Automated Local Delivery Center

Abstract

A system for automated vending and delivery of products to consumers is provided. The system can include a mobile dispensing unit, a product dispenser, and a web server. The system can also include a pick-up area. The web server can instruct the product dispenser to dispense the product to the mobile dispensing unit. The web server can also provide instructions to the mobile dispensing unit, which can then navigate to the consumer for delivery.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments described herein relate to product dispensing systems and methods. In particular, the embodiments relate to the automated, localized delivery of products, such as beverages or packaged food products, from a product dispenser to a delivery area or to a consumer. [Background technology]

[0002] A variety of devices may be used to dispense products to consumers. Consumers may purchase products from vending machines, may dispense beverages from fountain-type beverage dispensers, or may retrieve products from product storage cabinets or coolers. In each of these various methods of selecting a product, the consumer is required to travel to a product dispenser that may be located remotely from the consumer. Additionally, the consumer may need to navigate stairs or through different building areas to reach a particular product dispenser, which requires time, ability, and energy. Once in close proximity to a product dispenser, the consumer may need to wait a period of time to retrieve the product. Additionally, the consumer may have to contact the product dispenser to retrieve the product. Another concern is that a consumer may desire a particular product that may not be stocked by a product dispenser in close proximity to the consumer. The consumer may not be aware of this unavailability before traveling to the product dispenser. The consumer may prefer to avoid one or more of these problems in order to retrieve a product for consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment provides a system for automated vending and delivery of products to consumers. The system can include a mobile dispensing unit, a product dispenser, and a web server. The product dispenser can dispense a first product to the mobile dispensing unit for subsequent delivery to a first consumer remote from the product dispenser in a first transaction, and can dispense a second product to a second consumer at the product dispenser in a second transaction. The web server can be in communication with the product dispenser and the mobile dispensing unit. The web server can also instruct the product dispenser to dispense the first product to the mobile dispensing unit in the first transaction.

[0004] In some embodiments, the web server can also determine a priority of dispensing between the mobile dispensing unit and the second consumer. In some embodiments, the priority can be based on at least one of product order time, product availability, and arrival time to the product dispenser by the mobile dispensing unit and the second consumer. In some embodiments, the web server can receive an order for the first product from an electronic device of the first consumer. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit can include a sensor for navigating to the product dispenser. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit can deliver the first product to a pick-up area. The pick-up area can be determined based on at least one of a selection by the first consumer, proximity to the first consumer, and temperature control capabilities. In some embodiments, the product dispenser can include a communication assembly configured to communicate with at least one of the web server and the mobile dispensing unit. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit can include a communication assembly configured to communicate with at least one of the web server and the product dispenser. In some embodiments, the product dispenser can be a beverage dispenser.

[0005] Embodiments provide a method of automated vending and delivery of a product to a consumer. The method may include displaying on an electronic device a list of products available in a given area, receiving a selection of a product from the list of products on the electronic device, instructing a mobile dispensing unit to retrieve the product, and instructing the mobile dispensing unit to deliver the product to the consumer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method may also include loading the product into a receptacle of the mobile delivery unit. In some embodiments, instructing the mobile delivery unit to deliver the product to the consumer may include delivering the product to a pick-up area. In some embodiments, the method may also include selecting a delivery criterion and verifying that the delivery criterion is met. The delivery criterion may include at least one of a delivery location and a selected recipient. In some embodiments, the method may also include selecting a second product from the list of products and receiving the second product from the mobile delivery unit. In some embodiments, the second product may be located separately from the first product.

[0007] An embodiment provides a method of automated vending and delivery that may include displaying a list of available products on a consumer's mobile electronic device, receiving a product selection and consumer identification information from the mobile electronic device, instructing a product dispenser to dispense the selected product, loading the selected product into a mobile delivery unit for delivery to the consumer, and delivering the selected product to the consumer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method may also include receiving payment from the consumer's mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, delivering the selected product to the consumer may include determining that the selected product requires temperature control, identifying a pick-up area based on the temperature control capabilities, and delivering the selected product to the pick-up area. In some embodiments, delivering the selected product to the consumer may include navigating to the consumer based on at least one of navigation instructions from a web server and a map stored in a memory of the mobile dispensing unit. In some embodiments, the method may also include detecting a gripper of the mobile dispensing unit within the product dispensing area and gripping the selected product via the gripper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the disclosure and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of components in a given area for delivery according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a product dispenser according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a product dispenser according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rack according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a mobile dispensing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a mobile dispensing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile dispensing unit and a consumer according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pickup area according to one embodiment. [Figure 9]1 illustrates an exemplary method of delivering a product according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary method of delivering a product according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a front view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exemplary method of delivering a product according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an exemplary method of dispensing a product according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system on which embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims.

[0011] As used herein, the term "contactless" may refer to the ability of a consumer to select, retrieve, pay for, and initiate dispensing of a product without physically contacting the system, such as by touching a keypad, touch screen, door, or handle with the consumer's hand or finger. However, it is understood that the consumer may touch the product itself to retrieve the product. Furthermore, it is understood that in some embodiments as described herein, the consumer may choose to perform one or more of product selection, retrieval, payment, and initiation of dispensing by physically contacting or touching the system as desired.

[0012] As used herein, the term "product" may refer to any of a variety of food and beverage products, particularly packaged food and beverage products, such as bags or sleeves of chips, cookies, crackers, and the like, granola bars, power bars, energy bars, and packaged beverage products, such as bottled beverage products, canned beverage products, pouched beverage products (including carbonated beverages such as carbonated water, soda water, and energy drinks), drinking water, milk or dairy-based beverage products, coffee or tea-based beverage products, and the like.

[0013] A consumer may desire a beverage or food at his / her workplace or other location where he / she spends an extended period of time (e.g., school, conference, vacation spot, etc.). The product may be available through various devices. Retrieving the product may require selection. Additionally, some devices and / or locations may require purchase. To retrieve the product from these devices, the consumer must generally be in close proximity to the device. However, locating and traveling to the device may be time-consuming, difficult, and inefficient. Additionally, the device may not have the product the consumer desires. To select and purchase the product, the consumer may also have to physically contact the device, which may carry germs from other consumers. If the consumer does not feel that the device is close enough, contains his / her desired product, or is clean and hygienic, he / she may choose not to use such a device. These and other issues are further described below.

[0014] Consumers can obtain desired products from areas such as kitchens and common areas. These areas may support product dispensers including vending machines, fountain-type beverage dispensers, and coolers, among others. The product dispensers may provide a variety of beverages or packaged food products, which may have storage and delivery characteristics related to, for example, temperature or expiration dates.

[0015] A consumer may need to be in close proximity to an area or product dispenser to retrieve a product for consumption. Thus, retrieving a product requires the consumer to know which areas and / or product dispensers are available in a given area. However, in a large building or campus (e.g., for work or school), the consumer may not know where the product is located. Additionally or alternatively, the consumer may not know where the nearest area and / or product dispenser having the product is located. Thus, the consumer may spend excessive time and effort locating an area and / or product dispenser, which may not be the nearest place to retrieve the product for consumption. Furthermore, a large area, such as an office, may have many floors or multiple buildings. Traveling between floors and buildings may require going through stairs or outdoor terrain, which may be difficult for those with mobility concerns.

[0016] Proximity to an area and / or product dispenser may require a consumer to wait in line to access available products. This may increase the total time a consumer spends retrieving their desired product. In addition, a consumer may find that their desired product is not available in a particular area and / or product dispenser. The consumer may become frustrated because they have expended time and energy traveling to the product dispenser. The consumer may attempt to locate another area and / or product dispenser to find their desired product, which may exacerbate the inefficiencies of retrieving products within a given area.

[0017] Upon locating a desired product, the consumer may be required to physically touch the product dispenser to operate a dispense button or select a beverage, such as on a touch screen. Some product dispensers may require payment, which also requires the consumer to physically touch the product dispenser. As a result, the product dispenser may accumulate bacteria from various consumers who touch the product dispenser. For example, a vending machine may allow a consumer to select a product and dispense the selected product without an attendant. To operate a vending machine, the consumer must generally operate a keypad or touch screen to make and confirm a product selection. The consumer may also have to touch the vending machine to input a payment, such as when swiping a credit card or inserting a bill.

[0018] Additionally, product accessories such as cups, straws, and sugar may be available to all consumers who use the product dispenser. Consumers may be concerned that straws and cups are not hygienic, for example, because any consumer may handle them. Similarly, storage cabinets and coolers in areas such as kitchens may store products for removal in storage compartments that are accessible by physically touching the compartment. For example, some storage compartments may require a door to be opened to remove the product. To access the product, a consumer may have to grab the door and manually open it. Furthermore, when consumers access products in these storage compartments, they may touch and handle products that they do not select to remove, resulting in each remaining stored product carrying bacteria.

[0019] In order to obtain the desired product without having to locate and travel to an area and / or product dispenser that contains the desired product, the consumer may request a person to perform these tasks to deliver the product. However, the person delivering may also find it difficult to locate or travel to an area or machine that has the desired product in the same manner as the consumer. In addition, the consumer may have to coordinate with the person delivering to obtain their delivery. For example, the consumer may need to inform the person delivering of their location and any updates to their location. The consumer may also need to help the person delivering navigate to them, which can be frustrating as the consumer may wish to avoid navigating altogether. Furthermore, having the person delivering retrieve the product and deliver it may spread germs to the area and / or product dispenser, the desired product, other stored products, and any product accessories.

[0020] Semi-automated solutions may also require consumer interaction. For example, a consumer may have knowledge of a particular area and / or product dispenser that has their desired product. The system may allow the consumer to order or reserve their desired product from the identified area and / or product dispenser. However, the consumer may still need to travel to the particular area and / or product dispenser to retrieve their desired product. In a campus environment where many buildings are located, each building may have many floors. The necessary travel to and from the areas and / or product dispensers may be time consuming and frustrating.

[0021] In another example, a mobile dispensing unit may be equipped to pick up and deliver the desired product. However, utilizing the mobile dispensing unit may require a lot of user input, e.g., ordering, confirmation, and location updates. Such a system may also be frustrating.

[0022] Thus, a need exists to provide consumers with systems and methods for automated localized delivery that minimizes user interaction, in other words, automated localized delivery of products from a product dispenser is desirable to provide the product to a consumer without requiring the consumer to leave their location and directly interact with such a device.

[0023] As described herein, a system and method is provided for automated local delivery that minimizes user interaction. The system and method utilizes a product area and dispensers, a mobile delivery unit to pick and deliver product orders, a mobile application for ordering and payment, and a web server to receive order information, instruct the mobile delivery unit 300 to pick and deliver the products, and receive confirmation of delivery.

[0024] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Referring to FIG. 1, a product area 50 can include one or more products for dispensing. As shown, the product area 50 can include one or more product dispensers 100 containing products such as beverages, snacks, and / or packaged foods. A mobile dispensing unit 300 can pick up products from the product area 50 and deliver the products to a consumer or to a pick-up area 400. A web server 600 can facilitate interaction between the product dispensers 100, the mobile dispensing unit 300, and / or the pick-up area 400 by communicating with the product dispensers 100, the mobile dispensing unit 300, and / or the pick-up area 400. Additionally or alternatively, the product dispensers 100, the mobile dispensing unit 300, and / or the pick-up area 400 can communicate directly with each other.

[0025] The web server 600 can provide instructions to and receive confirmations from the product dispenser 100, the mobile dispensing unit 300, and / or the pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the product dispensers 100 may each include a communication assembly 130 for communicating with the web server 600. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may also communicate with one or more mobile dispensing units 300, each mobile dispensing unit 300 having a communication assembly 530 for communicating with the web server 600. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 and the mobile dispensing unit 300 may communicate directly with each other via the communication assembly 130 and the mobile dispensing unit 300. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may communicate directly with the pickup area 400 via the communication assembly 530 and the communication assembly 430 of the pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may communicate with the pickup area 400 via the web server 600.

[0026] The systems and methods described herein may be implemented in a predetermined area 5. Consumers may be located in the predetermined area 5, which may include a product area 50, a product dispenser 100, a mobile delivery unit 300, and a pick-up area 400. The predetermined area 5 may be a building, such as an office, an office building, or a school, or a larger area, such as an office campus, a school campus, or a resort area, among others.

[0027] While in the predefined area 5, a consumer may desire a product, such as a beverage or snack. The consumer may travel to the product area 50 and / or the product dispenser 100 to retrieve the product. Alternatively, or in combination, the consumer may utilize the electronic device 700 to order the product for delivery. In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 may be a user device, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 may be a general device utilized by many consumers. In some embodiments, the electronic device 800 may be positioned throughout the predefined area 5 to receive orders from consumers for delivery. The consumer may utilize the electronic device 700 to select the desired products and input their delivery location. In some embodiments, the delivery location may be where the consumer is located during delivery. In some embodiments, the delivery location may be the pick-up area 400. In some embodiments, the consumer must also provide payment for the product via the electronic device 700 for delivery. Once the product has been selected and paid for if necessary, the mobile delivery unit 300 may be deployed to retrieve the desired product and complete the delivery. In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 may communicate with the web server 600 such that the web server 600 may coordinate product and retrieval and delivery. In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 is a handheld device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the product area 50 may be a general area having products for consumption, such as a kitchen, break room, lounge, or other common area. In some embodiments, the product area 50 may be a temporary location for holding products, such as a conference room, or a space having a meeting or event, such as a get-together, town hall, bake sale, etc. In some embodiments, the product area 50 may be a cafeteria or food corner with multiple beverage or food stations. In some embodiments, the product area 50 may be a location where shareable consumables are available, such as, for example, homemade goods, Halloween candy, Girl Scout™ cookies, etc.

[0029] In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may be a vending machine, a fountain-type beverage dispenser, or a cooler. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 is a post-mix beverage dispenser. The product dispenser 100 may include a variety of products having different characteristics, for example related to temperature or expiration date.

[0030] In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may be a fountain-type beverage dispenser, as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may include a housing 102, a first side 104, a second side 106, a delivery area 110, a sensor 112, a dispensing nozzle 114, a digital display 118, a sensor 120, and a user interface 122.

[0031] In some embodiments, a consumer may desire a product, and the product is a fountain beverage. As shown, the consumer may approach the product dispenser 100 with a container 15 and position the container 15 within the delivery area 110. In some embodiments, the product sensor 120 may indicate when the container 15 is located in the delivery area 110. In some embodiments, the consumer may obtain information regarding product availability via the digital display 118. For example, the consumer may be able to view available products and instructions for using the product dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 122 may be a touch screen aspect of the digital display 118. The user interface 122 may facilitate selection of a product to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the consumer may select a product for dispensing such that the product dispenser 100 dispenses the selected product into the container 15 via the dispensing nozzle 114. The consumer may then remove the product in the container 15 from the delivery area 110.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 includes an arm 302. In some embodiments, a gripper 304 is attached to the arm 302 such that the mobile dispensing unit 300 is configured to autonomously pick up, place, handle, and otherwise manipulate products, for example. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may have a suction cup. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may approach the product dispenser 100 in the same manner as a consumer. Additionally, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may access the delivery area 110 in the same manner as a consumer. As shown, the consumer's hand may be extended to grip the container 15. Similarly, the arm 302 of the mobile dispensing unit 300 may be extended to grip the container 15. In some embodiments, the arm 302 may be adjustable to reach delivery areas 112 of different heights. In some embodiments, the gripper 304 of the arm 302 may grip the container 15 and remove the container 15 from the delivery area 110. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may load the product 10 directly onto the mobile dispensing unit 300 .

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more consumers and one or more mobile dispensing units 300 may be in proximity to the product dispenser 100 to retrieve a product from the product dispenser 100. The product dispenser 100 may dispense a beverage into a container 15 for the consumer or the mobile dispensing unit 300. In this manner, the consumer may utilize the product dispenser 100 as normal, while the product dispenser 100 is given the additional capability of servicing the mobile dispensing unit 300. The consumer then has the option to independently travel to the product dispenser 100 or utilize the mobile dispensing unit 300 to retrieve a desired product.

[0034] In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 does not require modification to service the mobile dispensing unit 300. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may be positioned within the product area 50 to facilitate servicing the mobile dispensing unit 300. For example, each product dispenser 100 within the product area 50 may be spaced farther away from another product dispenser 100 to allow additional space for both the consumer and the mobile dispensing unit 300 to access the product dispenser 100. In some embodiments, electronic components (e.g., sensors 120, sensors 112, communication assembly 130) and / or other components may be retrofitted to the product dispenser 100 to facilitate servicing the mobile dispensing unit 300.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sensor 120 may detect when a consumer is in proximity to the product dispenser 100 such that the consumer may access the delivery area 110, the digital display 118, and / or the user interface 122. In some embodiments, the sensor 120 may detect when a mobile dispensing unit 300 is in proximity to the product dispenser 100 such that the mobile dispensing unit 300 may access the delivery area 110. The sensor 120 may be a proximity sensor that faces towards the consumer and / or the mobile dispensing unit 300. In some embodiments, the sensor 120 may include a camera.

[0036] The sensor 120 can detect the presence of a consumer, such as by detecting the consumer's hand. Similarly, the sensor 120 can detect the presence of the mobile delivery unit 300, such as by detecting the presence of the arm 302 and / or the gripper 304. In some embodiments, the sensor 120 may not be activated unless the sensor 120 detects the presence of a consumer or mobile delivery unit 300 within a predetermined detection distance of the sensor 120. In some embodiments, the sensor 120 may not be activated unless the sensor 120 detects the presence of a consumer and / or mobile delivery unit 300 for a predetermined detection time, e.g., 3 seconds. Thus, the consumer and / or mobile delivery unit 300 may be positioned within the detection distance of the sensor 120 for the predetermined detection time to activate the sensor 120. This may help prevent accidental activation of the sensor 120 if the consumer and / or mobile delivery unit 300 momentarily passes by the sensor 120.

[0037] It should be understood that the consumer may use other body parts, such as an elbow or a foot, or the consumer may use an object, such as a purse or a bag, among other objects, as long as the object is located within a predetermined detection distance of the sensor 120 as detected by the sensor 120. Similarly, various parts of the mobile dispensing unit 300, such as the arm 302 or the gripper 304, may activate the sensor 120. The mobile dispensing unit 300 is further described below.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sensor 112 indicates that a product and / or container 15 is located within the delivery area 110. In some embodiments, the sensor 112 is activated by a proximity sensor that detects the product and / or container 15 within the delivery area 110. In some embodiments, the sensor 112 may not be activated unless the product and / or container 15 is within the delivery area 110 for a predetermined detection time, e.g., 3 seconds. This may help prevent accidental activation of the sensor 112 if an object momentarily passes through the delivery area 110.

[0039] 1-2, an electronic device 700 communicates to a web server 600 a product selected for delivery to a consumer or pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the web server 600 instructs the mobile dispensing unit 300 to navigate to a product dispenser 100 containing the product. The product dispenser 100 can sense, via a sensor 120, that the mobile dispensing unit 300 is in proximity to the product dispenser 100. The product dispenser 100 can then communicate a confirmation signal of the presence of the mobile dispensing unit 300 to the web server 600. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 can sense the proximity of one or more consumers and one or more mobile dispensing units 300 and communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 that the one or more consumers and one or more mobile dispensing units 300 are in proximity to the product dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the web server 600 can then provide instructions to the product dispenser 100 to prioritize dispensing of the product for retrieval by one or more consumers and one or more mobile dispensing units 300. In some embodiments, the priority can be based on a priority parameter. Prioritizing dispensing based on a priority parameter is discussed further below.

[0040] In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 can sense that the product and / or container 15 is located within the delivery area 110 via the sensor 112. The product dispenser 100 may then communicate a confirmation signal of the presence of the product and / or container 15 to the web server 600. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may then communicate instructions to the mobile dispensing unit 300 to grasp and remove the container 15. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may delay communication of instructions to the mobile dispensing unit 300 to grasp and remove the container 15 to ensure that the container 15 is filled prior to removal. In some embodiments, the delay may be 10 seconds after the sensor 112 indicates that the product and / or container 15 is located within the delivery area 110. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 upon receiving the instructions. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 once the container 15 has been picked up and / or removed. Additionally or alternatively, the product dispenser 100 may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 once the container 15 has been picked up and / or removed. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may communicate directly to the mobile dispensing unit 300 to pick up and remove the container 15.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may be a vending machine. The product dispenser 100 as a vending machine may be operable in the same manner as the product dispenser 100 as a fountain-style beverage dispenser described above with reference to Figure 2. The product dispenser 100 may contain one or more products 10, which may be beverages and / or packaged food products. In such embodiments, the products 10 may be detected, grasped, and dispensed from the product dispenser 100 shown in Figure 3 as discussed above with reference to the container 15 (Figure 2).

[0042] In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may include a payment processing unit 124. In some embodiments, payment may be required to dispense the product 10. A consumer may provide payment via the payment processing unit 124. In some embodiments, the payment processing unit 124 may receive payment in a contactless manner. The payment processing unit 124 may include a reader, such as a camera, to read a quick response (QR) code or other readable code presented by a consumer, where the QR code corresponds to a payment source, such as a mobile payment. The payment processing unit 124 may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna configured to communicate with a contactless payment card for touch-and-go payments. In some embodiments, the payment processing unit 124 may additionally include a money slot for receiving currency or tokens, either paper or coins, or may additionally include a payment card reader for reading a payment card, e.g., a credit card, debit card, gift card, etc., by swiping the card or inserting the card into a reader, or both.

[0043] In some embodiments, the payment processing unit 124 may include a keypad for providing payment. Thus, a consumer may utilize the mobile dispensing unit 300 (FIG. 1) to retrieve a product without having to touch the payment processing unit 124. In this manner, a consumer may avoid direct use by other consumers of germs that may spread to the payment processing unit 124. Similarly, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may be utilized to avoid physically touching the user interface 122 of the digital display 118 described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0044] Selection and payment may additionally or alternatively be procured on the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1). The consumer may access a mobile application on the electronic device 700 that allows the consumer to see which products 10 are available. The consumer may select the desired product 10 via the mobile application and pay for it. In some embodiments, payment is not required, such as in an office environment where products 10 are provided to employees. In some embodiments, rather than selecting a particular product, the consumer may simply select product criteria, such as a cold beverage, a hot beverage, or a carbonated beverage. An order may be triggered by an order confirmation once selection and / or payment is complete.

[0045] The web server 600 (FIG. 1) can control the system and manage the mobile application. The web server 600 can provide instructions to the product dispenser 100, the mobile dispensing unit 300, and / or the pick-up area 400 based on the consumer's input. The web server 600 can confirm the selection, payment, and delivery of the product 10 by providing instructions and receiving confirmation. In some embodiments, the web server 600 receives a confirmation signal from the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1) indicating the consumer's order. In some embodiments, the web server 600 can find products in the predefined area 5 (FIG. 1) that match the selected product criteria. In some embodiments, the web server 600 can provide instructions to the mobile dispensing unit 300 to retrieve and deliver the order to the consumer. Thus, the order can be one of the few user inputs required by the systems and methods described herein. Thus, minimal user interaction is required to receive the product 10.

[0046] 4, rack 200 may also contain products 10 for picking and delivery. Rack 200 may be located in product area 50. The products 10 on rack 200 may be packaged food products. In such an embodiment, products 10 may be detected, grasped, and picked from rack 200 as discussed above with reference to container 15 (FIG. 2).

[0047] The mobile dispensing unit 300 will be described in more detail. With reference to FIG. 5, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may include a sensor 308 and a sensor 310. In some embodiments, the sensor 308 may be a proximity sensor and the sensor 310 may be a computer vision / optical sensor. The sensor 308 and the sensor 310 may facilitate locating, retrieving, and delivering the product 10. In this manner, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may navigate to the product dispenser 100 (FIGS. 1-3) and sense when it is in proximity to the product dispenser 100. Other combinations of sensors may be used. Additionally, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may use the sensor 310 to identify and retrieve the product 10 from a storage facility in the product area 50 (FIG. 1). In addition, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may utilize location data and navigation to retrieve and deliver the product 10.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may store in memory a pre-installed map of the predetermined area 5 (FIG. 1). The mobile delivery unit 300 may use the map to determine where the product area 50 is located within the predetermined area 5 (FIG. 1). The mobile delivery unit 300 may download the map or complete a mapping exercise to learn the predetermined area 5. In some embodiments, to facilitate navigation, the mobile delivery unit 300 may utilize a communication assembly 330 to communicate with elevators, doors, security, etc. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit utilizes sensors 308 and / or sensors 310 to identify elevators, doors, and / or security. This allows the mobile delivery unit 300 to navigate through the predetermined area 5 to fulfill an order.

[0049] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may utilize sensors 308 and / or sensors 310 to sense the consumer. In this manner, both the mobile delivery unit 300 and the consumer can simultaneously navigate through a given area 5 ( FIG. 1 ), such as the product area 50. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may wait in line for an ordered product 10 and move forward, or may navigate through a crowd in the product area 50.

[0050] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may be controlled by a web server 600 (FIG. 1), which provides instructions and receives confirmation from the mobile delivery unit 300. The web server 600 (FIG. 1) may provide instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 in stages or all at once. For example, the web server 600 may instruct the mobile delivery unit 300 to go to a particular product area 50 to fulfill an order. The web server 600 may provide instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 on how to navigate to the product area 50. Upon providing confirmation that the mobile delivery unit 300 is in the product area 50, the web server 600 may provide instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 to retrieve the ordered product 10. As discussed above, in some embodiments, once the product 10 is grasped and / or retrieved, a confirmation signal may be communicated to the web server 600. Upon providing confirmation that the mobile delivery unit 300 has retrieved the product, the web server 600 may provide instructions regarding delivery. In some embodiments, after receiving this confirmation signal, the web server 600 may provide instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 to navigate to the consumer or pickup area 400 (FIG. 1) for delivery of the product 10. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may communicate the confirmation signal upon receiving these instructions. In some embodiments, after receiving this confirmation signal, the web server 600 may provide navigation instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 for how to navigate to the consumer or pickup area 400 (FIG. 1) for delivery. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may provide navigation information to the mobile delivery unit 300 immediately after the order is placed. The web server 600 may also provide more than one instruction at a time and may receive a batch of confirmations.

[0051] In some embodiments, the web server 600 (FIG. 1) provides navigation instructions based on the mobile delivery unit 300. For example, the mobile delivery unit 300 may include wheels and / or legs. A mobile delivery unit 300 with wheels may be larger to traverse outdoor terrain. The legs of the mobile delivery unit 300 may make it easier to traverse stairs. In some configurations, the mobile delivery unit 300 may be particularly agile. If the mobile delivery unit 300 is agile, the web server 600 may provide a route through stairs and / or outdoor terrain. However, if the mobile delivery unit 300 is unable to perform such an operation, the web server 600 may direct the mobile delivery unit 300 through a simpler path that may be, for example, indoors and / or only one floor of a building. In some embodiments, the navigation instructions may be a function of time. For example, the consumer may specify a time at which the product 10 is desired. Thus, the web server 600 may instruct the mobile dispensing unit 300 to pick up the product 10 from a less crowded product area 50 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the web server 600 may instruct the mobile dispensing unit 300 to pick up the product 10 from a closer product area 50. In this manner, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may be able to complete the delivery more quickly such that the delivery is optimized.

[0052] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may be autonomous and may utilize AI (artificial intelligence) to receive orders and complete delivery. The intelligent mobile delivery unit 300 may navigate to the product area 50 and coexist with both consumers and other mobile delivery units 300, where the other mobile delivery units 300 may or may not be intelligent. In some embodiments, the intelligent mobile delivery unit 300 may autonomously navigate to the product area 50 and consumer or pickup area 400 (FIG. 1) for delivery. In some embodiments, the intelligent mobile delivery unit 300 may store a pre-installed map and / or may be capable of reading a map to navigate through the predefined area 5 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the controlled (e.g., non-intelligent) mobile delivery unit 300 and the intelligent mobile delivery unit 300 may support blockchain to optimize localized delivery in the predefined area 5. For example, data from co-location sites (e.g., other campuses of the same company or school) may be utilized to optimize localized delivery.

[0053] In some embodiments, the consumer may request a status update through the mobile application. In some embodiments, the web server 600 (FIG. 1) may provide a status update while locating or interrogating the mobile dispensing unit 300 and receiving a confirmation. In some embodiments, the product dispenser 100 (FIG. 1) may also provide an indication of the order status to the web server 600. For example, when the mobile dispensing unit 300 is in proximity to the product dispenser 100, the product dispenser 100 may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600. The web server 600 may then provide an associated notification to the consumer.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery units 300 may have a home base for storage or charging or to await deployment. In some embodiments, the web server 600 (FIG. 1) may deploy the mobile delivery units 300, including both controlled and intelligent mobile delivery units 300. In some embodiments, the deployed mobile delivery units 300 may utilize route optimization. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery units 300 may be deployed based on efficiency. For example, a mobile delivery unit 300 closer to the product area 50 (FIG. 1) containing the desired product 10 may be deployed before a mobile delivery unit 300 that is further away. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a charged mobile delivery unit 300 may be deployed before a mobile delivery unit 300 that cannot complete a delivery due to power issues. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery units 300 may be released based on their capabilities, for example, capabilities related to traversing outdoor terrain that may include steps, or rocks or grass, and may be exposed to rain or snow. In some embodiments, a consumer may specify the type of mobile delivery unit 300 or the behavior of the mobile delivery unit 300 required for a particular delivery. For example, a consumer in a meeting may require the mobile delivery unit 300 to be distinct, e.g., smaller, or quieter in operation. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 is deployed for a set period of time. Thus, once the mobile delivery unit 300 communicates a confirmation signal to the web server 600 indicating that the delivery is complete, the web server 600 can communicate instructions to complete subsequent deliveries.

[0055] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery units 300 may be autonomous or controlled to interact with the product area 50 (FIG. 1) in coordination with other mobile delivery units 300 and consumers. For example, the web server 600 may receive information from the product dispenser 100 that there is a line or crowd waiting to get an order. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may instruct the mobile delivery units 300 to wait at a specific location for an order, such as a line or a pickup area near the product dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may inform the mobile delivery units 300 that their delivery order is ready. The mobile delivery units 300 may then navigate to be in close proximity to the product dispenser 100 to grab and retrieve the product 10. In some embodiments, consumers may utilize the web server 600 to know when their order is ready for retrieval if they retrieve the order directly. In this manner, the web server 600 may support the consumers directly and indirectly (e.g., via the mobile delivery units 300).

[0056] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 can interact with a human delivery person. For example, a consumer can order delivery from an external product source (e.g., a store, restaurant, or cafe). In some embodiments, the product area 50 can include locations within a predetermined area 5 where the mobile delivery unit 300 can meet with a human delivery person to pick up the delivery (FIG. 1). These locations can be, for example, a lobby of a building.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the product 10 may be loaded onto a mobile delivery unit 300. For example, the mobile delivery unit 300 may support the product 10 in a receptacle 312, which may be a basket, container, or the like. Once the product 10 is grasped, the mobile delivery unit 300 may retrieve the product 10 and place it in the receptacle 312 for transport. In some embodiments, the product 10 may be loaded into the receptacle 312. The receptacle 312 may provide control over product characteristics. In some embodiments, the receptacle 312 may support temperature control, e.g., refrigeration, heating, or temperature selection. In this way, a product 10 that requires refrigeration is not spoiled, for example, during transport. In some embodiments, the web server 600 (FIG. 1) may identify the characteristics of the product 10 when an order is placed and may deploy a compatible mobile delivery unit 300 for retrieval and delivery. For example, the web server 600 can identify a perishable product 10 and, accordingly, deploy a mobile dispensing unit 300 that supports refrigeration.

[0058] The mobile delivery unit 300 can support multiple products 10 in the receptacle 312. In some embodiments, deliveries may be batched to increase efficiency. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may deliver multiple products 10 to the same consumer. A consumer may order multiple products 10 that may or may not be provided by the same product dispenser 100 or located in the same product area 50, and a single mobile delivery unit 300 may complete all deliveries (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the mobile delivery unit 300 may pick up multiple products 10 for delivery to different consumers and / or pick-up areas 400 (FIG. 1).

[0059] In some embodiments, the consumer may provide or specify a container for use by the mobile dispensing unit 300. For example, the customer may place a mug in the product area 50 (e.g., in the kitchen) and instruct the mobile dispensing unit 300 to use the mug to dispense the product 10. In some embodiments, the container for the product 10 may be a product standard that may be specified when ordering the product 10 and / or during active delivery.

[0060] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery units 300 may fulfill orders based on proximity at the time of the request or based on where the mobile delivery units 300 are located after delivery. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery units 300 may utilize a relay system. For example, a mobile delivery unit 300 on one floor may hand off a delivery to a mobile delivery unit 300 deployed in an elevator. This mobile delivery unit 300 may hand off a delivery to another mobile delivery unit 300 deployed on the floor where the consumer is located. In some embodiments, a mobile delivery unit 300 may be designated as a delivery intermediary between different buildings in the same campus. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile delivery units 300 may make a delivery via a pickup area 400. In this way, some mobile delivery units 300 may act as a delivery intermediary, and the mobile delivery unit 300 that picks up the product may not be the mobile delivery unit 300 that delivers the product.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may include a cover 314, a latch 316, and a user interface 318. The cover 314 may close the receptacle 312. Closing the receptacle 312 may allow the product 10 to remain secured within the receptacle 312 as the mobile dispensing unit 300 moves through a predetermined area 5 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the receptacle 312 may have a security control. In some embodiments, the latch 316 may be a lock that prevents the cover 314 from being removed. Thus, the latch 316 must be unlocked to retrieve the product 10 (FIG. 5) disposed within the receptacle 312. In some embodiments, only the consumer receiving the delivery may be able to unlock the latch 316 and remove the cover 314 to retrieve the product 10. In some embodiments, the consumer may allow another person, such as a coworker, to unlock the latch 316 and remove the cover 314 to retrieve the product 10 in addition to or on behalf of the consumer. In some embodiments, the consumer may specify a recipient for the product 10 when placing an order for the product 10 and / or during active delivery. The specified recipient may be delivery criteria entered by the consumer. In this way, the product 10 cannot be stolen as the mobile dispensing unit 300 travels through the predetermined area 5.

[0062] In some embodiments, the user interface 318 may present a code (e.g., a QR code) corresponding to active delivery. The mobile application may confirm the delivery via a code to unlock the latch 316 to allow an authorized recipient to retrieve the product 10 (FIG. 5). In some embodiments, unlocking the latch 316 may cause a confirmation signal to be communicated to the web server 600 (FIG. 1) indicating that the delivery is complete. In some embodiments, the user interface 318 may present a code that may be entered on the mobile application, which may cause a confirmation signal to be communicated to the web server 600 indicating that the delivery is complete. In some embodiments, the user interface 318 may confirm the identity of the recipient using code verification or using facial recognition. In some embodiments, the sensor 310 may be a computer vision / optical sensor that observes when the product 10 is removed from the receptacle 312. Once the sensor 310 determines that the product 10 has been removed, a confirmation signal may be communicated to the web server 600 indicating that the delivery is complete. In some embodiments, the sensor 310 may verify that the recipient is authorized to remove the product 10. In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may have a button that the consumer can press to confirm that the delivery is complete. Pressing the button may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 indicating that the delivery is complete.

[0063] 7, as discussed above, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may include an arm 302 and a gripper 304 for gripping, picking up, and delivering the product 10. In some embodiments, the arm 302 may extend to deliver the product 10 to a consumer. In some embodiments, the gripper 304 may grip the product 10 as the arm 302 is manipulated to deliver the product 10 to a consumer.

[0064] As shown, the consumer may be located in a seating area. Thus, in some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can navigate to the seating area to deliver the product 10. The consumer may be located in a cubicle, an office, a conference room, a lunch room, a classroom, or any other location within the predetermined area 5 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may be able to access some or all secure locations within the predetermined area 5. For example, some areas may require authorized access. The mobile dispensing unit 300 may enter these areas if allowed by the web server 600 or an authorized user. Alternatively, the mobile dispensing unit 300 may be prevented from entering these areas. The mobile application may indicate to the consumer if the consumer has selected a delivery location that the mobile dispensing unit 300 cannot access. In this manner, the consumer may select another delivery location to receive his or her desired product 10.

[0065] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may navigate to the consumer by tracking the consumer via the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1). In this way, the consumer can move around within a given area 5 and still pick up the product 10 at their location. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may deliver the product 10 to a location where the consumer is not present. The consumer may want to pick up the product 10 at their desk, for example. However, the consumer may not be at their desk when the mobile delivery unit 300 arrives. The mobile delivery unit 300 can place the product 10 on the consumer's desk or at a secure location on the consumer's desk and confirm the delivery if the consumer provides an indication during the order that this delivery method is sufficient.

[0066] A consumer may choose how their order is delivered. For example, a user may choose to have the product 10 delivered directly to the user at a location of their choice. Alternatively, a consumer may choose to pick up the product 10 at a more convenient pickup location, such as pickup area 400 (FIG. 10).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the pickup area 400 may be a locker. In some embodiments, the pickup area 400 may be a bank of lockers. The pickup area 400 may be located within a predetermined area 5 at a location that is easily accessible by the consumer or the mobile delivery unit 300 (FIG. 1). For example, the pickup area 400 may be in a common area such as a cafeteria or kitchen. In some examples, the pickup area 400 may be located in a hallway near an elevator or stairwell on each floor of a building.

[0068] In some embodiments, a consumer may specify which pickup area 400 they would prefer to pick up the product 10 from when placing an order for the product 10 and / or during active delivery. The consumer may identify the closest or most convenient pickup area 400. Additionally, the consumer may know that they will be in a particular location at a potential delivery time and may select a pickup area 400 that is proximate to this particular location. For example, the consumer may have a meeting scheduled on a particular floor of a building and may select to pick up the product 10 from a pickup area 400 on that floor.

[0069] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may deliver the order to the pickup area 400 closest to the consumer. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may autonomously select and navigate to the pickup area 400 for delivery. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may provide instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 to deliver the product 10 to a particular pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 that the mobile delivery unit 300 has received the instructions. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may provide navigation instructions to the mobile delivery unit 300 to navigate to the pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 that the mobile delivery unit 300 has received the navigation instructions. In some embodiments, the pickup area 400 may communicate a confirmation signal that the mobile delivery unit 300 has delivered the product 10 to the pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may communicate a confirmation signal that the mobile delivery unit 300 has delivered the product 10 to the pickup area 400. Delivering the product 10 to the pickup area 400 may indicate that the delivery is complete. In some embodiments, the web server 600 may provide a confirmation signal to the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1) to inform the user that their desired product 10 is ready for pickup. In some embodiments, when placing an order, an estimated arrival time is provided to the consumer so that the consumer knows when to go to the pickup area 400 to pick up the product 10. In this manner, the consumer may minimally interact with the systems and methods described herein. In some embodiments, the same or a different mobile delivery unit 300 may later be instructed to pick up the product 10 from the pickup area 400 and deliver it to the consumer's location.

[0070] In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may deliver the order to the pickup area 400 based on the characteristics of the product 10. For example, the product 10 may be perishable, and as a result, the pickup station requires refrigeration. The pickup area 400 may be insulated (with a lid) to maintain the product temperature. In some embodiments, the pickup area 400 may have security controls. For example, only the consumer may be able to open the pickup area 400, which may be a locker, to retrieve the product 10. The consumer may also designate another person, such as a coworker, to retrieve their product. In some embodiments, the consumer may designate a recipient for the product 10 when placing the order for the product 10 and / or during active delivery. Designating a recipient may be a delivery criterion that the consumer may enter. In this way, the product cannot be stolen from the pickup area 400. In some embodiments, the mobile delivery unit 300 may know that the product 10 contains an allergen, such as nuts, and may place the product 10 in the pickup area 400 accordingly. For example, all products 10 containing nuts may be in one pick-up area 400, such as one locker or bank of lockers. In some embodiments, if a consumer requests in-person delivery and they are unavailable, after a predetermined period of time, the mobile delivery unit 300 may place the delivery in the pick-up area 400.

[0071] An exemplary method 900 of delivering a product 10 is shown in FIG. 9. In step 910, the web server 600 can receive product selection, payment, and consumer identification information from the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1). In step 920, the web server 600 can instruct the mobile dispensing unit 300 (FIG. 1) to retrieve the product 10. The mobile dispensing unit 300 can retrieve the product 10 from the product area 50, e.g., the product dispenser 100 (FIG. 1). In step 930, the web server 600 can instruct the product dispenser 100 to load the selected product 10 onto the mobile dispensing unit 300. The mobile dispensing unit 300 can retrieve the product 10 by gripping and inserting the product 10 into a receptacle (e.g., receptacle 312 in FIGS. 5-6). Alternatively, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can hold the product 10 in a gripper 304 (FIG. 7). In step 940, the web server 600 can instruct the mobile dispensing unit 300 to deliver the product 10 to the pickup area 400 or to the consumer. In step 950, a confirmation of delivery can be sent. Once delivered, the web server 600 can receive a confirmation of delivery from the consumer via the mobile dispensing unit 300 and / or the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a confirmation signal can be sent to confirm the delivery.

[0072] An exemplary method 1000 of delivering a product 10 is shown in FIG. 10. In step 1010, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can receive an instruction to retrieve the product 10 (FIG. 1). The instruction can be received from a web server 600 (FIG. 1). The mobile dispensing unit 300 can communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 indicating receipt of the instruction. The web server 600 can communicate navigation instructions to the mobile dispensing unit 300. In step 1020, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can navigate to the product dispenser 100. In step 1030, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can retrieve the product 10. The mobile dispensing unit 300 and / or the product dispenser 100 can communicate a confirmation signal to the web server 600 indicating removal of the product 10. The web server 600 can communicate the navigation instructions to the mobile dispensing unit 300. In step 1040, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can navigate to the consumer or to the pickup area 400. In step 1050, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can deliver the selected product to the consumer or to the pickup area 400. In step 1060, the mobile dispensing unit 300 and / or the consumer via the electronic device 700 (FIG. 1) can send a confirmation of delivery.

[0073] The electronic device 700 may be a smartphone, as shown in FIG. 11. As discussed herein, a mobile application may facilitate the ordering. The mobile application may be displayed on a GUI (graphical user interface) 702. The consumer may receive a list of products 10 available in a given area 5 (FIG. 1) and select a desired product 10. Instead of selecting a specific product 10, the consumer may generally select a cold, hot, or carbonated beverage. The consumer may optionally provide delivery criteria. For example, the consumer may indicate a location for delivery, in which case the delivery is made directly to the consumer. Alternatively, the consumer may indicate a pickup area 400 (FIG. 1) for delivery. Additionally, the consumer may indicate a delivery time, such as a specific time or time frame. Furthermore, the consumer may specify a recipient for the product 10. In addition to specifying delivery criteria when placing an order for the product 10, the consumer may specify delivery criteria during active delivery.

[0074] In some embodiments, the consumer may provide payment for the product 10 via the mobile application. The order may be triggered by an order confirmation once the selection and / or payment is complete. Placing the order may be the only interaction required by the consumer. In this manner, the systems and methods described herein may require minimal user input to facilitate automated, localized delivery. Along with the order, the mobile application may provide delivery updates and tracking. For example, the consumer may track the location of the ordered product 10 based on signals communicated between the web server 600, the product dispenser 100, the mobile delivery unit 300, and / or the pick-up area 400 (FIG. 1). The product 10 may move between the product area 50, the mobile delivery unit 300, and / or the pick-up area 400. The tracking may be tiered, for example, the consumer may be able to ascertain when the product 10 is dispensed, when the product 10 is being transported, when the product 10 arrives, and / or when the product 10 is delivered to the consumer or the pick-up area 400. In some embodiments, the tracking may be continuous, for example, a consumer may follow the movement of the product 10 in real time.

[0075] An exemplary method 1200 of delivering a product 10 is shown in FIG. 12. In step 1210, a consumer can receive on an electronic device 700 (FIG. 1) a list of products 10 available within a given area 5. In step 1220, the consumer can select a product 10 from the list of products 10 on the electronic device 700. In step 1230, the consumer optionally selects delivery criteria. For example, the consumer can indicate a location for delivery, in which case delivery is made directly to the consumer. Alternatively, the consumer may indicate a pickup area 400 (FIG. 1) for delivery. Additionally, the consumer can indicate a delivery time, such as a specific time or time frame. Furthermore, the consumer can specify a recipient for the product 10. In addition to specifying delivery criteria when placing an order for the product 10, the consumer can specify delivery criteria during active delivery.

[0076] An exemplary method 1300 of delivering a product 10 is shown in FIG. 13. In step 1310, the mobile dispensing unit 300 can receive a selection of the product 10, an instruction to dispense, and an identification of the consumer from the web server 600. In some embodiments, the product 10 is retrieved from the product dispenser 100 by the mobile dispensing unit 300. The product dispenser 100 may also be accessible by the consumer. Thus, the consumer and the mobile dispensing unit 300 can access the product dispenser 100 together. The consumer can order the product while the mobile dispensing unit 300 is retrieving the order. In step 1320, the web server 600 can determine a priority of the order based on a priority parameter. In some embodiments, the priority parameter can include one or more delivery criteria. For example, if the mobile dispensing unit 300 must complete the delivery by a certain time, the web server 600 can determine that the mobile dispensing unit 300 should receive those orders before the consumer is in proximity to the product dispenser 100. The priority parameters may include the arrival time of the consumer and the mobile delivery unit 300. If the consumer arrives at the product dispenser 100 before the mobile delivery unit 300, the consumer's order may be prioritized. Product availability may also be a priority parameter. The consumer's orders may be readily available such that they are prioritized over orders picked up by the mobile delivery unit 300 that may require sourcing. In step 1330, the web server 600 may complete the order based on the priority parameters.

[0077] 14 illustrates an exemplary computer system 800 in which embodiments or parts thereof may be implemented as computer readable code. A control unit as discussed herein may be a computer system having all or some of the components of computer system 800 for implementing the processes discussed herein.

[0078] Where programmable logic is used, such logic may be executed on a commercially available processing platform or special purpose device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functionality, and pervasive or small computers that may be embedded in virtually any device.

[0079] For example, at least one processor device and memory may be used to implement the above embodiments. The processor device may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. The processor device may have one or more processor "cores."

[0080] Various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by this exemplary computer system 800. After reading this specification, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how to implement one or more of the present inventions using other computer systems and / or computer architectures. Although the operations may be described as sequential processes, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, simultaneously, and / or in a distributed environment, and may be performed by program code stored locally or remotely for access by a single or multi-processor machine. In some embodiments, edge computing, cloud computing, or a combination thereof may be used. Additionally, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

[0081] The processor device 804 may be a dedicated or general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processor device 804 may also be a single processor in a multi-core / multi-processor system operating alone or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. The processor device 804 is connected to a communications infrastructure 806, such as a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message passing scheme.

[0082] The computer system 800 also includes a main memory 808, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 810, which may include, for example, a hard disk drive 812 or a removable storage drive 814, which may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the like. The removable storage drive 814 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 818 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 818 may include a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or the like, which is read from and written to by the removable storage drive 814. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the removable storage unit 818 includes a computer usable storage medium having computer software and / or data stored thereon.

[0083] Computer system 800 (optionally) includes a display interface 802 (which may include input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.) that transfers graphical, textual, and other data from a communications infrastructure 806 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) for display on a display unit 830.

[0084] In alternative implementations, the secondary memory 810 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 800. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 822 and interface 820. Examples of such means may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROMs or PROMs) and associated sockets, and other removable storage units 822 and interfaces 820 that may transfer software and data from the removable storage unit 822 to the computer system 800.

[0085] Computer system 800 may also include a communications interface 824. Communications interface 824 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 800 and external devices. Communications interface 824 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. The software and data transferred through communications interface 824 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals that can be received by communications interface 824. These signals may be provided to communications interface 824 via communications path 826. Communications path 826 carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, or other communications channel.

[0086] As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are used generally to refer to media such as removable storage unit 818, removable storage unit 822, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 812. Computer program medium and computer usable medium may also refer to memory, such as main memory 808 and secondary memory 810, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAM, etc.).

[0087] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in the main memory 808 and / or the secondary memory 810. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 824. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 800 to implement the embodiments discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor device 804 to implement the processes of the embodiments discussed herein. Such computer programs thus represent the controllers of the computer system 800. If the embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 800 using the removable storage drive 814, the interface 820, and the hard disk drive 812, or the communications interface 824.

[0088] An embodiment of the present invention may also be directed to a computer program product including software stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed on one or more data processing devices, causes the data processing devices to operate as described herein. An embodiment of the present invention may employ any computer usable or computer readable medium. Examples of computer usable media include, but are not limited to, primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, ZIP disks, tapes, magnetic and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnology storage devices, etc.).

[0089] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventors, and are thus not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0090] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of certain functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the certain functions and their relationships are appropriately performed.

[0091] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments makes the general nature of the present invention fully apparent, and others may, by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art, easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications without undue trial and error and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and therefore, the phraseology or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teaching and guidance used herein.

[0092] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A system for automated vending and delivery of a product to a consumer, comprising: a mobile delivery unit; a product dispenser configured to dispense a first product to the mobile dispensing unit for subsequent delivery to a first consumer remote from the product dispenser in a first transaction, and to dispense a second product to a second consumer at the product dispenser in a second transaction; a web server configured to communicate with the product dispenser and the mobile dispensing unit and to instruct the product dispenser to dispense the first product to the mobile dispensing unit in the first transaction.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the web server is further configured to determine a distribution priority between the mobile delivery unit and the second consumer.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the priority is based on at least one of product order time, product availability, and arrival time at the product dispenser by the mobile delivery unit and the second consumer.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the web server is configured to receive an order for the first product from the first consumer's electronic device.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile dispensing unit comprises a sensor for navigating to the product dispenser.

6. the mobile delivery unit is configured to deliver the first product to a pickup area; The system of claim 1 , wherein the pickup area is determined based on at least one of a selection by the first consumer, proximity to the first consumer, and temperature control capabilities.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the product dispenser comprises a communications assembly configured to communicate with at least one of the web server and the mobile dispensing unit.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile dispensing unit comprises a communications assembly configured to communicate with at least one of the web server and the product dispenser.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the product dispenser is a beverage dispenser.

10. 1. A method for automated vending and delivery of a product to a consumer, comprising: Displaying on the electronic device a list of products available in a given area; receiving a selection of a product from the list of products on the electronic device; commanding a mobile dispensing unit to dispense the product; and instructing the mobile delivery unit to deliver the product to the consumer.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising loading the product into a receptacle of the mobile dispensing unit.

12. instructing the mobile delivery unit to deliver the product to the consumer; The method of claim 10, comprising delivering the product to a pick-up area.

13. Selecting a delivery criterion; and verifying that the delivery criteria are met; The method of claim 10 , wherein the delivery criteria includes at least one of a delivery location and a selected recipient.

14. selecting a second product from the list of products; The method of claim 10 , further comprising receiving the second product from the mobile dispensing unit.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the second product is located separately from the first product.

16. 1. A method of vending and delivery comprising: Displaying a list of available products on the consumer's mobile electronic device; receiving a product selection and an identification of the consumer from the mobile electronic device; commanding a product dispenser to dispense a selected product; loading the selected product into a mobile dispensing unit for delivery to the consumer; and delivering the selected product to the consumer.

17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising receiving a payment from the mobile electronic device of the consumer.

18. delivering the selected product to the consumer; determining that the selected product requires temperature control; identifying a pick-up area based on a temperature control capability; and delivering the selected product to the pickup area.

19. delivering the selected product to the consumer; 17. The method of claim 16, comprising navigating to the consumer based on at least one of navigation instructions from a web server and a map stored in a memory of the mobile delivery unit.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising detecting a gripper of a mobile delivery unit within a product dispensing area and gripping the selected product via the gripper.

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