Method and apparatus for propagating a combination of signals for operating closed circuit electronic commerce

Abstract

A method and apparatus for communicating information and electronic shopping signals between servers in a closed circuit e-commerce and between servers and shopping terminals via a main router and interface of a building, transmitting information and electronic shopping signals via at least one twisted pair including ASK and FSK modulated data and commands (including high-speed update signals for updating the contents and programs of said e-commerce stored in the shopping terminal). A delivery station for picking and delivering ordered goods located in or outside a building by using a delivery device and a storage device (for verifying that there are no errors in picking and delivering).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the propagation of a combination of analog and digital signals to deliver direct current via a single twisted pair of wires to appliances such as dedicated shopping terminals, video intercom monitors, set-top boxes, and cable television including electronic shopping circuits and programs. Background Art

[0002] Current or popular electronic commerce is operated in a given mode and process, enabling buyers to search for suppliers through known search engines, selecting known or unknown websites that appear to be presentations that may correspond to the intended purchase, whether for services or goods.

[0003] Once a potential buyer has identified the e-store's website and has indeed found an item of interest, he must proceed to the next process of identifying himself, his address, and his credit card before he can make a purchase.

[0004] It's a frustrating process that doesn't make repetitive daily or weekly shopping suitable for instant delivery of, say, grocery store products.

[0005] For people who need instant delivery, if they need milk for breakfast in the morning, the general process described above cannot provide a solution, such an order will take too long to be processed and delivered, even if the electronics store is a convenience store located near the electronics buyer's residence and provides local delivery.

[0006] To help improve the process, such nearby stores offering delivery can store details of repeat neighborhood purchasers and the purchaser can import the store's URL icon onto their PC's desktop for instant call back to the store's website. The store will then provide the purchaser with an access code that identifies the purchaser and his credit card based on the records in the store's server. Such an arrangement makes the ordering process faster and easier.

[0007] Similar recording and storage of consumer data is provided by large stores, supermarkets and department stores to improve the electronic shopping process for repeat buyers. Such processing improves upon the electronic shopping process but does not provide the underlying functionality required to make grocery shopping and delivery, for example, an efficient process.

[0008] The first obstacle to e-shopping is that in all the above-described e-shopping processes and settings, the buyer has to browse the store web page by selecting goods or services through a page displayed on a PC, smartphone or iPad screen and obtained from a store server via the Internet or other IP network to select his options through the store server.

[0009] Each such store server has its own structure, color, type, operating system, programming and processing methods that the electronic buyer must learn and follow. Therefore, even if the details of the electronic buyer are stored in the electronic store server, the proprietary programming and the different shopping process for each individual electronic store prolongs the time it takes to shop through a given electronic store server.

[0010] Furthermore, such electronic shopping requires a very careful and time-consuming electronic shopping process when the entire shopping cannot be supplied by a single store and must be divided into two or more independent electronic stores or electronic service providers. Therefore, for a combination shopping such as a grocery store extending the milk example given above, buying milk and cereal from two independent electronic stores is a complicated operation. Ordering two items for breakfast in the morning from two different convenience stores, when the purchaser needs and wants fast delivery, will take too long to order and deliver.

[0011] Other electronic purchasing methods and apparatus for services and goods incorporated into a closed circuit shopping system operating in a registered closed circuit are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,603,842, 6,940,957, 7,461,012 and 8,117,076, and in many corresponding patents issued and pending in other countries. Methods and structures for simplifying electronic shopping coding are disclosed in U.S. Application No. 13 / 599,275.

[0012] The disclosed closed circuit electronic shopping is provided through a shopping terminal such as a video intercom monitor of a video intercom system and a shopping circuit through a cable television system, an antenna television system and a dedicated electronic shopping terminal system. The cited application No. 13 / 599,275 covers the encoding of the electronic shopping signal processed by the above-mentioned shopping circuit.

[0013] The basic or essential difference between the two e-commerce methods disclosed in the above-cited U.S. patents (e.g., the popular e-shopping and the closed circuit e-shopping system) is:

[0014] i. The popular electronic shopping is processed and completed online through the store server.

[0015] ii. The closed circuit electronic shopping is processed and completed offline through the shopping terminal itself.

[0016] This is achieved by installing pre-designed and pre-configured shopping programs and contents selected from a group of registered electronic stores and by loading and storing such programs and contents into the memory of the electronic shopping circuit of the electronic shopping terminal. The stored contents cover pre-configured or pre-selected products selected by the resident for recall from the memory of one of the dedicated shopping terminals or from the memory of one of the televisions mentioned above or from the memory of the video intercom monitor.

[0017] Thus, closed circuit shopping is substantially different from popular shopping by providing instant recall of patterned stored data that is transformed into a standard shopping selection display via templates. This enables instant habitual shopping to select products and services through habitual recognition patterns.

[0018] The display of categories, groups and stores are all patterned by the same templates, which are individually assembled and installed in the shopping circuit memory of each personal residence based on the stores, categories and groups selected by each resident. The resident decides and selects the category or group of products and / or services and decides from which store the products and / or services will be purchased. The selected store, category and group will be loaded and stored in the memory of the personal shopping terminal. All other stores, categories and groups that have not been selected are excluded, but can be installed into the memory at a later time if the resident changes his mind.

[0019] The closed circuit shopping device of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of video intercom monitors, dedicated shopping terminals, televisions, cable televisions and / or television and cable television accessories, wherein the television and cable television accessories include set-top boxes, shopping boxes, adapter boxes, cable television boxes, antenna boxes, converter boxes and / or servers serving the entire building or residential area via a local area network and / or internal communication lines, television cable lines or television antenna lines.

[0020] The shopping terminal of closed circuit shopping includes hardware and programs, which are pre-installed with pre-defined shopping programs and content to enable residents to select and order through the stored program of their choice. In this way, residents do not have to waste time browsing and searching through search engines and various store servers. Such pre-programmed closed circuit shopping provides the infrastructure for initiating instant delivery according to the established program.

[0021] Instant delivery is provided through a delivery station or delivery terminal located inside a building or residential area as disclosed in the referenced patent application Ser. No. 13 / 599,275.

[0022] The search for electronic services and electronic goods is carried out through displays generated by installed program web pages using video intercom monitors, dedicated shopping terminals, television or cable television to process shopping.

[0023] Introducing complete shopping programs and content into the shopping terminal transforms the shopping terminal into a self-assembled private electronic shopping mall within each residence, each office or each business, or if the residential area requires, the shopping terminal can be a virtual residential shopping mall for the entire building and / or the entire residential area.

[0024] This closed circuit electronic shopping for products and / or services requires that all shopping terminals of the system must be updated with the details of each product and service at all times.

[0025] The web pages of currently popular shopping servers, selection icons, offered items, item prices, conditions and any other details related to the shopping process and terms (including the availability of services or products) are usually designed and programmed by website design professionals who have experience in the field of web page construction.

[0026] For example, a supermarket offering fresh foods such as greens or dairy products may change its web pages daily or weekly to accommodate price and availability changes due to season, location, shipping, etc. A given web page for a store server, or a group of servers used by a larger supermarket or chain, is constantly changing.

[0027] Such professionally modified web pages prepared in-house by a given store or chain of stores do not meet the need for adding, modifying or replacing electronic shopping web pages for shopping terminals which are widely distributed in numerous residences or businesses in different locations and places.

[0028] Designing a specific web page for a specific customer or group of customers in one or more residential buildings or other potential shopping groups would be prohibitively expensive. Not only would the configuration and design take a great deal of time, but downloading and / or updating the web pages to and / or updating the personal shopping terminals at all residences would be very complex. Downloading and / or updating a large number of personal programs and web pages tailored to the preferences of many individuals or groups on a regular or random basis would be a daunting task.

[0029] The cited U.S. patent application 13 / 599,275 provides a simple tutorial for designing, adding, modifying or replacing a web page or part of a web page (e.g., the price of a single product in a web page or removing a product from a web page after it is sold). The provision of an update process must be based on this principle, that is, easy to learn, configure, operate and install, and low cost.

[0030] Another existing problem faced by many tenants in a large residential or office building when using closed circuit electronic shopping is transaction security and prevention of cyber theft, especially from within the closed circuit environment itself.

[0031] Another problem is the reliability of shopping networks in buildings. Such shopping networks are based on routers and switches cascaded across the building floors via IP local area network such as Ethernet. Routers of large systems installed in communication cabinets or electric control boxes at the stairways and entrance halls of large buildings or in communication boxes mounted on poles and the like are vulnerable to network theft.

[0032] Furthermore, if any one of these routers or switches fails, the entire building's LAN will be disconnected, or disconnected from the building server, and many shopping terminals may be interrupted from the shopping process or update process at any time of day or night.

[0033] To overcome potential risks to safety and reliability, it is preferred that such large buildings be networked in a star topology, connected directly to a central distributor or system matrix securely installed in a protected environment.

[0034] The problem with this star connection is the cabling and its limitations in distance and speed. Fiber optic cable is a solution, but fiber optic cabling, connectors and terminations are very expensive and require specialized skills. Twisted pair wires via this cable, known as CAT5, offer a low-cost solution that is well handled and installed by electricians, but is limited in length and speed.

[0035] A solution is needed to connect star-shaped shopping terminals to a central distributor or matrix or specially designed routers or switches using a twisted pair or multiple twisted pairs. One such solution is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,363 and other referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 13 / 599,275.

[0036] The important issue is of course speed, which must be fast enough to update the shopping terminals randomly and regularly, and to be propagated over distances such as up to 200m (660ft) or more.This is not possible with standard Ethernet IP wired networks using the commonly installed CAT5 cables.

[0037] In many other examples, high-speed communications via CAT5 and similar network cables need to be extended to transmit signal combinations, such as analog audio and video including various digital signals, but cable length limitations prevent the use of ordinary wires, which requires the use of cable combinations, such as shielded coaxial cables and / or fiber optic cables. These cables require different interfaces, adapters and connectors, which are technically complex to configure and install. At the same time, they are expensive and require highly skilled professionals to install.

[0038] A scheme is needed to propagate bidirectional information signals including audio, video, data, control, code, alarm and emergency in a star configuration to enable data loading at high speeds for upgrading and updating electronic shopping programs (including product and service details) to distances beyond the 100m limit of CAT5 cable, or through a single twisted pair cable or a single twisted pair of multiple twisted pair cables (such as CAT5), including feeding DC power through the same single twisted pair or separate single twisted pair cables. Summary of the invention

[0039] The present invention is directed to providing apparatus and methods for propagating bidirectional information signal combinations (including audio, video, data, control, alarm and emergency signals) between central signal processing or distribution or routing units called master routers or master units or matrix units.

[0040] The terms "tenant", "occupant", "user" or "shopper" hereinafter refer to an electronic shopper or electronic buyer who searches for and / or orders services or goods through a shopping terminal, and / or defines, selects and limits the services and goods programs loaded into his shopping terminal for convenience and need.

[0041] The terms "residence," "dwelling," and "apartment" refer to any unit in a residential and / or commercial structure used for residential, office, or business purposes.

[0042] The term "shopping terminal" as used hereinafter and in the claims refers to a video intercom monitor, a dedicated shopping terminal, cable television, interactive television, a television set, a set-top box, a shopping box, an antenna adapter box, a satellite adapter box, a cable television box and any other similar boxes and combinations thereof, and the shopping terminal is used to connect at least one television program provider to a television set or cable television.

[0043] The shopping terminal includes an operating display screen, a memory for storing shopping programs, shopping contents and other shopping services and product details, and a central processing unit (CPU) for operating and selecting electronic shopping including services or products or both. The shopping terminal can be operated by a related display screen, voice, remote control device or the movement of the resident's hand or other parts (such as eyes) with the help of a built-in operating display screen and touch icons.

[0044] The terms "main router", "main unit", "matrix unit", "router", "matrix" and "switch" refer to interactive units hereinafter and in the claims for performing at least one processing, selection, distribution, routing, switching, temporary storage and buffering of information signals between servers of at least one building and the internal communication lines of said building.

[0045] The term "information signal" as used hereinafter and in the claims refers to any single signal selected from the group consisting of audio signals, video signals, data signals, code signals, control signals, alarm signals and emergency signals, or a combination thereof, wherein a single signal or a combination thereof is transmitted in one direction or two directions, or in both one direction and two directions.

[0046] The term "electronic shopping signal" as used herein and in the claims may include any one of independent information signals and combinations of independent information signals that have been used to process and / or complete an order, wherein the information signal is a unidirectional signal, a bidirectional signal, or a combination of unidirectional and bidirectional signals, including a modulated signal such as ASK (amplitude shift keying), FSK (frequency shift keying), or any other modulated signal used to load, upgrade, update, add, modify and / or delete or download signals related to electronic shopping programs and content.

[0047] The main router or matrix unit connects and / or links one or more shopping terminals, one or more input panels of a building, one or more local concierge base stations, local guard device base stations, local security base stations for local buildings and / or entire residential areas, including local base stations for office buildings and similar local service facilities, and its notable feature is that it is directly connected to or linked to the matrix for selectively communicating information signals with any base station and / or any shopping terminal through the matrix.

[0048] The term "server" in the following description and claims refers to a well-known computing server for providing information stored in its one or more memories and for processing e-commerce orders received via a network such as the Internet.

[0049] The term "stand-alone server" is a server having at least one built-in memory containing the entire program used to run the closed circuit e-commerce together with other servers of the closed circuit, through data related to services, products, information or other tasks, the server executes within the closed circuit e-commerce.

[0050] The terms "server" and cloud computing refer to servers and storage services provided by well-known cloud computing, such as cloud computing services provided by Amazon, Microsoft or IBM.

[0051] Unless the term "local" is specifically stated or identified by a given location and by a base station physical location, place, or distance or multiple distances relative to other base stations, matrices and shopping terminals, the terms "local" or "local connection" define the connection details but not the physical location of the local concierge or e-concierge and other base stations as described above.

[0052] A "local" delivery station or a "local" delivery terminal or an electronics store that is connected to a building server via a network is not considered a "local" connection, even if it is physically located inside the building or complex of buildings.

[0053] The term "remote" refers to any delivery station or store that is physically located outside a building or group of buildings. The term "remote" is not a reference to measurement in meters, kilometers or miles and does not refer to how the delivery station is connected to the network.

[0054] The shopping terminal of the present invention disclosed in the cited U.S. patents and corresponding patents authorized in many countries includes shopping programs, which include products, prices, bills and payments, delivery details and other materials and processing data related to electronic shopping and electronic services. The programs stored in each shopping terminal are limited to individual selection by each resident.

[0055] This individually selected data must be regularly updated to each shopping terminal, and must be regularly, randomly and periodically updated to each shopping terminal within a given specified time. This requires the provision of the required power to allow the matrix and each shopping terminal individually connected to the matrix to process the updated data.

[0056] The cited US patent 5,923,363 discloses a method for powering each video intercom monitor by feeding a regulated current to a rechargeable battery associated with the video intercom monitor via a communication line extending between the monitor and a central unit.

[0057] The advantages of feeding the regulated current via the communication lines connecting the matrix to the shopping terminal are obvious, a controlled direct current can be fed along with the information signal via the same single twisted pair, which offers significant advantages such as cost and simplicity.

[0058] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for propagating bidirectional information signals, including high speed data propagation for updating and loading shopping data details, content and programs via a single twisted pair line which also feeds a controlled direct current to a shopping terminal.

[0059] The power supply fed via the transmission line or twisted pair serves yet another object of the present invention, which is to ensure that all circuits of the matrix and the shopping terminal involved in the updating and loading process are always powered, regardless of power cuts and other power supply irregularities.

[0060] The updating and loading of shopping signals to the shopping circuit memory of the shopping terminal includes the rapid updating and loading of many pictures and descriptions of products and services. The propagation of information signals via a twisted pair (such as a pair of CAT5 cables) is limited to 100m or 330ft. It is recommended that for networks such as Ethernet 10 Base T or faster, the cable length be limited to 60m or 200ft.

[0061] In large high rise buildings this limitation cannot be met in star connections, matrix to occupant connections and a further object of the present invention is to provide fast signal propagation over distances far exceeding 150-200 m.

[0062] As described below, this can be achieved by transmitting FM modulated data on a carrier selected from 10 to 20 MHZ or higher carrier frequencies to provide 4 MHz or greater bandwidth for the high-speed data required to update and load shopping data details, including product and service images and description data.

[0063] As explained below, for example, a 12 MHz carrier frequency enables FM modulated analog video signals to be propagated well over 200 m via a single twisted pair, and the same FM modulator is used for FSK modulation to propagate high speed data to a shopping terminal.

[0064] Even if the attenuation of the propagating signal in the range of 10-20 MHz enables the signal to propagate far beyond 200 m, and the S / N ratio is well within the designed circuit operating range, there are other limitations that need to be overcome.

[0065] It is well known that CAT5 cable limitations are not only due to attenuation and signal-to-noise ratio (S / N). Other limitations are propagation delay time and collisions.

[0066] To overcome propagation delays and collisions, other objects of the present invention are to limit high speed data propagation to continuous, uninterrupted, one-way transmission, or to a non-terminal series of data packets, or to other forms of sequential structured transmissions intended for loading, updating, adding and modifying data stored in the shopping terminal memory, and to provide a separate modulation medium such as ASK at a low speed for propagating bidirectional commands of pre-programmed encoded signals known as the protocol disclosed in the referenced application No. 13 / 599,275.

[0067] The design makes it easy to continually upgrade and update shopping programs and content without conflicts, timing constraints or other communication barriers, while being able to simultaneously propagate bidirectional commands for the operating matrix, shopping terminals and building servers without propagation limitations. The building server is discussed later.

[0068] Whether the signal is transmitted in the form of digital data or analog signals through twisted pair cables, the propagation of the signal requires that the signal be differential or balanced to eliminate noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio and standing wave ratio. The differential signal must be fed through the twisted pair cables with positive and negative polarity that are prevalent throughout the network. In practice, installers and electricians repeatedly connect some twisted pair cables to system equipment such as video intercoms and the like with reverse polarity, requiring revisiting and reconnecting of multiple devices that cannot communicate due to the reverse polarity incorrectly connected cables.

[0069] The present invention is similar to previous shopping terminals and video intercoms, which are designed to power multiple shopping circuits of each shopping terminal or each shopping circuit in the entire shopping terminal unit through a rechargeable battery. The battery is continuously charged through the same twisted pair that carries the information signal. The DC power supply polarity, similar to the differential signal polarity, must be connected without polarity errors.

[0070] In order to eliminate such connection obstacles and provide an error-free connection environment, another object of the present invention is to introduce non-polarity connection into a twisted pair or various twisted pairs. Since each twisted pair has a non-polarity terminal, the installer does not need to identify the positive terminal and the negative terminal before connection, and / or verify the polarity of the connection after connecting the twisted pair to its terminal.

[0071] However, another object of the present invention is to fix the internal communication lines formed by a plurality of individual twisted pairs connected in a star configuration to a main unit also called a matrix. Each line comprises a twisted pair extending between each individual shopping terminal and the main unit or matrix terminal.

[0072] Each line must be designed to prevent intrusion by network theft, which is achieved by introducing circuits into each line that process and propagate the information signals mentioned above. These information signals include signals selected from the following group, the group including modulated / demodulated video signals, two-way audio signals, encoded / decoded two-way ASK signals, data signals, alarm signals, encoded control signals, emergency signals, encoded FSK data signals and combinations thereof.

[0073] Introducing processing circuits into each individual line forms a physical protection circuit to prevent any possible network theft attempts to communicate with the shopping terminal or matrix, making the wiring completely immune to external / internal intrusion.

[0074] In addition, the above-mentioned introduction of a separate signal processing circuit enables routing or turning on / off separate information signals such as video signals or audio signals, FSK signals and ASK signals. These separate information signals such as video signals or audio signals, FSK signals and ASK signals will be guided or routed through well-known routing and / or two-position switch circuits between building servers. The building server provides e-commerce services including e-services and e-shopping for a building or various buildings through a network selected from the following group, the group including a dedicated network, a private network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN) and a combination thereof.

[0075] The building server may include large memory capacity and / or storage buffers, but it may integrate or use the virtually unlimited capacity of cloud computing provided by well-known cloud computing providers such as Amazon. Alternatively, an entire national or global closed circuit e-commerce may install such cloud computing facilities designed and configured to replace some or all of the closed circuit e-commerce servers of a given system.

[0076] Alternatively, for a minimal system using a single grocery store supplier that provides groceries to a neighborhood or high-rise building through one or a few delivery stations, closed circuit e-shopping can use a private network with two or more servers linking at least one high-rise building instance and at least one supplier. For these two servers connected to the private network, the e-store server can manage credit, payments, and the entire operational aspects of the closed circuit e-shopping entity.

[0077] It is important to note that, regardless of the size of the system, the separate processing circuitry further protects the system from cybercrime, including attacks from any locally connected peripheral systems linked to the matrix or main unit through interfaces such as concierge stations, management offices, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and combinations thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Figure 1 include Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B, Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B is a circuit block diagram showing a circuit on a selector or router of a main unit or matrix unit that connects one end of a twisted pair line to an internal communication line of a video intercom or an electronic shopping system infrastructure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It shows that Figure 1 A and Figure 1 The other end of the twisted pair in B is connected to a circuit block diagram of a circuit on a video intercom monitor or a shopping terminal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows that only one-way FM modulated video and one-way FSK modulated signal are transmitted. Figure 1 A and Figure 1 Modified block diagram of B.

[0081] Figure 4A and Figure 4B It shows that only one-way FM modulated video and one-way FSK modulated signal are transmitted. Figure 2A and Figure 2B A modified block diagram of .

[0082] Figure 5A This shows that the present invention will Figure 3A and Figure 3B A basic video intercom system infrastructure with circuits connected to a single input panel.

[0083] Figure 5B is comprised of n selectively connected to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The circuit on the input panel Figure 5A Another preferred embodiment of .

[0084] Fig. 6A A three-pole selector is used to selectively connect n input panels to Figure 3A and Figure 3B On n circuits Figure 5B An expanded version of the system.

[0085] Figure 6B is a diagram showing the use of a four-pole selector to selectively connect n interface modules to Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B's n circuits Fig. 6AA circuit block diagram of a portion of the modified main unit.

[0086] Figure 7 Yes Figure 1 A. Figure 1 B. Figure 2A and Figure 2B An electrical block diagram of the plurality of circuits connected by a central unit using a plurality of four-pole selectors or routers to selectively Figure 2A The n circuits in FIG. 2B are connected to the n interface modules;

[0087] Figure 8 is with Figure 7 Similar electrical block diagrams, including Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plurality of circuits in which a plurality of three-pole selectors or routers are used to limit one-way propagation of FSK (frequency shift keying) data or FM modulated signals;

[0088] Fig. 9 is with Figure 7 a similar electrical block diagram with a different switching or routing arrangement of another preferred embodiment;

[0089] Fig.10 is with Figure 8 a similar electrical block diagram with a different switching or routing arrangement of another preferred embodiment;

[0090] Fig.11A A block diagram of the shopping circuit of the shopping terminal is shown, wherein the shopping terminal comprises Figure 1 A~ Figure 4B The circuit shown in, the main unit, the server and the link to the closed circuit e-commerce network of the preferred embodiment;

[0091] Fig. 11B is an illustrative block diagram showing the storage structure of the shopping terminal, the update router of the shopping details fed into the memory by the server through the main unit and the CPU (including the shopping display page being recalled into the storage buffer);

[0092] Fig.12 is a block diagram showing the closed circuit electronic shopping system including a video intercom system and a television;

[0093] Fig.13 is shown similar to Fig.12 The closed circuit electronic shopping block diagram shown in FIG. 1 but comprising a combination of cable television, terrestrial television, a set-top box, a dedicated shopping box and a dedicated shopping terminal;

[0094] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating the closed circuit electronic shopping of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a block diagram of the system, stage-by-stage order processing through the virtual private network of the system, and the physical delivery from an embedded electronic shopping delivery station to the ordering resident;

[0095] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B is a diagram of the delivery tablet computer and the smart shopping cart according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] Fig. 15C is a diagram of an intelligent storage box or storage rack of a distribution station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Figure 1 Figures A to B show the connection between one end of the twisted pair 10 and Figure 7 A block diagram of a circuit 100 between a selector or router 540-1, 510-2 or 540-n for processing a request received via a Figure 2A ~ In Figure B, Figure 1 The terminals 10A-B and Figure 2A The information signal transmitted by the twisted pair 10 between the two complementary circuits 100 and 200 connected to the terminals 11A-B in Figure B. The processed information signals include two-way or two-way video signals, two-way audio signals, two-way or two-way ASK (amplitude shift keying) modulated data signals and two-way FSK modulated signals. The signal ports or terminals are shown as a single-way microphone signal port or terminal 140, a single-way speaker signal terminal 141, two power supply terminals 150 and 151, two-way or two-way video terminals 160 and 161, a two-way ASK control and command signal terminal 162 and a two-way FSK data signal terminal 163.

[0098] The ASK and / or FSK signals are transmitted, received and / or converted by the CPU 105, and the propagation signals include data, codes, controls, commands, alarms, emergencies, inquiries, reports, responses and combinations thereof. Depending on the circumstances, the ASK and / or FSK signals further include digital audio and / or digital video signals and other modulated ASK and FSK information and / or communication signals and any combination thereof. The CPU 105 propagates two-way ASK (amplitude shift keying) modulated signals through the terminals 115 and 116 of the ASK modulation and demodulation circuit 103, and also propagates FSK (frequency shift keying) modulated signals through the FSK / video selector 104 and the FSK modulation and demodulation circuit 102.

[0099] The FSK, video and ASK modulation and demodulation circuits 102 and 103 are well-known frequency and amplitude modulator-demodulators, also known as frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM), and are generally available at low cost and packaged as Figure 1 A single IC 101 is shown in dashed lines. The ASK needs to be fed with a clock at a selected frequency and the preferred embodiment uses a clock signal in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 MHz. The clock generator 107 attached to the ASK modulator-demodulator 107 can be a circuit included in the IC package 101, or it can be the input terminal of a clock to be fed from, for example, the CPU 105 or a crystal (Xtal) oscillator, or it can be an oscillator using discrete components to form a well-known clock generator.

[0100] The preferred embodiment is that the FSK modulator-demodulator circuit uses a 12.5MHz base frequency, and the oscillator is an embedded oscillator, but can be used as a connected oscillator, such as an Xtal oscillator, similar to the clock generator of the ASK modulator-demodulator. It is preferred to use a single clock generator to provide a synchronous time base for the ASK and FSK.

[0101] Figure 2A The CPUs 105 and 205 described in the examples may use a storage buffer, such as Fig. 11B buffer 208A as shown, or using Fig.11A The incorporated or embedded memory 208 or 536 shown, which is incorporated into the CPU 205 and 535, is used to process the ASK instructions and the FSK data propagation for perfect synchronization data.

[0102] The FSK / video selector 104 shows only a pair of electrical contacts for illustration, and the selector is a well-known semiconductor circuit, such as a multiplexer or semiconductor switch using FET (field effect transistor) or other switching transistors. The electrode terminals 119A and 119B can be operated together or independently by a control instruction fed from the CPU 105 for connecting the input terminal of the modulator to the FSK input terminal, and can simultaneously command the modulator to modulate the data fed from the CPU FSK output terminal, thereby outputting an FSK signal to the differential amplifier 121 through the terminal 112.

[0103] Although the ASK and FSK signals are shown as being through separate input-output ports such as input-output ports 115 and 116 for the ASK signal and input-output ports 119A and 119B for the input-output FSK signal connected via the input-output port of the CPU 105, both the ASK and FSK data signal ports can be bidirectional and operate in either direction in response to instructions propagated to the FSK / video selector 104, the FSK modulator / demodulator 102, and the ASK / video selector 103 through the lines 117A, 117B, and 118 shown, respectively. Further, it is preferred to use a single input / output port and control line to be programmed to control both modulators / demodulators 102 and 103, as well as control the selector 104 based on the combinational circuit 100.

[0104] The differential amplifier 121 outputs a modulated signal (such as FM modulated video or FSK data) through capacitors 172 and 173 to remove the DC component, and feeds the modulated signal to the line 10 of the twisted pair through high pass filters (HPF) 124 and 125 and twisted pair terminals 10A and 10B for feeding the FSK data or FM modulated video signal to the Figure 2A The complementary circuit 200 of the shopping terminal is shown in FIG.

[0105] The propagation of FM modulated video signals from a video camera such as a video intercom input panel camera and FSK data signals used to upgrade / update the shopping circuit memory with details related to shopping, goods and services is hereinafter referred to as inbound communication, inbound direction or inbound propagation or reflects signal activity.

[0106] The FSK data or FM modulated video signal fed back from the shopping terminal circuit 200 reflects the signal activity, which is hereinafter referred to as outbound communication, outbound direction or outbound propagation. The outbound signal is propagated to the video / FSK modulation / demodulation circuit 102 via the HPFs 124 and 125, the coupling capacitors 170 and 171, and the differential amplifier-buffer 120, which is used to modulate the FSK signal propagated from the shopping terminal circuit 200 and feed it to the input FSK port of the CPU 105, or to feed the demodulated video signal to the video output terminal 161. The CPU 105 processes the FSK or video data signal received based on the instruction of the direction processing via the CPU 105 and the FSK / video selector 104.

[0107] As is clear from the above, each of the FSK data signal or the FM modulated video signal can be bidirectionally transmitted through the differential amplifier 121 and the amplifier-buffer 120, both of which have a carrier frequency such as 12.5 MHz as described above. The differential FM modulated video and differential FSK data signals are propagated through the twisted pair 10 between the circuits 100 and 200 through high pass filters 124, 125, 224 and 225, so that they are separated from other signals propagated through the same twisted pair 10 between the circuits 100 and 200, as will be described below.

[0108] Figure 1 The resistors 180~187 in A and Figure 2A The resistors 280 to 287 in FIG. 1A are used as the operational amplifiers 120 to 123 and Figure 2A Reference resistors for operational amplifiers 220-223 in FIG. 1. Each reference may include more than one resistor and / or may include a coil, a capacitor, and a resistor array.

[0109] ASK signals selected from the group including data, shopping, command, control, alarm and emergency are Figure 1 A~B and Figure 2A ~ Bidirectional transmission occurs between the circuits 100 and 200 shown in Figure B. As mentioned above, the clock frequency of the ASK may be, for example, 0.5 MHz, resulting in a bidirectional data rate of 125K baud.

[0110] Similar to the FSK differential amplifier 121 and the amplifier-buffer 120, the ASK differential amplifier 123 and the amplifier-buffer 122 are connected to the bidirectional differential ASK data and the like via the outbound terminal 113 and the inbound terminal 114, the coupling capacitors 174, 175, 176 and 177 and the bandpass filters 126 and 127. Figure 2A The circuit 200 of the shopping terminal shown in Figure 1B connects the terminals 10A and 10B and the same twisted pair 10 to propagate a bidirectional differential ASK data signal.

[0111] right Figure 1 A~B and Figure 2A The bandpass filters (BPFs) 126, 127, 226 and 227 shown in Figure B are calculated to pass signals within a specified frequency band (e.g., a range of 200KHz to 800KHz) to provide a substantial separation distance based on real-time propagation or audio signals with a fundamental frequency roughly in the range of 80Hz to 8KHz, and to provide a substantial separation distance based on FM modulated video or FSK data with a carrier frequency of 12.5MHz and a frequency band width of, for example, 5 to 7MHz to ensure that the minimum frequency shift remains above 5MHz.

[0112] Separation of the ASK frequency band at 200KHz to 800KHz includes separation of harmonics and other spurious signals and noise from the audio frequency band including harmonics and separation of other spurious signals and noise from FM video / FSK signals, wherein the maximum value of the harmonics in the audio frequency band can reach 50KHz and the lowest frequency band frequency of the FM video / FSK signal is greater than 5MHz. Obviously, separation of 150KHz from the audio frequency band and separation of more than 4MHZ from the FM video / FSK frequency band is quite large and allows three groups of signals including audio, ASK and FM video or FSK data to be propagated simultaneously in one direction and / or two directions on the same twisted pair.

[0113] Figure 1 B. Figure 2B , Figure 3B and Figure 4B A well-known circuit of another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which uses balanced-unbalanced transformers 100B and 200B to bidirectionally and simultaneously propagate wide-band signals such as in the range of 100KHz to 1.0GHz between balanced-unbalanced lines with variable line impedance and signal sources.

[0114] The circuits 100A, 200A, 190A and 290A shown do not consume power and use several passive components to replace all modules of buffer amplifiers 120, 123, 220 and 230, differential amplifiers 121, 122, 221 and 222, coupling capacitors 170-177, 270-277 and reference resistors 180-187 and 280-287, wherein these modules are not required and therefore are not used.

[0115] The bidirectional circuit 100A is connected to the ASK modulation-demodulation terminals 113 and 114 via coupling capacitors 174B and 175B, line resistors 184B and 185B, a single bandpass filter 127, and a balun 100B.

[0116] The bidirectional FSK modulation-demodulation terminals 111 and 112 are connected to the balun 100B through coupling capacitors 171B and 173B, line resistors 180B and 181B, and a high-pass filter 125. The balun 100B is connected to the connection points 10C and 10D of the twisted pair terminals through coupling capacitors 178B, replacing the bidirectional differential circuit and completely maintaining the unidirectional and bidirectional propagation of all the above-mentioned signals including any combination without signal degradation.

[0117] The significant differences between the balun circuit 100A and the differential circuit of circuit 100 are noise immunity and noise radiation (EMI).

[0118] This distinction makes the choice between the two circuits a design choice based on the signal and environment surrounding the internal communication line and line type. As will be discussed below, the single twisted pair shown is also a choice or option for the internal communication line between a single twisted pair and multiple twisted pairs.

[0119] Figure 2B The balun circuit 200A is almost identical to the balun circuit 100A. The differences shown relate to the numbering of the coupling capacitors, such as 171B to 178B or 271B B to 278B; the numbering of the line resistors, such as 180B B to 185B or 280B B to 285B; the numbering of the balun, such as 100B or 200B; and the numbering of the connectors on the terminals, such as 10C, 10D or 11C and 11D. Other than this, the circuit 100A is identical to the circuit 200A, and the two are complementary circuits to each other.

[0120] Figure 3B and Figure 4B The circuits 190A and 290A of the present invention use the same reference numerals as the circuits 100A and 200A. The only difference between the circuits 100A and 190A or 200A and 290A is that the circuits 100A and 190A or 200A and 290A are used to communicate with the circuits 100A and 200A. Figure 8 , Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The electronic shopping circuit 20 shown combines one-way FM video and FSK data for a video intercom system.

[0121] Propagating two-way audio signals such as wired telephone signals over twisted pair wiring requires impedance matching at both ends of the line. To provide good audio termination, especially in applications where Figure 2A In the case where the DC power supply of the circuit 200 is fed through a twisted pair wire commonly used for wired telephones, the terminal is preferably provided with Figure 1 A audio line transformer 142 and Figure 2A An audio line transformer 242 is provided.

[0122] The transformer is connected to the twisted pair terminals 10A and 10B via two non-polar capacitors NP. The reason for using non-polar capacitors is that the twisted pair 10 is fed to Figure 2A The power and signal feeds are preferably designed to enable connection of the non-polarity twisted pair between terminals 10A and 10B to terminals 11A and 11B.

[0123] Such non-polarity connection will randomly complete the power supply polarity feeding in two ways. Therefore, the two capacitors NP connecting the line 10 to the line transformer 242 through the terminals 11A and 11B are non-polarity capacitors, rather than the well-known polarized capacitors used for DC power supply connection. The non-polarity state is Figure 1 The NPs of the two capacitors A are different.

[0124] Power Terminal 150 and 151 Figure 1 A, which is connected to the given polarity Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the main unit 600 or 700, a polarized capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor or a tantalum capacitor can be used. However, since the capacitor impedance varies depending on the capacitor type and structure, in order to ensure that the impedance at both ends of the twisted pair is the same, it is best to Figure 1 A and Figure 2A The same capacitor NP is used at both ends of the twisted pair 10 shown.

[0125] The primary coil of the line transformer 142 is connected to a hands-free voice communication IC. The hands-free voice communication IC is a well-known IC used in many types of hands-free voice communications, such as conference phones and well-known hands-free video intercom monitors. "Hands-free" refers to intercoms and phones that are not equipped with a handheld device and / or can communicate sound to the other party through a microphone and receive the sound communicated by the other party through a speaker with the help of an opening on the body of the intercom or telephone unit when on hook. The hands-free IC avoids the ringing and oscillation caused by the sound feedback from the speaker into the microphone.

[0126] Terminal 140 (microphone) and terminal 141 (speaker) connect the two-way voice signal, the microphone and speaker transmitted through the line transformer 142, the non-polar capacitor NP, terminals 10A and 10B and the twisted pair 10 that exchanges the above-mentioned ASK, FSK or FM video signal with the shopping terminal circuit 200.

[0127] For running Figure 1 A and Figure 2A The power supply of the circuits 100 and 200 is fed from a DC power supply, such as 12V, 15V, 24V or any other effective DC power for operating the circuits 100 and 200, including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other display screen for operating the video intercom, shopping terminal and combinations thereof.

[0128] The shopping terminals disclosed in the referenced U.S. patents include televisions, cable televisions and various well-known boxes, such as set-top boxes, cable boxes, antenna conversion boxes, satellite conversion boxes, and dedicated shopping boxes. Therefore, whether it is cable television or antenna television, it is advantageous to incorporate the circuit 200 into the television and / or any of the various well-known boxes mentioned above.

[0129] The TV and the box are usually powered via the AC power line of the house, but the TV or the box can be turned off. If the circuit 200 is powered via the power supply of the TV or the box, the circuit will not respond to the login call when used for the video intercom function. In addition, the circuit 200 will not respond to the update of the shopping data, the new load and / or other updates and / or other details.

[0130] Therefore, preferably, the circuit 200 is powered via a non-polar power transmission line. The power consumed by the circuits 100 and 200 is predefined, known and / or calculated, and the preferred power feed amount is a pre-calculated current control value. The controlled current does not surge through the power line, thus preventing current fluctuations, thereby ensuring that the current is fixed and stable, reducing communication interference from the power supply and noise load that otherwise affects the signal transmitted via the same line (e.g., twisted pair 10).

[0131] US Patent No. 5,923,363 discloses a controlled current for powering a video intercom circuit including an associated rechargeable battery, so that the video intercom can be powered and fully operated for a given period of time. The shopping terminal and video intercom mentioned in the above-referenced US Patent are also provided with such a charging circuit and an associated rechargeable battery.

[0132] The shopping terminal circuit 200 and / or the dedicated shopping terminal are not usually expected to be fully active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is foreseeable that the dedicated shopping terminal will run for a short time each time (less than 1 hour). For a rechargeable battery that is continuously charged by a fixed predefined controlled current, its operating duration of a few hours per day is well within the range of low-cost rechargeable batteries, such as all batteries used for iPads and mobile phones.

[0133] The main power supply 15 of the main unit 690 shown in Figure 6 feeds a controlled current to the twisted pair 10 via terminals 150 and 151 and terminals 10A and 10B, and terminals 150 and 151 are connected to the power supply of the controlled current via double coils 153 and 154. The single capacitor 152 shown is a shunt capacitor for eliminating any residual audio, ASK signal, FSK signal or FM signal. Capacitor 152 is shown as a single capacitor, but other capacitors, such as ceramic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, polyester resin capacitors or electrolytic capacitors and combinations thereof, can also be used as a substitute.

[0134] Coils 153 and 154 are preferably large coils, such as 1H, using high permeability cores, and the coil windings and resistances are calculated to ensure that a short circuit occurring at terminals 10A-10B or along twisted pair 10 will not damage the coils. The large coils present a very large impedance, and together with capacitor 152 prevent any signal from reaching the power supply, completely isolating the signal from the DC power.

[0135] Preferably, the coil windings are designed and fabricated to ensure that careless connection and mishandling of the wires and electrodes will not damage the coil itself, the main unit and its circuits and components, including the power components. In addition, the non-polarity connection relieves the installer from the need to conform to the polarity of the connection. The non-polarity allows the installer to connect twisted pairs of any polarity to the terminals 10A and 10B, and the circuit will function properly regardless of the DC polarity, provided, of course, that no short circuit occurs during the connection.

[0136] The power fed through the twisted pair 10 is connected at its other end to terminals 11A and 11B, such as Figure 2A As shown, terminals 11A and 11B are connected to large coils 256 and 257 for filtering out signals, and non-polarity power is fed to bridge rectifier 255. The well-known bridge rectifier will be shown as and The polarized terminal outputs and feeds the correctly polarized power to the filter storage capacitor 254 and the regulator 253.

[0137] The regulator 253 feeds its regulated output to another filter storage capacitor 252 and VCC terminals 250 and 251 to provide a regulated power corresponding to the voltage and current consumed by the shopping circuit, excluding the charging of the rechargeable battery 230.

[0138] The internal battery 230 can be introduced into the circuit 200, or the battery can be associated or connected to the shopping terminal. Preferably, the battery should be connected through the circuit 231 and charged through the circuit. The charging circuit 231 is matched to the type of battery used and to the appropriate charging rate. The charging rate must be part of or share the predefined control current.

[0139] The fixed predefined current is calculated to enable the operation of the shopping circuit 200 in the standby mode and to enable the battery 230 to be fully charged at the same time. Fig.11A When the shopping circuit 20 (including the display 209) is fully operational, the rechargeable battery 230 will provide the required power.

[0140] The introduction of an associated rechargeable battery 230 or similar battery is optional, including powering the circuit 200. The battery 230 in the preferred embodiment is selected to power at least the circuit 200 and at least a portion of the shopping circuit (including the memory 208), and the storage Fig. 11B The memory of a large number of pictures, prices, shipping and availability 46, 47, 48 and 49 must be updated randomly or at a given scheduled time.

[0141] The shopping circuit 21 including the CPU 205 and the memory 208 connected to the circuit 200 must be powered to at least the standby mode and be ready to receive updates and upgrades of the shopping details data at any time, rather than relying on the power on and off state of the shopping terminal, and will not be cut off due to the AC power cord connecting the shopping terminal or the video intercom to the power supply being unplugged.

[0142] Figure 2A It shows that Figure 1 The circuit shown in A is the reverse of the circuit, which is mostly the same as the circuit 100, but does not include the power output circuits 250-255, the battery 230 and the battery charger 231, and is used to connect the two lines at opposite ends of the twisted pair cable 10.

[0143] Video / FSK modulator / demodulator 202, bidirectional ASK modulator / demodulator 203 and the entire package 201 and Figure 1 The same package as IC101 in A. The same applies to Figure 1 The circuits shown in A are the same or similar operational amplifiers and drivers 220-223, reference resistors 280-287, coupling capacitors 270-277, BPFs 226 and 227, HPFs 224 and 225, NP capacitors, line transformer 242, and hands-free voice IC 206 as described in detail above.

[0144] The basic difference is the bridge rectifier 255 with power connection terminals 250-251, signal terminals 260-263 and battery terminals 232 and 233. Figure 1 Terminals 150 and 151 of A are connected to a power source, and terminals 250 and 251 output VCC to circuit 200. VCC for circuit 100 is fed directly from the unit main power supply 15 of the main unit or the matrix 600 to Figure 1 Terminals 164 and 165 of A.

[0145] Outbound video from terminal 261 and inbound video to terminal 260 are shown as inverting outbound and inbound video from and to terminals 160-161 of circuit 100. Control and command terminal 162 converts the ASK signal to Figure 7 communicates with the master or matrix controller 535 of the circuit, and Figure 2A The same control and command terminal 262 is also Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Communicates with the main CPU 205 of the shopping terminal shown in FIG.

[0146] FSK input-output propagation to Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The shopping terminal shown in FIG. 200 transmits bidirectional FSK data via terminal 263, twisted pair 10 and via terminal 163 of circuit 100 and communicates with the main or matrix controller 535 or with Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Communicates with the server 8 shown in FIG.

[0147] Figure 3A A circuit 190 is shown, which is Figure 1 A circuit 100 is similar to limiting FSK or FM modulated video to Figure 4A The circuit 190 to the circuit 290 is only one-way transmission. One-way FSK circuits are essential for closed-circuit electronic commerce, especially for updating the data stored in Fig.11A The stored data of the shopping terminal in the memory shown as 208 in Figure 11B is essential. One-way FM modulated video is essential for the video intercom system for transmitting the visitor's image.

[0148] Also applies to Figure 4A The circuit 290, which acts as Figure 2ACircuit 200 is similar to circuit 200, but only propagates FSK or FM modulated video unidirectionally from circuit 190 to circuit 290. Both circuits 190 and 290 use VID / FSK circuit 102 in part, with circuit 190 limiting circuit 102A to modulation-only functionality and limiting FSK / video selector 104A to a single selector for selecting an inbound signal between video or FSK data. Another variation is to eliminate differential amplifier driver 120 and differential amplifier 221 using all peripheral components, including terminals 160 and 261.

[0149] exist Figure 1 A and Figure 2A As shown in the above text Figure 3A and Figure 4A Other elements, terminals and components not mentioned in the circuits 190 and 290 are similar to and common to all four circuits 100, 200, 190 and 290. Figure 1 A and Figure 3A or Figure 2A and Figure 4A References and descriptions of elements, terminals and components of either circuit are identical, particularly circuits 100 and 190 and circuits 200 and 290 .

[0150] from Figure 1 A. Figure 2A , Figure 3A and Figure 4A It becomes clear from circuits 100, 200, 190 and 290 that a single twisted pair may be connected between a main router or matrix unit and shopping circuits of other single units in a given residence or building for propagating bidirectional audio signals, unidirectional and bidirectional ASK signals, unidirectional or bidirectional FM modulated video signals or FSK data signals and control signals, and including the feeding of controlled direct current and combinations thereof, wherein the unidirectional and bidirectional ASK signals are selected from the following group, including command signals, control signals, alarm signals, emergency signals, shopping signals, encoded data signals, any other data signals and combinations thereof.

[0151] It also becomes clear that a rechargeable battery can be connected to, associated with or built into the circuit 200 of the shopping terminal of said single unit of building.

[0152] When the shopping terminal is a television or a dedicated shopping terminal or a well-known box of a video intercom that is not connected to a building or house and there is no video from a unit like an input panel or a security camera transmitted to the shopping terminal, by eliminating the video / FSK selectors 104A and 204B and the terminals 161 and 260, respectively, Figure 3A and Figure 4AThe circuits 190 and 290 can be further reduced.

[0153] It is also clear that by removing the FSK / Video selector and fixing the connection Figure 1 A and Figure 2A The FSK ports of CPUs 105 and 205 without video transmission can eliminate terminals 160, 161, 260 and 261 together with selectors 104 and 204 to provide two-way FSK transmission to the reduced circuits as well as the other signals mentioned above in addition to one-way or two-way video, but FSK modulated digital video signals can be transmitted via CPUs 105 and 205 as will be further mentioned below.

[0154] Likewise, it would be possible to remove all audio components, such as transformers 142 and 242, hands-free ICs 106 and 206, capacitor NP, and audio terminals 140, 141, 240, and 241, and propagate any of the above mentioned signals without audio or a combination thereof.

[0155] It is also clear that with or without the DC power feed mentioned above, in the case of Figure 1 B. Figure 2B , Figure 3B and Figure 4B of Figure 1 A. Figure 2A , Figure 3A and Figure 4A The circuits 100, 190, 200 and 290 shown in the drawings may be modified and reduced in size and component count to provide the best practical circuits for selected unidirectional and bidirectional communications of the individual signals and combinations thereof mentioned above.

[0156] Figure 5A 4 is a block diagram of an input panel 400 of a video intercom system connected to the circuit 190 mentioned above. The input panel includes a microphone 401 and a microphone driver 411, a speaker 402 and a speaker amplifier 412, a camera 403 and a camera driver 413, a CPU 430, and a switch 420 for connecting / disconnecting a combination of three signals including an inbound microphone signal via a terminal 405, an outbound speaker signal via a terminal 406, and an inbound video via a terminal 407.

[0157] The well-known selection keys, display and other elements and functions usually provided for input panels are not shown in the Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Fig. 6A This is because Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Fig. 6A The input panel 400 is used to illustrate the Fig. 6A, Figure 6B , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The input panel 400 and / or e-service and / or e-store communications interface module 440 is shown with unique and inventive routing of incoming and outgoing signals propagating via the interface module 440 and the main unit 600 (also referred to as a matrix or router).

[0158] To simplify the explanation, Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The illustrated switch 420 is shown as a mechanical contact switch.The preferred embodiment of the present invention employs digital or analog routing or switching ICs that are well known and commonly available at low cost from many IC manufacturers throughout the world.

[0159] Voice and video signals may be analog or digital, compressed or uncompressed, with digital audio and video signals routed via system CPUs 205, 105, 430, and 535. Analog audio signals are connected and routed via terminals 140 (microphone) and 141 (speaker), and analog video signals are connected and routed to terminal 161 via camera 403 or other video source.

[0160] The video signal generated by the camera 403 refers to the camera used with the input panel of the video intercom system, however, when the video intercom monitor includes Fig.11A and Fig. 11B When the shopping terminal circuit 20 is used, the video signal connected and routed via the terminal 161 can be from Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The interface module 440 shown is used to link with input panels, electronic services and electronic shopping providers, and is used to connect with the input panel, electronic services and electronic shopping providers. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The switch 420 shown inside the input panel 400 is preferably included in Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The interface module shown in FIG. 12 is used to connect and / or route any video signal generated by the camera 403 and any video signal from the camera 403. Fig.13 Any video signal disseminated by the electronic service and electronic shopping provider shown.

[0161] When the audio signals as microphone signals, speaker signals and / or including camera signals or any other video signals mentioned above are digital signals, the connection and routing process is different.

[0162] Digital audio and / or video needs to be routed via high-speed FSK modulated signals, and therefore, microphone terminal 140, speaker terminal 141, and video terminal 161 are not used, but rather, the signals are connected and routed to I / O ports 431-433 of CPU 430 or module 440 of the input panel. CPU 430 propagates the signals via its I / O port 401 to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The main CPU 535 of the main units 600 and 690 is shown.

[0163] The main CPU 535 connects and routes the audio and video digital signals to the terminal 163 of the circuit 100. Because the circuits 190 and 290 of Figures 3 and 4 are provided with only one-way FSK and FM modulated video transmission, they cannot be used for two-way FSK signals, such as those required for inbound microphone signals and outbound speaker signals. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B For a module 440 storing data in memory 208 or memory buffer 208A as shown, circuits 190 and 290 may be used.

[0164] Circuits 190 and 290 may be used when the microphone signal and the speaker signal are analog and only the camera signal is digital. However, the programming selector connects and routes the camera signal to terminal 163 via CPU 430 and via CPU 535, and selectors 104A and 104B route the signal to the FSK demodulation circuit to process, decode and store the picture data to the terminal 163. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The video signal is stored in the memory 208 as shown. If the stored video signal is compressed, the CPU 205 decompresses the signal to be displayed on the shopping terminal screen 209.

[0165] When the visitor activates the input panel 400 using a touch screen, visitor selection keys or any other type of access (such as RFID card, picture recognition and the like), the switch 420 connects the speaker (sp.), microphone (mic.) and video signals generated by the camera 430 of the input panel.

[0166] The video, microphone and speaker signals are fed through terminals 405, 406 and 407 of the input panel to terminals 140, 141 and 161 of the circuit 100 or 190 respectively for communication with the video intercom 701 or as shown with Fig.12 The shopping terminal combined with the television (TV) 702 communicates. Fig.12 The input panel shown shows selection keys 409 and a display screen including a touch screen 404 and a camera 403 .

[0167] therefore, Figure 5A The switch 420 shown becomes a link switch between the single input panel shown and the circuit 190, feeding the inbound microphone and camera signals and receiving the outbound speaker signals for communicating with the video intercom 701 or the circuit 290 via the line 10. Fig.12 The shopping terminal and the TV set 702 shown in the combination communicate with each other. Fig.12 The switch-on command generated by the video intercom 701 or the shopping terminal 702, Figure 5A and Figure 5B The CPU 430 can be controlled by the main CPU 535 .

[0168] Figure 5B There are n input panels 400-1, 400-2 and 400-n shown, each including a switch 420. The CPU 430 is programmed to turn on only one switch 420, either by a visitor entering a randomly generated command on one of the panels or by a command generated and fed from the video intercom monitor 701 or the television 702 and propagated via the CPU 535. When another switch 420 is turned on, the CPU 430 rejects the switch-on command of the switch 420. It is important to limit the operation of the switch 420 to only one switch because Figure 5B The connection arrangement shown does not allow more than one input panel 400 to be linked to the circuit 100 or 190 .

[0169] Fig. 6A Shows Figure 5B The amplifying switching circuit in is used to connect any one of the input panels 400-1 to 400-n to a single circuit 190 (for example, circuit 190-1), or selectively connect any one of the panels 400 to any one of n circuits 190, or connect multiple input panels 400 to multiple circuits 190. Fig. 6A The circuit in FIG. 1 shows two input panels 400 - 2 and 400 - n connected to circuits 190 - n and 190 - 1 , respectively.

[0170] Specifically, input panel 400-2 is connected to circuit 190-n via switch 533-2 of combination switch 530-n shown in block 620-n. Input panel 400-n is connected to circuit 190-1 via switch 533-n of combination switch 530-1 in block 620-1. Switches 421-1-420-n are interconnected in a given pattern inside block 620 for providing the shortest possible link line within the PCB area.

[0171] The n combination switches 530-1 and 530-n shown each include n switches or routers 533-1, 533-2, and 533-n. The number of switches 533 of each combination switch 530 is selected to correspond to the number of modules 440, shown as n, including input panels 400 connected through the modules 440.

[0172] The main CPU 535 is programmed to turn on only one of the n switches 533 of a given combination switch 530 and a selected one of the switches 420. For example, Fig. 6A Input panel 400-2 is shown commanded to link with circuit 190-n via switches 420-2 and 533-2 of combination switch 530-n, and input panel 400-n is commanded to link with circuit 190-1 via switches 420-n and 533-n of combination switch 530-1, respectively.

[0173] Figure 5B and Fig. 6A The input panel 400 is shown as reduced, with drivers and / or signals not connected to Figure 5A In order to simplify the drawings, Fig. 6A The input panel 400 in FIG. 1 is shown as abbreviated, but should be considered to include Figure 5A The same blocks and circuits shown in Fig.12 A display with a touch screen 404 and other elements such as selection keys 409 are shown.

[0174] In addition, you can connect Fig. 6A and Figure 6B It is quite important and meaningful that only one switch 533 or 544 of a given combination switch 530 or 540 is shown in FIG. 4 , and the two switches 533 or 544 of a given combination switch 530 or 540 are not linked to the same input panel 404 or the same module 440. This restriction makes it obvious that any one of the circuits 190 can be directly linked to any one of the input panels 400, and other circuits 190 cannot be linked to the same input panel.

[0175] If the preferred embodiment program for CPU 205, 105, 430 and 535 has the same input panel 400, or as will be explained below, has the same input panel, or has also Figure 7 and Figure 8 If the same e-service and e-shopping interface module 440 is used as shown in FIG. 4 , then it prevents two or more circuits 100 , 190 , 200 and 290 from being crossed or linked together.

[0176] The programming of switches or routers used in a network (e.g., a building's infrastructure) must carefully consider the best methods for preventing hackers from intruding or abusing business transactions. TCP / IP signals that typically propagate in a network with routers and hubs (e.g., Ethernet) are easily accessible through the many hubs or routers of such a network, and the preferred embodiment of the present invention only provides physical routing for point-to-point communications.

[0177] Even though such a digital switch can be programmed for point-to-point links, typical IP routing via an IP digital switch, such as used by well-known digital switches in Voice over IP (VoIP) systems, is not a preferred embodiment.

[0178] Such IP switching ICs used in a commercial environment must be programmed with the shopping terminal circuit 100 or 190 and Figure 7 to Figure 10 A highly secure and restricted interconnection of the input panel 400 or module 440 is shown. However, this is not secure enough to prevent hackers from intruding into the interior of the building unless very high level security protection measures are applied, including encryption and other complex and expensive procedures.

[0179] To this end, the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a switching or routing device that is programmed to ensure the integrity of each line 10 and to ensure that two lines 10 cannot cross or be physically invaded and that a connection between residences or offices within a building cannot be misidentified or misdiagnosed as another registered user.

[0180] Particularly when the infrastructure is used for commercial purposes, such as e-shopping and e-services, which may include banking transactions, credit cards and insurance services, the programming of switches or routers designed for use in networks installed in multi-tenant buildings must include high-level security programming to prevent hacking and misuse.

[0181] This high level programming for residential buildings is extremely expensive, especially when the network is a local area (LAN) IP network, such as the well-known Ethernet. It is easy to penetrate from within the above system into the infrastructure based on commonly available hubs and routers used in Ethernet.

[0182] The simple removal of the RJ45 connector from a switching hub or router in a building's internal network and replacing it with an RJ45 plug linked to the hacker's PC provides a knowledgeable hacker with an easy way to break in, or it can be seen as an invitation to enter and abuse the system from the inside. Therefore, even a highly secure IP LAN system that includes encryption and other well-known firewalls will be rejected by most financial institutions, which generally refuse to connect to vulnerable networks.

[0183] The selected communications mentioned above are communications that enable the communication of data, commands and protocols to be transmitted in inbound and outbound directions using ASK and FSK modulated signals as well as video and audio signals, all of which are preferably used to include direct commands and protocols that direct data or transactions via different paths with synchronous random timing, such as interrupting an FSK stream for continuation via an ASK stream commanded via an audio stream.

[0184] The synchronous switching between the communication media on the connected single twisted pair is a star structure between the two circuits 100 and 200, which handles random synchronous command commands for pre-configured transactions and fully prevents any attempt to intrude into the system via the building's internal communication lines. This is another preferred embodiment of the programming used in the present invention.

[0185] It is preferred to have a system that prevents physical access to the switches within the building and / or the twisted pair 10. For example, the lines 10 shown between circuits 100 and 200 form a point-to-point star connection, which is shown as Figures 7-10 A direct connection between the main unit or matrix 600, 650, 670 or 690 in the building and each individual circuit 200 or 290 of each apartment or unit.

[0186] In addition, despite Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The switches shown in the figure are a combination of a set of mechanical switches or multi-pole switches and are individually numbered (e.g., 420, 533, or 544). The switches of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are combined into one or a very small number of IC packages, such as the well-known gate array (FPGA) and / or a large multiplexer with a multi-channel array, such as the arrays 530 and 540 with a common command to connect or simultaneously link the signal combinations mentioned above, and are also applicable to Fig. 6A and 6B Switch 420 in.

[0187] Other switches shown have common terminals and multi-pole channels for individually commanding and linking each path (e.g., included in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Each of the switches 551-554 and 561-563 of the router arrays 550 and 560 in the blocks 630 and 640 is connected to the n plurality of circuits 100 and 190, respectively.

[0188] When ASK and FSK IP signals (including VoIP and IP video signals) are transmitted through the main unit 600, 650, 670 or 690, the above-mentioned preferred embodiment includes well-known digital switches and switches for the main unit or matrix 600, 650, 670 or 690, preferably programmed to transmit the ASK and FSK IP signals (including VoIP and IP video signals) through each apartment or building unit. Fig.12 The single twisted pair 10 shown as being permanently connected between the main unit circuit 100 or 190 and the circuit 200 or 290 of the video intercom 701 or the shopping terminal 702 maintains a point-to-point direct connection.

[0189] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7 The main units 600 and 690 are shown, which are also called routing units, routers or matrices, for connecting or linking bidirectional video, FSK, ASK and audio signals, including the DC feed of controlled current via n twisted pairs 10 fixedly attached between n pairs of circuits 100 and 200 or 190 and 290, thereby selectively connecting n input panels 400 or electronic service or electronic shopping interface modules 440 with n video intercom monitors or including Figure 11A to Figure 13 The shopping circuit 20 is shown connected to other display devices.

[0190] The input panel, e-service and e-shopping module 440 is a connection module that includes Figure 7 In the Fig. 6A and 6B The switch 420 shown in FIG. 4 includes a CPU 430 for operating, for example, Fig.12 The basic input panel 400 shown in FIG. Figure 5A 4. The circuit is shown in FIG. 4 but without the switch 420.

[0191] With this arrangement, there is no need to Figure 5B The switch 420 that feeds the microphone, speaker and camera lines of the input panels 400-1 to 400-n in the remote terminal of the main unit 600 is preferably located at Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The vicinity of switch 533 or 544 in Fig. 6A In blocks 620-1 to 620-n and Figure 6B Thus, each input panel 400 is directly connected to a given termination point within the main unit, with each line terminated appropriately.

[0192] If the line of unlimited length is shown in Figure 5BIf the line is connected to the normally open switch 420, and the end of the line is in an open-tailed state, resulting in an imperfect or poor termination with a high standing wave ratio, proper termination will not be possible.

[0193] For this reason and to simplify the interconnection and termination of the lines of the system, preferably all connections 405, 406, 407 and 408 from the switch 420 into a central connection point are provided, leading to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Four-pole or three-pole switches or routers 544 or 533 within blocks 610 - 1 ˜ 610 - n of the main unit 600 and within blocks 620 - 1 ˜ 620 - n of the main unit 690 .

[0194] Each switch 544 of the router array 540 is operated so as to Figure 7 The four poles shown in link all four signals for linking the microphone, speaker, inbound video, and outbound video for each of the n circuits 100. Figure 8 The three-pole switch 533 of the router array 530 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the circuit 190, which does not provide outbound FM video and does not use the fourth pole. The switches 533 and 544 are concentrated into a small printed circuit board (PCB) area of ​​the blocks 610 and 620 with very short interconnect lines between them.

[0195] The switches 420 are operated via the CPU 430 of the module 440 and are preferably located in an area adjacent to the circuits 100 and 190, respectively. It is further preferred that all switches are grouped into a small area for exchanging combined signals with n number of circuits 100 or 190, each of which includes Figure 7 The four-pole switch or router 544 or Figure 8 The three-pole switch or router 533 shown in FIG. 5 is used to switch or route the microphone, speaker, inbound video and outbound video signals exchanged by the circuit 200 .

[0196] Even if the main unit 600 is constructed as a connection Figure 1 A circuit 100 can be introduced Figure 3A Circuit 190 is shown instead of circuit 100. The difference between circuits 100 and 190 is that circuit 190 is not provided with an outbound circuit for FM video signals nor with terminal 160. Therefore, when circuit 190 is connected, the fourth pole of switch 544 connected to the outbound FM video via terminal 160 of circuit 200 does not propagate the outbound FM video signal, but all other signals mentioned above, including microphone, speaker, camera signals, will be propagated rapidly.

[0197] Figure 8 A main unit 690 is shown, which is similar to Figure 7 The difference is that each circuit 190 uses a three-pole switch or router 533 instead of the four-pole switch or router 544 used in circuit 100. Since circuit 190 does not transmit outbound FM modulated video, outbound video terminal 160 and outbound video selector 104 are not required and are not included in circuit 190.

[0198] However, if Fig.11A The shopping circuit 20 in the embodiment is provided with a digital video source, the shopping circuit can generate and modulate a digital video signal to be transmitted via the CPU 205, 105 and the Fig.11A The I / O port of the CPU 535 feeds the outbound FSK modulated digital video signal.

[0199] The bidirectional ASK signal propagates at a preferred rate of 125K baud between CPUs 105, 205, 535 and 430. The ASK signal is accessible randomly and at any time via all elements, units and devices of the system (e.g., video intercom monitor 701, shopping terminal 702, circuits 100, 190, 200 and 290, input panel 400, interface module 440, main units 600, 650, 670 and 690, system server 8).

[0200] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Both the main units 600 and 690 shown in the figure clearly illustrate that any module 440 can selectively propagate unidirectional and bidirectional combinations of the signals mentioned above, selectively via switches or routers 420, 533 and 544 including CPU205 and 105, to exchange ASK and FSK signals with any selected circuit 200 or 290 via circuit 100 or 190, and fixedly connect the two circuits 100 and 200, or circuits 190 and 290 via a single twisted pair 10, including feeding a controlled DC current to the circuit 200 or 290 via the same twisted pair 10.

[0201] Fig. 9 Another switching or routing arrangement is shown via selectors or switches or routers 551-554 of a combined router 550. The individual switches, selectors or routers 551-554 of the combined router 550 shown are different from the switches 420 and switches or routers 533 or 544 of the combined switches 530 or 540 shown, depending on the number of poles of each switch or router and the number of switches or routers used and depending on the control applied, so that by operating via a single command Figure 7 and Figure 8A pair of switches or routers 420 and 533 or 420 and 544 shown in , all three-pole or four-pole switches or routers 420 , 533 and 544 are simultaneously operated to selectively link circuit 200 or 290 with module 440 via line 10 and circuit 100 or 199 .

[0202] In contrast, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The routers shown in FIG. 1 illustrate different switching configurations, thus, Figure 7 and Figure 8 A combination switch or router 530 or 540 or via Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The combined routers 550 and 560 link the three microphones, speakers and inbound video or camera signals mentioned above by switching three poles between the selected input panels 400, in module 440 (in Figure 7 to Figure 10 The switch or router 420 in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operation is selectively performed in the same manner as in .

[0203] For the avoidance of doubt, for the purpose of simplifying the description, the switches 420, 533, 544, 551-554 and 561-563 are shown as electrical contact switches, however, the switching, routing or selection devices 420, 533, 544, 551-554 and 561-563 may be mechanical contacts, but preferably are semiconductor devices known as routers, selectors, multiplexers and other well-known FETs or other switching transistors or packaged ICs that are available at low cost from many semiconductor manufacturers.

[0204] The poles of switches 420, 533 or 544, hereinafter referred to as "multi-routers", each include three or four poles that operate simultaneously. Other switches, including selectors 551-554 and 561-563 and hereinafter referred to as "port selectors", are fundamentally different. Each selector includes a common port of a router having input-output (I / O) n ports, each of which is controlled individually.

[0205] The two types of "multi-router" and "port selector" are selectively operated to connect one of the modules 440 to one of the circuits 100 or 190. Each of the switches or routers 420, 533 and 544 is Figure 7 and Figure 8 , to connect a combination of signals including a microphone, a speaker, an inbound video, and an outbound video between one of the circuits 100 or 190 and one of the modules 440 or between multiple circuits 100 or 190 and multiple modules 440.

[0206] Figure 7 The four-pole switch 544 in the embodiment links the microphone, speaker, inbound video and outbound video to one of the modules 440, Figure 8 The three-pole switch 533 of the master unit 690 does not link or propagate the outbound FM video signal.

[0207] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The selective routing of microphone, speaker, inbound video, and outbound video signals via routers 551-554 and 561-563, which include a common port and n I / O ports and are referred to as "port selectors," is shown. Fig. 9 and 10 Clearly shows Figure 7 and Figure 8 The difference between the routers 551-554 or 561-563 of the main units 650 and 670 and the switches 533 or 544 of the main units 600 and 690 is shown in FIG.

[0208] The number of "multi-routers" 533 and 544 per circuit 100 or 190 is equal to the number of "multi-routers" 533 and 544 embedded in or connected to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The number of modules 440 of the main units 600 and 690 includes the number of input panels 400 connected to the main unit via the modules 440.

[0209] There are only six "port selectors" 561-563 for the n circuits 190 of each block 640, and only eight "port selectors" 551-554 for each Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Each block 630 of the main unit 670 and 650 has n circuits 100 .

[0210] By introducing n I / O ports to all “port selectors” equal on one side to the number of circuits 100 or 190 of each block 630 or 640 and on the other side to the number of modules 440 connected to or embedded in the main unit 670 or 650, it is possible to link the n lines 10 of a block 630 or 640 using a combined router array comprising only six or eight “port selectors”. The number of modules 440 includes the number of input panels 400 connected to the main units 670 and 650, respectively, via the modules 440.

[0211] There is no practical limit to the use of either type of "multi-router" or "port selector" since the number of modules and circuits 100 and 190 is limited to a finite number, such as 16 or 32. The choice is determined by cost and by the number of modules 440 and connecting lines 10 required for a given building infrastructure.

[0212] Fig.11A A circuit block diagram of a shopping terminal 20 within a network 5 is shown, which is connected to a main unit 600, 650, 670 or 690 via a single twisted pair 10, and the main unit is further connected to a server 8 via an internal line 7, which is connected to a virtual private network (VPN) network 5 shown within the network 5.

[0213] The shopping terminal 20 includes a display and a touch screen 209 operated by a control, communication and power supply circuit 21 including a CPU 205, a memory 208 called "terminal memory" and circuits 200 or 290. The circuit 21 also includes a built-in or optional rechargeable battery 230 or an external power source, which can be connected to any well-known DC power supply or AC adapter via terminals 231 and 232 to power the shopping terminal.

[0214] The preferred embodiment includes a rechargeable battery 230, but any other power source may be substituted to provide power only in the operating mode, only in the standby mode, or in both the standby and operating modes. Using an external power source may eliminate the use of the battery 230 or eliminate the overall power feed via the twisted pair 10 described in detail above, which includes the power terminals, power components (such as coils 153, 154, 256 and 257), rectifier 255, regulator 253, charging circuit 231, capacitors 152, 254 and 252, and Figure 1 A and terminals 150, 151, 232, 233, 250 and 251 in Figure 2A.

[0215] Fig.11A Also shown is a main router or matrix unit, which may be Figure 7 to Figure 10 Any one of the main units 600, 650, 670 and 690 shown in , wherein the main unit includes a CPU or system controller 535; Figure 7 to Figure 10 Shown are a switch or routing matrix 530, 540, 550 or 560; a memory 536 attached to a CPU 535; n interface modules 440; a power supply 15 for feeding VCC to the system and feeding a controlled current via terminals 150 and 151; and n circuits 100 or 190.

[0216] Fig.11A The block diagram of the system components shown in the clearly identifies the simple structure of the shopping platform in each shopping terminal 20 interconnected by a single twisted pair 10, including power supply at least in standby mode, so that shopping data and service data can still be updated even when a residential, office or commercial unit in a building is in a power switching state.

[0217] Fig.11AThe main unit is also shown connected to a server and a network 5 selected from the group consisting of a dedicated network, a private network, a public network, and the Internet, wherein the Internet includes a wireless network extension 5A and combinations thereof. The wireless network extension is selected from the group consisting of a mobile device, Bluetooth, WiFi, and combinations thereof. The VPN shown in the network cloud 5 is a virtual private network program that is customized for any of the above networks, including the wireless network 5A.

[0218] As shown, the antenna of the WiFi, mobile device or Bluetooth network 5A operates through the VPN cloud, but it can be directly connected to the server 8 to communicate with the WiFi or Bluetooth signal, such as communicating with a handheld delivery tablet or delivery device 820 held by a delivery person or waiter, or it can also be Fig.14 and Fig. 15B The smart shopping cart shown incorporates a similar delivery device 860 to confirm that the goods are delivered to the residential units of the building or the residents in the local vicinity. US patent application 13 / 599,275 (page 39, lines 3-12) also discloses this radio frequency delivery tablet.

[0219] Fig. 11B The illustrated method simplifies loading, updating and upgrading memory 208 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal memory") and recalling display pages for selecting electronic shopping and electronic services via shopping terminal 20. The illustrated recalling of display pages to memory buffer 208A is described in detail in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 599,275.

[0220] What becomes clear is that Figure 1 A~ Figure 4B Circuits 100, 190, 200 and 290 in the present invention are used to provide high speed FSK data of up to 5.0 Mb via a single twisted pair 10, wherein the single twisted pair 10 feeds a calculated controlled DC current to charge the battery 230 and maintain backup power for the CPU 205 and memory 208, thereby randomly or regularly receiving and installing new add-ons, upgrading and / or updating the terminal memory without disrupting ongoing communications.

[0221] It further becomes clear that since the cable length of the twisted pair in a direct point-to-point connection is greater than 200m or 650ft, this greatly improves the security of communications transmitted via the internal lines of the shopping infrastructure of a residence, office building or housing complex, and can instantly provide the required speed to update shopping data and service data to a large residential complex at any time.

[0222] In addition, FSK data is augmented and supported by high speed bidirectional ASK data to synchronize commands to various circuits corresponding to system operation and signal propagation. Different synchronization procedures are provided for update data and shopping and operation command signals via a single twisted pair 10.

[0223] Although it is advantageous to use a single twisted pair to propagate all of the above-mentioned signals including constant current feed, it is equally feasible to use a standard CAT5 cable comprising four twisted pairs for point-to-point connections, wherein each twisted pair propagates one or two of the signals, for example one for bidirectional FSK, one for bidirectional ASK, one for audio and FM modulated video, and the last for feeding DC power, in which case the power does not need to be fed with a controlled current, but can instead be fed with a stable voltage.

[0224] The use of high speed FSK data at a carrier frequency of 10-20 MHz enables the FSK signal to propagate well over 200 m or 650 ft. The power feed may also be a power feed for powering the circuit 200 or 290 and for charging the rechargeable battery using a trickle charge of, for example, 50 mA. Thus for smaller residential buildings such as those with 8 or 16 or 20 apartments where the lower installation cost advantage of a non-polar single twisted pair is meaningless, it is possible to install standard CAT5 cable rather than a single twisted pair, although point-to-point wiring is much more complicated to install.

[0225] It should be noted that the above references indicate that the twisted pair of CAT5 that can propagate a given signal is a matter of choice, and that the signal is preferably propagated via four twisted pairs together with a direct current feed or no power feed. In addition, as an option, a CAT5 cable can be used partially, for example using two twisted pairs or three twisted pairs instead of one twisted pair, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] Likewise, video signals from an entry panel to a building or access controller can be transmitted and routed or switched via coaxial cable, and audio can be transmitted via shielded wire or cable. Figure 1 The audio transformers 142 and 242 of FIG. 4 are not necessary, and if the video signal is propagated via a coaxial cable, the FM modulator and the selector 104 / 204 of the modulation / demodulation circuit 102 will be replaced by a video router.

[0227] Likewise, Fig.12 The shopping terminal circuit of the TV receiver 702 and different TV boxes (such as Fig.13 The set-top box 703 and the electronic shopping box 705) can be connected to a network of antenna cables or to a cable TV distributor via fiber optic cables, multi-core cables, and other special dedicated cables.

[0228] Fig.12 A video intercom system 700 for a building is shown, which includes n input panels 400, including Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The n video intercom monitors 701-1 to 701-n of the shopping circuit 20 include Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The n television receivers 702-1 to 702-n of the shopping circuit 20 in the embodiment of the present invention and a well-known video intercom circuit similar to the circuit used for the video intercom 701. Each of the video intercom monitors 701 and each of the television receivers 702 are connected to the main router or matrix unit 600, 650, 670 or 690 via a single twisted pair line 10.

[0229] The main router or matrix unit is also shown connected to the server 8 via the system CPU 535 and to the network 5 via interconnect lines 7 including network interface lines 6.

[0230] The network 5 including a virtual private network (VPN) is connected through a smart grid 36 to the service and commodity providers shown selected from an e-concierge center 30, an e-store 31, an e-service 32, an e-banking or credit facility 33, an emergency service 34, alarm monitoring and support 35, and power consumption reporting and control.

[0231] The services and merchandise shown, as well as those of others referred to as online providers and organizations, are indicative or aggregate of many various electronic shopping and electronic service providers and facilities that may be introduced and connected to the building's infrastructure including internal communications lines via the network 5 and system server 8 utilizing the circuits 100, 190, 200, and 290 described above.

[0232] Although not shown in the drawings, it will be apparent that server 8 may be linked to a computing cloud provider to store and update provider programs, customized for each individual occupant or tenant of a building as further disclosed in the referenced U.S. patents and pending applications.

[0233] Further details covering references to power consumption reporting and control via the smart grid 36 are provided in U.S. Patents 639,907; 7,649,727; 7,864,500; 7,937,647; 8,041,221; 8,148,921; 8,170,722; 8,175,463; 8,269,376; 8,331,794; 8,331,795; 8,340,527; 8,344,668; 8,384,249; 8,441,824; 8442,792 and U.S. Patent Applications 13 / 349,939 and 13 / 599,275.

[0234] Fig.13 shows a similar Fig.12 The dedicated electronic shopping infrastructure shown in FIG. 7 does not have an infrastructure of an input panel 400 and a video intercom monitor 701. Instead, the shopping circuit 20 and the circuits 200 or 290 are included in a set-top box 703 that connects the cable TV network 801 to the cable TV 704 via a distributor 802.

[0235] The shopping circuit 20 is also included in a shopping box 705 including the circuit 200 or 290. The shopping box 705 is connected to a terrestrial television set 706 and to an antenna 803 via an antenna distributor 804. Also shown is a dedicated shopping terminal 707 including the circuit 200 or 290.

[0236] Each of the n circuits 200 or 290 mentioned above is also connected via Figure 1 A~Figure B, Figure 2A ~ Figure B, Figure 3A ~ Figure B and Figure 4A The terminals 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B mentioned and shown in Figure B are connected to the circuit 100 or 190 of the main unit 600, 650, 670 or 690 through a single twisted pair 10-1, 10-2 and 10-n. The difference is that the input panel and the microphone, speaker and Fig.12 Inbound video or camera signals shown or referred to in.

[0237] However, even though analog signals are not shown, as described above, the microphone, speaker, and inbound camera signals can be transmitted in digital form via two-way FSK via the system controller 535, and it is possible to enter the building via a well-known access control system (not shown) and communicate with the access control from an apartment or office via the microphone 711 shown included in the set-top box 703, the electronic shopping box 705, and the dedicated shopping terminal 707.

[0238] Speakers (not shown but included) are shown in the cable television 704, terrestrial television 706, and speaker 712 is shown in the dedicated shopping terminal 707. The digital camera used to generate the digital video signal is not shown, but it is a well known camera used with access control of buildings.

[0239] With this setup, Fig.13 The system shown in will have Fig.12 705, and expands the range of display and communication devices that can provide electronic shopping of the present invention to include many different set-top boxes and / or converter boxes, including antenna and cable TV boxes and literally any type of television or any type of shopping box such as the box 705 shown.

[0240] The system server 8 is shown in FIG. 11 and Fig.12 The system is connected to the system controller 535 via line 7 and to the network via line 6 in the same manner as shown in the figure, and also includes a wireless antenna 5A for communicating with wired and wireless networks such as WiFi, Bluetooth and / or mobile networks, especially with couriers operating from embedded distribution warehouses within a building or a complex of buildings.

[0241] Embedded delivery stations within buildings or residential areas offer a clear and unambiguous solution to the ongoing problems and difficulties affecting electronic shopping for groceries and fresh or prepared foods. Many attempts by large supermarkets to create more efficient delivery methods and systems, especially for fresh foods and other groceries, have been unsuccessful because rapid delivery within a short time, such as within 30 minutes, is simply out of scope.

[0242] The solution of achieving such fast delivery via embedded e-shopping delivery stations or warehouses is described in U.S. Application No. 13599275, page 39, lines 3 to 12. However, fast delivery cannot be provided by delivery stations embedded in the basement of a building or in an apartment of a building, unless the whole concept of e-shopping is modified to enable fast and simple processing and logistics to achieve fast delivery within a building or a group of buildings or a residential area.

[0243] Fig.14 The infrastructure within the building 70 is shown, while the occupant 800 is accessing the terminal 70 via the recalled display pages 46-49 and Fig. 11B The memory buffer 208A shown in FIG. 1 completes the order on the display, operation and touch screen 209 of the shopping terminal circuit 20, which is Fig.13 Also shown is a dedicated shopping terminal 207.

[0244] In the whole process of selecting and completing the order, the shopping terminal is operated in the shopping mode and there is no communication on the line. Shopping and ordering are completed based on the updated program and the content of the terminal memory 208 stored in the shopping terminal itself.

[0245] Updates are continuous, random and / or scheduled data streams used to keep products, product prices, availability and delivery details always up to date. Thus, the selection and ordering process is based on the actual available products at the specified price and in deliverable stock as provided by the update data.

[0246] When product selection, delivery, billing details, and payment are complete, resident 800 sends the completed order, shown as sent order 802, to host 600, 650, 670, or 690 via line 10. Fig.13 The CPU 535 of the main unit shown in Figure 4 processes the order and feeds an interface signal 804 detailing the order to the system server 8 via the interface module 440 and line 7. The system server propagates data relating to the received order 806 to the e-Concierge centre 30 via line 6 and the network 5 shown as VPN, where the data is adapted or interfaced to a given network 5 protocol.

[0247] The electronic concierge center 30 is the entity that registers, operates, and controls the closed circuit electronic shopping and electronic services of the present invention, and the electronic concierge center 30 records and verifies all transactions such as 808 within the VPN. After the order is verified, it is forwarded to the electronic bank and credit equipment 33 for payment processing.

[0248] Since the electronic shopping of the present invention is conducted in a closed circuit in a virtual private network, all residents and suppliers are registered customers and suppliers through the electronic concierge center 30, including all financial institutions such as banks, credit cards, billing and credit facilities. With this arrangement, residents do not need to identify themselves because their location, supply store or delivery station is registered and recorded. This arrangement makes payment transactions simple, and the electronic banking and credit facility 33 verifies the payment and sends the verified order and payment 810 to the electronic store 31.

[0249] Further, the system server 8 shown may be located at Fig.14 The electronic shopping program may be carried out within or within the building 70, but it may be a server in a known cloud computing service that is integrated with the servers of other entities participating in the electronic shopping program so that all transactions moving in stages will move within the ultra-high speed range of today's and future cloud computing to complete order processing and payment in an instant.

[0250] After payment verification, the original order 802 shown as 812 is propagated from the electronic store server 31 to the electronic shopping delivery station 62 located in the basement B172 of the building 70. This prompts the delivery person to load the ordered groceries 68 into the shopping cart 66 and go to the elevator 71 to quickly deliver the ordered goods to the occupant 800 in his or her apartment inside the building.

[0251] To complete the cycle, the resident enters the pre-assigned code into the wireless delivery tablet 820, which communicates via WiFi or Bluetooth antenna 5A of server 8 or via the illustrated antenna 5A of the shopping terminal through which the order was generated.

[0252] This completes the order and payment by debiting the electronic store 31 and billing the electronic bank 32 of the resident 800. The electronic store will automatically adjust the stock count and / or instruct the central warehouse to replace the sold goods to the delivery station 62 of the building 70 during the next scheduled delivery period or arrange for immediate delivery as the case may be, for example, because the sold goods have depleted the entire stock or reduced the stock to below a set minimum level.

[0253] The above-mentioned delivery person who loads the ordered groceries 68 into the shopping cart 66 may have difficulties. For example, the delivery person 809 may mistakenly take a bag of lemons instead of a bag of oranges, and this mistake is not discovered until the groceries are delivered to the resident 800. Such mistakes can cause a lot of trouble, time loss and delays because the delivery person must return to the delivery station, replace the package and then re-deliver the correct goods, which is very time-consuming, causing delays and high costs to the entire process. In order to avoid such mistakes, error prevention must be used to make the pickup and delivery logistics accurate and efficient.

[0254] Another important item is the receipt of the order by the delivery person. Printing out the received order or orders on paper requires manual processing, so that the paper order may not be noticed, processed incorrectly and / or violate the order principle of "first received order first processed".

[0255] For this reason, and for reasons that will be explained later, small distribution stations can be Fig.14 and Fig.15A The wireless delivery tablet 820 shown operates the received orders, but larger delivery stations are preferably used Fig. 15B Automated smart shopping cart 850 is shown.

[0256] The functions and features of the delivery tablet computer 820 and the smart shopping cart 850 may be similar or identical, wherein the delivery tablet computer 820 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and memory (not shown), a display and operation screen 822, operation keys 821, and optional modules, the optional modules including a barcode reader 823, front and rear cameras 824 / 825, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and antenna 827, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and antenna 828, and an order / delivery status indicator 826. Comparable items of the smart shopping cart 850 are a CPU and memory (not shown), a display and operation screen 862, operation keys 861, and modules, the modules including a barcode reader 863, front and rear cameras 864 / 865, an RFID reader and antenna 867, an RF transceiver and antenna 868, and an order / delivery status indicator 866.

[0257] The procedures and logistics involved include: receiving the order via an RF transceiver and antenna, whether WiFi, Bluetooth or other wireless RF signals and frequencies, the order details are displayed on screen 822 or 862, and the status indicator 826 or 866 indicates that the order has been received and is awaiting picking and delivery through the color of the status indicator or by, for example, a flashing light emitting diode (LED).

[0258] The delivery person 809 picks up the delivery tablet computer 820 or the smart shopping cart 860. For the goods identified by the barcode, the delivery person takes it from the storage device, whether it is from Fig. 15C The product is removed from the shelf, bin, or storage rack shown, or from a refrigerator (not shown), scanned, and placed in the smart shopping cart 850 or Fig.14 Before the product is placed in the non-intelligent shopping cart 66 or shopping basket, the product is scanned by a barcode reader 823 or 863. For items identified by RFID tags, the product can be scanned by the antenna 827 of the RFID reader of the delivery tablet 820, or automatically scanned by simply placing the picked item into the storage space 852 of the shopping cart.

[0259] RFID antenna 867 surrounds the upper edge of the smart shopping cart 850 and automatically detects RFID tags passing by products placed in the shopping cart. Whenever the barcode scanner or RFID reader identifies a product as one of the pre-ordered items, the picked product displayed on screens 822 and 862 changes its status and indication from "order generated" to "picked".

[0260] Attempts to pick and scan or place non-ordered products will be rejected by sounding an alert indicating that the wrong product is being picked and should not be placed in the cart or delivered. After the pickup of the products or items in a given order has been completed, the indicator will change its indication, such as its color, to indicate a waiting delivery status, prompting the courier to initiate action and deliver the ordered products to the occupant.

[0261] Once physically delivered, each item is scanned by the delivery tablet 820 to confirm that it has been removed from the smart shopping cart 850 or removed from the Fig.14 The non-intelligent shopping cart 66 shown is taken out, and each item in the order listed on the screen will indicate the product or item that has been taken out. Fig.14 The resident of the 800 will key in the pre-assigned code that the delivery is complete, the order will be closed, the payment will be processed, and the electronics provider's inventory will be adjusted as mentioned above.

[0262] Cameras 824 / 825 and 864 / 865 are introduced to take pictures and record the recipient occupant to create a temporary file containing proof of receipt of the goods at the time of delivery.

[0263] Another important item is the processing of delivery orders received simultaneously, whether it is a small or large delivery station, each such station is preferably equipped with multiple delivery tablets 820 and / or smart shopping carts 850, all of which are programmed to operate in a "first received order first processed" (first in, first out) order. If there is more than one courier at the delivery station, the orders received in sequence will be processed simultaneously. Attempting to process orders contrary to the programmed order of receipt will not be possible and an error will be indicated by sound and / or display.

[0264] It should be noted that the smart shopping cart 850 is shown in a square shape, which is suitable for moving merchandise within an elevator. The folding table 853, handle 851 and delivery unit 860 are not shown in size and / or exact shape, but are merely to provide an image of the smart shopping cart 850.

[0265] The last important item is the power source for the smart shopping cart 850 and delivery tablet 820. The preferred embodiment uses rechargeable batteries (not shown) that are continuously charged whenever the smart shopping cart 850 and delivery tablet 820 are not in use, attached or plugged into a shopping cart designated charger (not shown) or delivery tablet on a stand (not shown) where the shopping cart is parked.

[0266] Fig. 15CAn exemplary automated storage rack 880 for storing groceries is shown as a commodity example. Not all boxes shown are identical, for example, bread box 881-1 is covered with front glass. Similar covers are provided for fruit boxes 881-2 and 881-3.

[0267] The other boxes 882-1 to 882-6 contain solid packages, such as bottles, cans, jars or cartons and do not require cover protectors.

[0268] However, as an example, each box includes a hanging or attached tablet computer 870 for identifying products, inventory numbers, and orders in process, including a display 872 enhanced by a group indicator 876 for identifying orders in process, the resident who placed the order, and other details such as, for example, quantity, price, and delivery time when the delivery person is not near the storage rack. Each box is further provided with a bar code reader 873, an RFID reader 877, and an RF transceiver and antenna 878 for communicating with the delivery person. Fig.14 The delivery station server 65 and / or communicates with the delivery tablet computer 820, the delivery unit 860, or with Fig.14 Communicates with the distribution station server 65.

[0269] The attached tablet computer 870, built in or attached by hanging or other means, further includes a CPU and memory (not shown), operating keys and / or a touch screen for processing new goods, returned goods, removals, inputs, adjusting inventory levels and any other operating modes required for handling inventory in boxes, shelves, pallets, racks, shopping carts, shopping baskets, containers or other storage devices such as refrigeration, freezing or heating boxes and / or heaters for cooking food and the like.

[0270] With the support of smart shelves or automated storage racks 880, or boxes, or cabinets and other smart storage facilities, including delivery tablets 820 and delivery units 860, all of which communicate with each other and with the server 65 of the delivery station and the shopping terminal at the residence of the resident who placed the order, the delivery process is significantly upgraded to prevent errors and ensure efficient and on-time delivery.

[0271] Fig.14 The closed circuit e-commerce entity of the VPN network 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a building server 8 , an electronic concierge center 30 which is a server controlling the closed circuit e-commerce entity, an electronic banking and credit facility 33 , and an electronic store 31 . Fig.14 The closed circuit e-commerce representation ratio Fig.12 and Fig.13The entity shown is a smaller closed circuit e-shopping entity. Obviously, other providers can be added, including services 32, stores 31, finance 30, emergency 34 and / or power consumption reports 36 and / or many other service and commodity providers to expand closed circuit e-commerce to many areas of business, lifestyle and security.

[0272] On the other hand, not all systems need to be large and cover every aspect of services and goods. Some systems may be designed and created for specific e-commerce activities. For example, a grocery or pharmaceutical or office supply provider may operate a single warehouse unit for a large residential or office building via one or two delivery stations to provide fast delivery within the building or residential area. Such provider management may manage specific closed circuit e-commerce and replace the electronic concierge center 30 shown.

[0273] Therefore, for certain e-commerce activities, such as grocery stores, an e-concierge center may not be needed and may not be used. Similarly, the network 5 may be a dedicated network 5 rather than a Fig.14 In addition, for such specific or limited operations, the provider may handle administration, credit and payment and may not need to include a bank / credit provider 33 in the closed circuit e-commerce entity.

[0274] This leaves only two servers 8 and 31, operating via a dedicated or private network 5, which form a particular e-commerce entity, albeit small and limited in options, which can operate effectively and efficiently with the circuits and processes disclosed above.

[0275] Of course, it should be understood that the disclosure relates only to a preferred embodiment of the invention and is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention chosen herein for disclosing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Distribution station, including: Site server; a plurality of smart storage facilities, wherein each smart storage facility of the plurality of smart storage facilities includes a built-in or attached tablet computer; Wherein, the tablet computer includes a CPU, a memory, operating keys and / or a touch screen; wherein each smart storage facility is configured with at least a first barcode reader and a first RF transceiver; At least one intelligent delivery device includes a delivery CPU, a delivery memory, operation keys and an operation screen, and also includes at least one second barcode reader and a second RF transceiver; wherein the station server communicates with at least one electronic store server via at least one network to load and transfer updated data and details of stock levels of each item stored in each of the smart storage facilities between the station server and the electronic store server and between the station server and each of the smart storage facilities and the smart delivery devices; wherein the first and second RF transceivers further communicate with each other and with the station server to update data regarding products, product prices, availability, and delivery details, including the entry of new goods, the entry and removal of each given item stored in each given smart storage facility, and inventory levels; wherein said updated data is always further propagated from at least one electronic store server to a server of a first building, and propagated via the server of the first building to a memory of at least one apartment terminal of said first building associated with said delivery station, so as to always provide said apartment terminal with accurate updated status and details for generating and propagating delivery details of at least one item stored and available in said delivery station; and Among them, at least one intelligent distribution device also includes an order / delivery status indicator. When an order is received, the order details are displayed on the operation screen, and the status indicator shows that the order has been received and is waiting for picking and delivery through the color of the status indicator or through a flashing light-emitting diode LED.

2. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The delivery station is physically located in a space external to the first building or group of buildings, and wherein the space is selected from the group consisting of a basement and an apartment and combinations thereof; wherein the plurality of smart storage facilities are selected from the group consisting of storage racks, shelves, storage boxes, cabinets, pallets, stands, containers, refrigeration, freezing or heating boxes and / or heaters for cooking food and combinations thereof, wherein the smart delivery device is selected from the group consisting of a delivery tablet, a smart shopping cart with a surrounding RFID antenna for automatic identification of collected items, and a combination of the delivery tablet with at least one of a shopping basket and a shopping cart; Wherein, the distribution station is configured as a location selected from the group consisting of: a store, a warehouse, and a combination thereof.

3. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The station server is at least one of a standalone server and a cloud computing server for communicating with the electronic provider server via the network selected from the group consisting of a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), and combinations thereof; wherein the station server communicates with at least one provider server by propagating signals selected from the group consisting of electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals, and combinations thereof; Wherein, the signals transmitted between the station server and each of the smart storage facilities including the storage device, the station server and the smart distribution device, and between the smart distribution device and the smart storage facility are selected from the following group, which includes electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals and combinations thereof.

4. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The smart storage facility including the storage devices is constructed as a smart box of automated racks.

5. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The apartment terminal generating the delivery detail signal is selected from the group consisting of a video intercom monitor, a television receiver, a cable television receiver, a terrestrial television receiver, a set-top box, a cable television box, a television converter box, a dedicated shopping box, a dedicated shopping terminal, and combinations thereof; and wherein the apartment terminal broadcasts the delivery detail signal via a server of the first building and via at least one of an electronic concierge center, an electronic banking and credit facility, and an electronic store server.

6. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The delivery station stores one of similar and different items provided by at least two different providers, wherein the station server communicates with at least two provider servers via the at least one network, the at least two provider servers including status, update and delivery detail signals identified for the items provided by the two providers, and wherein the apartment terminal generates the delivery detail signals of items provided by at least two different providers in a single transmission via the first building server.

7. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: When confirmation of delivery is received via one of the apartment terminal and the smart delivery device, payment for the delivery is performed by a payment provider selected from the following group: a credit provider, a credit card provider, a bank provider, a financing provider, a clearing provider and combinations thereof.

8. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The intelligent delivery device also includes a camera, which captures images of residents receiving the delivery for recording and storage in the memory of the first building server.

9. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The smart storage device includes a memory for loading data and details about at least one apartment and about specific items, the data and details being selected from the following group, including stored goods, expiration dates, prices, basic inventory quantities, minimum inventory quantities, out of stock, received orders, order quantities, ordering apartments, picking status, regular delivery, emergency delivery, required delivery time and combinations thereof.

10. The distribution station according to claim 1, wherein: The data on the picked items are still transitional data, waiting for one of the resident's confirmation and cancellation to become final data.

11. A method for accurately delivering items stored in a delivery station, the delivery station comprising: Site server; a plurality of smart storage facilities, wherein each smart storage facility of the plurality of smart storage facilities includes a built-in or attached tablet computer; Wherein, the tablet computer includes a CPU, a memory, operating keys and / or a touch screen; wherein each smart storage facility is configured with at least a first barcode reader and a first RF transceiver; and At least one intelligent delivery device includes a delivery CPU, a delivery memory, an operation key and an operation screen and also includes at least one second barcode reader and a second RF transceiver; at least one intelligent delivery device also includes an order / delivery status indicator; Wherein, the website server communicates with at least one electronic store server via at least one network, and the method comprises: a. Loading and transmitting updated data and details of inventory levels of each item stored in each of the smart storage facilities between the station server and the electronic store server and between the station server and each of the smart storage facilities and the smart distribution device; b. The first and second RF transceivers also communicate with each other and with the station server to update data about products, product prices, availability, and delivery details, including new stock input, input and removal of each given item stored in each given smart storage facility, and inventory levels; c. the updated data is always further propagated from the at least one electronic store server to the server of the first building, and propagated via the server of the first building to the memory of at least one apartment terminal of the first building associated with the delivery station, so as to always provide the apartment terminal with accurate updated status and details to generate and propagate the delivery details of at least one item stored and available in the delivery station; and d. When an order is received, the order details are displayed on the operation screen of the intelligent distribution equipment, and the status indicator shows that the order has been received and is waiting for picking and delivery through the color of the status indicator or through the flashing diode LED.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The delivery station is constructed to be physically located in a space outside a building or a complex of buildings, and wherein the space is selected from the group consisting of a basement and an apartment and combinations thereof; wherein the plurality of smart storage facilities are selected from the group consisting of storage racks, shelves, storage boxes, cabinets, pallets, stands, containers, refrigeration, freezing or heating boxes and / or heaters for cooking food and combinations thereof, wherein the smart delivery device is selected from the group consisting of a delivery tablet, a smart shopping cart with a surrounding RFID antenna for automatic identification of collected items, and a combination of the delivery tablet with at least one of a shopping basket and a shopping cart; Wherein, the distribution station is configured as a place selected from the following: a store, a warehouse and a combination thereof.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The station server is at least one of a standalone server and a cloud computing server for communicating with the electronic provider server via the network selected from the group consisting of a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), and combinations thereof; wherein the station server communicates with at least one provider server by propagating signals selected from the group consisting of electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals, and combinations thereof; Wherein, the signals transmitted between the station server and each of the smart storage facilities including the storage device, the station server and the smart distribution device, and between the smart distribution device and the smart storage facility are selected from the following group, which includes electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals and combinations thereof.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The smart storage facility including the storage devices is constructed as a smart box of automated racks.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The apartment terminal is selected from the group consisting of a video intercom monitor, a television receiver, a cable television receiver, a terrestrial television receiver, a set-top box, a cable television box, a television converter box, a dedicated shopping box, a dedicated shopping terminal, and combinations thereof; and wherein the apartment terminal broadcasts the delivery detail signal via a server of the first building and via at least one of an electronic concierge center, an electronic banking and credit facility, and an electronic store server.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The delivery station stores one of similar and different items provided by at least two different providers, wherein the station server communicates with at least two provider servers via the at least one network, the at least two provider servers including status, update and delivery detail signals identified for the items provided by the two providers, and wherein the apartment terminal generates the delivery detail signals of items provided by at least two different providers in a single transmission via the first building server.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein: When confirmation of delivery is received via one of the apartment terminal and the smart delivery device, payment for the delivery is performed by a payment provider selected from the following group: a credit provider, a credit card provider, a bank provider, a financing provider, a clearing provider and combinations thereof.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The intelligent delivery device also includes a camera, which captures images of residents receiving the delivery for recording and storage in the memory of the first building server.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The smart storage device includes a memory for loading data and details about at least one apartment and about specific items, the data and details being selected from the following group, including stored goods, expiration dates, prices, basic inventory quantities, minimum inventory quantities, out of stock, received orders, order quantities, ordering apartments, picking status, regular delivery, emergency delivery, required delivery time, and combinations thereof.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The data on the picked items are still transitional data, waiting for one of the resident's confirmation and cancellation to become final data.

21. A smart delivery device, comprising circuitry configured as a tablet or handheld tablet for use in a smart shopping cart, for receiving orders, picking and delivering at least one ordered item stored in a plurality of smart storage facilities included in a delivery station; wherein a station server of the delivery station communicates with at least one electronic store server via at least one network to load and transfer updated data and details of stock levels of each item stored in each of said smart storage facilities between said station server and said electronic store server and between said station server and each of said smart storage facilities and said smart delivery devices; in, Each of the plurality of smart storage facilities includes at least one first barcode reader and a first RF transceiver; The intelligent delivery device includes a CPU delivery memory; a second RF transceiver for receiving orders, a display and operation screen for displaying order information; a second barcode reader for scanning items, and an order / delivery status indicator indicating that the order has been received, is waiting for picking, or is being delivered; wherein the second RF transceiver is configured to communicate with the first RF transceiver and with the station server for updating data regarding products, product prices, availability, and delivery details, including the entry of new goods, the entry and removal of each given item stored in each given smart storage facility, and inventory levels; wherein the intelligent delivery device is configured to, when picking and scanning or placing a non-ordered product, issue an alarm to indicate that an incorrect item is being picked and should not be placed in the shopping cart or delivered; Wherein, the delivery status indicator includes an LED for indicating that the order has been received, is waiting to be picked and is ready for delivery to the given apartment.

22. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: The station server is at least one of a standalone server and a cloud computing server for communicating with at least one electronic provider server via the network selected from the group consisting of a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), and combinations thereof; propagating a signal selected from the group consisting of an electrical signal, an RF signal, an optical signal, and combinations thereof; wherein the signals propagated between the distribution device, the station server, the distribution device, and the intelligent distribution facility including the storage device are selected from the group consisting of electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals, and combinations thereof; Wherein, the delivery device is selected from the following group, which includes a smart cart, a cart with a surrounding RFID antenna for automatically reading and identifying collected items, and a delivery tablet and a combination of the delivery tablet and one of a shopping basket and a cart.

23. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: The delivery station stores one of similar and different items provided by at least two different providers, wherein the station server communicates with at least two provider servers via the network, including status, update and delivery detail signals identified for items provided by the two providers, and wherein the apartment terminal generates the delivery detail signals for items provided by at least two different providers in a single transmission via the first building server.

24. The delivery device of claim 21, further comprising a camera, wherein the camera captures a picture of a resident receiving the delivery for recording and storing in a memory of the first building server.

25. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: When confirmation of delivery is received by a resident of the given apartment via one of the apartment terminal and the smart delivery device, payment for the delivery is performed by a payment provider selected from the following group: a credit provider, a credit card provider, a bank provider, a financing provider, a clearing provider and combinations thereof.

26. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: The data on the picked items are still transitional data, waiting for one of confirmation and cancellation by the resident of the apartment terminal to become final data.

27. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: The smart storage facility is used to display and indicate data and status selected from the following group, and the group includes stored goods, expiration dates, prices, basic inventory quantities, minimum inventory quantities, out of stock, received orders, order quantities, order apartment details data, picking status, regular delivery, emergency delivery, required delivery time and combinations thereof.

28. The delivery device of claim 21, configured to deliver the collected items by aiding delivery via a carrying and delivery support selected from the group consisting of a shopping basket, a shopping cart, a shopping cart suitable for use in an elevator, a shopping cart having an RFID antenna around its upper edge, a bar code reader, a folding table, a handle, and combinations thereof.

29. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: The space within the first building is selected from the group consisting of a basement, an apartment, and combinations thereof; Wherein, the distribution station is configured as a place selected from the following: a store, a warehouse and a combination thereof.

30. The dispensing device of claim 21, wherein: The given apartment terminal that generates the delivery detail signal via the building server is selected from the following group, the group including video intercom monitors, television receivers, cable television receivers, terrestrial television receivers, set-top boxes, cable television boxes, TV converter boxes, dedicated shopping boxes, dedicated shopping terminals and combinations thereof.

31. A method for receiving an order, picking and delivering at least one ordered item stored in a plurality of smart storage facilities included in a delivery station through a smart delivery device, wherein the smart delivery device includes circuitry configured as a tablet or handheld tablet for a smart shopping cart, the tablet or smart shopping cart including a CPU, a memory; Second RF transceiver, display and operation screen; A second barcode reader and an order / delivery status indicator, the method comprising the following steps: e. storing items in a given smart storage facility among a plurality of smart storage facilities, each of the plurality of smart storage facilities comprising a storage device including tablet computer circuitry, a first transceiver and a first barcode reader, operating keys and a touch screen, and updating the status, transactions and movements of items stored in each of the smart storage facilities; f. transmitting an updated status of the given item in the given smart storage facility via a station server managing the delivery station and a second transceiver included in the smart delivery device, wherein the station server communicates an updated status of the given item via a network with a provider server of the given item, and the provider server communicates an updated status of the given item via the network with a building server of the first building, and wherein the building server communicates the updated status at any time to update a memory of at least one given apartment terminal of a given apartment associated with the delivery station so as to provide an accurate basis to constrain the apartment terminal to generate delivery details only for items stored at the plurality of smart storage facilities and available for delivery; g. transmitting the delivery details for the given item from the given apartment terminal to the given provider via the building server of the first building and via the network so as to propagate the delivery details to the station server and to the first and second transceivers; h. Identifying the order in process, the resident placing the order and other details through a group indicator in the smart storage facility and indicating the receipt of the delivery details and preparing the picking status through at least one LED of the indicator of the smart delivery device; i. Scanning a given item in the smart storage facility via the first barcode reader and removing the given item, and scanning the given item via the second barcode reader and placing it into the smart delivery device, and transmitting the removal and input of the given item between the smart delivery device, the given smart storage facility and the station server; and j. The status of the given item to be input into the smart delivery device is updated, and at least one of the LEDs in the smart delivery device indicates that the picking is complete and ready for the accurate delivery.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein: The station server is at least one of a standalone server and a cloud computing server for communicating with an electronic provider server via the network selected from the group consisting of a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), and combinations thereof; propagating a signal selected from the group consisting of an electrical signal, an RF signal, an optical signal, and combinations thereof; The signals propagated between the smart distribution equipment, the station server, the distribution equipment and the smart distribution facility including the smart storage facility are selected from the following group, the group including electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals and their combinations; the distribution equipment is selected from the following group, the group including smart carts, carts with surrounding RFID antennas for automatically reading and identifying collected items, and distribution tablets and a combination of the distribution tablet with at least one of a shopping basket and a cart.

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein: The delivery station stores one of similar and different items provided by at least two different providers, wherein the station server communicates with at least two provider servers via the network, including status, update and delivery detail signals identified for items provided by the two providers, and wherein the apartment terminal generates the delivery detail signals for items provided by at least two different providers in a single transmission via the first building server.

34. The method of claim 31 further comprising a camera that captures images of residents receiving the delivery for recording and storage in a memory of the first building server.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein: When confirmation of delivery is received by a resident of the given apartment via one of the apartment terminal and the smart delivery device, payment for the delivery is performed by a payment provider selected from the following group: a credit provider, a credit card provider, a bank provider, a financing provider, a clearing provider and combinations thereof.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein: The data on the picked items are still transitional data, waiting for one of confirmation and cancellation by the resident of the apartment terminal to become final data.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein: The smart storage facility is used to display and indicate data and status selected from the following group, and the group includes stored goods, expiration dates, prices, basic inventory quantities, minimum inventory quantities, out of stock, received orders, order quantities, order apartment details data, picking status, regular delivery, emergency delivery, required delivery time and combinations thereof.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein: The delivery device is configured to deliver the collected items by assisting delivery through a carrying and delivery support selected from the group consisting of a shopping basket, a shopping cart, a shopping cart suitable for use in an elevator, a shopping cart with an RFID antenna around its upper edge, a bar code reader, a folding table, a handle, and combinations thereof.

39. The method of claim 31, wherein: The space within the first building is selected from the group consisting of a basement, an apartment, and combinations thereof; Wherein, the distribution station is configured as a place selected from the following: a store, a warehouse and a combination thereof.

40. The method of claim 31, wherein: The given apartment terminal that generates the delivery detail signal via the building server is selected from the following group, the group including video intercom monitors, television receivers, cable television receivers, terrestrial television receivers, set-top boxes, cable television boxes, TV converter boxes, dedicated shopping boxes, dedicated shopping terminals and combinations thereof.

41. A storage device, comprising tablet computer circuitry in one of a built-in configuration and a configuration attached to a smart storage facility to provide control, reporting and communication of each transaction movement and activity and status associated with at least one given item stored in a given smart storage facility, including processing new shipments, inputs, removals, collections, deliveries, returns, adjustments and updating inventory levels, wherein the given smart storage facility including the given storage device is one of a plurality of smart storage facilities, each of the plurality of smart storage facilities including storage devices communicating within a distribution station located in a remotely spaced space within one of a first building; The storage device also includes a CPU, a memory, a first transceiver, an operation key, a touch screen, a first barcode reader and an indicator; in, the station server communicating with at least one electronic store server via at least one network to load and transfer updated data and details of stock levels of each item stored in each of said smart storage facilities between said station server and said electronic store server and between said station server and each of said smart storage facilities and said smart delivery devices; wherein the first and second RF transceivers further communicate with each other and with the station server to update data regarding products, product prices, availability, and delivery details, including the entry of new goods, the entry and removal of each given item stored in each given smart storage facility, and inventory levels; wherein the updated data is always further propagated from the at least one electronic store server to the server of the first building, and propagated via the server of the first building to the memory of at least one apartment terminal of the first building associated with the delivery station, so as to always provide the apartment terminal with accurate updated status and details for generating and propagating delivery details of at least one item stored and available in the delivery station; wherein the given storage device is operated by: verifying the removal of the given item through at least one of the touch screen and the operation key, guided by the indicator of the storage device and the first barcode reader of the storage device, followed by verification and collection through the second barcode reader of the smart delivery device and transmitting the given item to the accurate collection in the smart delivery device with the second transceiver and the station server; and Wherein, the display and operation screen of the intelligent distribution device confirms, displays and indicates that the collection has been completed, and waits for one of the delivery confirmation and return.

42. The storage device according to claim 41, wherein: The station server is at least one of a standalone server and a cloud computing server for communicating with the provider server via the network selected from the group consisting of a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), and combinations thereof; propagating a signal selected from the group consisting of an electrical signal, an RF signal, an optical signal, and combinations thereof; and The signals transmitted between the smart storage facility and the station server, between the smart storage facility and the smart distribution device, and between the smart distribution device and the station server are selected from the following group, which includes electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals and combinations thereof.

43. The storage device according to claim 41, wherein: The delivery also includes a process for inputting the mis-delivered items into one of the smart storage facilities via one of the smart delivery devices.

44. The storage device of claim 41, wherein: The data on the picked items are still transitional data, waiting for one of confirmation and cancellation by the resident of the apartment terminal to become final data.

45. The storage device of claim 41, wherein: When a delivery confirmation is received via one of the terminal and the smart delivery device, payment for the delivery is performed by a payment provider selected from the following group: a credit provider, a credit card provider, a bank provider, a financing provider, a clearing provider and combinations thereof.

46. ​​The storage device of claim 41, wherein: The smart storage facility is used to display and indicate data and status selected from the following group, and the group includes stored goods, expiration dates, prices, basic inventory quantities, minimum inventory quantities, out of stock, received orders, order quantities, order apartment details data, picking status, regular delivery, emergency delivery, required delivery time and combinations thereof.

47. The storage device of claim 41, wherein: The smart storage facility is selected from the group consisting of: storage racks, shelves, storage boxes, cabinets, pallets, racks, containers, refrigeration, freezing or heating boxes and / or heaters for cooking food and combinations thereof, wherein the space in the first building is selected from the group consisting of a basement, an apartment and combinations thereof; Wherein, the distribution station is designed to be a structure selected from the following: a store, a warehouse and a combination thereof.

48. The storage device of claim 41, wherein: The smart delivery device is designed to assist in the delivery by means of a structure selected from the group consisting of: a handheld delivery tablet, a shopping basket combined with a tablet, a shopping cart combined with a tablet, a shopping cart suitable for use inside an elevator, a shopping cart with an RFID antenna around its upper edge, a shopping basket with a surrounding RFID antenna, a barcode reader, a foldable table, a handle, and combinations thereof.

49. The storage device of claim 41, wherein: The intelligent delivery device also includes a camera, which captures images of residents receiving the delivery for recording and storage in the memory of the first building server.

50. The storage device of claim 41, wherein: The terminal that generates the delivery detail signal via the building server and via at least one of the central entity server and the payment server is selected from the following group, the group including video intercom monitor, television receiver, cable TV receiver, terrestrial television receiver, set-top box, cable TV box, TV conversion box, dedicated shopping box, dedicated shopping terminal and their combinations.

51. A method for operating a given storage device, comprising a circuit of a tablet computer, which is attached to a given smart storage facility of a plurality of smart storage facilities of a distribution station and built into one of them, the distribution station is controlled by a station server and is located in a space far from a first building; the storage device further comprises a CPU, a memory; a first transceiver; an operation key, a touch screen, a first barcode reader and an indicator; The given storage device controls and reports input and removal transactions and activities related to storage of a given item in a given smart storage facility by communicating with the station server and with a second transceiver of at least one smart delivery device of the delivery station via a first transceiver contained in the given storage device, the method comprising: a. Loading data details of a given item into the memory of the storage device; b. storing at least one of the given items in the given smart storage facility, and communicating the updated status and the details of the given item with the second transceiver and the station server to update the station memory of the station server and the delivery memory of the at least one delivery device with the details of the given item stored in the given smart storage facility; c. transmitting updated apartment details and status related to a plurality of apartment terminals associated with the delivery station from the station server to the first and second transceivers, as communicated between a building server of the first building and a provider server and with the station server, for installing the updated apartment details and status to each of a plurality of storage devices and the delivery storage; d. transmitting to the first and second transceivers delivery details received by the station server from the provider server via the network for delivering at least one given item to a given apartment; e. Identify the order in process, the resident placing the order and other details, quantity, price and delivery time through an indicator in the storage device; f. Displaying order details on the display screen of the intelligent distribution device and indicating that the order has been received and is waiting for picking and delivery through at least one LED indicator of the intelligent distribution device; g. Picking up and removing the given item from a given smart storage facility via a first barcode reader provided by the storage device, and collecting the removed given item into a second barcode reader of the smart delivery device and collecting it via the second barcode reader of the smart delivery device; h. communicating with the station server via the first and second transceivers to complete the removal and collection of items; and j. Identifying the order details in process via the indicator of the storage device and displaying via the display screen of the smart delivery device that a given item has been picked and is ready for delivery.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the station server is at least one of a standalone server and a cloud computing server for communicating with an electronic provider server via the network selected from the group consisting of a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), and combinations thereof; propagating a signal selected from the group consisting of an electrical signal, an RF signal, an optical signal, and combinations thereof; in, The signals propagating between the storage device and the station server, between the storage device and the delivery device, and between the delivery device and the station server are selected from the group consisting of electrical signals, RF signals, optical signals, and combinations thereof.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the removal, collection and delivery process further comprises a process for delivering and returning undelivered items to one of the smart storage facilities via one of the delivery device and the terminal.

54. The method according to claim 51, wherein the data on the picked items are still transitional data, waiting for one of confirmation and cancellation by the occupant of the apartment terminal to become final data.

55. A method according to claim 51, wherein when confirmation is received via one of the terminal and the smart delivery device, payment for the delivery is performed by a payment provider selected from the following group: a credit provider, a credit card provider, a bank provider, a financing provider, a clearing provider and combinations thereof.

56. The method of claim 51, wherein: The smart storage facility is used to display and indicate data and status selected from the following group, and the group includes stored goods, expiration dates, prices, basic inventory quantities, minimum inventory quantities, out of stock, received orders, order quantities, order apartment details data, picking status, regular delivery, emergency delivery, required delivery time and combinations thereof.

57. The method of claim 51, wherein the smart storage facility is selected from the group consisting of storage racks, shelves, storage boxes, cabinets, pallets, racks, containers, refrigeration, freezing or heating boxes and / or heaters for cooking food and combinations thereof; At least one of the spaces outside the first building, the space is selected from the following group wherein the space inside the first building is selected from the following group, the group comprising: Basements, apartments and combinations thereof; Wherein, the distribution station is designed to be a structure selected from the following: a store, a warehouse and a combination thereof.

58. The method of claim 51, wherein the delivery station is designed to assist in the delivery by a structure selected from the group consisting of a handheld delivery tablet, a shopping basket combined with a tablet, a shopping cart combined with a tablet, a shopping cart that fits inside an elevator, a shopping cart with an RFID antenna around its upper edge, a shopping basket with a wraparound RFID antenna, a barcode reader, a foldable table, a handle, and combinations thereof.

59. The method of claim 51, wherein the delivery device further comprises a camera, wherein the camera captures a picture of the resident receiving the delivery for recording and storing in a memory of the first building server.

60. The method of claim 51, wherein the shopping terminal is selected from the group consisting of a video intercom monitor, a television receiver, a cable television receiver, a terrestrial television receiver, a set-top box, a cable television box, a television converter box, a dedicated shopping box, a dedicated shopping terminal, and combinations thereof.

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