초록 ▼

Inventory maintenance is improved for a system of one or more vending machines by providing one or more vending machines with unique identifiers, and means for collecting and transmitting information concerning goods dispensed and other status to a remote location where processing means provide an e

Inventory maintenance is improved for a system of one or more vending machines by providing one or more vending machines with unique identifiers, and means for collecting and transmitting information concerning goods dispensed and other status to a remote location where processing means provide an efficient service schedule.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A vending machine, comprising:a compartment for storing a predetermined quantity of goods to be dispensed;a dispenser for dispensing individual ones of said goods from said compartment;a counter for counting said individual ones of said goods dispensed by said dispenser s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A vending machine, comprising:a compartment for storing a predetermined quantity of goods to be dispensed;a dispenser for dispensing individual ones of said goods from said compartment;a counter for counting said individual ones of said goods dispensed by said dispenser so as to generate a total of goods dispensed in response to said dispenser;a machine identifier which uniquely identifies said vending machine;a communications network for transmitting a signal comprising said unique identifier and said total number of goods dispensed; anda remote processor electrically coupled to said communications network for receiving said transmitted signal to calculate capacity and velocity and to determine a service period.