Product selection system and method for vending machine
First Claim
1. A product selection system for a vending machine, the product selection system comprising:
- a main controller; and
a plurality of product selection panels connected to the main controller, each of the plurality of product selection panels comprising a plurality of keys, each of the plurality of keys being associated with a type of product stored in the vending machine;
wherein when one of the plurality of product selection panels detects a key-down event, the main controller is configured to broadcast a suspending command to the plurality of product selection panels, and each of the plurality of product selection panels is configured to suspend detection of key-down event in response to receiving the suspending command.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A product selection system for a vending machine is provided which is immune to human misbehavior or uncertainty. The system includes a main controller and a plurality of product selection panels connected to the main controller. Each product selection panel includes a plurality of keys, each of which is associated with a type of product stored in the vending machine. When a product selection panel detects a first key-down event, the main controller broadcasts a suspending command to the product selection panels so each product selection panel suspends the detection of any further key-down event in response to receiving the suspending command, until after a product-dispensing routine has been completed or the expiry of a predetermined period of time. A product selection method for a vending machine is also provided.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A product selection system for a vending machine, the product selection system comprising:
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a main controller; and a plurality of product selection panels connected to the main controller, each of the plurality of product selection panels comprising a plurality of keys, each of the plurality of keys being associated with a type of product stored in the vending machine; wherein when one of the plurality of product selection panels detects a key-down event, the main controller is configured to broadcast a suspending command to the plurality of product selection panels, and each of the plurality of product selection panels is configured to suspend detection of key-down event in response to receiving the suspending command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A product selection method for a vending machine, the product selection method comprising:
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connecting a plurality of product selection panels to a main controller, each of the plurality of product selection panels comprising a plurality of keys, each of the plurality of keys being associated with a type of product stored in the vending machine; detecting key-down event by the plurality of product selection panels; broadcasting a suspending command to the plurality of product selection panels by the main controller, when one of the plurality of product selection panels detects a key-down event; and suspend detection of key-down event by each of the plurality of product selection panels in response to receiving the suspending command. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification