Automatic vending machine
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of operating a vending machine comprising the steps of:
- operating the vending machine in a registration mode such that a plurality of user'"'"'s key cards may be registered therewith;
reading unique key card identification information from the user'"'"'s key card to be registered while the machine is operating in the registration mode;
registering the user'"'"'s key card with the machine by storing the unique key card identification information read therefrom in a registered card memory unit of the vending machine;
operating the vending machine in a sale mode such that goods may be dispensed;
entering the unique card identification information which identifies a particular key card while the machine is operating in the sale mode;
determining whether the particular key card has been registered by determining whether the entered information has been previously stored in the registered card memory unit of the vending machine during a registration mode; and
authorizing a sale such that goods may be provided if the particular key card has been registered with the machine.
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Abstract
An automatic vending machine is arranged so as to dispense a sale only when card identifying information which has been registered and card identifying information which is input are collated and the result of collation verifies a valid registration. The machine has means for inputting card identifying information, a registered card memory unit for storing card identifying information input from the inputting means, and a control circuit having the function of registering in the registered card memory unit card identifying information which is input from the inputting means.
131 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of operating a vending machine comprising the steps of:
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operating the vending machine in a registration mode such that a plurality of user'"'"'s key cards may be registered therewith; reading unique key card identification information from the user'"'"'s key card to be registered while the machine is operating in the registration mode; registering the user'"'"'s key card with the machine by storing the unique key card identification information read therefrom in a registered card memory unit of the vending machine; operating the vending machine in a sale mode such that goods may be dispensed; entering the unique card identification information which identifies a particular key card while the machine is operating in the sale mode; determining whether the particular key card has been registered by determining whether the entered information has been previously stored in the registered card memory unit of the vending machine during a registration mode; and authorizing a sale such that goods may be provided if the particular key card has been registered with the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 6, 7)
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4. A vending machine for dispensing goods, said machine comprising:
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user interface means for obtaining the user'"'"'s key card identification information unique to a particular key card; registered card memory means for storing the unique key card identification information of a plurality of particular key cards; operator interface means for providing first and second mode control signals; data processing means responsive to the first and second mode control signal for storing the unique key card identification information obtained by said user interface means in said card memory means and responsive to the second mode control signal for determining whether the unique key card identification information obtained by said user interface means has been previously stored in said memory means and, if so, providing an authorization signal; and dispensing means responsive to the authorization signal for dispensing goods. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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Specification