User-Specific Dispensing System
Patent No. US10867461 (titled "User-Specific Dispensing System") was filed by Zito Jr Arthur J on Jul 1, 2016.
What is this patent about?
’461 is related to the field of automated dispensing systems, particularly those that tailor the dispensed item or service to the individual user. The background acknowledges the increasing competitiveness of the retail market and the need for effective, targeted marketing methods. Traditional promotional methods like coupons lack the immediacy and personalization that a truly automated, on-site sampling system could provide. Prior art systems often require a redemption step or fail to customize the dispensed item based on user-specific information.
The underlying idea behind ’461 is to create a dispensing system that automatically provides a user with an item or service specifically chosen for them based on their individual characteristics. This is achieved by using a user-identifier (like an RFID tag or barcode) that contains information about the user. The system reads this information and uses it to select and dispense an appropriate item from a storage compartment. This eliminates the need for coupons or redemption steps, providing immediate gratification and targeted sampling.
The claims of ’461 focus on a system comprising an input device for accepting user-specific information, at least one storage device, at least one dispensing device, and a processor. The processor interprets the user-specific information to select a type of item for dispensing and further selects a specific item from that type based on user characteristics such as location, biological profile, or role within a group. The processor then sends a signal to the dispensing device to automatically dispense the selected item, preventing the user from selecting a different type of item .
In practice, the system works by first identifying a user through their user-identifier. The reader captures the user's data (e.g., age, gender, preferences) and sends it to the processor. The processor then uses this data to determine which item from the storage compartments is most appropriate for that user. The processor then activates the dispensing mechanism for the selected item, delivering it to the user. The system can also track item-specific information, such as the number of items remaining in a compartment, and adjust dispensing criteria accordingly.
The key differentiation from prior approaches lies in the automated, on-site, and personalized dispensing of items. Unlike systems that simply issue coupons or randomly award prizes, ’461 provides a physical item or service tailored to the individual user's profile. This targeted approach aims to increase consumer engagement and drive traffic to specific locations. Furthermore, the system can be integrated into gaming devices or interactive amusement systems to activate features or provide advantages based on user-specific information, enhancing the user experience.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2000s when ’461 was filed, systems commonly relied on barcode or RFID technology for user identification at a time when dispensing mechanisms were typically electromechanical. At that time, hardware or software constraints made real-time, user-specific customization of dispensed items non-trivial, and systems commonly relied on pre-programmed dispensing routines rather than dynamic adjustments based on user data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the claims because the prior art of record was not relied upon and was considered pertinent to the applicant's disclosure.
Claims
This patent includes 55 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 27, 37, 38, 43, 47, 48, and 55. The independent claims generally focus on systems and methods for dispensing items based on user-specific information or authorization, often incorporating user characteristics like location, biological profile, or role within a group. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specifics of the independent claims, adding details about processors, storage devices, user interfaces, and types of items dispensed.
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Date
Description
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US10867461
- Application Number
- US15200048
- Filing Date
- Jul 1, 2016
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Nov 17, 2024
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents