Method and system of providing vending service

US9373091B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Sprint Spectrum LLC · US

Inventors

• John E. Belser · Olathe, US
• David Uel McKinney · Olathe, US
• Timothy Swan · Lee's Summit, US
• Douglas R. Green · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 21, 2016
• Expiry date: Feb 8, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0601
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for providing a user of a wireless communication device (WCD) with vending service. The WCD may present the user with data indicating items available for purchase from a vendor. The WCD may then receive the user's directive to order an item from the vendor. In response, the WCD may obtain data stored at a transponder in proximity to the WCD that indicates a location of the WCD. In one example, the transponder may be at a fixed location, such as by being affixed to a fixed object at a venue (e.g., a stadium seat), in which case the stored data may indicate the fixed location. The WCD may then send an order for the item and the obtained data to the vendor. In turn, the vendor may use the data to determine a location of the WCD and then deliver the item to the determined location.