Vending machine
First Claim
1. A method of dispensing a product from a vending machine using a cellular telephone, the vending machine comprising (a) a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine, (b) a communication device connected to a communication network, and (c) a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine, the method comprising:
- receiving, at the communication device at a start of the method, a signal that corresponds to a call from the cellular telephone, the signal for establishing a network connection between the communication device and the cellular telephone, where the network connection can be established only if there is product in the vending machine to be dispensed;
issuing a response message from the communication device in reply to the signal, the response message indicating that the network connection has been established;
outputting an audible message for use in selecting the product from the vending machine, the audible message comprising a menu;
receiving, at the retrieving device, information indicating that the product has been selected following output of the audible message; and
dispensing the product via the dispensing device based on the information.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system includes a communications network, a first communication device connected to the communications network, and a vending machine. The vending machine includes a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine, a second communication device connected to the communications network, and a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine. The first and second communication devices establish a connection via the communications network. The connection enables the retrieving device and the dispensing device.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of dispensing a product from a vending machine using a cellular telephone, the vending machine comprising (a) a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine, (b) a communication device connected to a communication network, and (c) a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine, the method comprising:
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receiving, at the communication device at a start of the method, a signal that corresponds to a call from the cellular telephone, the signal for establishing a network connection between the communication device and the cellular telephone, where the network connection can be established only if there is product in the vending machine to be dispensed;
issuing a response message from the communication device in reply to the signal, the response message indicating that the network connection has been established;
outputting an audible message for use in selecting the product from the vending machine, the audible message comprising a menu;
receiving, at the retrieving device, information indicating that the product has been selected following output of the audible message; and
dispensing the product via the dispensing device based on the information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for dispensing a product, comprising:
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a transceiver which receives a signal that corresponds to a call from a cellular telephone, the signal for establishing a network connection between the transceiver and the cellular telephone, where the network connection can be established only if there is product in the apparatus that can be dispensed, the transceiver issuing a response message in reply to the signal, the response message indicating that the network connection has been established;
a retrieving device which receives information indicative of the product after the network connection has been established, and which generates an output signal based on the information; and
a dispensing device which dispenses the product in response to the output signal;
wherein the retrieving device receives the information via the cellular telephone or via the apparatus following output of an audible menu. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system comprising:
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a first communication device connected to a communications network; and
a vending machine comprising;
a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine;
a second communication device connected to the communications network; and
a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine;
wherein the first communication device initiates a call to the second communication device over the communications network, the call corresponding to a signal for establishing a network connection between the first communication device and the second communication device, where the network connection can established only if there is product in the vending machine to be dispensed;
wherein the second communication device issues a response message in reply to the signal, the response message indicating that the network connection has been established;
wherein the retrieving device receives information indicative of the product and generates an output signal based on the information;
wherein the dispensing device dispenses the product in response to the output signal, and wherein the retrieving device receives the information via the first communication device or via the vending machine following output of an audible menu. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification