Shopping system

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to an electronic shopping system that is capable of integrating the sales, delivery and support functions for separated electronic stores. Each one of these electronic stores provides a combination of over-the-counter and self-service merchandising. All transactions are settled on a cashless basis with sales and payment processors that are respectively installed at checkout counters and in automatic vending machines. The processor also has a telecom module to transmit all transaction data back to the control center for consolidated sales and inventory analysis in the system.

#2. Description of Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the outside of an electronic store in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the electronic store in FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the sales and payment processor used in the electronic store in FIG. 1;

#The present invention is an electronic shopping system that is capable of integrating the sales, delivery and other services for multiple separated electronic stores. The services provided in one of these electronic stores (1) can be divided into over-the-counter and self-service merchandising portions.

#With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, self-service merchandising is accomplished through an assembly of automatic vending machines (10) lined up in front of an electronic store (e-store). Each automatic vending machine is stocked with various kinds of merchandise with packaging that meets specifications for the vending machine. Items displayed include drinks, cigarettes, music/movie CDs, processed foods and other consumer items. When a consumer makes his or her selection, the article(s) selected will drop down to a sliding conveyor (11) at the bottom of the automatic vending machines and be transported to a pickup bin (12). The consumer (100) only has to reach in and take the article(s) from the pickup bin (12).

#A sales and payment processor (not shown) installed in an over-the-counter checkout register (16) inside the electronic store and the automatic vending machines (10). A customer carries out a transaction by following the instructions presented on a display (not numbered) on the sales and payment processor (13) will show step-by-step transaction procedures depicted in FIG. 4.