WO1997037334A1 - Point-of-sale and chance generating system - Google Patents

Point-of-sale and chance generating system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997037334A1
WO1997037334A1 PCT/IL1997/000088 IL9700088W WO9737334A1 WO 1997037334 A1 WO1997037334 A1 WO 1997037334A1 IL 9700088 W IL9700088 W IL 9700088W WO 9737334 A1 WO9737334 A1 WO 9737334A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
generating device
chance
fuel
chance generating
quantity sensor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL1997/000088
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Shimon Cabili
Original Assignee
Tiferet International Trading Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tiferet International Trading Ltd. filed Critical Tiferet International Trading Ltd.
Priority to AU22285/97A priority Critical patent/AU2228597A/en
Publication of WO1997037334A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997037334A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to retail point-of-sale systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Retail point-of-sale systems are well known, such as fuel dispensing systems, cash registers or vending machines.
  • various types of manually operated and automated fluid fuel dispensing systems are well known in the art.
  • retail fluid fuel marketing is normally a very competitive business, notwithstanding that price and quality variations between products of different vendors may be small or non-existent, various marketing ploys are employed to attract customers.
  • Such marketing ploys include, for example, give-aways and lotteries of the instant or non-instant varieties.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a retail point-of-sale system and chance generating device which is particularly advantageous in a competitive retail environment.
  • the present invention is described herein with reference to preferred embodiments of a fuel dispensing pump, a cash register and a vending machine. It is appreciated that other retail point-of-sale systems are within the scope of the present invention.
  • a retail point-of-sale system including a quantity sensor which senses a quantity of an item being sold and a chance generating device actuated by the quantity sensor.
  • the system includes a fluid fuel dispensing pump and the item is fuel, the quantity sensor being a fluid quantity sensor which senses the quantity of fuel dispensed.
  • the fluid quantity sensor may sense the quantity of fuel actually dispensed or alternatively may sense the quantity of fuel ordered or paid for by a customer.
  • the fluid quantity sensor may be calibrated in money, rather than in fluid quantity, which is proportional thereto.
  • the system includes a cash register Further in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a vending machine
  • the chance generating device is preferably a slot machine type of device but may alternatively be any other type of chance generating device, which may entitle to customer to a prize depending on the chance outcome
  • the chance generating device may be operated a single time for each purchase of at least a minimum quantity of fluid fuel or alternatively may be operated once for each unit quantity of fuel dispensed or purchased.
  • the system includes a remote win indicator device coupled to the chance generating device
  • the system includes a financial terminal which is coupled to the chance generating device and which credits a customer's account with cash winnings Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a payment system is provided which is operative to actuate the chance generating device in response to payment of a certain amount of money
  • Fig IA is a simplified pictorial illustration of an integrated fuel dispensing system and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention just prior to commencement of fuel delivery,
  • Fig IB is a simplified pictorial illustration of the system of Fig IA during fuel delivery and upon actuation of the chance generating device
  • Fig IC is a simplified pictorial illustration of the system of Figs IB & IC following actuation of the chance generating device
  • Fig 2 is a simplified block diagram illustration of the system of Figs 1 A - IC
  • Fig 3 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of Figs IA - 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 4 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of Figs 1 A - 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a cash register and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a vending machine and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Figs I , IB, IC and 2 illustrate an integrated fuel dispensing system and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the integrated fuel dispensing system and chance generating device typically comprises one or more fuel pumps 10, which may be entirely conventional fuel pumps commercially available from multiple vendors, such as Gilbarco
  • a chance generating device mounted on the top of the fuel pump and coupled thereto is a chance generating device, typically in the form of a slot machine type device 12 Altematively, any other suitable type of chance generating device may be employed as the chance generating device.
  • the fuel pump 10 includes a fuel quantity measuring device 14 which senses the amount of fuel dispensed by the fuel pump and provides a fluid fuel quantity output indication to an actuator 16.
  • Actuator 16 may be operative in one of a number of possible modes In one mode, as illustrated in a simplified flow diagram in Fig 3, once at least a predetermined quantity of fuel has been dispensed, but in any event no more than once per fuel delivery to a customer, an actuation output is provided to actuate the chance generating device, such as device 12, much as it would be generated by inserting a coin in a casino Alternatively, as illustrated in a simplified flow diagram in Fig. 4, an actuation output may be provided for each unit quantity of fuel dispensed, possibly plural times per fuel delivery to a customer.
  • the chance generating device is provided with a visible display, which indicates to the customer at the pump 10, whether or not he has won a prize.
  • the chance generating device such as slot machine type device 12 is coupled to a remote win indicator device 18, typically at a cashier's station.
  • an output of the slot machine type device 12 is coupled directly to a financial terminal 20 which is able to credit a customer's credit card with cash winnings.
  • the fuel pump 10 may be coupled to a payment system, such as an automatic credit card system 22 or a pre-payment system 24.
  • the actuator 16 may receive an input from the payment system enabling it to actuate the chance generating device 12 in response to payment of a certain amount of money rather than dispensing of a certain amount of fuel.
  • Cash register and chance generating device 30 typically comprises at least one cash register 32, which may be entirely conventional.
  • a chance generating device typically in the form of a slot machine type device 34.
  • any other suitable type of chance generating device may be employed as the chance generating device.
  • cash register and chance generating device 30 includes a quantity measuring device 36 which senses the amount of items purchased or monetary value thereof, and provides a quantity output indication to an actuator 38.
  • actuator 38 may be operative in one of a number of possible modes In one mode, once at least a predetermined quantity of items have been purchased, or at least a predetermined monetary value has been reached, but in any event no more than once per customer, an actuation output is provided to actuate the chance generating device, such as device 34, much as it would be generated by inserting a coin in a casino
  • an actuation output may be provided for a predetermined amount of items purchased or a predetermined monetary value, possibly plural times per each customer
  • the chance generating device such as slot machine type device 34
  • the chance generating device is provided with a visible display 39, which indicates to the customer, whether or not he has won a prize
  • the chance generating device may be coupled to a remote win indicator device, a financial terminal or a payment system (all not shown)
  • Fig 6 illustrates a vending machine and chance generating device 40 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Vending machine and chance generating device 40 typically comprises at least one vending machine 42, which may be entirely conventional
  • a chance generating device typically in the form of a slot machine type device 44 Altematively, any other suitable type of chance generating device may be employed as the chance generating device
  • vending machine and chance generating device 40 includes a quantity measuring device 46 which senses the amount of items purchased or monetary value thereof, and provides a quantity output indication to an actuator 48
  • Actuator 48 may be operative in one of a number of possible modes, substantially as described hereinabove for cash register and chance generating device 30, with reference to Fig 5 It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Abstract

A retail point-of-sale system and chance generating device (12) which is particularly advantageous in a competitive retail environment, such as a fuel dispensing pump (10), a cash register (32) or a vending machine (42), the retail point-of-sale system including a quantity sensor (14) which senses a quantity of an item being sold and a chance generating device actuated by the quantity sensor.

Description

POINT-OF-SALE AND CHANCE GENERATING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to retail point-of-sale systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Retail point-of-sale systems are well known, such as fuel dispensing systems, cash registers or vending machines. For example, various types of manually operated and automated fluid fuel dispensing systems are well known in the art. Inasmuch as retail fluid fuel marketing is normally a very competitive business, notwithstanding that price and quality variations between products of different vendors may be small or non-existent, various marketing ploys are employed to attract customers.
Such marketing ploys include, for example, give-aways and lotteries of the instant or non-instant varieties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a retail point-of-sale system and chance generating device which is particularly advantageous in a competitive retail environment. The present invention is described herein with reference to preferred embodiments of a fuel dispensing pump, a cash register and a vending machine. It is appreciated that other retail point-of-sale systems are within the scope of the present invention. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a retail point-of-sale system including a quantity sensor which senses a quantity of an item being sold and a chance generating device actuated by the quantity sensor.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a fluid fuel dispensing pump and the item is fuel, the quantity sensor being a fluid quantity sensor which senses the quantity of fuel dispensed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the fluid quantity sensor may sense the quantity of fuel actually dispensed or alternatively may sense the quantity of fuel ordered or paid for by a customer. As a further alternative, the fluid quantity sensor may be calibrated in money, rather than in fluid quantity, which is proportional thereto. Alternatively, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a cash register Further in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a vending machine
The chance generating device is preferably a slot machine type of device but may alternatively be any other type of chance generating device, which may entitle to customer to a prize depending on the chance outcome
The chance generating device may be operated a single time for each purchase of at least a minimum quantity of fluid fuel or alternatively may be operated once for each unit quantity of fuel dispensed or purchased. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a remote win indicator device coupled to the chance generating device
Additionally in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a financial terminal which is coupled to the chance generating device and which credits a customer's account with cash winnings Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a payment system is provided which is operative to actuate the chance generating device in response to payment of a certain amount of money
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which
Fig IA is a simplified pictorial illustration of an integrated fuel dispensing system and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention just prior to commencement of fuel delivery,
Fig IB is a simplified pictorial illustration of the system of Fig IA during fuel delivery and upon actuation of the chance generating device,
Fig IC is a simplified pictorial illustration of the system of Figs IB & IC following actuation of the chance generating device,
Fig 2 is a simplified block diagram illustration of the system of Figs 1 A - IC, Fig 3 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of Figs IA - 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
Fig 4 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating operation of the system of Figs 1 A - 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, Fig 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a cash register and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a vending machine and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference is now made to Figs I , IB, IC and 2, which illustrate an integrated fuel dispensing system and chance generating device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The integrated fuel dispensing system and chance generating device typically comprises one or more fuel pumps 10, which may be entirely conventional fuel pumps commercially available from multiple vendors, such as Gilbarco In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mounted on the top of the fuel pump and coupled thereto is a chance generating device, typically in the form of a slot machine type device 12 Altematively, any other suitable type of chance generating device may be employed as the chance generating device.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the fuel pump 10 includes a fuel quantity measuring device 14 which senses the amount of fuel dispensed by the fuel pump and provides a fluid fuel quantity output indication to an actuator 16. Actuator 16 may be operative in one of a number of possible modes In one mode, as illustrated in a simplified flow diagram in Fig 3, once at least a predetermined quantity of fuel has been dispensed, but in any event no more than once per fuel delivery to a customer, an actuation output is provided to actuate the chance generating device, such as device 12, much as it would be generated by inserting a coin in a casino Alternatively, as illustrated in a simplified flow diagram in Fig. 4, an actuation output may be provided for each unit quantity of fuel dispensed, possibly plural times per fuel delivery to a customer.
Preferably, the chance generating device is provided with a visible display, which indicates to the customer at the pump 10, whether or not he has won a prize. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the chance generating device, such as slot machine type device 12 is coupled to a remote win indicator device 18, typically at a cashier's station. As a further alternative, an output of the slot machine type device 12 is coupled directly to a financial terminal 20 which is able to credit a customer's credit card with cash winnings.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump 10 may be coupled to a payment system, such as an automatic credit card system 22 or a pre-payment system 24. In such a case, the actuator 16 may receive an input from the payment system enabling it to actuate the chance generating device 12 in response to payment of a certain amount of money rather than dispensing of a certain amount of fuel.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5 which illustrates a cash register and chance generating device 30, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cash register and chance generating device 30 typically comprises at least one cash register 32, which may be entirely conventional. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, located adjacent cash register 32 and coupled thereto is a chance generating device, typically in the form of a slot machine type device 34. Altematively, any other suitable type of chance generating device may be employed as the chance generating device.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention cash register and chance generating device 30 includes a quantity measuring device 36 which senses the amount of items purchased or monetary value thereof, and provides a quantity output indication to an actuator 38.
In a similar manner as described hereinabove for the fuel dispensing system and chance generating device with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, actuator 38 may be operative in one of a number of possible modes In one mode, once at least a predetermined quantity of items have been purchased, or at least a predetermined monetary value has been reached, but in any event no more than once per customer, an actuation output is provided to actuate the chance generating device, such as device 34, much as it would be generated by inserting a coin in a casino
Altematively, an actuation output may be provided for a predetermined amount of items purchased or a predetermined monetary value, possibly plural times per each customer
Preferably, the chance generating device, such as slot machine type device 34, is provided with a visible display 39, which indicates to the customer, whether or not he has won a prize Alternatively, in a similar manner as described hereinabove for the fuel dispensing system and chance generating device, the chance generating device, such as slot machine type device 34, may be coupled to a remote win indicator device, a financial terminal or a payment system (all not shown) Reference is now made to Fig 6 which illustrates a vending machine and chance generating device 40 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention Vending machine and chance generating device 40 typically comprises at least one vending machine 42, which may be entirely conventional In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, located on top of vending machine 42 and coupled thereto is a chance generating device, typically in the form of a slot machine type device 44 Altematively, any other suitable type of chance generating device may be employed as the chance generating device
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention vending machine and chance generating device 40 includes a quantity measuring device 46 which senses the amount of items purchased or monetary value thereof, and provides a quantity output indication to an actuator 48 Actuator 48 may be operative in one of a number of possible modes, substantially as described hereinabove for cash register and chance generating device 30, with reference to Fig 5 It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

C L A I M S 1 A retail point-of-sale system comprising a quantity sensor which senses a quantity of an item being sold and a chance generating device actuated by said quantity sensor
2 A system according to claim 1 and wherein said system comprises a fluid fuel dispensing pump and said item is fuel, said quantity sensor being a fluid quantity sensor which senses the quantity of fuel dispensed
3 A system according to claim 2 and wherein said fluid quantity sensor senses the quantity of fuel actually dispensed to a customer
4 A system according to claim 2 or claim 3 and wherein said fluid quantity sensor senses the quantity of fuel ordered or paid for by a customer
5 A system according to claim 2 and wherein said fluid quantity sensor senses the payment made for the fuel
6 A system according to claim 1 and wherein said system comprises a cash register
7 A system according to claim 1 and wherein said system comprises a vending machine
8 A system according to any of the preceding claims and wherein the chance generating device is a slot machine type of device, which may entitle to a customer to a prize depending on the chance outcome
9. A system according to any of the preceding claims and wherein the chance generating device is operated a single time for each purchase of at least a minimum quantity of said item.
10. A system according to any of the preceding claims and wherein the chance generating device is operated once for each unit quantity of said item which is purchased.
11. A system according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising a remote win indicator device coupled to said chance generating device.
12. A system according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising a financial terminal which is coupled to said chance generating device and which credits a customer's account with cash winnings.
13. A system according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising a payment system which is operative to actuate said chance generating device in response to payment of a certain amount of money
PCT/IL1997/000088 1996-04-01 1997-03-10 Point-of-sale and chance generating system WO1997037334A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU22285/97A AU2228597A (en) 1996-04-01 1997-03-10 Point-of-sale and chance generating system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL11776896A IL117768A0 (en) 1996-04-01 1996-04-01 Point-of-sale apparatus
IL117768 1996-04-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997037334A1 true WO1997037334A1 (en) 1997-10-09

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PCT/IL1997/000088 WO1997037334A1 (en) 1996-04-01 1997-03-10 Point-of-sale and chance generating system

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AU (1) AU2228597A (en)
IL (1) IL117768A0 (en)
WO (1) WO1997037334A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2806822A1 (en) * 2000-03-07 2001-09-28 Tokheim Corp System provides a game of chance for distributors, such as petrol pumps, cash machines, etc. to entertain a user while waiting and to provide a marketing advantage to the supplier of the service or product
EP1249802A2 (en) * 2001-04-13 2002-10-16 Dong Hwa Prime Co., Ltd. Oil dispenser with lottery function and method of providing said lottery
EP2602773A1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2013-06-12 Szrek2Solutions, LLC Payment method and system

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2927201A (en) * 1955-09-12 1960-03-01 Aubrey I Copelan Sales-promoting apparatus
US3129004A (en) * 1962-10-24 1964-04-14 George A Ritzler Gaming device comprising aligned word-forming discs rotatable in opposite directions
DE2315307A1 (en) * 1972-03-29 1973-10-18 Rudd Kenneth Norman FUEL SALES SYSTEM
US3945531A (en) * 1972-12-11 1976-03-23 Clairmonte Bros., Limited Pay-out devices
US4213524A (en) * 1977-07-23 1980-07-22 Shinko Automatic Device Co., Ltd. Automatic vending machine with lottery bonus
US4669730A (en) * 1984-11-05 1987-06-02 Small Maynard E Automated sweepstakes-type game

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2927201A (en) * 1955-09-12 1960-03-01 Aubrey I Copelan Sales-promoting apparatus
US3129004A (en) * 1962-10-24 1964-04-14 George A Ritzler Gaming device comprising aligned word-forming discs rotatable in opposite directions
DE2315307A1 (en) * 1972-03-29 1973-10-18 Rudd Kenneth Norman FUEL SALES SYSTEM
US3945531A (en) * 1972-12-11 1976-03-23 Clairmonte Bros., Limited Pay-out devices
US4213524A (en) * 1977-07-23 1980-07-22 Shinko Automatic Device Co., Ltd. Automatic vending machine with lottery bonus
US4669730A (en) * 1984-11-05 1987-06-02 Small Maynard E Automated sweepstakes-type game

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2806822A1 (en) * 2000-03-07 2001-09-28 Tokheim Corp System provides a game of chance for distributors, such as petrol pumps, cash machines, etc. to entertain a user while waiting and to provide a marketing advantage to the supplier of the service or product
EP1249802A2 (en) * 2001-04-13 2002-10-16 Dong Hwa Prime Co., Ltd. Oil dispenser with lottery function and method of providing said lottery
EP1249802A3 (en) * 2001-04-13 2004-03-10 Dong Hwa Prime Co., Ltd. Oil dispenser with lottery function and method of providing said lottery
EP2602773A1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2013-06-12 Szrek2Solutions, LLC Payment method and system
US20130151320A1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2013-06-13 Szrek2Solutions Llc Payment method and system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IL117768A0 (en) 1996-08-04
AU2228597A (en) 1997-10-22

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