Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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NETWORKED WASTE PROCESSING APPARATUS
Ba~omd of the Invention
Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to waste disposal and in particular methods
and
systems for waste disposal processing and replacement of disposed of items.
Description of the Related Art
Because of the world's expanding population, the age-old solution of burying
trash
is becoming less attractive for many reasons, including for example, the
limited availability
of disposal sites and the resultant contamination of the enviromnent. In an
effort to help
alleviate some of the problems associated with discards, recycling has been
gaining in
popularity. Although recycling helps both by reducing the overall amount of
trash and
makes more efficient use of natural resources, the picl~-up and sorting of the
items to be
recycles is often inefficient and expensive.
Another consideration of modern trash disposal is that when an item is
discarded, it
often needs to be replaced. Often, this requires a human operator to tale
action to ensure
that the discarded item is replaced.
?0 Sunnnar~ of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention are related to processing discarded
items,
processing information related to discarded items, and replacing discarded
items.
~ne embodiment of the present invention advantageously uses consmnption to
automatically generate shopping orders and select samples, as well to
facilitate inventory
management, waste disposal and recycling. Embodiments of the present invention
can save
consumers time, energy, a~.zd money.
In one example embodiment, a disposal apparatus scans data stored on item
pacl~aging being discarded. The scanned data is processed and used to generate
shopping
orders, the provisioning of samples, to control inventories, and/or manage
waste disposal
operations. In particular, order lists are automatically generated based at
least in part on the
sca~med data and on user preferences. Advantageously, the user can modify
orders,
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delivery dates and times. Product samples are likewise provisioned based at
least in part on
user preferences.
Further, substantially real-time consumption information enables suppliers to
predict future consumer orders, thereby enabling suppliers to manage
inventories more
efficiently, and enabling manufacturers to better plan production. Similarly,
substantially
real-time disposal information enables waste disposal and recycling operators
to better plan
waste and recycling pick-ups and processing operations.
One embodiment of a waste disposal system comprises: a waste disposal unit,
the
waste disposal unit including: a processor; a scanner coupled to the
processor, the scanner
configured to scan a code on items deposited in the waste disposal unit; and a
network
interface coupled to the processor, the networlc interface configured to
transmit and receive
information over a networlc. The waste disposal system further includes a
remote
processing system configured to be coupled to the waste disposal unit via the
network, the
remote processing system including: a database storing product preferences
associated with
a user of the waste disposal unit; a first instruction configured to receive
scanned
information from the waste disposal unit for at least a first item; a second
instmction
configured to select at least a first potential substitute item to replace the
first item based at
least in part on the scanned information and the user preferences; and a third
instruction
configured to add the potential substitute item to a user order.
An embodiment provides a method of electronically processing user preference
information so as to select replacement products, comprising: receiving over a
networlc
identification infornation for an item discarded by the user; accessing
preference
information for the user from a database; and transmitting over the neW orlc a
recormnendation for a replacement item for the discarded item based on at
least the
discarded item identification information and the preference information,
wherein the
replacement item is different in at least one aspect than the discarded item.
Another embodiment provides a method of electronically processing user
preference
information and selecting replacement products, comprising: receiving over a
network
identification information for an item whose packaging is discarded by the
user; accessing
preference information for the user from computer readable memory; and adding
a
replacement item for the item whose packaging is discarded to a user order
based on at least
the discarded item identification information and the preference information.
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Yet another embodiment provides a method of managing orders for a user,
comprising: receiving over a networlc a user defined rule used to specify an
order placement
trigger; storing the user defn~ed rule in computer readable memory; receiving
over the
network discarded item information for the user; generating an order list
based at least in
part on the discarded item information; and placing an order for the order
list at least partly
in response to the user defined rule.
One embodiment provides a disposal and provisioning system, comprising: a
waste
disposal unit, the waste disposal unit including: a processor; a scamzer
coupled to the
processor, the scanner configured to scan a code on items deposited in the
waste disposal
unit; a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface
configured to
transmit and receive information over a network and a remote processing system
configured
to be coupled to the waste disposal unit via the network. The remote
processing system
includes: a database storing sample preferences associated with a user of the
waste disposal
unit, wherein the sample preferences are stored at least in part to select
samples to be
provided to the user; a first instruction configured to receive scarmed
information from the
waste disposal unit for at least a first item; a second instruction configured
to determine
from the received scanned information that the first item is a sample; a third
instruction
configured to receive an indication via the waste disposal unit whether the
user wants to
order a replacement for the sample; a fourth instruction configured to locate
replacement
?0 options for the sample; a fifth lnstru~;tlon configured to transmit the
replacement options to
the waste disposal unit; and a sixth instruction configured to receive from
the waste
disposal unit an option selection by the user.
Another embodiment provides a method of selectively providing samples,
comprising: receiving over a network user specified sample preferences from a
first user;
storing the sample preferences in a user database; receiving from a networked
waste
receptacle discard information related to at least a first item package
disposed of by the
user; and causing a first sample to be delivered to the user based at least in
part on the
sample preferences and the discard information.
Still another embodiment provides a method of selectively providing samples,
comprising: receiving user specified sample preferences from a first user over
a networlc;
storing the preferences in a database; and causing a first sample that
satisfies the user
specified sample preferences to be delivered to the first user.
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Another embodiment provides a disposal data processing and provisioning
system,
comprising: a database storing sample preferences associated with a user of at
least a first
waste disposal unit; a processing system configured to be coupled to at least
the first waste
disposal unit via the networlc, the processing system including: a first
instruction stored in
computer readable memory configured to receive information from the waste
disposal unit
for at least a first item; a second instruction stored in computer readable
memory configured
to determine from the received scanned information that the first item is a
sample; and a
third instl-uction stored in computer readable memory configured to receive an
indication
via the waste disposal unit whether the user wants to order a non-sample
version for the
first item.
Yet another embodiment provides a method of selectively providing samples,
comprising: receiving over a network user specified sample preferences from a
first user;
storing the sample preferences in a user database; receiving from a networlced
waste
receptacle discard information related to at least a first item package
disposed of by the
user; and Callslng a first sample to be delivered to the user based at least
in part on the
sample preferences and the discard information.
~ne embodiment provides a discard information processing apparatus,
comprising:
a discard unit, the discard unit including, a processor; a scanner coupled to
the processor,
the scanner configlmed to scan a code on items deposited in the discard unit;
a network
?0 interface coupled t~ the processor, the network interface configured to
transmit and receive
information over a network; a database storing information related to the
discard unit's
contents, and a profile associated with a user of the discard unit; and a
relrsote processing
system configured to be coupled to the discard unit via the network, the
remote processing
system including: a first instmction stored in computer readable memory
configured to
?5 receive at least a portion of the stored information from the database,
wherein the received
information provides an indication as to when at least a first item. is to be
replenished; a
second instruction stored in computer readable memory configured to provide at
least a
portion of the received information to at least a first supplier so that the
first supplier can
predict inventory needs.
30 Another embodiment provides a method of providing information useable to
predict
inventories, comprising: receiving over a network information related to a
least a first
networked discard unit's contents and profile information, including a least
one of a
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delivery and a shipping preference, associated with a user of the first
discard unit; and
providing over a network at least a portion of the received information to at
least a first
entity so that the first entity can predict inventory needs.
Still aa-lother embodiment provides a method of allocating orders, comprising:
S receiving over a network order information for a plurality of users' orders,
wherein at least
a portion of the order information is based on information scanned from
disposed of items;
accessing from a computer accessible memory first pricing information based at
least in
part on the order information; automatically grouping a portion of the orders
into a first
group based on at least a first characteristic; setting a maximum acceptable
bid price based
at least in part on the first pricing information; receiving over the network
quotes from
suppliers for the first group of orders; selecting at least one supplier based
on the quotes;
and placing the first group of orders with the selected suppler.
Yet another embodiment provides an apparatus configured to allocate orders,
comprising: a networlc interface configured to be coupled to a plurality of
waste disposal
units; a processor coupled to the networlc interface; a Frst instruction,
stored in processor
accessible memory, configured to receive content information from the
plurality of waste
disposal units; a second 111St1'Llctlon, stored in processor accessible
memory, configured to
generate user orders based at least in part on the content information; a
third instnlction,
stored in processor accessible memory, configured to group a portion of the
orders into a
first group based on at least a first characteristic; a fourth instnlction,
stored in processor
accessible memory, configured to process quotes from suppliers for the first
group of
orders; and a fifth instruction, stored in processor accessible memory,
configured to select
at least one supplier based on the quotes.
One embodiment provides a waste pickup apparatus, comprising: a network
interface configured to receive status information for a networlced waste
disposal unit
associated with a first user; a data store containing user rules; a first
processor executable
instruction configured to read a user-specified waste pickup rule for a first
user from the
data store; a second processor executable instniction configured to determine
if the user-
specified waste piclcup rule is satisfied based at least in part on the status
information; a
third processor executable instruction configured to, if the user-specified
waste pickup rule
is not satisfied, to again determine if the user-specified waste piclcup rule
is satisfied when a
predetermined period has elapsed; and a fourth processor executable instn
lction configured
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to, if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied, cause a waste pickup
entity to pickup
the waste, wherein the waste picleup entity is selected based at least in part
on a preference
of the first user stored in computer readable memory.
Another embodiment provides a waste management apparatus, comprising: a
network interface configured to receive sensor information from a networked
waste
disposal unit fullness sensor associated with a first user; a data store that
stores user defined
rules and preferences; a waste pickup initiation system that reads a user-
specified waste
piclcup rule for a first user from the data store and that determines if the
user-specified
waste pickup rule is satisfied based at least in part on the sensor
information, wherein if the
user-specified waste pickup rule is not satisfied, after a predetermined
condition, the waste
pickup initiation system again determines if the user-specified waste pickup
rule is
satisfied, and if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied, the waste
pickup initiation
system transmits an instruction to a waste piclcup entity to pickup the waste,
wherein the
waste piclcup entity is selected based at least in part on a preference of the
first user
accessed from the data store.
Still another embodiment provides a method of processing waste, the method
comprising: reading a user-specified waste piclcup rule for a first user from
computer
accessible memory; determining if the user-specified waste pickup rule is
satisfied based at
least in part on the status of a waste unit receiving over a network; if the
user-specified
?0 waste pickup rule is not satisfied, after a predetermined condition, again
determining if the
user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied; and if the user-specified waste
pickup rule is
satisfied, causing a waste piclcup entity to pickup the waste, wherein the
waste pickup entity
is selected based at least in part on a preference of the first user accessed
from a computer
readable database.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to
the
drawings summarized below. These drawings and the associated description are
provided
to illustrate example embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope
of the
invention.
30 A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant
advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference
to the
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following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings wherein.
FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of an electronic trash unit according to an
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a fiont view of the control panel shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the back of the control panel shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view of the internal components of the control panel according to
an
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a bloclc diagram of an electronic trash network according to an
embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a detailed process of disposing of trash according
to an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a second example embodiment of a networked system.
FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a second example trash disposal device and ordering
system.
FIG. 9A-13 illustrate an exaanple scanning, identification, and ordering
process.
FIG. 10 illustrates an example waste and/or recycling process.
FIG. 11 illustrates an example process for selecting users to received
samples.
FIG. 12 illustrates an example process of collecting and distributing sample
feedbaclc information.
FIG. 13A illustrates an example sample preference form.
FIG. 13E illustrates an example coupon processing method.
FIG. 14 illustrates an example mode rule creatioWmodification process.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example mode vile form
FIG. 16 illustrates an example mode selection form
FIG. 17 11111StrateS an exalllple product record.
FIG. 18 illustrates an example mode application process.
FIG. 19 illustrates an example bidding process.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
Embodiments of the present invention are related to processing discarded
items,
processing information related to discarded items, and replacing discarded
items.
Throughout the following description, the term "Web site" is used to refer to
a user-
accessible networlc site that implements the basic World Wide Web standards
for the
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coding and transmission of hypertextual documents. These standards currently
include
HTML (the Hypertext Marl~up Lapgitage), HTTP (the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol), Java,
and XML. It should be understood that the term "site" is not intended to imply
a single
geographic location, as a Web or other network site can, for example, comprise
multiple
geographically distributed computer systems that are appropriately linked
together.
Furthermore, while the following description relates to am embodiment
utilizing the Internet
and related protocols, other networl~s, such as networl~ed interactive
televisions, and other
protocols may be used as well. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the
functions
described herein are preferably performed by executable code and instructions
running on
one or more general-purpose computers. However, the present invention can also
be
implemented using special purpose computers, state machines, and/or hardwired
electronic
circuits.
As will be described below, in one example embodiment, a disposal unit scans
data
stored on item packaging being discarded. The scanned data is processed and
used to
generate shopping orders, the provisioning of samples, t~ control invent~ries,
and/or
manage waste disposal operations. In particular, shopping order lists are
automatically
generated based at least in part on the scanned data and on user preferences.
Advantageously, the users can modify orders and the time frame for delivery
schedules. In
one embodiment, product samples are lil~ewise provisioned based at least in
part on user
preferences.
Further, real-time consumption information enables suppliers to predict future
consumer orders, thereby enabling suppliers to manage inventories more
efficiently, and
enabling manufacturers to better plan production. Similarly, real-time
disposal information
enables waste disposal and recycling operators to better plan waste and
recycling piclc-ups
and pr~cessing operations.
Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic trash disposal unit 10 includes a storage
area 120,
a controllable lid 110 which is moveably connected to cover the storage area
120 and a
control panel 100 which is positioned on top of the controllable lid 110
including one or
more sub-lids. Optionally the lid 110 can be motorized under control of CPU
400
illustrated in FIG. 4. Storage area 120 can take the form of any suitable
shape (for example,
cylindrical, rectangular, square, etc.). W the embodiment shown, trash is
deposited in the
proper container using gravity. As illustrated, the controllable lid 110
includes 4 sub-lids
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for correspondingly covering four separate openings 112, 113, 114 and 115 of
four separate
storage bins 112a, 113a, 114a and 115a which correspond to the openings 112,
113, 114
and 115, respectively. W the closed position, these sub-lids worlc together to
provide a
temporary holding shelf where a trash item to be discarded (not shown) may be
placed. The
trash item to be discarded is placed so that a scanning device 140 located on
the control
panel 100 can electronically read a code such as a barcode located on the
trash item. The
trash item is identified and the proper opening is activated allowing the
trash item placed on
the controllable lid 110 to fall into the proper storage bin (112a, 113a, 114a
and 115a) in
storage area 120. The storage bins (112a, 113a, 114a and 115a) as well as the
storage
area 120 may be constructed of metal and fabricated using known methods of
construction,
or may be constructed out of a polymer or composite material.
Each of the storage bins (112a, 113a, 114a and 115a) may contain a removable
liner
(not shown) to facilitate emptying of the unit 10. The liner may be disposable
and remain
with the discarded trash or it may be a reusable liner that may be emptied
into a larger
depository and returned to the unit 10. The liners may be made in different
colors to
indicate the lcind of recyclables present therein. It should be apparent to
those skilled in the
art that other means of sorting and storing trash would be suitable and are
considered to be
within the scope of this disclosure such as using a conveyor belt system to
transport the
trash items identified in the manner disclosed above to the storage area 120.
Also, although
four openings are shown (112, 113, 114 and 115), more or fewer openings may be
utilized
without depauting from the spirit of the present mventioll.
The control panel 100 is described with references to FIGS. 2 - 4. As shown,
the
control panel 100 is arranged to provide an easy to operate user interface for
the trash
unit 10. The control panel 100 includes an information display 130 which
displays
information about the trash item discarded in accordance with the present
invention.
Examples of the kind of information displayable include detailed descriptions
about the
item, cost to replace the item, title of the item, identification code,
product advertisement,
as well as other information that might be useful to the user. The displayed
information
may be customized to suit the individual needs of the user. The displayable
information
may be stored in a database that resides within the unit 10 or may be accessed
from a
remote database using a cormnunication network such as the Internet.
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Although the display 130 is depicted as a visual display, it is within the
scope of this
disclosure to use any suitable means to communicate the desired information to
the user
such as a speech s5mthesis output device. Thus, for example, one embodiment of
the trash
unit 10 includes a control panel interface such as described with respect to
control panel
100 and/or a voice command and output interface, whereby a user can provide
oral
instructions to the unit 10 and the unit can provide feedback and information
using an audio
signal. Optionally, the display 130 can be a touch screen display, via which
users inputs
can be provided.
In an embodiment of the invention, a discard button 125 is used to initiate
the
control connnand that scans the trash item. Other methods could be used such
as a pressure
activated switch located on the controllable lid 110 that automatically starts
the scan
process when the trash item is placed thereon. Optionally, in addition to or
in place of the
discard button 125, a motion or presence sensor circuit can be included. As a
person or
object approaches or comes near the unit, the scanner is activated and starts
functioning in
response to the sensor detecting the presence of the person or object.
Optionally, a user
may be asked to enter a password before the scanning will be performed to
thereby prevent
a child or other unauthorised person for using the system.
Other user functions may be incorporated as needed and are representatively
illustrated as button 126. Sutton 126 may be a software programmable button
which is user
configured to customi~,e the unit 10 or it may be a function specific input
such as an over
ride switch. A barcode or RFC scanner 140 is positioned to scan the trash item
placed on
the controllable lid 110 to identify the item using a machine scanable code
affixed thereon.
The code may be affixed from the manufacturer or it may be applied by the user
of the
present invention. Other electronic identification apparatus and processes can
be used. For
example an optical laser scanner can be used to scan the item packaging and/or
labeling to
identify the item. Alternatively or in addition, a magnetically encoded label
can be
included on the item which is scanned by a corresponding magnetic scanner
included in the
unit.
The control unit 100 may also have a variety of interface components as needed
by
particular applications. In an embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a
keyboard
port 240, a serial port 230, a phone line adapter 220, and a network adapter
such as an
Ethernet adapter 210. A keyboard (not shown) may be used to enter alphanumeric
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infornzation into the control unit 100 such as item codes or discard
instructions. The
keyboard can also be directly included on the control panel 100. The serial
port 230, may
be used to connect a variety of external peripherals, such as, but not limited
to, personal
digital assistant (PDA), printers, baclcup drives, etc. Such devices are
lrnown in the ant and
the present invention allows users to utilize appropriate teclmology to
interface with the
control unit 100 to best suite the need of the user. For example, a tape or
solid state backup
drive can be plugged into the serial port 230 to make a nightly baclcup of the
day's activity
of the unit 10 or a user can coimect a PDA or personal computer to the control
unit 100
using the appropriate interface (i.e., serial port 230 or network adapter 210,
etc.) for
downloading the contents of the unit 10 into the PDA or personal computer.
The trash unit can include other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a
FireWire port, a
USB port, a USB2 port, pointing device inputs among other input/output
interfaces as are
known in the art. In addition to standard telephone inputs such as the phone
line
adapter 220, a wireless communication link may be used to communicate with a
communications networlc (i.e., the W ternet) using an anteima 200. The antenna
200 may
also be placed inside the control unit 100. A power button 250 is provided to
control power
to the electronics included in the control unit 100.
to the control unit 100 is a CPU 400, associated memory 414, and other
components
which allow the CPU 400 to operate as a computer as is lLnown in the aut. The
memory 414
can include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory that store program code
and data,
wherein the program codes is executed by the CPU 400 to process data and
control the
operation of the trash unit, including the scanner 140, lid 110, networlc
interface 210,
control panel 100, and other trash unit devices. By way example, the non-
volatile memory
can include fixed or removable solid state FLASH memory, a magnetic dislc
drive, and/or
an optical disk drive. The volatile memory can include IMAM.
The CPU 400 may be permanently comlected to a communications networlc or may
initiate a connection as needed. The connectivity of the unit 10 will be
discussed in more
detail below. A power supply 410 is used to power the trash unit 10. The power
supply
410 can receive its power from an AC line, or can be battery or solar powered.
Now referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, a communication networlc 730 such as the
Internet is used to provide connectivity of each unit 10 with one or more
central
databases 720 that keep track of the disposed contents in each unit 10. The
communication
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network 730 may be accessed using the network adapter 210 or by connecting the
control
unit 100 to a modem (not shown) using the phone line adapter 220 or through a
wireless
connection using an internal modem (not shown) coupled to the antenna 200 as
is lmown in
the art. The connection can be via a broadband colmection, such as a digital
subscriber line
(DSL), a Tl line, a satellite linlc, and/or a cable hookup, which are
sometimes referred to as
"always on" connections. Dial-up modems plugged in a phone line or networked
connections such as wide area networks (LAN or WAN) may be utilized to provide
the
needed connectivity.
Suppliers, market researchers, recycling companies, and other interested
parties 700
also connect using the communication network 730 to access information
contained in the
central database 720. Each trash unit 10 sends its information which includes
the type and
amount of trash stored in each bin (112x, 113a, 114a and 115x). Either the
user or a third
party contractor 700 may be notified when it is time to empty the bins by a
message being
transmitted from the central database 720 using the communication network 730
or the user
may be notified of the need to empty the bins by a notification message
appearing on the
111f~r111at1o11 display 130 located on the control unit 100. ~ther methods of
notification,
such as an indicator light (not shown) mo1111ted on the control unit 100 or on
the
controllable lid 110 can be used. In the embodiment which relies on
notification from the
central database 720 to inform the interested party (either the user or third-
party contractor
such as a recycling company) of the need to empty the bin, a communication
(such as an e-
mail, telephone or data message) may be sent baclc to the CPU 400 in the
control unit 100.
The information lnay be displayed on the information display 130. The choice
of the
method used to deliver emptying instructions may be selected by the user to
best suit the
application.
In operation, the trash item is temporarily placed on the controllable lid 110
so that
the barcode reader 140 can scan the item for an identification code. Most
products today
have a scanable code affixed thereon but the process for dealing with code-
less and
unrecognizable items is discussed below. The barcode reader 140 identifies the
discarded
item by referring to an identification database (not shown) which is
accessible by the
CPU 400. The identification database can physically reside within the trash
unit 10 or it
may be accessible by the CPU 400 through the communication network 730. A user
presses the discard button 125to initiate the process of scanning and
identifying the item. In
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addition or alternatively, a motion or presence sensor can detect the presence
of a person or
object and at least partly in response, the unit initiates the identification
and scanning
process. Once the item is identified, the relevant information is displayed on
display 130
such as a description, title, recorder code or price of the replacement. If
the user wishes to
reorder the item being discarded, an order is initiated in accordance to
predefined ordering
instructions. The reordering process can take place automatically, that is
whenever a
recognized item is disposed using the unit 10, the CPU generates and transmits
a reorder
instruction to a selected supplier. The central database receives and stores
the scanned
discarded item information from each user. Optionally, a central computing
system
coupled to the central database generates orders according to users
preferences. The user
preferences can be entered by the user via an online Web page, by phone, by
fax, and/or
through the trash unit touch screen display, reyboard, or otherwise. Thus, in
one
embodiment, orders will optionally not be sent directly to suppliers and/or
the orders will
not be generated by the trash disposal unit. In an embodiment, optionally
orders will be
generated and sent directly to suppliers by the trash disposal unit via the
Internet or other
networr. In either case, reordering is automatically accomplished.
W another embodiment, the user is given the opportunity to confirm the desire
to
reorder the discarded item. The user's choice may be inputted into the control
unit 100
using any suitable input method such as pressing the "soft button" 126
presented on the
touch screen display when instuucted to do so by an instruction displayed on
the
information display 130, pressing a key on a lceyboard (not shown) or by
spearing if a voice
recognition input is implemented as is known in the art. In one embodiment,
the unit 10
transmits information regarding a discarded item being disposed in a unit 10
to a central
reordering site such as a purchasing officer's worlcstation (not shown) and
allows the
reordering decisions to be centralized rather than individually made at the
local unit 10
level. Once an identification is made, the proper storage bin (112a, 113x,
114a and 115a) is
selected to store the item. The proper bin opening (112, 113, 114 and 115) is
opened and
the item falls into the selected storage bin. The central database 720 is
informed of the
location of the trash item. The proper storage bin is selected according to
recycling
guidelines which can be customized depending on the geographic location of the
user and
the recycling options available. Examples include a simple recycling scheme
would
include separating the trash into glass, plastic, metal and all else. A more
elaborate scheme
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may be used to suit the individual needs of the user such as separating
different color glass
or different kinds of plastic, etc.
Some items like discarded organic or paclcing materials are not identifiable
by the
unit 10 and the user may simply wish to discard them without identifying or
reordering.
They may be simply discarded using a bypass means such as by pressing the
"soft
button" 126 if the button is so programmed. Of course, any other input means
to indicate
the discard choice would be acceptable as discussed above. Non-recyclable
items may be
stored in an appropriate bin. Items that are recyclable but not reordered are
still identified
so as to be placed in the proper bin and to update the central database 720
with the contents
of the unit 10.
The initial programming of unit 10 is provided by the manufacturer of the unit
10.
The manufacturer may offer different options such a providing a unit 10 that
only has a
wireless interface for colmecting with the communication network 730 or may
provide a
"standard" 11111t 10 that includes most of the common options with the user
using the unit 10
in a way that makes sense in the context of the user's application. Another
embodiment
includes a user programmable unit 10 that may be customized by the user. It is
anticipated
that an operating system would be built into the Cl'IJ 4.00 along with a user
specific
program interface that would allow the user to select various options from a
menu
presented. In another embodiment, a large user of the present invention could
specify the
functionality desired and the ananufacturer would program the specific
requirements into
the individual units 10. Solne units 10 could be programmed to meet different
needs (i.e.,
some units 10 may have a voice recognition input while others use a keyboard)
and yet
communicate and work together over the communication network 730 to perform
the
required functions as a whole.
A method of the use an apparatus of one or units 10 is described with
reference to
FIG. 6, a flow chart of the method of disposing of trash according to the
present invention.
Initially, a trash item is placed on controllable lid 110 (step S-100). The
user is presented
with a bypass (step S-105) to deal with the case of unidentifiable or non-
scanable items.
Items selected for bypass are simply discarded (step S-110). Items so
discarded are placed
in a general storage bin. If the bypass (step S-105) is not selected, the item
is scanned to
see if a code is detectable (step S-115). If no code is found, the user is
given an opportunity
to manually input a code (step S-120). If the item code is located (step S-
115) or manually
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inputted (step S-120), the code may be manually inputted using a suitable
input device such
as voice recognition or keyboard as discussed above), the code is compared
using an
identification database (step S-125). If a matching code is found in the
database,
information such as title, price to replace or reordering code, etc. is
displayed on the
display 140 (step S-140) allowing the user to decide whether or not to replace
and reorder
the item (step S-145). If no matching code is found (step S-125), the unit may
optionally
search using the communication network 730 (step S-130) and, if found, the
information is
displayed as discussed above. If no code is located (step S-135), the user is
still given the
opporttmity to reorder the item (step S-145), however, no information will be
displayed and
a code will have to be manually entered if not previously done (steps S-150
and S-155). A
reorder instruction is generated and transmitted to the proper supplier (step
S-160). In one
embodiment, the reorder instruction is generated by the CPU 400 according to
the
programming provided and customized by the user as discussed above. The
reorder
instruction may be printed out and sent by mail to a supplier or may be
traalsmitted
electronically t~ the supplier. However, as described above, optionally the
order is
generated and transmitted by the central computer system, rather than the
trash disposal
unit. Next, the proper bin opening (112, 113, 114 and 115) is selected (step S-
165) and the
content database is updated to lceep a record of the items stored therein
(step S-170). As
discussed above, the proper bin is selected by referring to the local
recycling rules
progrannned into the CPU 400 or by the generic rules programmed by the
manufacturer.
Users of the trash units 10 may cust~mize each unit to meet specific needs of
the
user. Examples of the preferences users may specify include reordering periods
such as
weekly, monthly or when the total value of the reorder equals ~r exceeds a
certain level.
Other customizable preferences include which supplier or suppliers to use,
which may be
further customized by best price, specific supplier for a specific consumable,
method of
payments such as credit card, billing, checlc, etc., which recycling company
or companies to
use, etc. Because the trash units 10 are customizable, the user experiences
great flexibility
when implementing the present invention. The user benefits by using the trash
units 10 by
allowing automated replacement of consumables and automated separation of
recyclable
materials. Because of the use of trash units 10 reorders consumables as
specified by the
user, inventories may be reduced leading to enhanced productivity on the part
of the user.
If the trash units 10 are used in a home setting, the user spends less time in
the supermarlcet
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since a list of used consumables is constantly available. The "grocery list"
can be generated
by the trash unit 10. Additionally, because of the ease and automated handling
of
recyclables, the user may be able to benefit financially from the resale of
the recycling
materials sorted by the unit 10. Also, all of the system and transaction
information, such as
reordering period, reordering levels, suppliers, billing information, order
history, order
status, user account information, recycling options, credits and the life, can
be made
available to users over the lilternet.
The role of the central database 720 in the function of the trash units 10 is
to store
detailed lists of the contents of each unit 10 linl~ed to the database 720.
Additionally, the
central database 720 stores the user preferences discussed above such as how
often to
reorder, who to reorder from, the best price to pay, etc. Also, the central
database functions
to authorize credit transactions between users, suppliers and other third-
parties such as
recycling and marl~et research companies. The central database may also send
confirmations of orders or emptying instructions as discussed above. These
instructions
and confirnations can be sent by e-mail, "regular mail" or fax. Another role
of the central
database 720 is that of statistic gatherer enabling the user to better
anticipate their future
needs aald trends.
Suppliers in the resupply process benefit by optionally receiving automatic
reorders
which enhances customer loyalty. Credit may be preauth~rized reducing the
rislc of write
offs. Suppliers also benefit by the statistical data generated by the central
database 720
which allows the supplier to reduce the inventory required to meet the
customer's needs.
Written confirmations or orders are sent by the central database 720 providing
a written
contract to facilitate good business relations.
Pauticipating recycling companies benefit by having a steady source of
recyclables,
which can optionally be separated using a trash disposal unit with multiple
chambers
without having to deal with intermediaries which drives up the cost. Credits
for materials
received from users can be credited through the central database 10, thereby
streamlining
operations. Additionally, many users will wish to contract with the recycling
companies
directly to empty the units 10 automatically, thereby increasing revenues for
the recycling
companies.
Other third parties such as marl~eting research companies benefit by having a
detailed list of the disposed items in each unit 10. This will allow research
into ways to
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decrease supplier and user waste and to study consumer behavior. Additionally,
research
may be done on ways to develop more enviromnental pacl~aging, especially in
regard to
high volume items as identified by the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a networl~ed waste processing and
replenishment system. The disposal units 7002 are coupled to one or more
remote data
processing systems 7005, comprising servers and databases 7004, via a wide
area networlc,
such as the Internet 7006. The databases 7004 can further comprise one or more
of a user
account database 7010, a product database 7012, a sample database 7014, a
manufacturer
database 7015, a coupon database 7016, and a content/recycle database 7018 for
the
disposal units 7002. The databases 7004 can optionally be searched using SQL
queries
using one or more of the database fields to fmd records having corresponding
field data.
For example, with reference to the product database schema discussed below, to
locate
samples having vegetarian ingredients, a query can be generated to locate
product database
records that have the Sample Flag set to a "1" and a Specialty Characteristic
set to
"vegetarian."
The user account database 7010 includes user account information, including
user
contact information, preferences, including order, sample, modes, shipment
and/or delivery
preferences. All or portions of the user account information may be entered or
submitted,
and later modified, by the user via a web site, disposal unit, phone, regular
mail, email, or
the lilce. ~ne example user account database 7010 includes the following
fields or records
one or more of which can store information for a user:
USER ACC~UNT DATABASE SCHEMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTI~N
User Name First name, Initial, Last name
Company Name of company, if any
Mailing/Shipping AddressStreet Address, City, State, Zip code,
Country
Billing Address Street Address, City, State, Zip code,
Country
Daytime Phone Phone niunber where user is available during
the day
Nighttime Phone Phone number where user is available during
the evening or night
Fax Number User's fax number
Mobile Number User's cellular phone number
E-mail Address User's e-mail address
User ID Unique user identifier
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User Password: Password used to access user account
System Options Connection configuration (Broadband, dialup,
DSL, Tl), Internet
provider, etc.
Operathig System Operating System of user's personal computer
(Windows ME, 2000, XP;
MAC OS X, Linux, etc.)
Household/Company Number of household members or employees,
Demographics ages, number of each
gender, household income
Payment Preference Preferred form of payment (credit card,
electronic fiend transfer, check,
place on accomt, etc.), and corresponding
payment information (credit
card number, and credit card expiration
date, bank account number,
checking account number), and order dollar
value limit
Alternative Form Alternative foam of payment (credit card,
of Payment electronic fund transfer, check,
place on account, etc.), and corresponding
payment information (credit
card number, and credit card expiration
date, bank account number,
checking account number, etc.)
Disposal Unit 1 IdentifierUnique identifier, such as a serial number,
associated with a first of the
user's disposal units
Disposal Unit 1 CapacityThe capacity in units of measurement (gallons,
liters, etc.) of Disposal
Unit 1
Disposal Unit 2 IdentifierUnique identifier, such as a serial number,
associated with a second of
the user's disposal units
Disposal Unit 2 CapacityThe capacity in units of measurement (gallons,
liters, etc.) of Disposal
Unit 2
Disposal Unit to Unique ideaitifier, such as a serial numlaer,
Identifier associated with the n" of the
user's disposal units
Disposal Unit at The capacity in units of measurement (gallons,
Capacity liters, etc.) of Disposal
Unit tt
User Order PreferencesCriteria for selecting to who the order
is to be placed with (select
supplier within user zip code, order from
specifically named supplier or
suppliers, select supplier with best quoted
price, select supplier that
accepts specified payment preference,
etc.)
User Order Trigger Criteria for when to place the order (date,
Preference value of order, time period,
etc.)
Order Confirmation Provide order confirmation as specified
Preference (phone, email, regular mail,
and/or facsimile)
Sample Flag Flag indicating whether user is willing
to accept product samples ("1" -
yes, "0" = no)
User Sample: PreferencesCriteria used to select product samples
to be provided to user
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Modes Suggestion Flag indicating whether user wants alternative
Option Flag products suggested in
accordance with Modes Preferences (" 1"
- yes, "0" = no)
Modes Substitution Flag indicating whether user wants alternative
Option Flag products automatically
substituted on the user's orders in accordance
with Modes Preferences
("1" - yes, "0" = no) [optionally, no
more than one of the Modes
Substitution Option Flag and the Modes
Suggestion Flag are allowed to
be set
Modes Preferences User selected order and delivery modes
Shipment Preference User preferred level or method of shipping
(same day, next day, two day,
standard, lowest cost, environmentally
fiiendly slipping)
Express Buy ShipmentUser preferred level or method of shipping
Preference for Express Buy option (same
day, next day, two day, standard, lowest
cost, environmentally friendly).
Generally, the Express Buy Shipment Preference
will be a faster form of
sliipment than that specified in the Shipment
Preference field.
Delivery Options Preferred day of week for delivery, preferred
time range for delivery,
request signahwe upon delivery, etc. Certain
delivery options may be
unavailable for certain forms of shipments.
Mode Rules User specified mode rules
Waste Pickup ProviderPreferred waste disposal provider (user
Preference can specify provider identifier,
specify lowest cost provider, or provider
that bids the most for
recyclables).
Waste Pickup TriggerPickup rule: Picl~up at specified day,
Preference at a specified interval (twice a
week, weekly), a specified amount of time
since the last pich~xp, and/or
v;'herx one or more disposal units are
at a specified fill level (half full,
three- quarters full, full)
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The order database 7012 stores pending or placed user orders. An example
database
record for a given user order can contain the following fields:
ORDER DATABASE SCHEMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTION
User ID The user's unique identifier as recorded
in the user account database
Item 1 Code The SKU or other code used to identify Item
1
Item 1 Price The price quoted to the user when Item 1
was added to the user's order
Item 1 Date The date Item 1 was added to the order
Item 1 Coupon The coupon code for a coupon submitted by
the user ui relations to the order
for Item 1
Item 1 Price Date The end date for which the Item 1 price
Guarantee is guaranteed if the user has not yet
' placed the order
Item 1 Quantity The quantity of Item 1 to be ordered
Status The order status (pending, placed, or fulfilled)
for Item 1
Item n Code The SKU or other code used to identify Item
zz
Item n Price The price quoted to the user when Item zz
was added to the user's order
Item n Date The date Item n was added to the order
Item n Coupon The coupon code for a coupon subnutted by
the user in relations to the order
for Item as
Itean n Price DateThe end date for which the Item za price
C'auarantee is guaranteed if the user has not yet
placed the order
Status The order status (pending, placed, or fulfilled)
for Item az
The product database 7014 maps barcode or other item code to SI~.Us, product
names, cost, sues, calories, pacltaging materials, and/or the life. One
example product
database 7014 includes the followiilg fields or records:
PRODUCT DATABASE SCHEMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTION
Product code The item SITU
Price The item price from a supplier selected
in accordance with the user order
preferences, which can be dynanucally retrieved
from the suppliex's product
ricin database
Quantity ~The number of units including in the item,
per Item for example, the number of cans of
soda or the number of oz. of cleaning solution
in a bottle of cleaning solution
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In redients The item in redients
Calories The number of calories in the item or the
number of calories er item unit
Specialty Can specify if the item is low sodium, low
Characteristiccholesterol, low carbohydrate,
non-fat, eanut-flee, luten-flee, su ar-free,
non-dairy, ve etarian
Packaging The type of packaging material (recyclable
Material plastic, recyclable cardboard,
recyclable metal, non-recyclable plastic,
non-recyclable cardboard, non-
rec clable metal, non rec clable other used
for the item
Product name The text name of the item
Sample Flag A flag that when set to "0" indicates the
item is not a sample, and when set to
"1" indicates that the item is a sam 1e
Famil The roduct famil
Kind The roduct kind
Manufachuer The name of the manufacturer or other manufachxrer
identifier
Stock The number of items in stock
The manufacturer database 7015 includes information on the manufacturer that
may
be useful when locating products associated with a manufacture having certain
characteristics or attributes which a user may deem desirable, such as the
manufacturer's
treatment of the environment, treatment of employees, support of a given
social cause, and
the lilce. By way of example, the user can specify that the user prefers or
requires that
ordered items be from a manufacturer that provides its employees health
insurance and that
donates money to Ads prevention organizations. When the waste processing and
replenislnnent system orders replacement items for the user, the system will
search the
manufacturer database to locate manufacturers who meet the criteria, and will
then search
for corresponding replacement items from the located manufacturers. One
example
manufacturer database 7015 includes the following fields or records:
MANUFACTURER DATABASE SCHEMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTION
Manufacturer Manufacture name or other identifier
ID
ISO 9000 Quali com liance indicator with res ect
to ISO 9000
Living Wage Indicator as to whether manufacttuer pays
employees a living or specified
minimum wa a
Health BenefitsIndicator as to whether manufacturer provides
employees health benefits
and/orinsurance
Child labor Indicator as to whether manufacturer em
to s child labor
Charities/SocialNames, Tax ID, and/or other identifier to
causes which manufacturer donates money
or other resources
Renewable % of energy utilized by manufacturer that
Resources comes from renewable resources
~
The sample database 7016 stores information regarding available samples and
their
characteristics, where the characteristics can include the sample product
category, the size
of the sample and the contents or sample ingredients. Optionally, the sample
database 7016
need not be used, and instead the sample product information is stored in the
sample
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database, wherein the sample flag discussed above is used to indicate which
products are
samples. One example sample database 7014 includes one or more of the
following fields
or records:
SAMPLE DATABASE SCHEMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTION
Sample Item Product The sample item SKU
code
Regular Product codesSKUs corresponding to non-sample versions
of the sample item
Quantity per Item The number of units including in the
sample item
Sample Item IngredientsThe sample item ingredients
Sample Item CaloriesThe number of calories in the item or
the number of calories per item unit
Sample Item PackagingThe type of packaging material (recyclable
Material plastic, recyclable cardboard,
recyclable metal, non-recyclable plastic,
non-recyclable cardboard, non-
recyclable metal, non recyclable other)
used for the sample item
Sample Item Product The text name of the sample item
Name
Stock The number of sample items in stock
The coupon database that includes a mapping of coupon codes to the items or
services for which the coupon can be applied, the coupon start date which
indicates when
the coupon can be first used, the coupon expiration date, an indication as to
whether the
coupon can or carmot be used in conjunction with other coupons, an optional
unique code
number that identifies each coupon9 coupon status, that indicates if a
corresponding coupon
can still be used, and for customer-specific coupons or coupons that can only
be used a
specified number of times, a record as to whether the coupon has been used yet
andlor how
many times the coupon has been used.
The coupon value can be expresses as a dollar or specific monetary value, a
percent
discount, a free shipping coupon, or a "Buy X get Y Free" coupon, where the
user gets one
or more free Y items if the user buys one or more X products. The coupon can
be in the
form of a membership benefit, such as a discount afforded to members or
preferred
members of a buying club or organization. The coupons can be electronic
coupons that
have a code which can be entered via the disposal unit 7002 or the computing
device
terminal 7008. One example coupon database 7016 includes one or more of the
following
fields or records:
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COUPON DATABASE SCHEMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTION
Coupon Identifier the code associated with the coupon
Start Date the date when the coupon is first valid
End Date the last day the coupon is valid
Times useable the number of times the coupon can be used
Times used the number of times the coupon has been
used
Coupon value expressed as a specific monetary value,
a percent discount, flee shipping,
or a "Buy X get Y Free"
The content/recycle database 7020 can include a list of items and/or
pacl~aging
materials deposited in each disposal unit 7002, where multiple disposal units
7002 can be
associated with the same user and/or different users. One example
content/recycle database
7020 for a user includes one or more of the following fields or records:
CONTENT/I~EC'Y'CLE DATABASE SCI~EMA
FIELD DATA DESCRIPTION
User ID The user's unique identifier
as recorded in the user
account database
Disposal Unit 1 Identifier Unique identifier associated
with a first of the user's
I
disposal units
Item 1 Code The SKU or other code used to
identify Item 1
Item 1 Packaging Material The type of packaging material
for Item 1 (recyclable
plastic, recyclable cardboard,
recyclable metal, non-
recyclable plastic, non-recyclable
cardboard, non-
recyclable metal, non recyclable
other) used for the
item (obtained by accessing
the product database using
Item 1 Code)
Item ~T Code The SITU or other code used
to identify Item 1
Item n Packaging Material The type of packaging material
for Item is (recyclable
plastic, recyclable cardboard,
recyclable metal, non-
recyclable plastic, non-recyclable
cardboard, non-
recyclable metal, non recyclable
other) used for the
item (obtained by accessing
the product database using
Item 1 Code)
The data processing systems 7005, including the databases 7004, can be
associated
with the data processing system operator, a supermarl~et, a distribution
center, a waste
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disposal and recycling entity, a delivery service, a logistics company, and/or
a third party
operator. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the disposal units 7002 optionally
maintain databases
storing the same or similar information to that of databases 7004 discussed
above, however
each unit 7002 optionally only stores user account and order information for
one user,
household, and/or disposal unit. Optionally, portions of the user account,
product,
manufacturer, samples, coupon, and content/recycle database information will
only be kept
by one of a local database and a remote database, while portions of the user
account,
product, manufacturer, samples, coupon, and content/recycle database
information will be
kept in both a local database and a remote database.
The disposal units 7002 are optionally coupled to a local external computing
device
7008 via a peripheral interface, such as a USB or FireWire bus, via a wired
local network,
such an Ethernet network, and/or a wireless network, such as an iEEE 802.11b
or IEEE
802.118 compliant networlc. The computing device 7008 can be personal
computer, set top
box, PDA, Internet appliance, or the like. The computing device 7008 can be
used to setup
and change preferences for the unit 7002, store, retrieve, and modify content
and order lists,
and can be used to access the system operator's web site in order to set up an
account,
review and modify account information, review and modify order information,
and the like.
In addition, the computing device 7008 can be used by the unit 7002 as an
access point to
the Internet 7006.
As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the disposal unit 7002 includes an integral
computer 804.
and/or an interface to an external computing device, such as computing device
7008, or
other personal computer, hzternet appliance, interactive television, set top
box, personal
digital assistant, and the like. The integral computer 804 includes a central
processing unit
(CPU) or controller 806, memory 807, including volatile memory 808 and non-
volatile
memory 810 that store data as well as program code 811. The integral computer
804
processes data and controls the operation of the disposal unit 7002, including
the scanner,
lid, networlc interface, and user interface. For example, the non-volatile
memory 810 can
include fixed or removable solid state FLASH memory, battery backed memory, a
magnetic
dislc drive, and/or an optical disk drive. The volatile memory 808 can
include, for example,
R.AM.
The stored program code 811 can include one or' more instructions, which can
be
straight-line code and/or organized as modules or objects configured to
receive and process
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inputs, provide outputs, and to selectively store data. The data can include a
serial number
for the unit 7002, user preference data, a mapping of product codes or SKUs to
product
names, sizes, and packaging materials, as well as disposal unit 7002 content
information
regarding items placed into the disposal unit 7002, shopping lists, passwords
and/or unique
identifiers for accessing remote databases and services, and the like. The
data can be stored
in one or more local databases, such as a user account database 812, an order
database 814,
a product database 815 that includes mappings of item codes to item product
information, a
sample database 816, a coupon database 818, and a waste/recycle database 820.
The local
user account, order, product, sample, coupon, and waste/recycle databases 812,
814, 815,
816, 818, and 820 can store the same or similar information as discussed above
with respect
to the corresponding remote user account, product, manufacturer, samples,
coupon, and
content/recycle databases 7010, 7012, 7014, 7015, 7016, 7018, 7020.
By way of example, some or all of the databases 812, 814, 815, 816, 818, and
820
can be located in the disposal unit 7002's non-volatile memory 810, or in the
local personal
computer's 7008 memory.
The example disposal unit 7002 includes, directly and/or via an external
device, an
interface device 822 to a wide area network such as the Internet. The
interface device 822
can be a dial-up modem, a cable modem, a DSL modem, a T1 modem, a wireless
modem,
satellite interface, or other network interface, that correspondingly
interface to a Public
Switched Telephone Network, a cable netv~york, a DSL or I~DSL line, a T1 line,
a wireless
networlc, a satellite network, or other networlc. The network interface device
822 is coupled
to the CPU 806 and to a data or telephone network. If a wireless interface
device is used,
an antemla 829 is included. The disposal unit 7002 can also be coupled via a
wireless
access point to a Public Switched Telephone Network, a cable network, a DSL or
ADSL
line, a Tl line, a wireless networlc, a satellite networlc, or other network.
The disposal unit 7002 further includes, directly and/or via an external
device, a
user interface device 824, such as a touch screen or non-touch screen display
831,
keyboard, voice command interface, and/or the lilce, which are optionally
grouped on a
control panel, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, distributed on different portions of
the unit 7002.
The user interface device can be fixedly mounted, attached via a hinge so the
angle of the
device 824 can be changed by the user, or can be detachable and interface to
the disposal
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unit 7002 using a wireless interface device, such as a Bluetooth or IEEE
802.11 interface
device.
In one embodiment, the disposal unit 7002 includes an integral display with a
touch
screen, keys, a printer, and can further be operated via the external
computing device 7008.
The computing device 7008 can coupled to the unit 7002 via a local peripheral
bus interface
828, such as a USB ~or FireWire interface or via a local networl~, such an
Ethernet networlc,
or a wireless IEEE 802.1 1b or IEEE 802.1 1g networl~.
The CPU 806 can be further coupled to a fill-level detection sensor system 843
and
a pressure sensor 849 discussed in greater detail below.
The disposal unit 7002 can include a power on/off l~ey 830 and one or more
function-specific hard l~eys and/or soft keys displayed on the touch screen.
The lcey
functions can be software programmable. These lceys enable the user to modify
the
operation of the unit 7002 and/or the processing of user's orders without
having to go
through a complex menu hierarchy, though such a menu hierarchy can be used as
well. By
way of example, tile specific functions keys can include a "Buy Now" lcey 832,
an "Express
Buy" lcey 834., and a "Discard" l~ey 836.
Activation of the Buy Now l~ey 832 overrides the user's order trigger
preferences,
and instead triggers the substantially immediate placement of the stored,
pending order.
Thus, the order will be placed during the current session or the next time the
unit 7002
connects to the remote system 7005. Activation of the Express Buy hey 834
causes the
transmission of an instruction to the system 7005 operator to have the
specific scanned
product or products delivered using its fastest available or an expedited
delivery service.
For example, a consumer can use the Express Buy lcey 834 when the consumer
needs a
lamp or a battery urgently. Activation of the Discard lcey 836 will add the
discarded item's
scanned information to a waste/recycling database but will not add the
discarded item to a
pe11d111g order. Thus, a user can activate the Discard lcey 836 when the user
does not want a
replacement for the disposed of item. Optionally, the Buy Now and Express Buy
instruction can also be issued by the user via the waste processing and
replenishment
system operator's web site.
The disposal unit 7002 includes one or more scanners 838 coupled to the CPU
806.
The scalmers 838 are used to scan codes on disposed of items, coupons, and
other
materials. The codes can be used to encode one or more of a product code, SKU,
the name
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of the item, the size of the item, the item container-type and materials, the
brand of the
item, the cost of the item, and the expiration date of the item. The scamlers
can include one
or more of an optical scamier, such as a barcode scarmer, or a RFID scanner.
The RFID scanner includes an antenna or coil, a transceiver, and a decoder.
The
RFID scanner is used to scan an RF tag programmed with information that is
fixed to the
item. The transceiver produces signals that are emitted by the antenna as
radio signals. The
radio signals are used to activate the RF tag and to read and write data to
it. The antemla
can be mounted, by way of example, on the lid 842, or in or on the unit 7002
body.
The scanners can include a handheld head 840 coupled to the disposal unit 7002
via
a cable or wireless Bluetooth connection. In another embodiment, the scamler
head 840 is
fixedly mounted to the disposal unit 7002. h1 one embodiment, the scanner is a
self
contained unit that stores scanned data internally and then downloads the data
to the
disposal unit 7002 or to a computing device, such as the computing device
7008.
As illustrated in FIG. 8C, a cover or lid 842 is optionally provided to close
the
disposal unit 7002 receptacle opening 846. The cover 842 can be automatically
opened and
closed by one or more motors 845 receiving and a discarded item. The motors
84.5 can be
positioned ~n the exteri~r or interior of the unit 7002. In additi~n or
alternatively, the c~ver
842 can be manually opened and closed. The cover 842 can be a two piece
assembly that
has two lids 842A, 8428, each covering about half of the receptacle opening
846 and
meeting at about the middle of the receptacle opening 846.
A processor controlled actuator or solenoid 847 can be used to selectively
hold the
lid 842 or lids in the closed position or can release the lid 842 or lids so
as to swing open.
The actuator 847 can be positioned on the exterior or interior of the unit
7002. In addition,
each lid 84.2A, 8428 can have a spring-loaded hinge so as to swing open
without additional
motive force. W another embodiment, only a single lid 842 hinged on one side
is used.
The lids) can be used to supp~rt the item during the scamiing process or a
separate shelf is
optionally provided to support the item.
The fill-level detection sensor system 843 coupled to the CPU 806 is located
within
the disposal unit 7002 to detect and confirm that the user disposed of the
item. The sensor
system 843 can include one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the sensor
system 843
can comprise an optical sensor that emits a light beam and that detects when
an object, such
as the disposed of item, falls into the light beam path via reflection from
the item. hi
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another embodiment, the sensor system 843 can comprise a sonar sensor that
emits sonic
waves and that detects when an object, such as the disposed of item, falls
into the sonic
wave path via reflection from the item. The detection sensor system can
include several
sensors at different heights so as to detect how full the unit 7002 is. For
example, a sensor
can be placed at the halfway point, the three-quarter way point, and at the
full capacity
point.
In addition, the pressure sensor 849, coupled to the CPU 806 and in contact
with the
lid 842, can be used to sense when an item is placed on the lid 842 or when
the user presses
dOWll Oll the lid 842 which will then cause the scamling process to begin. In
another
embodiment, the user activates a soft or hard l~ey to initiate scanning.
The body of the disposal unit 7002 can be made from a variety of materials,
such as,
by way of example, plastic, rubber, metal, cardboard, or a combination
thereof. In addition,
the disposal unit 7002 can be manufactured in different capacity sizes, such
as 9 gallons, 13
gallons, 25 gallons, and the lilce. The disposal unit 7002 can be powered, for
example, via
an AC line, battery, and/or solar power. The disposal unit 7002 can be used
111 c~n~llnctlon
with removable, disposal garbage bags.
~ptionally, before using the disposal lllllt 7OO2 t~ generate orders and the
life, the
user sets up user profile information and preference information via a web
site or other site
associated with the disposal unit 7002 operator, or via phone, mail, or
computer readable
media. For example, the user can access tile web site using the computing
device 7008. In
addition, the user can access the web site to manage the user's account,
including viewing
the user's order history, managing open and pending orders, viewing order
status, and
viewing the user's consumption statistics over a specified period of time or
since account
inception. The information can include for example, that discussed above with
respect to
the user account database schema or portions thereof.
FIG. 9 illustrates an example scaiming, identification, and ordering process.
However, not all the states need to be performed, and the order of the process
can be varied.
In addition, during appropriate process states, the user can be dynamically
presented with
the user's current pending order list in response to user request or other
trigger. Similarly,
an indication as to when a pending order will actually be placed and/or the
next scheduled
delivery date for a pending order can be presented to the user in response to
user request or
other trigger. Information can be presented to the user via on the disposal
unit display 825
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or on a local computing device display. Further, the user can interrupt the
process by
activating the Discard key.
Beginning at state 902, the process proceeds to state 904, where the user sets-
up or
modifies account preferences. As similarly discussed above, the preferences
can include
order, sample, modes, shipment, and delivery preferences. For example, the
user can
specify an order trigger preference which causes the pending order to be
placed. The user
can specify that the trigger will be the elapse of a specified period, such as
a weelc or
month, since the previous order. Another trigger preference can be to place
the order when
the total value of the order equals or exceeds a certain dollar amount. The
order preference
can specify which supplier or suppliers to use. The user can also specify that
the order
should be placed with the provider having the lowest price for the total
order, including
shipping, specify a particular supplier for a specific consumable, specify
that the order
should be placed with a provider that accepts a designated form of payment,
such as
payment by credit card, billing, or check.
As discussed below, the sample preferences can inchide user-specified types of
products the user will not accept samples off, such as those containing
certain food types
such as pork, poultry, beef, fish, and/or seafood. The sample preferences can
further
specify that the user only wants samples that have a certain characteristic.
For example, the
user can specify with respect to food products, the user only wants samples of
certain types
or categories of food products, such as vegetarian, low fat, low sodium,
aald/or kosher food
products.
The shipment and delivery preferences can include frequency of delivery, day
of
week, time, address, order confirmation by phone or email, signature upon
delivery, normal
delivery, lower priced delivery for choosing "Enviromnent-friendly Shipping
Day," or
expedited delivery. The "Environment-friendly Shipping Day" process is used to
reduce
traffic and pollution by planning deliveries within a geographic area, such as
a bloclc or
within a zip code, so that multiple deliveries can be made on the same day to
that area to
thereby reduce the number of trips to the area and so traffic and pollution
are reduced.
At state 905, the special instructions lceys are read. For example, the
disposal unit
7002 detects, via an interrupt, scan, or polling routine, whether the user
activated one of the
special function keys or otherwise provided a corresponding instruction. As
discussed
above with respect to FIG. 8B, the specific functions keys ca~i include the
"Buy Now" lcey
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832, the "Express Buy" key 834, and the "Discard" key 836. Optionally, the Buy
Now and
Express Buy instructions call be issued by the user via the waste processing
and
repleiushment system operator's web site.
At state 906, the user scans a machine scanable code printed or otherwise
affixed to
the item being discarded. The scanned information can be received and stored
in local
memory 807, andfor in one or more remote databases 7004. The scan operation
can be
initiated by the user activating a scan key or can be automatically initiated
by the disposal
unit 7002 in response to the item being in proximity of the unit 7002 or
placed on the lid
842. The disposed of item can be a food container, a cleaning product
container, or the
life. The containers can be empty, partially filled, or full.
The scanable code may be affixed by the manufacturer, retailer, distributor,
or the
user may apply code. The code can be a barcode, RFID tag, other electronic
tag,
magnetically encoded label, or the life. Once the item is scanned the disposal
unit 7002
door is automatically or manually opened, the user deposits the item in the
disposal unit
7002, and optionally the sensor system 843 confirms that the item was indeed
deposited.
Once the confirmation is provided, the remote or local contenthecycle database
is updated
to include the discarded item.
If the user presses a "Discard" instruction key, the process proceeds to state
934,
and a Discard sub-process is performed. At state 936 the scanned item is not
added to a
pending order and the process ends. Thus, a user can activate the Discard key
836 or
otherwise provide a discard instruction when the user does not want a
replacement for the
disposed of item. The user is optionally asked to provide feedback as to why
the user does
not want to order a replacement for the discarded item. For example, the
reasons for not
ordering can include "I do not use this type of product anymore," or "I
already have
inventory of this product in my home." Optionally, if the discarded item is a
sample,
sample-specific feedbaclc can be requested, such as "I tried the sampled
product, but did not
like it," "I tried the sampled product and liked it, but I still prefer to use
my current brand,"
"I did not try the sample, and do not want to order it." The user is asked to
select a reason,
and the selected reason is stored locally by the disposal unit 7002 and/or is
transmitted for
stoxage to the remote database 7004. The user feedback can then be distributed
to
appropriate manufacturers, retailers, distributors, marketing entities and
advertisers who
can use the feedback to perform a market analysis and/or to refine their
product offerings.
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If the Discard lcey was not activated, the process proceeds from state 907 to
state
908. At state 908, the scanned code is used to determine one or more of the
identity of the
item, the size of the item, the item container-type, the brand of the item,
the cost of the
item, and/or the expiration date of the item. The scanned code can directly
include the
foregoing information or can include a product code or SITU that can be used
as a key to
locate and access the information in a local or remote product database.
The product database can be stored in the disposal unit 7002's local memory,
such
as is product database 815, and/or accessed via a local or wide area network.
For example,
the product database can be a remotely located database 7004 and can be
accessed over the
network 7006 by large numbers of disposal units 7002. As similarly discussed
above, the
remote databases 7004 can be associated with a supermarket, a distribution
center, a waste
disposal and recycling entity, a delivery service, and/or a third party
operator.
The transactions with the remote database 7004 can be securely performed,
using
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol that provides encryption and
authentication using
digital ceutificates, using the World Wide VVeb Secure HTTP (S-HTTP) protocol.
~ther
forms of secure communication, such as virtual Private IVetworlcs (~1PI~ can
be used as
well. In addition, for authentication purposes unit 7002 can transmit a
password or mnque
identifier associated with the disposal unit 7002 or the disposal unit 7002's
owner or
licensee.
In one embodiment, the disposal unit 7002 first attempts to locate and access
the
desired item information from the internally stored product database 815, and
if a match is
not found, then accesses the remote database 7004. The local database 815 can
periodically
be updated by synchronized with one or more remote databases 7004 using, for
example,
SyncML file exchanges.
If the remote database 7004 is being accessed, once a secured comzection is
established, the scamzed product code and/or information related thereto, is
transmitted by
the discard unit 7002 to the remote data processing systems 7005. The remote
database
7004 locates information corresponding to the scamled product code. However,
when an
attempt to comiect to the remote data processing systems 7005 is unsuccessful,
or the
remote database 7004 or remote data processing systems 7005 are otherwise
unavailable,
the disposal unit 7002 stores the product code and other information in local
memory 810.
The disposal unit 7002 will then attempt to connect to the remote data
processing systems
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7005 according to one or more predefined rules, such as every predetermined
number of
minutes or at another specified time. Optionally, until a comiection is
successfully
accomplished, a warning is displayed to the user on the disposal unit display
825 notifying
the user of the failure to comZect. Once a connection to the remote data
processing systems
7005 is established, the product code is transmitted by the unit 7002 to the
database 7004.
The information accessed from the local or remote databases can include the
product name, price, cost per unit, size, calories, ingredients,
categorization, as well as
other information stored in the databases, including for example, the
information discussed
above with respect to product database 7014. The located information can be
transmitted
directly back to the disposal unit 7002 or to the local computing device 7008
coupled to the
disposal unit 7002. The information or a portion thereof, is then displayed to
the user and
the disposal unit cover 842 is automatically or manually opened.
For example, the information can be displayed on the disposal unit display 825
or
on a local computing device 7008 monitor. The user can print out the
information using the
disposal unit printer 856 or using a printer connected directly to the
computing device 7008.
Further, related infornlation, such as advertisements for a product or
electronic coupons,
can be transmitted from the remote data processing system 7005 to the disposal
unit 7002
for display or printout. The advertisement or coupon can optionally be based
on one or
more of the user's disposed of items, pending orders, selected modes, buying
habits and
prior orders, and household demographics.
At state 910 a deteumination is made by the disposal unit 7002, the computing
device 7008, or the remote data processing systems 7005, that the scanned item
is a sample.
This determination is made by comparing the scanned information to the data
stored in the
remote and/or local product databases 7014, 815, or in the remote or local
sample databases
7016, 816. For example, if the seamed information contains a product code, an
SQL query
can be generated to locate the corresponding product database record, and if
the sample flag
is set to a "1", the scanned item is identified as a sample. Otherwise, the
scanned item is
not identified as a sample. Alteriatively or in addition, an SQL query can be
generated to
locate the corresponding sample database record, and if a match is found, the
item is
identified as a sample. Otherwise, the item is not identified as a sample. If
the item is not
identified as a sample, the process proceeds to state 911 where a modes
application process
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is performed, as described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 18. The
process then
proceeds from state 911 to state 918.
If the scanned item is identified as a sample, the process proceeds from state
910 to
state 912. The user is queried directly by the disposal unit 7002, or by the
remote
processing system 7005 via the disposal unit 7002 or computing device 7008, as
to whether
the user wants to order a regular, non-sample version of the item.
If the user responds in the negative, the process proceeds to state 938, and
user is
asked to provide feedback as to why the user does not want to order a regular,
non-sample
version of the item. For example, the reasons for not ordering can include "I
do not use this
type of product," "I tried the sampled product, but did not like it," "I tried
the sampled
product and liked it, but I still prefer to use my current brand," "I did not
try the sample, and
do not want to order it." The user is asked to select a reason, and at state
940 the selected
reason is stored locally by the disposal unit 7002 and/or is transmitted for
storage to a
remote database 7004. The user feedbacl. can then be distributed to
appropriate
manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and who can use the information to
perform a market
analysis and/or to refine their product offerings.
If the user responds affirmatively at state 9129 the process proceeds to state
914 and
the user is requested to specify the size and/or number of units of the
regular version that
the user wants to order. At state 916, the user order information is received
a~zd added to
the pending user order stored in tlae remote and/or local order databases, or
if there is no
pending order, to a new order. In addition, the fact that the regular version
was ordered
after the user discarded the sample is recorded in remote database 7004 for
distribution to
suppliers, retailers, research, and/or marketing fines who can use the
information to
perform a market analysis and/or to refine their product offerings. The
process then
proceeds to state 918.
As discussed above, if the scanned item is not a sample, or if the user
ordered a
regular version of an item sample, the process proceeds to state 918. At state
918 the
special key activations, if any, read at state 905 are retrieved.
If the user provided a "Buy Now" instruction, the process proceeds to state
920, and
a Buy Now sub-process is performed. At state 922, the item is added to the
pending order
and the order is placed, overriding or bypassing the user's preference
trigger. The order
instruction is transmitted via the network 7006 to one or more data processing
systems
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2005. At state 924, the user's delivery preferences are retrieved from the
local or remote
user account database. For example, the user may have specified that same day,
next day,
two day, standard, lowest cost, or most environmentally friendly shipping is
to be used. At
state 926, the order is delivered by a delivery service or supplier in
accordance with the
user's standard shipping preferences.
If the user provided an "Express Buy" instruction at state 918, the process
proceeds
to state 928, and an Express Buy sub-process is performed. Optionally, at
state 929 the user
is queried via the disposal unit 7002 whether the user wants to apply the
express buy
instruction to the user's entire pending order list, to a subset of the
pending order list, or
only to the item just scamled. The query can originate from the disposal unit
7002 itself, or
can be transmitted from the data processing system 7005.
At state 930, the order is placed with expedited delivery specified in
accordance
with the user's instruction, and an order instmction is transmitted to one or
more remote
data processing systems 7005. Thus, even if the user has specified in the
user's accoualt
database Shipment Preference field that the lowest cost delivery should
normally be used,
by issuing an express buy instruction, a higher level of delivery service will
be used.
Optionally, the expedited delivery can have a default value, such as same day
deliveuy.
Alternatively or in addition, the user can specify in a user account Express
Buy Shipment
Preference field what level or type of delivery is to be used when an express
buy instruction
is received. For example, the user can specify that same day, next day, ttvo
day, or standard
shipping is to be used for express buys. At state 936 the order is delivered
by a delivery
service or supplier to the user specified shipping address using the specified
or default
express buy shipping.
If the user provided a "Discard" instruction at state 918, the process
proceeds to
state 934, and a Discard sub-process is performed. At state 936 the scanned
item is not
added to a pending order and the process ends. Thus, a user can activate the
Discard l~ey
836 or otherwise provide a discard instruction when the user does not want a
replacement
for the disposed of item.
If at state 918 the user did not activate one of the special function keys
discussed
above, or otherwise issue a corresponding instruction, the process proceeds to
state 942,
where the scanned item is added to the user's pending order list stored in the
remote and/or
local order database. At state 944, the user's order preferences are retrieved
from the
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remote and/or local user account database. At state 946 the order is placed
upon the
occuiTence of the user-specified order trigger preference. As discussed above,
the user
order trigger preference can be that an order is to be placed one weep after
the previous
order, every second week after the previous order, monthly, at other specified
times or
periods, or when the total value of the order equals or exceeds a certain
level. At state 948,
the order is delivered by a delivery service or supplier in accordance with
the user's
standard account shipping preferences.
Once an order is place, an order confirmation can be provided by the system
operator, supplier, or delivery service. Optionally, the preferred type or
types of
confirmation can be specified by the user, and the preference stored in the
remote or local
user account database for later retrieval. The confirmation can be sent to the
user via email,
regular mail, a web site page, text messaging, instant messaging, or using
other messaging
techniques as specified by the user or using a default order confirmation
type. The order
confirmation includes a list of the items ordered, the cost of each item, the
total cost, a.ny
discounts applied, delivery charges, if any, and the scheduled delivery date
and time, or a
range of dates and/or time in which the delivery is to be performed. The order
confirmation
will also indicate if any of the ordered items are unavailable. A shipping
confirmation can
be similarly provided one day before delivery, or when the orders have been
shipped. The
shipping confirmation can provide updated delivery dates and times.
Optionally, deliveries can be performed by a third-party logistics comp~.ny,
such as
FedEx, DIAL, UPS, or the LT.S. Postal Service. The disposal aazd replacement
system
operator can print user address labels and provide the labels and/or products,
such as
sample products to the logistic company responsible for delivery.
One embodiment of the present invention facilitates efficient waste pick-up,
processing and recycling operations. As discussed above, when discarded items
are
scanned, the disposal unit 7002 and/or remote databases 7004 record
information
identifying the items scanned and therefore have infornation on the disposal
unit's
contents. This information can then be used to access information on the
materials used in
the discarded item's pacl~aging and containers. In one embodiment, the
disposal unit 7002
contains a waste bag. When the user replaces the bag, the user activates a
Replace Bag l~ey
and in response, the disposal unit 7002 prints one or more barcodes on the
bag, or on a label
which is affixed to the bag by the user. Optionally, the bags can come with
preprinted
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unique barcodes acting as a bag serial number which can then be associated in
the database
with the bag contents and/or the user. The printed barcodes contain
information on the
materials used in the discarded paclcaging and containers printed on it. The
user can scan
the barcodes and the infomnation is transmitted to a waste management company.
Optionally, consumers will receive credit or payment from the waste management
company, a govennnent agency, or other entity for their recyclable waste.
FIG. 10 illustrates another example waste and/or recycling process. The
process
starts at state 1002 and proceeds to state 1004. The user waste/recycling
piclcup trigger
preference or rule is retrieved from a local or remote user account database.
For example,
the pickup trigger preference can specify that the pickup should occur at
specified day of
the weep, at a specified interval (twice a week, weekly), and/or when one or
more disposal
units or at a specified fill level (half full, three- quarters full, full). At
1006 a determination
is made whether the preference trigger specifies a fill level. If yes, the
process proceeds to
state 1008 and the fill level is read by fill-level sensor system 843. At
state 1010 the fill
level is compared to that specified by the preference trigger and if the fill
level equals or
exceeds that specified by the preference trigger the process proceeds to state
1012.
Otherwise, the process proceeds to state 1016, and the process is repeated
after a
determined interval, which can be, for example, every hour, every ~ hours,
every day, or at
other intervals.
At state 1012 the waste pickup provider preference is read from the user
account
database. For exa111p1e, the user can specify a specific provider using the
provider9s name
or other identifier, or that the lowest cost provider is to be used. If the
user specified that
the lowest cost provider is to be used, the piclcup is put out for bid. The
information
included in the bid request includes the disposal unit 7002 contents so that
the bidders can
determine the value of the recyclables and the cost of disposing the non-
recyclable items.
At 1014, the selected provider is instructed to perform the pickup, and the
piclcup talces
places.
If at state 1006, it is determined that the trigger preference is not based on
the fill
level, the process proceeds to state 1018, where a determination is made as to
whether the
pickup trigger preference specifies a pickup interval or specific day. If not,
the process
proceeds to state 1020 and a default waste/recycling pickup schedule is used.
The process
then proceeds to states 1012 and 1014 as similarly discussed above.
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If at state 1018, it is determined that the pickup trigger preference
specifies a
piclcup interval or specific day, the process proceeds to state 1022 and a
determination is
made if the pickup instruction is to be provided at this time. If yes, the
process proceeds to
states 1012 and 1014 as discussed above. Otherwise, tile process proceeds to
state 1024
and the process is repeated after a predetermined period.
A process of providing samples in accordance with. one embodiment of the
present
invention will now be described. As orders begin to be automatically generated
based on
consmners' actual consumption of items, consumers may be less influenced by
advertisement and less lilcely to make impulse purchases. Advantageously, as
similarly
discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention provides a process
for
manufactures and suppliers to market new items to consumers despite the
automatic
ordering process. Further, consumers are provided with a process for
specifying
characteristics of items that they are interested in sampling.
The sampling process is optionally an opt-in process, wherein users indicate
their
desire to participate in the sampling process. ~y enrolling in a sampling
program,
qualifying users will receive free samples of products delivered to their home
or other
specified delivery address. The samples optionally include a barcode or other
code on the
product packaging indicating that the product is a sample. The barcode can be
included or
be in addition to the item SITU. After using or consuming the product, the
user scans the
code and disposes the product in the disposal unit 7002 as similarly discussed
above for
non-samples. The user's pending order can then be amended to include a regular
version of
the sampled product. Optionally, before adding the regular version of the
sampled product
to the order, the user is prompted to confirm that the user evants to add it
to the order. The
fact that the user ordered a regular version of the sampled product is stored
in a sample
database for distribution to appropriate manufacturers, retailers,
distributors, and advertisers
to the extent permitted by the applicable privacy policy andlor govemunent
regulations.
The example sampling process fuxther prompts users to provide feedback and
then
collects and stored such feedback in a sample database. As similarly discussed
above, in
one embodiment, when the user disposes of a sampled product, the user scans
the sampled
product's code and the disposal unit or remote data processing system
identifies the
discarded product as a sample from the scanned code. If the user then
activates the Discard
lcey, indicating that the user does not want to order a regular version of the
sampled
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product, the user is prompted to provide feedback. For example, a feedback
form is
presented on the disposal unit's display, listing several potential reasons
why the user may
not have wanted to reorder the item. The user is aslced to select a reason,
and once the user
perfonns the selection, the selection is stored locally by the disposal unit
and/or is
transmitted for storage to a remote sample database. The user feedback can
then be
distributed to appropriate manufacturers, retailers, distributors, marketing
agencies, a.nd
advertisers, as discussed in greater detail below.
The sampling process enables manufacturers, retailers, distributors, marketing
agencies, and advertising entities to launch more effective marketing
campaigns because
the user will be automatically prompted to order or confine the order of a
sampled item.
This may result in higher conversion rates, wherein the user orders a regular
version of a
sampled product, as compared to the success rates achieved by conventional
sampling,
advertisements, shelf presence in a supernzarket, and the lilce.
W addition, the provisioning of samples is more focused and accurate as
compared
with many conventional techniques. The samples provided to a given user can be
selected
based on user profile information, including the user's order history, the
user's preferences
and selected preference modes, the user's household demographics, the user's
address, and
the lilce, that will help identify the right target customers for a given
marketing campaign.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, at state 1102 user account information, including
user
demographic infornation, sample opt-n ialfornzation, sample preference and
mode
infonnation, and past order history information, is received and stored in a
database. At
state ll04, the user account information is retrieved and the demographic
information
compared to target customer demographics for a given product or service. At
state 1106,
based on the comparison, the user's opt-in information, and sample preference
information,
target customers are selected to receive samples of the given product or
service. In one
embodiment, an SQL query is generated using the forgoing parameters, and is
used to query
the sample product database 7014 to determine what would be appropriate
samples for the
user. At state 1108, the samples and user addresses, and address labels are
provided to a
supplier, shipping and/or a logistics company, and the samples are delivered.
Advantageously, the sampling process provides detailed consumption and user
impression feedback. FIG. 12 illustrates an example process of collecting and
distributing
sample feedbaclc information. At state 1202, all or a portion of the users who
received a
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sample for a given product or services are selected to review a survey
request. The portion
can optionally be limited to only include users who have scanned the sample as
part of the
discard process, indicating that the user may have used the sample. At state
1204, the
survey is sent via the disposal unit 7002, email, regular mail, a web page,
text messaging, or
by phone to the users. At state 1206, the survey results are received. In
addition or
alternatively, the following information is provided:
The percent and number of households who ordered a given product after
receiving a sample of the product
- The percent and number of households who disposed of the sampled product in
the
disposal unit 7002 and did not order the product and/or activated the Discard
key
- The reasons households did not order the sampled product as provided during
the
discard process or in response to later provided survey.
At state 120 the survey results are distributed to the appropriate
manufacturers,
retailers, distributors, marlceting agencies, and/or advertisers.
FIG. 13A illustrates an example sample preference fornz that the user can
access via
a web site, email, or otherwise. The form can include a field wherein the user
can agree to
participate in the sampling process by entering the appropriate indicator
character or
activating a corresponding link The form lists products and product types that
the user can
indicate the user will accept or will not accept free samples of. For example,
as illustrated
in FIG. 13, the user can indicate on the form that the user will not accept
product samples
C~lltalnlllg certain food types such as pork, poultry, beef, fish, seafood, or
will only accept
certain types of food products, such as vegetarian, low fat, low sodium, or
lcosher food
products.
One embodiment of the sampling process further includes a coupon process,
wherein the user is provided with coupons that entitle the user to free
products or samples,
product price discounts, promotions (such as buy one product arid get another
product for
free), and the like.
The waste processing and replenishment system operator, manufacturers,
retailers,
distributors, and/or advertisers can provide the user with the coupon in the
form of a
hardcopy coupon having a printed coupon barcode, using regular mail or with
the delivery
of an order. The coupon barcode can include a special barcode, including, for
example, the
UPC number system character #4 customized for eTrash Co.
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The coupon can also be in the form of an electronic coupon or a textual coupon
code that can be emailed to the user or provided to the user via a web site
and which the
user can print out. The coupon can also be transmitted to the user's disposal
trait 7002 and
displayed to the user and/or printed out by the unit 7002 or a connected
computing device.
Coupon information can be stored in a coupon database, as discussed above. The
coupon
database can include a coupon identifier, a staut date, an end date, the
number of times the
coupon can be used, the number of times the coupon has been used, and the
coupon value.
By way of example, the coupon value can be expressed as a specific monetary
value, a
percent discount, free shipping, or a "Buy X get Y Free."
If the coupon is a hardcopy coupon or a printout of an electronic coupon, the
user
can enter and apply the coupon by scanning the coupon code using the disposal
unit 7002
scanner. If the coupon is in the form of a textual coupon code, the user can
type in the code
using the disposal unit 7002's keyboard or touch screen keyboard. If the
coupon is sent to
and displayed using the disposal unit 7002, the coupon can be automatically
applied to an
eligible purchase.
The coupons can include various restrictions of use. For example, the coupon
can
be restricted to a single user or to a single use per household. The coupon
can also be time
limited. Optionally, "numbered barcodes" can be used, where each coupon has a
unique
barcode number. When the coupon is entered and applied, the use of the coupon
is
recorded in the coupon database and that specific barcode is "deactivated' to
prevent
further use of the coupon.
With respect to free sample product coupons, once the user scans or otherwise
enters the coupon code, the waste processing system will receive the coupon
code
information. The system will then tra~lsmit instuuctions to fulfill of the
sampling order, as
well as address information, to a third-party logistics company or other
fulfillment entity.
Advantageously, the use of sample product coupons will increase the use of the
sampling
process. For example, a manufacturer can authorize the distribution of 10,000
coupons to
selected consumers and then evaluate the conversion rate of how many people
who
received and/or used the sample subsequently ordered the product sampled.
Based on the
evaluation result, the manufacturer can elect to send out an additional number
of sample
product coupons to additional selected consumers and/or to generally
distribute additional
coupons to consumers at large.
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FIG. 13B illustrates an example coupon processing method. The process begins
at
state 1302 and proceeds to state 1304. The user scans the coupon code using,
for example,
scamler 838 illustrated in FIG. 8B, and the scanned code is transmitted to the
processing
system 7005. The processing system 7005 uses the code to query the coupon
database 7018
to identify which products the user has the option to use coupon in
conjunction with, and
the product sizes and configurations for which the coupon can be used. The
processing
system 7005 also verifies that the date falls within the coupon start and end
dates. If
applicable, the processing system further determines if the coupon can only be
used a
specified number of times, and if so determines whether or not the specified
number has
been exceeded. At state 1308, the options are tra~lsmitted to the disposal
unit 7002 or
computer terminal 7008 for display to the user.
At state 1310 the processing system receives the user selection of product
size,
configuration, and/or quantity. At state 1312 a notation that the coupon has
been used is
stored in the coupon database 7016 in association with the coupon code.
Infornlation
regarding the use of the coupon can be provided to suppliers, retailers,
research, and/or
marlceting firms who can use the infornation to perforn a marl~et analysis
and/or to refine
their product offerings. At state 1314 the user's order is stored in the order
database 7012.
At state 1316 the process ends.
With respect to discount coupons, once the user scans or otherwise enters the
coupon code, the waste processing and r°eplenisl~unent system operator
will receive the
coupon code infornation and the discount will be applied to the user's pending
order,
assuming the order meets the conditions for the discount. In addition, there
can be
restrictions on the number of discount coupons that can be used for a given
quantity of the
applicable product in a given order.
W one embodiment, users are provided with the ability to change, restrict and
create
new buying habits by specifying corresponding order and delivery modes. Users
can enable
a modes option as part of their account setup. If the user enables the modes
option, then the
system will suggest alternative products to the user. By talcing advantage of
the automatic
replenislunent and the modes, users can beneficially alter their buying habits
to thereby
purchase healthier food, with little or no effort.
When providing alternative product recommendations, the selected modes guide
and restrict automatic search filtering according to certain previously
defined user
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substitution rules and restrictions, such as dietary preferences, for a
replacement product
similar to an item scanned and discarded. In addition, certain modes can alter
delivery and
order characteristics, such as when an order will be placed and/or delivery
scheduled.
Users can configure, revise, and review their mode rules and restrictions via
the
system operator web site or using the disposal unit 7002 user interface. These
rules can be
stored as pant of the user's account information. FIG. 14 illustrates an
example mode rule
creation/modification process. At state 1402, the process proceeds to state
1404 where a
rules wizard or form is provided. The user can use the wizard or form to
create and add a
new rule or to modify an existing rule to be applied to a user selected
product category
and/or sub-categories. Qnce a product category, and sub-categories if
applicable, are
selected, the user can choose from the corresponding modes menu. The following
is one
example modes menu:
Diet Mode
Fat-free Mode
Low-fat Mode
Gluten-Free Mode
Peanut-Free Mode
Salt-Free Mode
High-Protein Mode
Egg-Free Mode
Lactose-Free Mode
Non-dairy Mode
Kosher Mode
~rganic Mode
Natural Mode
Social Mode
Popular Mode
Celebrity's Picl~
Biodegradable Pacl~aging Mode
Expert's Piclc
Ecological Paclcaging Mode
M.D. (doctor recommended) Mode
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Safe Mode
A determination is made at state 1406 as to whether the user wants to edit an
existing rule. If the user wants to edit an existing rule, the process
proceeds to state 1410
where the rule to be edited is retrieved from the user account database,
displayed, and
edited by the user. If the user does not want edit an existing rule, the
process proceeds from
state 1406 to state 1408 and the wizard guides the user through the creation
of a new rule.
At state 1412 the new or edited rule is stored in the user's accotmt record,
and the process
ends at state 1414.
When the user scans an item being disposed of, the user is queried via the
display
unit user interface whether or not the user is willing to change brand,
product, family and
and/or kind if the system is able to find a product similar to the one scanned
that satisfies
the user's specified or selected modes. By way of example the "brand" of a
yogurt can be
I)annon, the "product" would be yogurt, the "family" could be fat-free or low-
fat, and the
"kind" can be the flavor, such as strawberry. By way of further example, the
"brand" of a
razor can be Gillette, the "product" would be "razor", the "family" can be the
product
family, such as Mach3, and the "kind" can be the quantity per paclcage, such
as a 3 paclc.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example add mode rule form. The mode rule form can be
provided to the user as a web page on the user's computing device or via the
disposal unit,
by way of example. The user can select a particular product or product type
from a product
category field. The product category field can be a text entry field, wherein
the user types
in the product or product category, or it can be a menu including predefined
products or
product categories. The product category can be, for example, a food category,
such as
yogurt, bagel, cheeses, butter, cereal, salad dressing, pasta, snacks, soup,
tea, coffee, fruit
juices, calve mix, caamed fruit, baby formula, or the like. The product
category can be, a
non-food category, such as dish soap, dishwasher detergent, hand soap,
batteries, sandwich
bags, aluminum foil, cling-wrap, coffee filters, water filters, trash bags,
and the like.
A condition factor, such as "to be" "or "not to be" can be specified. A mode
field is
used to select from predefined preference modes, such as those discussed
above, or using a
user-defined preference mode. A flexibility field allows the user to specify
an absolute or
relative level of flexibility in accepting product substitution or
recommendations of
alternative products. For example, the user can specify a low level of
flexibility to indicate
the user is not willing to switch brand, type, family, and/or lcind. The user
can specify a
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high level of flexibility to indicate the user is willing to switch brand,
type, family, and/or
bind.
If the user checks or otherwise selects the mode selection "Restrictive" field
box,
then if a product that satisfies the mle is not found during a search for a
substitute product,
an alternative product will not be suggested to the user and/or an alternative
product will
not be automatically added to the user's order list.
If the user checlcs or otherwise selects the mode selection "Apply this rule
to
Sampling" field box, samples will be selected for the user that satisfy the
selected mode
rules.
If the user checks or otherwise selects the mode selection "Apply only this
rule to
this product category" field box, the system will disregard other rules that
would otherwise
be applied to the selected product category. If the selected mode has a rating
associated
with it then the rating method is selected via the rating method field. If the
system finds
more than one match for a scarred product, the user can specify via the rating
method field
that the product having the highest rating from one or more rating entities
should be added
to the user's order. For example, the ratings can be from reviewing entities,
such as product
review web sites or magazines that provide review. Alternatively or in
addition, the ratings
can be based on market data, such as product sales volumes, the system
operator's or its
employees' product preferences, and/or the preferences of one or more user-
specified
celebrities.
W addition, where the user has specified more than one mode for a given
product or
product type, the user can specify the mode priority, that is, the order in
which mode
filtering vile is to be applied. The user can modify the mode priorities by
changing the
priority wunbering, or by dragging and dropping modes to form a list
corresponding to the
desired order of application.
Example user selectable modes will now be discussed in greater detail.
Diet Mode: the system searches for a diet or low calorie product similar to
the one
scanned, and that satisfies other rules and restrictions, if any, imposed by
the user.
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- Fat-free/Low-fat Mode: the system searches for a fat-free or low-fat product
similar to the one scanned, and that satisfies other rules and restrictions,
if any, imposed by
the user.
- Kosher Mode: the system searches for a l~osher product similar to the one
scamzed,
and that satisfies other rules and restrictions, if any, imposed by the user.
- Organic Mode: the system searches for an organic product, made or grown
without
the use of pesticides, similar to the one scanned, and that satisfies other
rules and
restrictions, if any, imposed by the user.
- Natural Mode: the system searches for a natural product made without man-
made
ingredients similar to the one scanned, and that satisfies other rules and
restrictions, if any,
imposed by the user.
- P~pular Mode: the system searches for a product similar to the one scanned
and
that is the most popular brand based on quantity or dollar-value of sales, and
that satisfies
other roles and restrictions, if any, imposed by the user.
- celebrity 9s Piclb: the system searches for a pr~duct similar to the one
scanned, that
has been identifies as a specified or selected celebrity's favorite product or
brand, and
satisfies other rules and restrictions, if any, imposed by the user.
~ptionally, the user can
specify the celebrity. In addition, the waste processing and replenishment
system operator
can enter into agreements with celebrities for the celebrities to disclose
their preferred
products and which products they usually buy. ~ptionally, in exchange,
manufacturers will
pay marlceting fees or provide other inducements, such as pay for the
celebrity's grocery
shopping for an agreed amount of time.
- Biodegradable Pacl~aging Mode: the system searches for a product similar to
the
one scanned, provided that it has biodegradable paclcaging and satisfies other
rules and
restrictions, if any, imposed by the user.
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- Expert's Pick: the system searches for a product similar to the one scanned,
provided that it is an expert's favorite or recommended brand and satisfies
other rules and
restrictions, if any, imposed by the user. The expert can be associated with a
specialized
company, association, or magazine, such as a food or wine magazine, that
reviews products
of the type scanned. The expert can also be an aggregation of consmners'
opinions. For
example, the highest ranked product by certain consumers can be designated the
expert's
pick. Optionally, the user can select which expert should be used. The system
operator can
enter into an agreement with such experts and magazine to provide such picks
or
recommendation.
M.D. Mode: the system searches for a product similar to the one scanned, and
that
is compatible with a medical condition, such as diabetes, or heaut disease,
and that satisfies
other rules and restrictions, if any, imposed by the user. For example, there
may be dietary
restrictions associated with certain medical conditions. The medical dietary
restrictions ca~z
be configured and specified by the user's doctor or using dietary guidelines
specified or
endorsed by a respected medical association.
- Safe Mode: the system restricts the purchase and/or selection of particular
products or product categories - such as alcohol, cigarettes, over-the-counter
drugs -
selected by the user (i.e., parents can set-up aai account for their children9
but prevent their
children from ~rdering alcohol ~r cigarettes). Additi~nally, the user can
specify other
restrictions, such restricting the selection of substitute items to those
having a specified
expiration date or later, or to those from or not from a specified country of
origin.
- Ecological Packaging Mode: the system searches for a product similar to the
one
scanned, that has packaging that is more ecologically safe or recyclable than
the scanned
product (i.e., Coca-Cola: change 12 oz. plastic bottle for 12 oz. Aluminum
can; recycled
paper paclcaging, recyclable paper packaging), and that satisfies other rules
and restrictions,
if any, imposed by the user.
1. - Social Mode: the system searches for a product similar to the scanned
product,
provided that the manufacturer's involvement with social causes coincides
with, or
at least partially with, the ones of interest to or specified by the user, and
that the
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product satisfies other rules and restrictions imposed by the user. The user
can
specify which social causes the user wants taken into account (i.e., treatment
of U.S.
or foreign workers, fight hunger in Africa, fight against global warming,
efforts
preserve bio-diversity, recycling efforts, energy efficiency, corporate
governance
issues, and the lilce). Such information regarding the manufacturer can
optionally be
stored in a manufacturer database, such as manufacturer database 7015
described
above. Advantageously, use of this mode can motivate companies to be more
responsible socially, to thereby gain market share. Based on user preference
reports
provided by the waste processing and replenishment system operator, companies
receiving such reports will know how many consumers may be willing to change
their buying habits if the manufacturer is involved in resolving the specified
social
problems. Optionally, the user can enter a code via the unit's touch screen,
keyboard, or the like that corresponds to a predefined desirable manufacturer
characteristics. For example, the touch screen can include a soft social mode
key
for entering such a code, which can be an alphanumeric code. Upon activating
the
social mode lcey, an entry field is displayed for receiving the code. By way
of
illustration, an enviromnental organization can place an ad in a magazine
explaining
the problems that plastic packaging cause to the environment. The ad can
provide a
code that corresponds to a corresponding social mode, wherein products will be
ordered from manufacturers that use ecological friendly packaging. For
example,
the ad can recite : "if you want to order products from manufacturers that use
ecological friendly packaging, press the social mode key and enter "S24", and
your
password, if needed, and this mode will be automatically added to your
account."
- Travel Ie~Iode: this mode is of particular use to travelers. When the Travel
ll~lode is
selected, the next automatic date of delivery is overridden by a user-
specified date, such as
the user's return date from a trip, for the delivery.
- Other m~des. Other pre-customized rules and restrictions from specialized
organizations, such as those providing weight control programs or muscle
building programs.
To better ensure customer satisfaction, users can instruct that the system
provide
confirmatory communications, such as via email, regular mail, a web site page,
text
messaging, instant messaging, phone calls or using other messaging techniques,
that request
that the user provide confirmation of proposed changes in product and orders
triggered by
selected modes. The user instruction can be provided using the user preference
form.
FIG. 16 illustrates an example mode selection form 1600 for a plurality of
product
categories having user-specified prioritization. The example form includes a
priority field,
a product category field, a mode selected field, a restrictive field, a
flexibility field, and a
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description field. The restrictive field is used to indicate whether the user
wants to restrict
the substitute or suggested alternative products or items to those that do not
include a
certain ingredient or do not have some other characteristic. The description
field can be
used to describe or specify the characteristic to be restricted via the
restrictive field. By
way of example, the description can list one or more ingredients that the user
has restricted
out, that is, will not accept in an alternative or substitute product.
FIG. 17 illustrates an example record for a product including product name,
price,
size, brand, type, family, and l~ind/flavor fields. Other fields, such as
ingredients, calories,
and/or specialty characteristics fields can be included as well. Thus, when
searching for a
substitute or suggested substitute, the system determines if the size, brand,
type, family, a~ld
lcind/flavor, and other characteristics of a potential substitute product
corresponds to those
acceptable by the user. If they do, then the product is a suitable substitute
product or
recommended substitute product, and the user is provided with the product
na~.ne and price
and/or the item is added to the user's order.
FIG. 18 illustrates an example mode application process corresponding to
hilode
Substitution state 911 illustrated in FIG. 9. Beginning at state 1802, the
process proceeds to
state 1804., where the I~Iodes Suggestion Option Flag and the 1liIodes
Substitution Option
Flag are read from the user account database. If either of the flags are set,
indicating that
with respect to discarded items, the user wants the system to determine
whether there is an
appropriate substitute product which should be suggested to the user or
automatically added
to the user's order, the process proceeds to state 1806 and a first
substitution modes rule is
retrieved from the user account database. At state 1808 a determination is
made as to
whether the rule is applicable to the discard product category and/or sub-
category. For
example, the category can be yogurt, soda, coffee, cereal, salad dressing,
meat, cleaner,
toothpaste, soap, or light bulbs, and the corresponding subcategories can
include strawberry
yogurt, cola-type sodas, instant coffee, hot cereals, Italian salad dressing,
beef meat, tile
cleaner, children's toothpaste, soft soap, and fluorescent light bulbs. If the
rule is not
applicable, the process proceeds to state 1814. If the rule is applicable, the
process
proceeds to state 1810.
At state 1810 the product database is searched or queried to determine whether
there
are matching substitute products that satisfy the rule. If there are no
matching substitute
products, the process proceeds from state 1812 to state 1824 where the user is
queried as to
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whether a replacement for the discarded product is to be included in the
user's order. If the
user answers no, the process proceeds to state 1826, where the process of
adding the
replacement product on the user's order is halted or cancelled, and the
process proceeds to
end state 1828. If the user answers yes, the process proceeds from state 1824
to state 1818.
Referring baclc to state 1812, if there is a matching substitute product, the
process
proceeds from state 1812 to state 1814. At state 1814 a determination is made
as to
whether the user has defined additional rules. If yes, the process proceeds
back to state
1806, where the additional rules are applied to further filter or eliminate
potential substitute
products. Otherwise, the process proceeds to state 1816. If more than matching
product
was identified at state 1810, then at state 1816, user preferences are
retrieved from the user
account database in order to rank the identified substitute products according
to which one
more closely meets the user's preferences. In one embodiment, the least
expensive
matching product is designated as the top ranked product. The top ranked
product is then
selected as the alternative product.
If the User's Modes Substitution Option Flag is set, then at state 1818 a
confirmation that the substitute is being added to the user's order is
provided to the user via
email, the disposal unit, or otherwise. If the user's Modes Suggestion Option
Flag is set
then the user will be asked if the user wants to accept the suggested
substitution, and the
user's response, enter via the disposal mit user interface or otherwise, is
stored and acted
on. At state 1820, the substitute product is added to the user's orderp said
the process ends
at state 1828.
Referring bachc to state 1804, if neither the Modes Suggestion Option Flag nor
the
Modes Substitution Option Flag are set, then the process proceeds to state
1822, v~,here the
user's account data is read to determine if there are other modes set, such as
the Travel
Mode d15Cl1sSed above. If there are, then these modes are complied with and
the process
proceeds to end state 1828.
In addition, using the disposal unit content information, user order
preferences, and
the user's order history, inventory management and control can be performed
with greater
accuracy and more responsively. As discussed above, the disposal and
replacement system
stores information regarding products that are scanned and deposited in the
disposal units.
Tlis information is then used to generate substantially real-time information
on the
corresponding households' product consumption. In addition, based on users
order
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preferences, delivery preferences, and the disposal units' content
information, information
on the items consumed but not yet replenished, the disposal and replacement
system can
predict when replacement products will be or are likely to be ordered from
suppliers for
replenishment.
In particular, based on the content information, user profiles, and/or users
pending
orders, the disposal and replacement system creates or updates a database of
consumed
products yet to be replenished. For example, the database can be stored in
disposal unit or
in a remote data processing system, such as remote data processing system
7005. The
database includes the identifiers for the products needing to be replenished,
the product
quantities, the expected date the product quantities will be needed, the zip
code and/or
regions where the products will be needed, and the retailer or distributor
which will need
the corresponding product quantities. This database can be queried using SQL
queries or
the like, by authorized retailers and manufacturers in accordance with the
disposal and
replacement system's rules and regulations of privacy. Alternatively or in
addition,
information regarding the types and quantities of g~ods needing replacement
can be
emailed or otherwise provided to selected retailers and suppliers without a
query. retailers
and manufacturers optionally are not provided with c~mpetitor's infornlati~n
or specific
order/household for a given user. For example, the order information for
multiple users can
be aggregated together aald provided to a supplier without inf~mnation that
ualiquely
identifies an individual user.
In order to locate information of interest, retailers or manufactures can
restrict their
queues:
- by zip code;
- by region;
~5 - by product;
- by date of delivery;
- by quantity
- by specified delivery date
- by manufacturer and/or;
- by retailers.
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Manufactures, retailers, and suppliers can utilize the substantially real-time
consumption information for sales forecasting and production planning, to
improve
efficiencies and logistics, to reduce working capital needs, and to evaluate
product mut
sales performance.
h1 particular, retailers can analyze the data retrieved from the database to
forecast
future sales and better plan purchases, reduce inventories, and manage partial
fulfillment of
orders. The queried information can be used by manufacturers to assess how
successful a
product launching campaign is by zip code, region, date, and the lilce. W
addition,
manufacturers can supply products to its regional distributors more
efficiently according to
the zip code or region where the goods were consumed. Manufacturers can
further use the
product consumption information for production planning purposes.
For example, when users have specified that orders are to be placed with a
specific
retailer or supplier, the specified retailer or supplier, knowing that the
user's orders will be
placed with them, can use advance laiowledge of the pending user orders to
lceep in
inventory the corresponding items and quantities on the order.
Many of the different entities involved in the order and supply chain process
can be
co-located within the same facility or llLlb to increase efficiencies and
reduces costs. The
different entities can include manufacturers, retailers and logistics
companies that share
warehouses and doclcs. Labor costs and general expenses will be shared between
the
parties as in a co-op. Manufacturers will have inventories leveled in
accordance with sales
forecasts and retailers can electronically purchase items as they select or
bid on users'
orders that they want to fulfill and as they actually fulfill orders.
Additionally, embodiments of the waste disposal and replacement system provide
consumers with home inventory management. In particular, the waste disposal
and
~5 replacement system analyzes the consumer's product consumption pattern for
a certain or
predetermined time and calculates the optimum inventory level for the
household. Once
this level is found, the system reminds or prompts consumers to purchase
replacement
items that have been completely consumed, or for items that the waste disposal
and
replacement system predict will be completely consumed within a predetermined
amount of
time based on past disposal history. The waste disposal and replacement system
will also
inform or advise the user not to buy overstoclced until the household reaches
an optimal or
preferred inventory level.
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Optionally, the waste processing and replenishment system operator tales steps
to
ensure customer's privacy. For example, one or more of the following
techniques can be
used: households or users are identified by only using an alphanumeric code;
address
information is only provided to the entity, such as a logistics company, that
will deliver the
order; communications with the disposal unit 7002 and/or the computing device
can be
encrypted; optionally retailers are only informed of the order content and the
client
identification alphanumeric code; and/or optionally the logistics company is
only informed
of the delivery address, and is not informed of the specific order contents.
If a user specified in the user's order preferences that orders are to be
placed with a
specific retailer or supplier, the system will receive user order and forward
the order
directly to that retailer or supplier. If the user specified that orders are
to be placed with the
retailer or supplier with the best overall order price, optionally including
delivery charges,
the orders are managed in accordance with the following example process.
In one embodiment, when the user specified that the lowest priced supplier be
used
to fill orders, once the system receives and stores the user order
preferences, shipping
preferences, and order, the system provides potential bidders, such as
retailers or other
suppliers, with the order information and the desired delivery date and/or
shipping date.
The bidders will then send their bids, including pricing information for the
order and order
delivery, baclc to the system. The system then compares and/or ranlgs the
bids, and
identifies the lowest prised bid, the next lowest priced bid, and so on. The
order is then
placed with the lowest cost provider who can meet or come within a predefined
range of the
desired delivery and/or shipping date.
FICa. 19 illustrates a bidding process that can be used if a user asked for
the lowest
priced supplier. Beginning at state 1901, the process proceed to state 1902,
where the
system retrieves the user's order preferences, shipping preferences, and
order. At state
1904, the system accesses supplier databases, via the suppliers' web sites for
example,
using a web-bot or the lilce, and retrieves the suppliers' price for the items
on the order. At
state 1906, the lowest total price for the order is determined. This process
is repeated for
other users' orders placed during a predetermined period of time. At state
1908 the orders
are grouped or aggregated and the groupings are "published" in a secure area
of the system
web site using, by way of example XML protocol, to be auctioned. The groupings
can be
based on requested delivery, order date, similarity or commonality of items
being ordered,
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and/or geographical location. At state 1910 the previously determined lowest
price for each
of the users' orders in a given group are surmned together.
At state 1912, suppliers, such as retailers, bid for each of the group of
orders
offering discounts as compared to their normal retail or wholesale prices. The
reserve a
given group is set to the previously calculated summed price for the group.
That is, a
successful bid needs to be lower than the summed price for the group. At state
1916 the
lowest cost bidder is determined. At state 1916, when the auction ends, the
orders for a
given group will be forwarded to the best or lowest bidder. At state 1918,
discounts are
applied to orders proportionally to the overall discount of the bid for a
given group. The
process ends at state 1920.
If the retailer or supplier wants to bid on a user's orders, but is informed
that the
order includes items that are 'reserved,' that is, the user has specified that
orders for certain
items are to be placed with a specified different retailer or supplier, the
retailer or supplier
can decline to enter into the auction to supply the user's items.
The disposal unit described above can further be optionally used for voting.
For
example, the disposal unit touch screen can be used to present a ballot and
receive votes on
such items as the quality of a manufacturer or supplier, or on how socially
responsible a
manufacturer or supplier is. The votes can be collected, stored, and added,
and the results
of these votes can be used by users to select manufacturers and/or suppliers.
Optionally,
the user can be aslfed to provide a unque identifier, such as a password
and/or a social
security number, in order to vote.
The disposal unit can also optionally be used to request services by
activating an
appropriate soft button or otherwise provide a request. For example, a soft
button
corresponding to a baby sitter request can be provided. Similarly, a soft
button can be
provided to place an emergency call to the police, fire department, or
ambulance service.
I1 addition, the barcode scamler can be used to scan barcodes on bills. The
user can
then enter a password and provide appropriate authorization, which is
transmitted to the
system by the disposal unit, and the bill is charged to a designated credit
card, debit
account, or other financial instrument.
It should be mlderstood that certain variations and modifications of tlus
iilvention
would suggest themselves to one of ordinaxy skill in the art. The scope of the
present
invention is not to be limited by the illustrations or the foregoing
descriptions thereof.
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