Apparatus and method for mobile vending
First Claim
1. A system for mobile vending comprising:
- a mobile vending machine comprising;
an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase and comprises a user interface device configured to allow a customer to select at least an item from the plurality of items displayed in the item dispenser to purchase;
a set of motorized wheels;
a navigation sensor device;
a communication device; and
a control circuit configured to navigate the mobile vending machine based on navigation instructions; and
a central computer system configured to communicate with the mobile vending machine via the communication device, the central computer system being configured to;
determine a destination for the mobile vending machine;
provide the navigation instructions to the mobile vending machine to cause the mobile vending machine to travel to the destination using the set of motorized wheels and the navigation sensor device; and
in the event that the customer selects an item unavailable at the mobile vending machine via the item dispenser of the mobile vending machine;
identify an alternate mobile vending machine that carries the item unavailable at the mobile vending machine; and
communicate information associated with the alternate mobile vending machine to the customer.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for mobile vending. A system for mobile vending comprises a mobile vending machine comprising: an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase, a set of motorized wheels, a navigation sensor device, a communication device, and, a control circuit configured to navigate the mobile vending machine based on navigation instructions; and a central computer system configured to communicate with the mobile vending machine via the communication device, the central computer system being configured to: determine a destination for the mobile vending machine, provide the navigation instructions to the mobile vending machine to cause the mobile vending machine to travel to the destination using the set of motorized wheels and the navigation sensor device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for mobile vending comprising:
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a mobile vending machine comprising; an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase and comprises a user interface device configured to allow a customer to select at least an item from the plurality of items displayed in the item dispenser to purchase; a set of motorized wheels; a navigation sensor device; a communication device; and a control circuit configured to navigate the mobile vending machine based on navigation instructions; and a central computer system configured to communicate with the mobile vending machine via the communication device, the central computer system being configured to; determine a destination for the mobile vending machine; provide the navigation instructions to the mobile vending machine to cause the mobile vending machine to travel to the destination using the set of motorized wheels and the navigation sensor device; and in the event that the customer selects an item unavailable at the mobile vending machine via the item dispenser of the mobile vending machine; identify an alternate mobile vending machine that carries the item unavailable at the mobile vending machine; and communicate information associated with the alternate mobile vending machine to the customer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for mobile vending comprising:
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communicating with a mobile vending machine comprising; an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase and comprises a user interface device configured to allow a customer to select at least an item from the plurality of items displayed in the item dispenser to purchase; a set of motorized wheels; a navigation sensor device; and a communication device; determining, with a control circuit, a destination for the mobile vending machine; providing navigation instructions to the control circuit of the mobile vending machine to cause the mobile vending machine to travel to the destination using the set of motorized wheels and the navigation sensor device; and in the event that the customer selects an item unavailable at the mobile vending machine via the item dispenser of the mobile vending machine; identifying an alternate mobile vending machine that carries the item unavailable at the mobile vending machine; and communicating information associated with the alternate mobile vending machine to the customer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for mobile vending comprising:
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an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase and comprises a user interface device configured to allow a customer to select at least an item from the plurality of items displayed in the item dispenser to purchase; a set of motorized wheels; a navigation sensor device; a communication device; and a control circuit coupled to the navigation sensor device and the communication device, the control circuit being configured to; receive navigation instructions from a remote server via the communication device; cause the set of motorized wheels to carry the item dispenser to a destination based on the navigation instructions while avoiding obstacles in a path of travel based on information detected by the navigation sensor device; upon arriving at the destination, cause the set of motorized wheels to position the item dispenser to allow customers to view and make purchases from the item dispenser; and in the event that the customer requests an item unavailable at the mobile vending machine via the item dispenser; communicate information associated with the alternate mobile vending machine that carries the item to the customer.
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Specification