles associated with the machine, wherein the authorization material specifies which operations are permitted by the two or more roles; Where the confirmation includes determining whether the role associated with the person making the request permits the operation. The method of claim 20, wherein: the request includes a serial number of the requesting party; the authorization material includes a set of serial numbers, each serial number being assigned to one of the two or more roles And the decision includes looking up the serial number of the requesting party in the group number, wherein the role associated with the requesting party is the role assigned to the found serial number. The method of claim 20, wherein the requirement includes a role associated with the requesting party. The method of claim 19, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises a supplement to the dispenser. The method of claim 19, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises updating price information stored in the dispenser. The method of claim 19, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises dispensing a tobacco product from the dispenser. The method of claim 25, further comprising causing the dispensing mechanism to act or not to act according to whether the requirement satisfies the authorization information of the dispensing operation. The method of claim 19, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises adding a new serial number to the authorization material. The method of claim 19, wherein one of the two or more operations comprises assigning a serial number to the character. The method of claim 19, wherein the stored information includes at least one role associated with the requesting party. The method of claim 19, wherein the stored information includes at least one serial number associated with the requesting party. The method of claim 19, further comprising the use of at least one profile to provide an external read of the stored information about the licensed operation. The method of claim 31, further comprising the provision of an architecture for supplying one or more dispensers from an external system via the data. The method of claim 19, further comprising outputting the stored information to a regional printer. For example, the method of claim 19 includes outputting the stored information via a network connection. The method of claim 19, further comprising generating a report based on the stored information, wherein the available reports cover multiple time scales. The method of claim 19, further comprising synchronizing data or information in the dispenser with a laptop or PDA. The method of claim 19, wherein the requirement specifies a specific operation to be performed. For example, the method of claim 19, wherein the method is used to provide post-bar service. A tobacco product dispenser comprising: means for storing authorization data relating to performing at least two or more different operations associated with the dispenser Working, wherein one of the operations comprises dispensing from the dispenser, and the other operations include supplementing the dispenser; means for accepting a request to enter and exit the dispenser; and confirming authorization information for the storage The requested device whereby, if the request satisfies the authorization material for this particular operation, the result of the request only permits one operation.