Wireless vending communication systems
US7253729B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F9/002
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system includes a plurality of vending machines communicating wirelessly with a centralized consolidation unit. The consolidation unit communicates via a pre-established communications network, such as a wired or wireless telephone network with a data collection center. A method of polling a vending machine having a wireless transceiver includes sending a first wireless signal to the wireless transceiver of the vending machine, the first signal soliciting a status response from the vending machine, and receiving a second wireless signal from the transceiver of the vending machine, the second signal including the status response which includes information pertaining to a status of the vending machine. The status information may pertain to an inventory level, money deposits, maintenance status or security status of the vending machine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.