Interactive vending system(s) featuring product customization, multimedia, education and entertainment, with business opportunities, models, and methods

Abstract

Individual or multiple-unit vending systems / kiosks with the ability to create highly customized products at the time of sale, with audio-visual features, handicap access and additional abilities and / or components; with multiple delivery abilities of tangible and / or intangible product(s); new real estate opportunities and business models, including business opportunities and / or jobs for disadvantaged people. This invention provides products for humans, animals and plants, and takes in one or more of the following product categories, without limitation: water, beverages, foodstuffs, toys, games contests, greeting cards, photography / video, audio / music, personal care products; using converging technologies such as, but not limited to: telecommunications, wireless data transmission, smart cards, etc. Benefits include, without limitation: test marketing, focus groups, and new product introductions using consumer interaction; education, entertainment, rewards, promotions, advertising, contests, charitable support, etc.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation of PCT / US2003 / 032964 designating the United States and filed on 16 Oct. 2003 which in turn claimed priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 418,769 filed Oct. 16, 2002, which application is hereby included by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field [0003] The present invention relates generally to vending machines and / or vending kiosks but more particularly to a vending machine system and / or a vending kiosk systems; which employ multimedia features, new product delivery technologies, labeling; and packaging technologies, along with accompanying business models, methods, and opportunities whereby the system(s) dispense(s) products that are meant to work in consort, or systems that are to work in consort, regardless of the field of inventing. [0004] 2. Description of the Field and Related Art [0005] The Value of Vending [0006] Vending machines provide numerous benefits to customers and operators alike. Vending machines typically provi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0263] b. Fingerprint recognition (every print that touches the machine may be recorded) will allow the potential of finding lost children or catching criminals by tracing them through the vending system so that lost children, criminals, etc. can be traced through this vending system.

[0819] The system can provide for creation of a network of multi-vendor venues having the features described above which can communicate with each other. Data can be shared among venues, including shoppers' personal data, demographic data and inventory control. Analysis of sales data can assist in making inventory decisions and leasing decisions.

Problems solved by technology

We are very aware that the world is going towards customization, and that many problems have existed, and do exist, with the illegal infringements of copyrights and intellectual properties and / or the like.

One of the problems, aside from the illegality of the just said, is that with duplication technology, often the quality is not professional.

However, many designers are hampered in their ability to design products because they do not have the funds to set up a situation that is cost-effective for sample-making and / or production in what will at first most likely be limited quantities.

Consumers are bombarded with so much information, mainly from the Internet, but little knowledge and or the method of presentation.

Liquid impregnates packet causing swelling and ultimate release.

Therefore, all beverages existing in traditional vending machines are acidic and, for the most part, contain preservatives.

The continuous consumption of acidic beverages may lead to gastrointestinal problems, including erosion of the esophagus and acid-reflex disease, which in turn can led to esophageal cancer.

While Internet stores and infomercials, and catalogues present opportunities for ordering product it is not possible to make such a custom product immediately and / or without buying more and / or different components than is necessary and / or that one will never use.

If a certain part cannot fit another part (e.g., the watch face to the band selected), then the system will notify the consumer that that choice is not an option.

However, with this system, there is now provided a means of protection for the inventor, thus making it more difficult for a company to dispute the ownership of an invention / design / concept.

In these types of venues you have space that is not generally being used, and considerable traffic passes, especially in a garage.

Overcomes the problem that many cell phones do not work in certain types of structures for a myriad of reasons.

With a movement towards more organic gardening and a getting away from harsh chemicals it might be difficult to find a ready made product that will be effective.