Vision Feedback Detection for Vending Machines and the Like
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for dispensing items, comprising:
- a storage structure for storing a plurality of different types of items to be dispensed;
a dispensing mechanism for selectively causing items in the storage structure to be transported to a dispensed area, from which dispensed items can be retrieved;
at least one sensor for generating visual images, the sensor arranged for viewing at least a portion of the vending area; and
one or more processing entities comprised of one or more circuits executing predefined logic processes, the processing entities in communication with the sensor and dispensing mechanism, the processing entities programmed to perform the following processes;
detecting items in the vending area based at least in part on the visual images, and determining whether an item has been vended to the vending area based at least in part on whether an item has been detected.
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Abstract
A dispensing machine includes a visual detection system, having one or more cameras with a field of view sufficient to see a region through which a properly dispensed product is expected to travel, captures at least one image frame during the time in which the product is expected to be within the field of view. The detection system visually detects the presence of items in a dispense or vending area, determining the type of product from one or more predetermined attributes. If the correct product has not been dispensed, an exception indication is generated. In the case of a vending machine, the exception may result in a refund or credit of any amounts actually paid.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. Apparatus for dispensing items, comprising:
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a storage structure for storing a plurality of different types of items to be dispensed;
a dispensing mechanism for selectively causing items in the storage structure to be transported to a dispensed area, from which dispensed items can be retrieved;
at least one sensor for generating visual images, the sensor arranged for viewing at least a portion of the vending area; and
one or more processing entities comprised of one or more circuits executing predefined logic processes, the processing entities in communication with the sensor and dispensing mechanism, the processing entities programmed to perform the following processes;
detecting items in the vending area based at least in part on the visual images, and determining whether an item has been vended to the vending area based at least in part on whether an item has been detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Apparatus for dispensing, comprising:
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a secure cabinet;
a storage structure within the cabinet for storing a plurality of different types of items to be vended;
a dispensing mechanism for selectively causing items in the storage structure to be transported to a dispensing area in response to a request for the items;
at least one camera for generating visual images, the sensor arranged for viewing at least a portion of the dispensing area; and
one or more processing entities comprised of one or more circuits executing predefined logic processes, the processing entities in communication with the camera and dispensing mechanism, the processing entities programmed to perform the following processes;
detecting items in the dispensing area based at least in part on the visual images;
determining the types of the detected items, determining the types including detecting and decoding a bar code on the item, and, if the bar code cannot be detected or decoded, comparing one or more preselected item attributes to one or more predetermined templates defining one more attributes of each of the plurality of types of items; and
indicating whether the item to be dispensed has been vended to the dispensing area based at least in part on whether an item has been detected and the determination of the item type. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification