Systems for providing an interactive networked product container

摘要

Networked product containers such as vending machines identify the presence of a potential customer via sensors, and present customized interactive marketing content to consumers. Consumers interact with a touch screen to win prizes, make purchases, or have a fun and interactive experience. The prizes and purchases offered by the product container may be determined by the product container or by one or more content servers in communication with the container. The content server may also provide digital content for display on the product container and remotely update the product container's content. The networked product container also includes a wireless access point to provide nearby wireless-enabled devices network connectivity via the product container.

主权项

1. A system for promoting products to a consumer, comprising:
at least one content server comprising content stored on a computer-readable medium; and at least one product container capable of communicating with the at least one content server and operable to dispense tangible products, said at least one product container comprising:
at least one sensor operable to detect a consumer's identity and presence in proximity to the product container;a processor configured to determine customized content selected from the content stored at the at least one content server to present to the consumer based at least in part on the consumer's identity and presence in proximity to the product container;a display operable to present the customized content on the display prior to a user's input to the product container;an input device operable to receive at least one input from the consumer upon presentation of the customized content; anda product dispenser configured to dispense the tangible products;wherein the at least one content server transmits additional customized content for presentation on the display based at least in part on the consumer's identity and presence in proximity to the product container, and the at least one input from the consumer.