Integration of information surfaces into a fully digital vending machine
By segmenting the vending machine's display and integrating a software extension for real-time data retrieval, the system addresses the lack of regional information display, enhancing functionality and revenue generation without hardware modifications.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025000568
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-05-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing vending machines lack the capability to provide continuous and separate displays for regional information such as services or local promotions, limiting their functionality and revenue generation potential.
The vending machine's multifunction display is divided into segments, with one segment dedicated to traditional sales and another for regional information, enhanced by a software extension that retrieves and displays real-time data via wireless internet, allowing seamless integration of sales and information functions.
Enables the display of dynamic regional information while maintaining sales functionality, increasing customer engagement and revenue through regional advertising, without requiring hardware changes.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical area:
[0001] The invention relates to the extension of existing fully digital vending machines, in particular with multifunctional displays, to integrate additional information surfaces that display regional services, offers and promotions. State of the art:
[0002] Vending machines have multifunctional displays primarily used for product selection, payment, and information about the sales process. Existing systems do not provide for a separate and continuous display of regional information, such as services or local promotions. Object of the invention:
[0003] The aim of the invention is to create a system that enables the display of additional, dynamically updated information panels on an existing, fully digital vending machine in addition to the sales functions. This not only expands the information content of the machine, but also opens up new sources of revenue through regional advertising and increases customer loyalty. At the same time, cities and municipalities are designed to be more technologically advanced and economical. Solution to the task:
[0004] The invention proposes that the existing multifunction display of the vending machine be divided into separate segments. One segment is reserved for the traditional sales process, while at least one other segment serves to provide regional information, advertising, wayfinding systems, event information, and tourist information. Depending on the user's input, the entire multifunction display can be used to output information and then returned to its original mode to enable interactive product selection. (see Fig. )
[0005] To achieve this, the vending machine's control unit is enhanced with a software extension that retrieves current data—such as regional services, special promotions, and local events—via a wireless internet connection and displays it in real time. A central user interface allows the operator to configure and update the displayed content without disrupting the ongoing sales process. Example:
[0006] In a specific example, a fully digital beverage vending machine is modified. The multifunction display is divided horizontally into two sections: • The lower area continues to display the product selection and payment process. • The upper area is specifically designed to display regional information. A wireless connection connects to a server that provides up-to-date information on regional services, events, and special offers. (see Fig. ) The machine's advanced control unit processes this data and ensures a smooth change of content so that the user is always presented with relevant information - without disrupting the sales process. Advantages: • Extending the functionality of an existing vending machine without complex hardware changes. • Improve customer information and increase the attractiveness of the machine. • Easy integration through software updates • Seamless integration of sales and information functions, increasing ease of use. Explanation of reference symbols: 1 multifunction display 2 display segments with information material 3 Display segment for the sales process 4 Product issue 5 Desired input by a user 6 The entire display now serves as a wayfinding system 7 A software extension provides the system with the required real-time data via a wireless Internet connection 8 Product storage
Claims
[1] Vending machine with an integrated multifunctional display, divided into at least two segments, characterized by that one segment is intended for the display of sales content and at least one further segment is intended for the display of information about regional services, special promotions and local events. [2] Vending machine according to claim 1, characterized by that the control unit of the machine is designed so that the information displayed in the second segment is updated in real time via a wireless Internet connection. [3] Vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the multifunction display is divided into several segments, with the selection and configuration of the display contents being carried out via a central user interface. [4] Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the integration of the information display is realized by means of a software update of the existing system without affecting the primary sales process. [5] Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the regional information displayed is retrieved from a central server and changed at specified time intervals.