Machine for distributing articles and management system thereof
First Claim
1. A computerized vending machine for distributing non-food articles, said machine comprising:
- a. a micro-controller;
b. memory storage means in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said memory storage means comprising at least one memory table, a local management software and a local communication software;
c. a network interface in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said network interface adapted to communicate with a network;
d. a payment module in electronic communication with said micro-controller and in electronic communication with said network interface;
e. a display screen adapted to display multimedia content, said display screen being in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said display screen being reactive to contact;
wherein selection of said articles is effected by contacting said display screen.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computerized vending machine comprising a micro-controller, a network interface and a large touch screen is provided. The machine is further part of a larger networked system. The system is administrated with the use of a computer network linked by modem or other communication means, comprising a server and its database, administration and communication software. The vending machines are equipped with computer systems allowing for remote inventory management and methods to put products on the market which are offered via a vending machine including medical or other supplies. The display screen acts as interface between a user and the machine and can also be used for multimedia presentation such as advertisement.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computerized vending machine for distributing non-food articles, said machine comprising:
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a. a micro-controller;
b. memory storage means in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said memory storage means comprising at least one memory table, a local management software and a local communication software;
c. a network interface in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said network interface adapted to communicate with a network;
d. a payment module in electronic communication with said micro-controller and in electronic communication with said network interface;
e. a display screen adapted to display multimedia content, said display screen being in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said display screen being reactive to contact;
wherein selection of said articles is effected by contacting said display screen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 20)
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11. A computerized system for distributing non-food articles, said system comprising:
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a. a least one computerized vending machine adapted to distribute said articles, said at least one vending machine comprising;
i. a micro-controller;
ii. memory storage means in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said memory storage means comprising at least one memory table;
iii. a network interface in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said network interface adapted to communicate with a network;
iv. a payment module in electronic communication with said micro-controller and in electronic communication with said network interface;
v. a display screen adapted to display multimedia content, said display screen being in electronic communication with said micro-controller, said display screen being reactive to contact;
b. a server comprising a source database, said database comprising;
i. data concerning all said articles distributed by said at least one vending machine;
ii. data relative to the authorizations of different users, administrators and technicians who can access said vending machine;
iii. data relative to the authorizations of different administrators who can access said server;
c. at least one computer terminal linked to said server, said computer terminal comprising a remote management software and a remote communication software, said remote management software allowing remote controlled operations on said server and/or on said vending machine;
d. communication means linking together said vending machine, said server and said computer terminal in a network;
wherein said computer system of said at least one vending machine is adapted to send and receive information bearing electronic signals to and from said computer terminal via said communication means and wherein said computer terminal is adapted to send and receive information bearing electronic signals to and from said vending machine via said communication means. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification