Automated vending inventory management apparatuses and method
US9984525B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/44
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for managing inventory within a vending apparatus are disclosed. The vending apparatus includes a robot, which is configured to include a camera or a sensor. The vending apparatus contains one or more storage containers filled with items for sale, and the one or more storage containers may include indicia that are readable by the robot and provide information to outside parties. The robot is configured to monitor the items for sale within the vending apparatus, as well as the level of inventory within each storage container. The vending apparatus may transmit information relating to its included items for sale to an external server, where maintenance and refreshment operations can be implemented in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.