Method and device for accessing, controlling and purchasing a product through a dispenser
DCFirst Claim
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1. An automated dispenser, comprising:
- a dispensing portion;
a motion sensor;
a receiver module that receives an activation signal, wherein the activation signal is received from a network server via a network, the activation signal being sent by the network server in response to the network server authorizing a request for the automated dispenser to dispense a product, the request being sent by a mobile device to the network server, and the activation signal indicates that the network server has authorized the dispensing portion to dispense the product; and
a control module that initiates sensing performed by the motion sensor in response to the receiver module receiving the activation signal;
wherein the automated dispenser is associated with an identifier, wherein the identifier is configured to be scanned by the mobile device to generate the request for the automated dispenser to dispense the product;
wherein the dispensing portion dispenses the product in response to the motion sensor detecting a presence of an object.
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Abstract
Various technologies described herein pertain to an automated dispenser including a dispensing portion, a motion sensor, a receiver module, and a control module. The control module initiates motion sensing by the motion sensor in response to receipt of an activation signal from a network server by the receiver module. The dispensing portion dispenses a product in response to the motion sensor sensing an absence, presence or motion of an object.
25 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An automated dispenser, comprising:
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a dispensing portion; a motion sensor; a receiver module that receives an activation signal, wherein the activation signal is received from a network server via a network, the activation signal being sent by the network server in response to the network server authorizing a request for the automated dispenser to dispense a product, the request being sent by a mobile device to the network server, and the activation signal indicates that the network server has authorized the dispensing portion to dispense the product; and a control module that initiates sensing performed by the motion sensor in response to the receiver module receiving the activation signal; wherein the automated dispenser is associated with an identifier, wherein the identifier is configured to be scanned by the mobile device to generate the request for the automated dispenser to dispense the product; wherein the dispensing portion dispenses the product in response to the motion sensor detecting a presence of an object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An automated dispenser, comprising:
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a motion sensor activated responsive to receipt of an activation signal that indicates authorization of a dispense request for a product, where the activation signal is received from a network server, the activation signal being sent by the network server in response to the network server authorizing the dispense request, the dispense request being sent by a mobile device to the network server, and the dispense request being generated by the mobile device responsive to an indicator associated with the automated dispenser being scanned by the mobile device; and a dispensing portion that dispenses that product from the automated dispenser into a dispensing zone; wherein the motion sensor detects a presence or a motion of an object within a sensing zone; wherein the sensing zone is outside of the dispensing zone; and wherein the motion sensor is configured to cause the dispensing portion to dispense the product in response to detection of the presence or the motion of the object within the sensing zone. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a network server to control dispensing of a product by an automated dispenser, comprising:
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receiving, at the network server, a request to activate the automated dispenser to dispense the product, the request being received from a mobile device, the request comprises identification information for the automated dispenser, the request being generated by the mobile device responsive to an indicator associated with the automated dispenser being scanned by the mobile device; detecting an identity of the automated dispenser based on the identification information from the request; determining whether to approve or deny the request to activate the automated dispenser; responsive to approving the request, transmitting an activation signal to the automated dispenser to cause the automated dispenser to dispense the product; and responsive to denying the request, transmitting an indication that the request is rejected from the network server to the mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification