INVENTORY MONITORING SYSTEM

Abstract

An inventory monitoring system. The inventory monitoring system includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with a terminal. The cabinet dispenses an item in response to the sale and records the removal of the item. The inventory monitoring system also includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/883,038 filed on Sep. 26, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Sep. 25, 2014 (Attorney Docket No. 10433.2), and entitled, “INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM”, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Control of inventory within the service industry is a continual problem. In particular, a lot of item can be moved very quickly and transactions are difficult to monitor. This presents many situations where employees can lose track of items or where employees can steal items or gift them without any ability of owners or manager to identify sources of loss unless they happen to view the theft.

In addition, inventory in particular locations is hard to keep track of. Generally, in locations such as sports arenas where multiple sales locations are spread throughout a venue, the inventory at each location must be checked manually. This means that either an authorized employee must continually be checking inventory and restocking where needed or employees must be counted on to accurately report inventory, once again opening the system up to potential fraud.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system that can automatically control inventory. Further, there is a need in the art for the system to monitor removal of items by each employee to increase employee accountability. Moreover, there is a need for the system to provide relevant reports that allow for better control of ordering and to maximize profitability.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One example embodiment includes an inventory monitoring system. The inventory monitoring system includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with a terminal. The cabinet dispenses an item in response to the sale and records the removal of the item. The inventory monitoring system also includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item.

Another example embodiment includes an inventory monitoring system. The inventory monitoring system includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with a terminal. The cabinet dispenses an item in response to the sale and records the removal of the item. The inventory monitoring system also includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item. The inventory monitoring system further includes a point of sale sever. The point of sale server is in electronic communication with the terminal and the cabinet and is configured to manage the operation of the inventory monitoring system including managing inventory within the cabinet.

Another example embodiment includes a method of controlling inventory using an inventory monitoring system. The method includes producing an inventory list which identifies items within a cabinet and releasing the item from the cabinet. The method also includes completing a sale of an item at a terminal and updating the inventory list to reflect the sale of the item.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a second alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an eggcrate sensor;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a third alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a stackable crate;

FIG. 7A illustrates a partial cutaway view of a fourth alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the fourth alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a cartridge

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a fifth alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth alternative example of an inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a drawer with a door closed;

FIG. 11B illustrates an example of a drawer with a door open;

FIG. 12A illustrates the seventh alternative example of an inventory monitoring system when not dispensing items;

FIG. 12B illustrates the seventh alternative example of an inventory monitoring system when dispensing items;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an eighth alternative inventory monitoring system;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an inventory monitoring system 100. The inventory monitoring system 100 can ensure that any items removed are properly accounted for before they are removed and provided to customers. I.e., it does not require an “honor system” where employees can remove items as desired but instead requires an employee to enter a sale or transaction before a piece of inventory can be removed or to account for the piece of inventory after the sale is complete. The inventory monitoring system 100 can assist small businesses, corporate chains, hotels, stadium and concert venues or any other entity which needs to control inventory.

FIG. 1 shows that the inventory monitoring system 100 can include a cabinet 102. The cabinet 102 can be configured to store the desired items. For example, the cabinet 102 can store bottles, cans, foods, toiletries or any other desired item. The cabinet 102 can dispense the stored items in response to a sale, as described below. I.e., the cabinet 102 can store and dispense the loaded items. The cabinet 102 can include a cooler, a refrigerator, a freezer, or any other desired storage device. The cabinet 102 can be sold separately with other parts sold as an add-on kit that allows the cabinet 102 to be converted to an inventory control system 100. I.e., the cabinet 102 can be separate from other parts (e.g., purchased as a cooler) and the other parts (described below) can be used to convert the stand along cabinet 102 to an inventory control system. As used in the specification and the claims, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties recited elements to the physical characteristics of the recited structure. As a result, the phrase “configured to” reaches well beyond merely describing functional language or intended use since the phrase actively recites an actual state of configuration.

The cabinet 102 can include any desired hardware for implementing the inventory monitoring system 100 functions. For example, the cabinet 102 can include built in computing systems. Likewise, the cabinet 102 can include any desired software for implementing the inventory monitoring system functions. For example, the cabinet 102 can include MICROS, FUTURE, ALOHA or any other desired software.

FIG. 1 also shows that the inventory monitoring system 100 can include a stored item 104. The item 104 can include any product that the user wishes to dispense while monitoring access and inventory. That is, the item 104 can include any product that the user will need regular access to but nevertheless wants to track access and or inventory of the items. For example, the item 104 can include bottles, cans, foods, toiletries or any other desired product.

FIG. 1 further shows that the inventory monitoring system 100 can include a sensor 106. The sensor 106 determines which items 104 are removed from the cabinet 102. I.e., the sensor 106 is able to establish that an item 104 which was previously present in the cabinet 102 is no longer present. For example, the sensor 106 can ascertain that the item 104 is being removed. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 106 can compare the items 104 present after removal with the items 104 present prior to removal and determine which items 104 were removed. The sensor 106 can include any desired sensor such as PIR infrared sensors, flex force load sensors, ultrasonic proximity sensors, a pressure switch or any other sensor that can measure removal of an item 104.

For example, in the inventory monitoring system 100 of FIG. 1, the sensor 106 includes a series of sensor boards 108. The sensor boards 108 are arranged such that all items 104 near the sensor board 108 surface are either the same or similar items. Therefore, a sensor board 108 detects the removal of an item 104. Since the inventory monitoring system 100 records which item 104 was stored near the sensor board 108, the item 104 which has been removed is known and can be subtracted from the inventory.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first alternative inventory monitoring system 200. The alternative inventory monitoring system 200 has an eggcrate sensor 202. The eggcrate sensor 202 has a switch or pressure switch in a single space. I.e., each item 104 has a single spot and when the item 104 is placed in the space then it presses down on a pressure switch which indicates that the item 104 is present. When the item 104 is removed, the pressure switch is released, indicating the absence of item 104. The eggcrate sensor 202 can communicate with a control panel via short-range communication technology (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC) or through any other desired communications protocol.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a second alternative inventory monitoring system 300. The alternative inventory monitoring system 300 includes a side door 302. The side door 302 allows access to the item 104 from the side of the cabinet 102 rather than from the top. In particular, the side door allows for easier access for a user to remove a multitude of different items 104. I.e., if the cabinet 102 is to be used to store multiple different items 104 then the alternative inventory monitoring system 300 allows each of them to be accessed quickly. The eggcrate sensor 202 can acts as a shelf or sit on a shelf within the cabinet 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an eggcrate sensor 202. The eggcrate sensor 202 is able to detect the removal of a single item. That is, the eggcrate sensor 202 accurately and repeatably can be used to determine that a single item has been removed and the location of that item prior to removal.

FIG. 4 shows that the eggcrate sensor 202 can include a divider 402. The divider 402 segregates the eggcrate sensor 202 into multiple sections. Each section is configured to receive a single item. I.e., the divider 402 ensures that each item placed on the eggcrate sensor 202 can have an individual assigned location.

FIG. 4 also shows that the eggcrate sensor 202 can include a pressure switch 404. A pressure switch 404 is a form of switch that closes an electrical contact when a certain set pressure has been reached on its input. The pressure switch 404 may be designed to make contact either on pressure rise or on pressure fall. Each section created by the divider 402 can receive a separate pressure switch 404, allowing each section to be individually monitored and reported.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a third alternative inventory monitoring system 500. The alternative inventory monitoring system 500 includes a stackable crate 502. The stackable crate 502 can allow a user to store multiple different items 104 within the cabinet 102. I.e., each stackable crate 502 can be smaller than the stackable crate 502 below, allowing a user to reach along the side of the cabinet 102 to access lower stackable crates 502. For example, the stackable crates 502 can include a first size which has a 23+1 bottle capacity a second size which has a 26+1 bottle capacity and a third size which has a 30+1 bottle capacity.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a stackable crate 502. The stackable crate 502 tracks when an item has been removed, thereby monitoring the total inventory of the inventory monitoring system. I.e., each stackable crate 502 tracks the items within that stackable crate 502, allowing the inventory monitoring system to monitor the inventory as a whole.

FIG. 6 shows that the stackable crate 502 can include a track 602. The track 602 directs the path of the item 104 as it is dispensed from the stackable crate 502. I.e., as one item 104 is removed from the stackable crate 502 the remaining items 104 move along the track 602 for future removal. Likewise, the stackable crate 502 can be repositioned, allowing items 104 to enter the stackable crate 502 along the track 602.

FIG. 6 also shows that the stackable crate 502 can include a pressure switch 604. A pressure switch 604 is a form of switch that closes an electrical contact when a certain set pressure has been reached on its input. The pressure switch 604 may be designed to make contact either on pressure rise or on pressure fall. Each time an item 104 is removed from the stackable crate 602 the pressure switch 604 indicates the removal, allowing each stackable crate 502 to be individually monitored and reported. The pressure switch 604 can communicate with the inventory monitoring system via IEEE 802.3 PoE Link, or short-range communication technology (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC).

FIGS. 7A and 7B (collectively “FIG. 7”) illustrate an example of a fourth alternative inventory monitoring system 700. FIG. 7A illustrates a partial cutaway view of the fourth alternative inventory monitoring system 700; and FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the fourth alternative inventory monitoring system 700. The alternative inventory monitoring system 700 has a cartridge 702. The cartridge 702 can allow a user to store multiple different items 104 within the cabinet 102. The cartridge 702 pushes the items 104 to the end of the cartridge 702, leaving the item accessible.

FIG. 7 shows that the inventory monitoring system 700 can include an access door 704. The access door 704 can prevent a user from removing an item 104 until sale of the item 104 has been confirmed. That is, the access door 704 can prevent free access to the cabinet 102 prior to confirmation of the sale. Once confirmation of sale has occurred the access door 704 can be released to allow the item 104 to be removed.

FIG. 7 additionally shows that the inventory monitoring system 700 can include a keypad 706 on the cabinet 102. The keypad 706 can be used to complete a transaction, enter sale information (for example, via a card reader), unlock the cabinet 102 for restocking or otherwise control the operation of cabinet 102, as described below. For example, a user can enter a code on the keypad 706 which releases a particular item in response to a sale, as described below. The code can include any desired code, such as an employee number, transaction id number or sale id number.

Additionally or alternatively, the inventory monitoring system 700 can include a terminal. A terminal is the place where a retail transaction is completed. I.e., the terminal is the point at which a customer makes a payment to the merchant in exchange for goods or services or where the retailer can calculate the amount owed by the customer, enter the customers payment amount and type, issue a receipt for the transaction, close sales for a shift or day or complete any other desired transaction.

The terminal in various retail industries can use customized hardware and software as per their requirements. For example, retailers may utilize weighing scales, scanners, electronic and manual cash registers, electronic payment terminals (such as credit card readers), touch screen or other graphical user interfaces and any other of a wide variety of hardware and software available for use with the terminal. E.g., a grocery or candy store may use a scale at the terminal, while bars and restaurants use software to customize the item or service sold when a customer has a special meal or drink request.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that any desired software can be used at the terminal. For example, the terminal can used standardized software such as OPOS and JavaPOS, both of which conform to the UnifiedPOS standard led by The National Retail Foundation. OPOS (OLE for POS) was the first commonly adopted standard and was created by Microsoft, NCR Corporation, Epson and Fujitsu-ICL. OPOS is a COM-based interface compatible with all COM-enabled programming languages for Microsoft Windows. OPOS was first released in 1996. JavaPOS was developed by Sun Microsystems, IBM, and NCR Corporation in 1997 and first released in 1999. JavaPOS is for Java what OPOS is for Windows, and thus largely platform independent. Other protocols which can be used at the terminal include: Logic Controls; Epson Esc/POS; UTC Standard; UTC Enhanced; AEDEX; ICD 2002; Ultimate; CD 5220; DSP-800; ADM 787/788; HP or any other desired software.

The inventory monitoring system 700 can also include a point of sale (POS) server. The POS server can include software or other instructions which control the operation of the cabinet 102 and the terminal. For example, the POS server can include any desired computing system, such as a server, computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, netbook or any other desired computing system. The POS server can monitor which cabinet 102 will dispense items (e.g., if the POS server determines that an item is present in one cabinet 102 but not in another cabinet 102, the POS server can direct the user to the first cabinet 102). Additionally or alternatively, the POS server can make available reports, such as sale and inventory numbers, for the totality of terminals and cabinet 102 as described below.

Additionally or alternatively, the POS server can manage all sales. For example, the POS server can handle credit card transactions or other sales data by communicating with an outside payment service, such as a bank or merchant services account. In addition, when a user logs onto a terminal or cabinet 102 the POS server can confirm the access and dispense the desired items from the cabinet 102. I.e., the POS server can ensure that each transaction is authorized and that the proper items are provided to customers.

The POS server can allow allows input by owner, manager, or corporate officers of all inventory ordered for each venue. I.e., if an item is purchased, the total number of items is added to the current number of the item and then counts down from the total, as well as the number in each cabinet, as the item is sold. For example, a price look up (PLU) number can be assigned to each item in the cabinet 102 and the same number will be assigned to the same items on the POS server and at the terminal.

Additionally or alternatively, the POS server can generate desired reports for management of inventory. For example, the POS server can send notification messages on inventory ordering or ordering alerts when an item runs low at each cabinet 102 or overall, allows reports to be generated for each item sold detailing the item success by each employee or at each venue, allow input for reports to be generated as to cost of item, price per item, profit margin for each item or any other desired report. The messages and/or reports can be sent via email, text message, alarms at the cabinet 102, the terminal or the POS server or through any other desired method.

One of skill in the art will understand that the cabinet 102, the terminal and the POS server can be in electronic communication with one another. This can allow a sale entered at the terminal to result in the release of inventory at the cabinet 102. For example, if the sale of a drink is entered at the terminal, the retailer can enter the desired drink and complete the sale. The POS server can confirm the payment information from the customer. The drink is then released at the cabinet 102 where the retailer collects the drink to take to the customer and the POS server updates the inventory list to reflect the sale of the item.

The electronic communication can occur via any desired mechanism. For example, the electronic communication can take place over a network. The network exemplarily includes the Internet, including a global internetwork formed by logical and physical connections between multiple wide area networks and/or local area networks and can optionally include the World Wide Web (“Web”), including a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. Alternately or additionally, the network includes one or more cellular RF networks and/or one or more wired and/or wireless networks such as, but not limited to, 802.xx networks, Bluetooth access points, wireless access points, IP-based networks, cellular networks, or the like. For example, the network can include cloud based networking and computing. The network can also include servers that enable one type of network to interface with another type of network.

One of skill in the art will further appreciate that one or more of the parts of the inventory monitoring system 700 can be combined. For example, the POS server can include a terminal which is master to other terminals 106. Additionally or alternatively, the terminal can be mounted on the cabinet 102, allowing both to be placed in a single location.

By way of example, a representative transaction using the system 700 will be described. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the order of the transaction or the portions of the system 700 used for each step of the transaction can be modified as desired. To begin the transaction a user logs on to a terminal. The terminal has an identification of some kind. For example, the terminal can be identified by integer number, such as 07. The user then selects an item at the cabinet 102. The item can be identified by position number, integer, PLU or any other desired identification. For this example, it is assumed that the user selects the item using an integer such as 04. Therefore, the user enters 0704 at the cabinet 102 to identify both the terminal (07) and the item (04). The item is then dispensed from the cabinet 102 and the item and price appears on the terminal. The user is then responsible for ensuring that the item is paid for. The inventory is automatically updated, at the POS server, allowing a selected manager to keep track of total inventory and inventory at individual cabinet 102.

Additionally or alternatively, the inventory monitoring system 700 can include a card reader. The card reader can allow a user to directly enter payment information. For example, the card reader can read credit card information or a hotel room key to direct payment to the appropriate persons. I.e., the inventory monitoring system 700 can be placed in a hotel and guests can swipe a key card which dispenses items and then bills the items to the guest's hotel room. Additionally or alternatively, the user could enter information via the keypad 706 to enter payment information, such as room number, or credit card number.

By way of example, a representative transaction using the system 700 will be described. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the order of the transaction or the portions of the system 700 used for each step of the transaction can be modified as desired. To begin the transaction a guest logs on to a terminal. The log on can occur using any desired method, such as identification of a room number or the entry of payment information. The terminal has an identification of some kind. For example, the terminal can be identified by integer number, such as 07. The guest then selects an item at the cabinet 102. The item can be identified by position number, integer, PLU or any other desired identification. For this example, it is assumed that the guest selects the item using an integer such as 04. Therefore, the guest enters 0704 at the cabinet 102 to identify both the terminal (07) and the item (04). The item is then dispensed from the cabinet 102 and the item and price appears on the terminal where the payment is completed. The inventory can be automatically updated at an external system, such as a hotel computer, allowing a selected manager to keep track of total inventory and inventory at individual cabinet 102.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a cartridge 702. The cartridge 702 tracks when an item has been removed, thereby monitoring the total inventory of the inventory monitoring system. I.e., each cartridge 702 tracks the items within that cartridge 702, allowing the inventory monitoring system to monitor the inventory as a whole.

FIG. 8 shows that the cartridge 702 can include a spring enclosure 802. The spring enclosure pushes the item 104 so that a single item remains at an opening of the cartridge 702. I.e., as one item 104 is removed from the cartridge 702 the remaining items 104 are pushed by the spring enclosure 802 for future removal. Likewise, the spring enclosure 802 can be pressed inward, allowing items 104 to enter the cartridge 702.

FIG. 8 also shows that the cartridge 702 can include a pressure switch 804. A pressure switch 804 is a form of switch that closes an electrical contact when a certain set pressure has been reached on its input. The pressure switch 804 may be designed to make contact either on pressure rise or on pressure fall. Each time an item 104 is removed from the stackable crate 802 the pressure switch 804 indicates the removal, allowing each cartridge 702 to be individually monitored and reported. The pressure switch 804 can communicate with the inventory monitoring system via IEEE 802.3 PoE Link, or short-range communication technology (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC).

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a fifth alternative inventory monitoring system 900. FIG. 9 shows that the inventory monitoring system 900 can include a weighing system 902. The weighing system 902 can include an apparatus that is configured to determine the weight of all items within the cabinet 102. Thus, when an item is removed the weighing system 902 can compare the weight of all items prior to removal to the weight of all items after removal and determine if the weight difference matches the weight of the item that was to be dispensed.

FIG. 9 also shows that the cabinet 102 can include a display 904. The display 904 can indicate the items available within the cabinet 102 and/or allow items to be identified for revmoval. For example, the display 904 can include individual item counts, which shows the current inventory of each item. Additionally or alternatively, the display 904 can include a single display which shows inventory as a whole within the cabinet 102. The display 904 can include an electronic device with desired software installed. For example, the display 904 can include a tablet, a smart phone or any other desired electronic device.

FIG. 9 further shows that the cabinet 102 can include one or more windows 906. The windows 906 can allow a user to visually inspect inventory or otherwise determine the presence of items within the cabinet 102. I.e., the windows 906 can allow the user to view items within the cabinet 102. The cabinet 102 can include lighting or other elements which allow for inspection through the window 906.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth alternative example of an inventory monitoring system 1000. The inventory monitoring system 1000 include a drawer 1002. The drawer 1002 can allow a user to store multiple different items within the cabinet 102. I.e., each drawer 1002 can allow a user to open only the portion of the cabinet 102 which contains the sold item.

FIGS. 11A and 11B (collectively “FIG. 11”) illustrate an example of a drawer 1002. FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a drawer 1002 with a door closed; and FIG. 11B illustrates an example of a drawer 1002 with a door open. The drawer 1002 tracks when an item 104 has been removed, thereby monitoring the total inventory of the inventory monitoring system. I.e., each drawer 1002 tracks the items 104 within that drawer 1002, allowing the inventory monitoring system to monitor the inventory as a whole.

FIG. 11 shows that the drawer 1002 can include a ramp 1102. The ramp 1102 directs the path of the item 104 as it is dispensed from the drawer 1002. I.e., as one item 104 is removed from the drawer 1002 the remaining items 104 move along the ramp 1102 for future removal. Likewise, the drawer 1002 can be repositioned, allowing items 104 to enter the drawer 1002 along the ramp 1102.

FIGS. 12A and 12B (collectively “FIG. 12”) illustrate a seventh alternative example of an inventory monitoring system 1200. FIG. 12A illustrates the seventh alternative example of an inventory monitoring system 1200 when not dispensing items 104; and FIG. 12B illustrates the seventh alternative example of an inventory monitoring system 1200 when dispensing items 104. The inventory monitoring system 1200 automatically dispenses the purchased item 104. I.e., the inventory monitoring system 1200 dispenses the purchased item 104 without a user ever opening the cabinet 102. That is, the inventory monitoring system 1200 acts as a type of vending machine dispensing items 104 when purchased.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an eighth alternative inventory monitoring system 1300. The inventory monitoring system 1300 includes a series of tubes 1302 which dispense items 104. As the top item 104 is removed lower items are pushed to the top of the tube 1302. Thus, all tubes 1302 which contain items 104 hold the items at a location convenient for removal.

FIG. 14, and the following discussion, is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performs particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 14, an example system for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer 1420, including a processing unit 1421, a system memory 1422, and a system bus 1423 that couples various system components including the system memory 1422 to the processing unit 1421. It should be noted however, that as mobile phones become more sophisticated, mobile phones are beginning to incorporate many of the components illustrated for conventional computer 1420. Accordingly, with relatively minor adjustments, mostly with respect to input/output devices, the description of conventional computer 1420 applies equally to mobile phones. The system bus 1423 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read only memory (ROM) 1424 and random access memory (RAM) 1425. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 1426, containing the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 1420, such as during start-up, may be stored in ROM 1424.

The computer 1420 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive 1427 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 1439, a magnetic disk drive 1428 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 1429, and an optical disc drive 1430 for reading from or writing to removable optical disc 1431 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 1427, magnetic disk drive 1428, and optical disc drive 1430 are connected to the system bus 1423 by a hard disk drive interface 1432, a magnetic disk drive-interface 1433, and an optical drive interface 1434, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 1420. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk 1439, a removable magnetic disk 1429 and a removable optical disc 1431, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile discs, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.

Program code means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk 1439, magnetic disk 1429, optical disc 1431, ROM 1424 or RAM 1425, including an operating system 1435, one or more application programs 1436, other program modules 1437, and program data 1438. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 1420 through keyboard 1440, pointing device 1442, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, motion detectors or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 1421 through a serial port interface 1446 coupled to system bus 1423. Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 1447 or another display device is also connected to system bus 1423 via an interface, such as video adapter 1448. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.

The computer 1420 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computers 1449a and 1449b. Remote computers 1449a and 1449b may each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 1420, although only memory storage devices 1450a and 1450b and their associated application programs 1436a and 1436b have been illustrated in FIG. 14. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 14 include a local area network (LAN) 1451 and a wide area network (WAN) 1452 that are presented here by way of example and not limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1420 can be connected to the local network 1451 through a network interface or adapter 1453. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1420 may include a modem 1454, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 1452, such as the Internet. The modem 1454, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 1423 via the serial port interface 1446. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1420, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area network 1452 may be used.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An inventory monitoring system, the inventory monitoring system comprising:

a cabinet, wherein the cabinet: is configured to store an item; is in electronic communication with a terminal; dispenses the item in response to a sale; and records the removal of the item; and

a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter the sale of the item.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a cooler.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a refrigerator.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a freezer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the item includes a bottle.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a can.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a display configured to indicate inventory within the cabinet.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a keypad configured to control one or more functions of the cabinet.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the keypad is configured to allow a user to enter a code to complete a transaction.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the code includes at least one of:

an employee identification number;

a transaction identification number; or

a sale identification number.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a sensor configured to automatically detect the removal of the item.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes at least one of:

a PIR infrared sensor;

a flex force load sensors;

an ultrasonic proximity sensors; or

a pressure switch.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet stores the item in at least one of:

a sensor board;

an eggcrate sensor;

a stackable crate;

a cartridge;

a weighing system;

a drawer; or

a tube.

14. An inventory monitoring system, the inventory monitoring system comprising:

a cabinet, wherein the cabinet: is configured to store an item; is in electronic communication with a terminal; dispenses the item in response to a sale; and records the removal of the item;

a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter the sale of the item; and

a point of sale sever: in electronic communication with the terminal and the cabinet; and configured to manage the operation of the inventory monitoring system including: managing inventory within the cabinet.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the point of sale server is configured to communicate with an outside payment service.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the point of sale server is configured to produce a report.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the report includes at least one of:

total number of a particular item;

the total number of all items;

total number of a particular item within the cabinet;

the total number of all items within the cabinet;

the location of an item;

total sales;

rate of sale;

profitability of items;

sales by employee; or

sale by customer.

18. A method of controlling inventory using an inventory monitoring system, the method comprising:

producing an inventory list which identifies items within a cabinet;

releasing the item from the cabinet;

completing a sale of an item at a terminal;

updating the inventory list to reflect the sale of the item.

19. The system of claim 18 further comprising providing an alert in response to a predetermined condition, wherein the predetermined condition includes at least one of:

the number of an item dropping below a threshold amount; or

a loss in functionality in one or more elements of the inventory monitoring system.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the alert is sent to a user through at least one of:

email;

text message;

pop-up message;

audio signal; or

visual signal.