Lockable top-open cabinet freezer

Abstract

A method for dispensing one or more frozen food products from a lockable top-open freezer, where the freezer defines a volume accessible through a door of the freezer, the volume containing the one or more frozen food products, and the freezer includes an electronically controlled lock, and an electronically controlled lock configured to be controlled to lock and unlock the door to prevent and permit access to the volume and access to the one or more frozen food products, the method comprising the steps of: identifying the freezer with a user mobile device; communicating with the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer; identifying one or more frozen food products on the user mobile device and initiating a payment process; and optionally in communication with the electronically controlled lock to lock the door of the freezer.

Description

[0001] Technical Field and Background Art

[0002] The present technology relates to the dispensing of one or more frozen food products from a lockable, top-opening freezer cabinet. More specifically but not exclusively, the present technology relates to communicating with an electronic control lock of the freezer cabinet to unlock and lock the freezer cabinet.

[0003] Freezer cabinets operate to lower the temperature of an internal volume. In a commercial environment, such freezer cabinets typically contain one or more items or products, such as frozen food products (such as ice cream), which can be selected by a user, removed from the freezer cabinet, and subsequently purchased.

[0004] Lockable freezer cabinets include one or more locks that can be electronically controlled to unlock or lock the doors of the freezer cabinet, thereby controlling access to the internal volume and access to one or more products contained therein. Thus, in a commercial environment, access to products contained within a freezer cabinet can be controlled, for example, based on the satisfaction of one or more conditions.

[0005] However, as recognized by the inventors of the present technology, existing methods for controlling lockable, top-opening freezer cabinets may lack efficiency and flexibility, and may be overly complex and thus costly.

[0006] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure address one or more of these problems as described above. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Specific aspects and embodiments are set forth in the appended claims.

[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a method for dispensing one or more frozen food products from a lockable, top-opening freezer cabinet, wherein the freezer cabinet defines a volume accessible through a door of the freezer cabinet, the volume containing the one or more frozen food products, and the freezer cabinet includes an electronic control lock configured to be controlled to lock and unlock the door to prevent and permit access to the volume and access to the one or more frozen food products, the method comprising the steps of: identifying the freezer cabinet using a user mobile device; communicating with the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer cabinet; identifying one or more frozen food products on the user mobile device and initiating a payment process; and optionally communicating with the electronic control lock to lock the door of the freezer cabinet.

[0009] Accordingly, the present method allows for the efficient and cost-effective dispensing of frozen food products from a freezer cabinet. Specifically, the present method utilizes a top-opening freezer cabinet in combination with an electronic control lock.

[0010] Advantageously, the top-opening freezer can be, for example, a standard commercially available horizontal freezer of the type manufactured by Hiron. Such a standard freezer can be retrofitted or otherwise modified using the electronic control lock module as described herein. The module advantageously includes the necessary locking mechanical components to prevent the door of the freezer from opening, and associated communication and electronics to receive control signals from a mobile device as described herein. In this way, the cost is significantly reduced compared to the example of using a dedicated vending machine freezer.

[0011] In one example, the user can be near a top-opening freezer, which can be located in a retail environment, hotel, or other commercial or public environment, and the user's mobile device identifies the freezer and unlocks the freezer by scanning a QR code or other technology. This opens the mobile application on the user's phone. The user can then open the unlocked freezer and select one or more frozen food products, such as ice cream, from the freezer. The user then scans the barcode of the selected frozen food product using the camera of their mobile phone and makes a payment for the selected frozen food product using the mobile application. Once the payment is made, the electronic control lock can be controlled to lock the freezer. Thus, the present method provides a method for dispensing frozen food products from a lockable top-opening freezer in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

[0012] In some examples, the method includes: communicating with an electronic control lock to lock the door of the freezer. In other words, in these examples, this step is not optional.

[0013] In some examples, identifying the freezer using the user's mobile device is based on receiving user input indicating an identifier of the freezer. In other words, the user interacts with the user's mobile device to provide user input indicating an identifier of the freezer near the user. Thus, the freezer is identified in an efficient manner.

[0014] Although the present disclosure relates to top-opening freezers or horizontal freezers, it should be understood that the present technology is equally applicable to other forms of freezers, or indeed other devices that define an internal volume accessible through a door.

[0015] In some examples, the freezer is initially in a locked state, i.e., the freezer is in a locked state by default. When the freezer is identified using the user's mobile device, the electronic control lock is controlled to unlock the door of the freezer. Thus, in some examples, communicating with the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer is based on identifying the freezer using the user's mobile device.

[0016] In some examples, receiving user input indicating an identifier of a freezer includes: receiving a digital image of the identifier of the freezer from a camera of the user's mobile device. In this way, the user can facilitate the efficient identification of the freezer. For example, the user can use the camera of their mobile device to scan or otherwise capture a photo of the identifier of the freezer. The method may also include: comparing the digital image of the identifier with a stored identifier of the freezer to determine the freezer identified by the identifier. Thus, the freezer near the user can be efficiently determined.

[0017] In some examples, the identifier of the freezer is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, but is not limited to this technology. For example, the identifier can be a unique identifier, such as a unique linear barcode or a QR code. Thus, by the user capturing an image of the barcode located on the freezer or using other technologies (e.g., NFC (Near Field Communication)), the freezer can be efficiently identified.

[0018] In some examples, receiving user input indicating an identifier of a freezer includes: receiving the identifier of the freezer from an input device of the user's mobile device. In other words, the user can type or otherwise enter the identifier of the freezer. For example, the user can discern a code or string located on the freezer and can type the code or string into their mobile device to identify the nearby freezer. In this way, the freezer can be identified on the user's mobile device in a resource-efficient manner.

[0019] In some examples, identifying the freezer using the user's mobile device is based on determining the location of the user's mobile device. In some examples, the method may also include: comparing the determined location of the user's mobile device with the stored locations of one or more freezers. In other words, the freezers near the user's mobile device are automatically detected. The user's mobile device can be GPS-enabled, internet-connected, and / or cellular-connected, and can be configured to determine its own location. Then the determined location can be compared with the stored locations of one or more freezers, and the freezer closest to the determined location can be identified as a certain freezer. Thus, in these examples, the freezer is identified without user input of the freezer identifier.

[0020] In some examples, communicating with an electronic control lock to unlock the door of a freezer includes: generating an instruction and sending the instruction to the electronic control lock to cause the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer. For example, a server that communicates with a user mobile device and an electronic control lock can generate an instruction and send the instruction to the electronic control lock, which can be configured to receive the instruction and unlock the door of the freezer based on the instruction. In other words, the generation and sending of the instruction causes the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer. Unlocking the door allows the user to open the door and select one or more frozen food products contained therein. In some examples, the instruction is sent from a device, and in other examples, the instruction is sent from a server, and the lock is network-connected.

[0021] In some examples, identifying one or more frozen food products on a user mobile device includes: receiving, from the user mobile device, one or more identifiers of one or more frozen food products. In this way, the selected frozen food products are efficiently identified on the user device. The user can open the unlocked door of the freezer, select a frozen food product, and enter the identifier of the selected product on their mobile device. In some examples, the user can type the name of the selected product.

[0022] In some examples, receiving, from the user mobile device, one or more identifiers of one or more frozen food products includes: receiving, from the camera of the user mobile device, one or more digital images of one or more identifiers of one or more frozen food products. Thus, in these examples, the user uses their mobile device to scan or take a picture of the frozen food product selected from the freezer. In some examples, one or more identifiers of one or more frozen food products can be one or more barcodes. In other words, each frozen food product is labeled with a barcode, and the user uses their mobile device to scan the barcode to identify the selected product on their mobile device. The digital images can be compared with the stored information of the frozen food products and their associated identifiers to determine the frozen food products identified in the digital images.

[0023] In some examples, initiating a payment process includes: displaying, on the user mobile device, a payment portal for receiving user payment input associated with one or more frozen food products. For example, the user mobile device can display a payment webpage identifying the frozen food products scanned by the user and accept payment for the frozen food products. Thus, the user can use their mobile device to pay for the products they have selected.

[0024] In some examples, the method further includes: after identifying one or more frozen food products on a user mobile device, updating information indicative of the frozen food products contained within a freezer cabinet. Thus, in these examples, the information serves as an inventory of the products contained within the freezer cabinet. The information may be stored in a data repository hosted on a server accessible by the device. Thus, the inventory levels of items can be automatically and efficiently tracked without the need for manual stock management. In some examples, the method further includes: generating an alert based on the updated information. The alert may be transmitted to another device different from the user mobile device. In some examples, the other device may be a server external to the user device. Thus, transactions are notified and stock levels can be efficiently monitored.

[0025] In some examples, the method further includes: before communicating with an electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer cabinet and based on identifying the freezer cabinet, obtaining information indicative of the contents of the freezer cabinet and displaying, on the user mobile device, the information indicative of the contents of the freezer cabinet. In other words, before unlocking the freezer cabinet, the inventory of the freezer cabinet is displayed on the user mobile device. Thus, the user can efficiently determine the stock levels and items within nearby freezer cabinets in order to make decisions regarding potential purchases while the freezer cabinet remains locked, thereby enhancing security.

[0026] In some examples, the information further indicates one or more items not contained within the volume of the freezer cabinet, and the method further includes: in response to a user input, providing information associated with a second freezer cabinet that contains one or more of the items not contained within the freezer cabinet. In such examples, the information may indicate to the user that the item is out of stock in the nearest freezer cabinet, but in response to a user input (such as a request to locate the item), providing the user with information associated with a second freezer cabinet that does have the item in stock. In this way, although the item may be out of stock in the freezer cabinet proximal to the user, the user can still obtain the product from an alternative freezer cabinet.

[0027] In some examples, the information associated with the second freezer cabinet includes the location of the second freezer cabinet. For example, after requesting an out-of-stock item, information indicating that the item is in stock in the second freezer cabinet and the location of the second freezer cabinet may be presented to the user.

[0028] In some examples, the method further includes: generating a notification based on identifying a freezer on a user mobile device and sending the notification to another device, where the notification includes information indicating that a freezer has been identified on the user mobile device. For example, the other device can be the device of a second user different from the user (such as a store owner or other staff associated with the environment where the freezer is located (such as a hotel, a cinema, etc.)). Thus, the second user can be notified that a freezer has been identified on the user's mobile device. This alerts the second user that a transaction may occur and thus enables them to observe the transaction. Therefore, the integrity of the transaction and the security of the freezer are improved in a cost-effective manner.

[0029] In some examples, the method further includes: generating a notification based on communicating with an electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer and sending the notification to another device, where the notification includes information indicating that the freezer has been unlocked. As previously mentioned, the notification alerts the second user that the freezer is now unlocked, and the second user can then observe the transaction. Therefore, the integrity of the transaction and the security of the freezer are improved.

[0030] In some examples, the method further includes: generating a notification based on identifying one or more frozen food products on a user mobile device and sending the notification to another device, where the notification includes information indicating that the one or more frozen food products have been identified. This enables the second user or staff to intervene in cases where the user has selected an item on their device but removed a different item from the freezer. Therefore, the integrity of the transaction is improved in a cost-effective manner, and there is no complex sensor array to determine the exact item taken from the freezer.

[0031] In some examples, the information indicates the quantity of the one or more identified frozen food products. Indicating the quantity of the identified items allows for easier determination of whether the user has removed the same quantity of items from the freezer as they have identified on their device. Continuing with the example of staff as the second user, the staff can be notified of the quantity of items identified by the user. For example, the staff can be notified that the user has selected a single ice cream, but sees that the user has actually taken three ice creams. Therefore, fraud can be more easily identified and subsequently prevented.

[0032] In some examples, the information includes one or more digital images representing one or more identified frozen food products. As mentioned, another device may be operated by a staff member physically located near the freezer (e.g., in the same commercial establishment). Thus, when a user selects an item from the freezer, the staff member may receive a notification and the selected item may be more easily distinguishable. For example, the staff member may be notified that chocolate ice cream has been identified, but it is seen that the user has actually taken fruit ice cream. Thus, fraud can be more easily identified.

[0033] In some examples, the method further includes: determining that a predetermined time period has elapsed since communicating with an electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer; and based on determining that the predetermined time period has elapsed, communicating with the electronic control lock to lock the door of the freezer. For example, the freezer may be identified and the lock of the freezer may be controlled to unlock the door. Then, a countdown may start when a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 60 seconds) has been reached, and subsequently a second instruction may be sent to the lock to lock the door. In providing time-limited access to the freezer, the security of the freezer is enhanced in an efficient manner and the integrity of the purchase is improved. For example, the time-limited window reduces the likelihood of fraudulent behavior.

[0034] In some examples, the top-opening freezer is a horizontal freezer and the door is a sliding door. For example, the top-opening freezer may be a standard commercial horizontal freezer. In some examples, the sliding door includes a first sliding door and a second sliding door, and the first sliding door and the second sliding door each define a respective portion of the volume that can be accessed through the respective sliding door in use, wherein the lock is configured to be selectively controlled to selectively unlock the first sliding door and / or the second sliding door.

[0035] In some examples, the door may be a sliding door that slides relative to the freezer to allow access to the interior volume of the freezer. The present technology may be particularly applicable to standard horizontal freezers having one or more sliding doors and an electronically operated lock. In this way, a standard freezer can be combined with an electronic lock (such as a "smart" lock or an IoT lock) to transform the freezer and the lock into a controllable freezer using the present technology. In fact, a standard freezer can be retrofitted with an electronic lock using the present technology. This represents a cost-effective solution that provides increased convenience and security compared to, for example, commercial dedicated vending machines.

[0036] In some examples, the sliding door includes a first sliding door and a second sliding door, each of the first sliding door and the second sliding door defining a respective portion of the internal volume of the freezer / refrigerator that can be accessed through the respective sliding door in use. In some examples, the lock is configured to be selectively controlled to selectively unlock the first sliding door or the second sliding door. For example, the lock may include a processing circuit configured to exchange data and / or receive instructions to lock or unlock the door, for example, by actuating a locking mechanism such as a pin or a bolt. In this way, the transaction is more secure. In fact, instead of allowing the user to access the entire volume of the freezer / refrigerator, the accessible volume is limited, thus reducing the likelihood of fraud. The lock may be configured to selectively unlock the sliding door by actuating a pin or a bolt or the like. Alternatively, the lock may include two separate locking portions, each of the two separate locking portions being configured to lock and unlock the respective sliding door.

[0037] In some examples, the sliding door includes a first sliding door and a second sliding door, each of the first sliding door and the second sliding door defining a respective portion of the internal volume of the freezer / refrigerator that can be accessed through the respective sliding door in use. In some examples, the lock is configured to be selectively controlled to selectively unlock the first sliding door or the second sliding door. For example, the lock may include a processing circuit configured to exchange data and / or receive instructions to lock or unlock the door, for example, by actuating a locking mechanism such as a pin or a bolt. In this way, the transaction is more secure. In fact, instead of allowing the user to access the entire volume of the freezer / refrigerator, the accessible volume is limited, thus reducing the likelihood of fraud. The lock may be configured to selectively unlock the sliding door by actuating a pin or a bolt or the like. Alternatively, the lock may include two separate locking portions, each of the two separate locking portions being configured to lock and unlock the respective sliding door.

[0038] In some examples, the freezer does not include a sensor configured to determine the items taken by the user from the freezer. In these examples, the security of the transaction can be enhanced by other techniques described herein, thus allowing the use of a standard freezer without the need for complex sensors. Example sensors that may not be present in the freezer include cameras, weight sensors, and / or capacitance sensors.

[0039] In a second aspect, a system is provided that includes one or more processors configured to execute the method of the present technology.

[0040] In a third aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods of the present technology.

[0041] Other aspects will become apparent after reviewing the present disclosure, specifically after reviewing the sections on the description of the drawings, the detailed description, and the claims. Description of the Drawings

[0042] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 : A freezer is schematically illustrated in accordance with the present technology.

[0044] Figure 2 : A method for controlling a lockable freezer in accordance with the present technology is schematically illustrated.

[0045] Figure 3 : Another freezer is schematically illustrated in accordance with the present technology.

[0046] Figure 4 : Another method for controlling a lockable freezer in accordance with the present technology is schematically illustrated.

[0047] Figure 5 : Another method for controlling a lockable freezer in accordance with the present technology is schematically illustrated.

[0048] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example methods are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and the accompanying detailed description are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but rather the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative arrangements that fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0049] It will be recognized that the features of the above examples of the present disclosure can be used conveniently and interchangeably in any suitable combination. Detailed Description

[0050] Figure 1 A freezer 1 is schematically illustrated. In some embodiments, the freezer 1 can be controlled using the present technology and / or one or more frozen food products can be dispensed according to the present technology. The freezer 1 defines an interior volume that can be accessed through a door 2 of the freezer 1. The freezer 1 also includes an electronic control lock 3 that is configured to be controlled to lock and unlock the door 2, thereby preventing and permitting access to the volume of the freezer 1.

[0051] The freezer 1 is a top-opening freezer, and it should be understood that the internal volume can store one or more frozen food products, such as ice cream. The door 2 can be hingedly or slidably connected to the freezer 1 such that when the lock is in the unlocked state, the user can open the door 2 of the freezer 1 to access the items inside the freezer 1. In the default configuration, the freezer 1 is in the locked state, thus preventing access to the items inside the freezer 1.

[0052] The lock 3 is an electronically controlled lock configured to be controlled based on received instructions. For example, the lock 3 can be a "smart" lock, an internet-connected lock, or an IoT lock. In this way, the lock 3 can include a processing circuit configured to exchange data with other devices and systems via the internet or other communication networks. For example, the lock 3 can be configured to exchange data with a server that is configured to send locking and unlocking instructions to the lock, and the lock is configured to actuate the locking mechanism based on the received instructions.

[0053] As mentioned, the lock 3 includes a locking mechanism that is capable of engaging with the door to lock and unlock the door. Such a locking mechanism includes a pin and an actuator for moving the pin. The door can have a corresponding engaging portion configured to engage the pin of the lock when actuated. The locking mechanism can alternatively include one or more electromagnets. It should be understood that various locking mechanisms can be used, which will depend on the specific implementation.

[0054] Figure 2 A method 200 for dispensing one or more frozen food products from a lockable top-opening freezer (such as Figure 1 the lockable freezer 1) is schematically illustrated. In some embodiments, the method 200 is a method for controlling a lockable freezer by controlling the lock of the lockable freezer. Controlling the lockable freezer can mean unlocking the lockable freezer.

[0055] At step 201, a user mobile device is used to identify the freezer.

[0056] At step 202, communication is made with the electronically controlled lock to unlock the door of the freezer. In some examples, step 202 is based on identifying the freezer in step 201.

[0057] At step 203, one or more frozen food products are identified on the mobile user device and a payment process is initiated.

[0058] In some examples, step 204 is optional, and in other examples, step 204 is not optional. At step 204, communication is made with the electronically controlled lock to lock the door of the freezer.

[0059] Figure 3Schematically illustrates a freezer 3 that can be controlled using the present technology in some embodiments. The freezer 3 can be a horizontal freezer, such as a standard commercial horizontal freezer. The freezer 3 includes a first sliding door 4 and a second sliding door 5. The first sliding door 4 and the second sliding door 5 are configured to slide relative to the freezer 3 in the directions indicated by arrows A and B. Specifically, the first sliding door 4 can slide relative to the freezer 3 in the direction of arrow A. In use, a user can slide the first sliding door 4 to access the portion of the interior volume of the freezer 3 that can be accessed through the first sliding door 4. The second sliding door 5 can slide relative to the freezer in the direction of arrow B. In use, a user can slide the second sliding door 5 to access the portion of the interior volume of the freezer 3 that can be accessed through the second sliding door 5.

[0060] The freezer 3 further includes an electronic control lock 6. The lock 6 is configured to engage portions of the first sliding door 4 and the second sliding door 5 to prevent the sliding movement of the doors 4, 5, thereby locking the doors and preventing access to the interior volume of the freezer 3. The lock 6 is also configured to disengage (i.e., unlock) the doors 4, 5 to allow the sliding movement of the doors 4, 5, thereby unlocking the doors and permitting access to the interior volume of the freezer 3.

[0061] In some examples, the lock 6 is configured to unlock both the first sliding door 4 and the second sliding door 5 substantially simultaneously (i.e., with the same unlocking action).

[0062] In other examples, the lock 6 is configured to selectively unlock the first sliding door 4 or the second sliding door 5. This selective unlocking can improve the security of the freezer 3. In fact, in some examples, the method includes: receiving an indication from the user of the frozen food product they intend to identify using their mobile device. Thus, if the user provides an indication of the frozen food product they intend to select from the freezer before the freezer is unlocked, the location of the frozen food product within the freezer 3 can be determined. For example, the selected frozen food product can be accessed via the first sliding door 4 or the second sliding door 5. This can be determined based on the stored location information of the contents of the freezer. Then an instruction can be generated that causes the lock to unlock the first sliding door 4 or the second sliding door 5, depending on the determined location of the frozen food product. For example, the user can select chocolate ice cream located behind the first sliding door 4 on their device. The lock 6 can thus be controlled to unlock the first sliding door 4 rather than the second sliding door 5.

[0063] In some examples, there is a barrier in the freezer cabinet 3 to physically divide the internal volume into a first volume part accessible through the first sliding door 4 and a second volume part accessible through the second sliding door 5. This barrier can be used to prevent users from accessing the second volume when the first sliding door 4 is open, and vice versa. This can further enhance the safety of the freezer cabinet and the integrity of transactions. In some examples, the barrier can extend substantially to the level of the sliding doors 4, 5.

[0064] In some examples, the freezer cabinet 3 (and / or Figure 1 the freezer cabinet 1) can include one or more sensors, such as weight sensors, capacitance sensors, magnetic sensors, etc. The one or more sensors can be configured to generate information and an alert can be generated based on this information. For example, when the sensor is a weight sensor, if the detected weight change does not correspond to the weight of the item selected by the user, an alert can be generated. In this example, the user may have selected a single item or an item with a certain weight, but then has taken multiple items or different items with different weights from the freezer cabinet 3. Similarly, when the sensor is a capacitance sensor, the sensed information can indicate that the user is reaching / entering a part of the freezer cabinet 3 that does not correspond to the known location of the item the user has selected. Additionally, when the sensor is a magnetic sensor, the sensed information can indicate that a force is being applied to the door, further indicating an attempt to unauthorized access to the freezer cabinet.

[0065] In some examples, the freezer cabinet 3 includes an audio generation or light generation circuit, and the alert can be a sound or light. In other examples, the alert can be a notification transmitted to an external system or device. For example, the alert can be sent to a device operated by the store owner in the same store as the freezer cabinet 3, notifying the store owner about the sensed information or that unauthorized behavior has occurred or is ongoing. This notification thus enhances the security of the device as it serves as a warning.

[0066] Figure 4 Method 400 associated with a user mobile device, a server, and an electronic control lock according to some examples of the present technology is schematically illustrated. The server is an external server that is network-connected to both the device and the lock of the freezer cabinet / freezer cabinets. The vertical dashed line represents the timeline.

[0067] At 401, the user mobile device obtains a digital image of the QR code of the freezer cabinet. As mentioned, the user of the device can approach the freezer cabinet in a retail environment or other public environment and use their mobile device (e.g., the camera of the mobile device) to scan the QR code located on the freezer cabinet. The user mobile device is a network-connected mobile device, such as a phone or a tablet.

[0068] At 402, the user mobile device sends a digital image of the QR code to a server network - connected to the user mobile device.

[0069] At 403, the server identifies the freezer based on the digital image. For example, the server may process the digital image to determine the QR code and compare the determined QR code with one or more QR codes stored in a database or memory, where each of the one or more QR codes is associated with a freezer. The freezer having a QR code that matches the QR code determined from the digital image is identified as a certain freezer, that is, the freezer scanned by the user, and thus is identified as the freezer the user intends to interact with.

[0070] At 404, the server obtains information indicating the contents of the freezer. This information may include stored inventory information that indicates the contents of the freezer, such as frozen food products that are currently in stock and contained within the freezer.

[0071] At 405, the server generates an instruction and sends the instruction to an electronic control lock to unlock the freezer. In some examples, step 405 is based on the identification of the freezer at 403. For example, the server may store an association between one or more freezers and one or more electronic locks in a memory or database. Specifically, the server may maintain a database that identifies the QR codes of the freezers associated with the electronic control locks used to control those freezers. In this way, the server can determine which lock must be controlled to control the freezer identified in the QR code of the digital image from the user mobile device.

[0072] At 406, based on receiving the instruction from the server, the electronic control lock unlocks the freezer. For example, the electronic control lock controls a locking mechanism to disengage the door of the freezer.

[0073] At 407, the server sends the information obtained (from step 404) to the user mobile device. For example, the server sends the inventory information indicating the contents of the freezer to the user mobile device. In some examples, steps 404 and 407 are optional, and in some examples, method 400 does not include steps 404 and 407.

[0074] At step 408, the user mobile device obtains a digital image of the barcode of the frozen food product. For example, once the freezer is unlocked, the user opens the freezer and selects the frozen food product they wish to purchase. To do this, the user can use their mobile device (e.g., by taking a digital image of the barcode) to scan the barcode of the selected frozen food product. Step 408 may further include: determining the barcode in the digital image (using image analysis techniques), and comparing the determined barcode with one or more stored barcodes of one or more frozen food products to determine the frozen food product identified by the barcode in the image.

[0075] It should be understood that this determination can be performed on the user mobile device, on the server, or in a combined manner. For example, the digital image obtained from step 408 can be sent to the server, and the server can determine the frozen food product identified by the barcode by comparing the barcode with the stored associations of barcodes and frozen food products, and send the information to the user mobile device to initiate the payment process. This information may include information related to the price of the frozen food product retrieved from the database.

[0076] At step 409, a payment process for the frozen food product is initiated. Initiating the payment process may include: displaying a payment portal on the user mobile device for receiving user input associated with the payment of the frozen food product. In some examples, the user is taken to an internet payment page on the device and can enter financial credentials to purchase the frozen food product. Specifically, the user can scan the barcode of the chocolate ice cream, and then a payment portal for paying for the chocolate ice cream is presented to the user. Then, the user can provide user input associated with the payment, such as credit card information or device-based payment (such as Apple Pay or Android Pay).

[0077] After a successful payment or completion of the payment process, information indicating payment success can be generated and sent to the server. Based on this, or vice versa, step 410 can be executed. At step 410, the server can generate another instruction and send the other instruction to the electronic control lock to lock the freezer. In some examples, after the first unlock instruction is sent, after a predetermined period of time has passed, the lock instruction is sent, thus providing limited access to the freezer. In some examples, the predetermined period of time starts when the payment process is initiated, thus giving the user a period of time to successfully complete the payment for the frozen food product.

[0078] At step 411, based on receiving the instruction from the server, the lock locks the freezer. For example, the instruction causes the locking mechanism to engage with the door, thus locking the freezer.

[0079] The device can receive user input in various ways. For example, a user can select one or more items that the device is displaying. In other words, when the freezer is a certain freezer and the item is ice cream, a list of ice cream in stock in nearby freezers can be presented to the user, and they can select one or more items they wish to purchase. The user input can thus include the selection of one or more items being displayed on the device.

[0080] The user can then complete the payment process to purchase the one or more selected items. For example, the user can be taken to an internet payment page on the device and can enter financial credentials to purchase the one or more items. Thus, the received user input can also include user input associated with the payment process for the one or more selected items. In some examples, the device generates information indicating that the payment process has been successfully completed.

[0081] At 408, the received user input (e.g., the user selection of one or more items) is sent to the server. As described above, the received user input sent to the server can include user input associated with the payment process for the one or more selected items. Additionally or alternatively, the information indicating that the payment process has been successfully completed is sent from the device to the server.

[0082] At 409, the server determines whether a condition associated with the user input is met. For example, the condition can be that the payment process associated with the one or more selected items has been successfully completed. The server can determine this condition based on the received information indicating that the payment process has been successfully completed. For example, the payment process can be successfully completed by the user on the device, and the device can send the selection of the item along with the information indicating that the item has been successfully purchased to the server. In some examples, the server determines that the condition associated with the user input is met.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, the server can determine that the condition has been met based on the user input associated with the payment process for the one or more selected items or based on the received user input itself. For example, the device can send the selection to the server, and the server independently verifies that the selected item has been successfully purchased.

[0084] At 410, the server generates an instruction and sends the instruction to the lock of the freezer to unlock the door.

[0085] At 411, the lock unlocks the door of the freezer based on the received instruction. The lock can be configured to process the instruction and unlock the door based on the instruction. Unlocking the door can include: the lock causing the locking mechanism to disengage from the door.

[0086] Figure 5Method 500 is schematically illustrated, which is a modified version of method 400, where method 500 involves generating a notification / alert to another device different from the user's mobile device. In this way, the security of the freezer / refrigerator and the integrity of the purchase can be improved in an efficient manner. The steps of method 400 are repeated in Figure 5 and involve the same features, so the discussion of these steps will not be repeated. Instead, additional steps related to when a notification can be generated and sent will now be discussed.

[0087] At 501, once the freezer has been identified, the server can generate a notification and send the notification to another device. The notification can include information indicating that the freezer has been identified. In some examples, the server can determine that the other device is proximal to the freezer and / or the device, and then send the notification to the other device.

[0088] In this way, when the other device is operated by a staff member of the establishment where the freezer is located, the staff member can be notified that the user may be about to start a transaction with the freezer. Thus, the staff member can choose to observe the transaction, thereby improving the security of the freezer and the transaction in an efficient manner.

[0089] At 502, once the server has generated an instruction and sent the instruction to the lock to unlock the freezer, the server can generate a notification and send the notification to another device. The notification can include information indicating that the freezer has been unlocked.

[0090] Thus, in the staff member example, the staff member is notified that the freezer is now unlocked and that the user will interact with the freezer. The notification serves as an alert to the staff member, who can then choose to observe the user's interaction with the unlocked freezer. In this way, the security of the freezer is improved and the integrity of the transaction is improved.

[0091] At 503, once a digital image of the barcode of the frozen food product has been obtained, the user mobile device or the server can generate a notification and send the notification to another device. The notification can include information indicating that a frozen food product has been selected. In some examples, the notification includes information indicating the frozen food product identified by the barcode and / or the quantity of the frozen food product scanned by the user. For example, the notification can include one or more digital images representative of the scanned frozen food product.

[0092] Accordingly, in the staff example, the staff is notified that the product has been scanned and, in some cases, it may be possible to easily identify the selected product and / or the quantity of the selected product. This enables the staff to easily determine whether the user is engaging in fraudulent behavior. Specifically, the need for complex sensing circuitry, such as a camera to detect that the user has selected the items they are actually purchasing, is reduced. This results in a more cost-effective and efficient solution. These advantages are further enhanced in the example of using a standard freezer and an electronic lock as the technology improves the security of the freezer and the integrity of the transaction.

[0093] At 504, once the server has generated an instruction and sent the instruction to the lock to lock the freezer, the server can generate a notification and send the notification to another device. The notification may include information indicating that the freezer has been locked. In this way, the user of another device (such as a staff member) is informed in a timely manner of the status of the freezer and specifically the access to the freezer.

[0094] It should be understood that any combination of the Figure 5 notifications described may be sent. It should also be understood that at any step in the Figure 4 a notification may be generated and sent to another device, where the notification includes information indicating the step that has been performed.

[0095] The present invention is described with reference to the following numbered clauses.

[0096] Clause 1. A method for controlling a lockable freezer, where the freezer defines a volume accessible through a door of the freezer, and the freezer includes an electronic control lock configured to be controlled to lock and unlock the door to prevent and permit access to the volume, the method comprising: determining that a device is proximal to the freezer; obtaining information associated with the freezer; receiving user input via the device based on the information associated with the freezer; determining whether a condition associated with the user input is met; and based on determining that the condition is met, controlling the lock of the freezer.

[0097] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, where determining that the device is proximal to the freezer is based on determining the location of the device.

[0098] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 1, where determining that the device is proximal to the freezer is based on receiving user input.

[0099] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 3, where the user input is a user selection of the freezer from a plurality of freezers.

[0100] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 3, wherein the user input is the unique identifier of the freezer cabinet.

[0101] Clause 6. The method according to Clause 1, wherein it is determined that the device is proximal to the freezer cabinet based on obtaining the unique identifier of the freezer cabinet.

[0102] Clause 7. The method according to Clause 6, wherein obtaining the unique identifier of the freezer cabinet includes: obtaining a digital image of the unique identifier of the freezer cabinet using a camera of the device.

[0103] Clause 8. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the method further includes: displaying the information associated with the freezer cabinet on the device.

[0104] Clause 9. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein obtaining the information associated with the freezer cabinet includes: retrieving the information from a data repository, wherein the information indicates one or more items contained in the volume of the freezer cabinet.

[0105] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 9, wherein the information further indicates one or more items not contained in the volume of the freezer cabinet, and the method further includes: in response to a user input, providing information associated with a second freezer cabinet that contains the one or more items not contained in the freezer cabinet.

[0106] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the information associated with the second freezer cabinet includes the location of the second freezer cabinet.

[0107] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 9, wherein receiving a user input based on the information associated with the freezer cabinet includes: receiving a selection of one or more of the items contained in the volume of the freezer cabinet.

[0108] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 12, the method further includes: after receiving a selection of one or more of the items contained in the volume of the freezer cabinet, updating the information based on the selection.

[0109] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 12, the method further includes: sending a notification to another device, wherein the notification includes information indicating the selection of the one or more items.

[0110] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein the information indicating the selection includes one or more digital images representing the one or more items.

[0111] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 14, wherein the information indicating the selection indicates the quantity of the selected item.

[0112] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 13, the method further comprising: generating an alert based on updating the information.

[0113] Clause 18. The method according to Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the condition associated with the user input is: whether the selection has been received.

[0114] Clause 19. The method according to Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the condition associated with the user input is whether the payment has been verified.

[0115] Clause 20. The method according to Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the condition associated with the user input is whether the user has been successfully authenticated.

[0116] Clause 21. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein controlling the lock of the freezer includes: sending an instruction to cause the lock of the freezer to unlock the door of the freezer.

[0117] Clause 22. The method according to Clause 21, the method further comprising: determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the sending of the instruction; and based on determining that the predetermined period of time has elapsed, sending a second instruction to cause the lock of the freezer to lock the door of the freezer.

[0118] Clause 23. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the freezer is a horizontal freezer and the door is a sliding door.

[0119] Clause 24. The method according to Clause 23, wherein the sliding door includes a first sliding door and a second sliding door, the first sliding door and the second sliding door each defining a respective part of the volume that can be accessed through the corresponding sliding door in use, wherein the lock is configured to be selectively controlled to selectively unlock the first sliding door or the second sliding door.

[0120] Clause 25. The method according to Clause 24, the method further comprising:

[0121] Determine whether the selection of the one or more items corresponds to one or more items located within the portion of the volume that can be accessed by the first sliding door or the second sliding door in use; based on determining that the one or more items are located within the portion of the volume that can be accessed by the first sliding door in use, control the lock to selectively unlock the first sliding door; and based on determining that the one or more items are located within the portion of the volume that can be accessed by the second sliding door in use, control the lock to selectively unlock the second sliding door.

[0122] Clause 26. The method according to clause 9, wherein the freezer further includes a weight sensor, and the method further includes: determining whether a change in weight sensed by the weight sensor corresponds to the selection of the one or more items, and generating an alarm in response to determining that the change in weight does not correspond.

[0123] Clause 27. The method according to clause 26, wherein the freezer is divided into a plurality of sections, and each section includes a weight sensor.

[0124] Clause 28. The method according to clause 9, wherein the freezer further includes a capacitance sensor, and the method further includes: generating an alarm based on information sensed by the capacitance sensor.

[0125] Clause 29. The method according to clause 9, wherein one or more of the freezer and the lock further include a magnetic sensor, and the method further includes: generating an alarm based on information sensed by the magnetic sensor.

[0126] Clause 30. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein generating the alarm includes: emitting a sound or activating a light source.

[0127] Clause 31. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the method further includes: sending the alarm to a second device different from the device.

[0128] Clause 32. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further includes: sending a notification to another device different from the device based on the user input.

[0129] Clause 33. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further includes: in response to determining that the device is proximal to the freezer, sending an alarm indicating that the device is proximal to the freezer to the device.

[0130] Clause 34. The method according to clause 33, wherein the alarm further indicates one or more other freezers.

[0131] Clause 35. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising: in response to determining that the device is proximal to the freezer, sending a notification to another device different from the device based on the user input.

[0132] Clause 36. A system, the system comprising one or more processors configured to execute the method according to Clauses 1 to 35.

[0133] Clause 37. A computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to Clauses 1 to 35.

[0134] The methods discussed above may be performed under the control of a computer program executable on one or more computing devices, such as a system comprising one or more processors, such as Figure 4 devices, servers, and lock systems, or Figure 5 devices, servers, locks, and another device system. Accordingly, the computer program may comprise instructions for controlling one or more computing devices or systems comprising one or more processors to perform any of the methods discussed above. The program may be comprised in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may comprise non-transitory type media, such as physical storage media, such as storage disks and solid-state devices. The computer-readable medium may additionally or alternatively comprise transient media such as carrier signals and transmission media, which may, for example, convey instructions between multiple separate computer systems and / or between components within a single computer system.

[0135] The various embodiments presented herein are provided only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. It should be understood that features may be combined and steps in methods may be omitted or performed in a different order. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosure defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for dispensing one or more frozen food products from a lockable pop - up freezer, wherein the freezer defines a volume accessible through a door of the freezer, the volume containing the one or more frozen food products, and the freezer includes an electronic control lock configured to be controlled to lock and unlock the door to prevent and permit access to the volume and retrieval of the one or more frozen food products, the method comprises the steps of: identifying the freezer using a user mobile device; communicating with the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer; identifying one or more frozen food products on the user mobile device and initiating a payment process; and optionally communicating with the electronic control lock to lock the door of the freezer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein identifying the freezer using the user mobile device is based on receiving a user input indicating an identifier of the freezer.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein receiving the user input indicating the identifier of the freezer comprises: receiving a digital image of the identifier of the freezer from a camera of the user mobile device.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein receiving the user input indicating the identifier of the freezer comprises: receiving the identifier of the freezer from an input device of the user mobile device.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein communicating with the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer comprises: generating an instruction and sending the instruction to the electronic control lock to cause the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein identifying one or more frozen food products on the user mobile device comprises: receiving one or more identifiers of the one or more frozen food products from the user mobile device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein receiving the one or more identifiers of the one or more frozen food products from the user mobile device comprises: receiving one or more digital images of the one or more identifiers of the one or more frozen food products from a camera of the user mobile device.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the one or more identifiers of the one or more frozen food products are one or more barcodes.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein initiating the payment process comprises: displaying a payment portal on the user mobile device for receiving a user payment input associated with the one or more frozen food products.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method further comprises: determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since communicating with the electronic control lock to unlock the door of the freezer; and based on determining that the predetermined period of time has elapsed, communicating with the electronic control lock to lock the door of the freezer.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top-opening freezer is a horizontal freezer and the door is a sliding door.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the sliding door comprises a first sliding door and a second sliding door, the first sliding door and the second sliding door each defining a respective part of the volume that can be accessed through the respective sliding door in use, wherein the lock is configured to be selectively controlled to selectively unlock the first sliding door and / or the second sliding door.

13. An articulated or sliding door horizontal freezer, the articulated or sliding door horizontal freezer comprising locking means, wherein the locking means comprises an electronic control lock for allowing access to the freezer and a mobile device, the locking means and the horizontal freezer being configured to operate as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A system, the system comprising: a mobile device and one or more processors configured to execute the method according to claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer and a mobile device, cause the computer to execute the method according to claims 1 to 12.

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