Abstract: A vending machine system includes at least one vending machine having a central coordinating unit, at least one management technology, and at least one communication technology facilitating communication between the at least one vending machine and the at least one management technology. Optional features that may be used alone or in combination with the vending machine system include: the ability to provide users with a promotional discount; the ability to provide users with multilevel pricing; the ability to track, time stamp, and keep records of activity at the at least one vending machine; a unique user interface; the ability to allow a user to report vending machine problems from a “report problem screen” on a unique user interface; unique vending machine-to-server communications; and the ability to remotely issue a refund to the user.

Abstract: A modular vending and display system and a method of operation of the system, which is especially applicable to high-value and pilfer-prone products such as prestige fragrances, and to self-service shopping environments. The system enables shoppers to self-sample various scents and self-dispense fragrance product packages for later purchase. The system uses a plurality of modules which, upon actuation by a shopper, convey a package toward the shopper within individual enclosures such that only one package can be removed at a time, and then de-activate for a time delay period to prevent rapid removal of multiple packages from the module. The modules may interact, so that once a shopper has selected a product at one module in the system, other modules are also de-activated during the delay period. This reduces pilferage by making it difficult to remove more than one package during the delay period from a group of modules.

Abstract: A dispensing machine, and related operating method, includes a device for dispensing packaged and/or unpackaged edible goods or beverages, a control unit connected to one or more electrically-activated parts of the machine, a user interface to show information to the user and retrieve input commands from the user to be sent to the control unit. The user interface is a graphic user interface GUI comprising a touch-panel integrated in a graphic screen to display multimedia content. The content or form of the information shown on the screen is changed by the control unit based on at least one parameter related to any of the operative status of the machine, the location wherein the machine is running, the calendar date and/or the daily time, statistics indicative of previous selections made by user(s), or the signal provided by at least one sensor of the machine detecting proximity of the user(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for users of an automated retail store, vending unit, digital signage or interactive retail display (self-service units) to interact with such display/unit, collectively referred to in this text as a machine, directly and/or simultaneously using a one or more mobile devices. In addition, system and methods are provided that can recognize registered users within a set proximity to the machine and broadcast messages and notifications such as machine information, inventory information, rewards, discounts and free products, all of which could be tailored to the specific user based on understanding gathered through analysis of prior interactions.

Abstract: A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a vending machine where the products are hold on shelves and utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, a request from a customer to initiate a communication session, establishing a first communication link between the vending machine and a device associated with the customer, and establishing a second communication link between the vending machine and a remote network device, such that a communication session is established between the device associated with the customer and the remote network device. Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, an indication of a selection of a product sold by the vending machine, receiving, from a customer, payment for the selected product, dispensing the product to the customer, the product comprising an indication of a communication session activation code, receiving, by the vending machine, an indication of the communication session activation code, and establishing a communication session between a device associated with the customer and a remote network device.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a control system electrically connected with a beverage dispenser, a proximity sensor, and a touch-sensitive display. The control system causes the touch-sensitive display to display an advertising state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is not present at the beverage dispensing system and a beverage selection state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is present. The control system further causes the touch-sensitive display to display a pour state after a beverage choice selection is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the beverage selection state. The control system still further causes the beverage dispenser to deliver the beverage choice after a pour request is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the pour state.

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.

Abstract: A method for operating at least one vending machine. A food product to be prepared by the vending machine and dispensed to a consumer is remotely ordered by the consumer over at least one wireless and/or wired communications link, the order being transmitted to the vending machine over the same or another wireless and/or wired communications link.

Abstract: Present systems utilize a number of various and distinct energy dispensing stations, message controllers, and point-of-sale devices. In traditional systems, the consumer initiates a purchase through direct interaction with the point-of-sale. The proposed system herein functions as software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for (electronic payment, discounts and loyalty programs. In the proposed system the Consumer initiates the purchase through their mobile device. The Consumer initiates a purchase via a consumer device application. The device captures the dispenser identification, as appropriate. The portable device accumulates the dispenser identification, localized data, and unique mobile data, then securely transmits the data elements to the gateway system via the mobile network, Internet, or private data network requesting a pre-authorization and dispenser activation. The Solution retrieves the pre-authorization and injects the approval into the store-level point-of-sale as typical.

Abstract: A vending machine having a goods store, a goods dispensing apparatus and a user interface contains a goods input region for inserting goods to be returned and an identification apparatus for the goods which interacts with a data processing device and a data memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing an electronic receipt for a vending machine transaction. Upon conclusion of a vending machine transaction a screen on the vending machine displays an optically encoded electronic receipt. The optically encoded electronic receipt may encode a transaction identifier and may additionally encode details of the transaction. The vending machine may also transmit transaction data to a server. A user computing device may scan the optically encoded electronic receipt and retrieve a transaction identifier. Using the transaction identifier, the user computing device may request transaction data from the server either directly or by way of a server owned or controlled by a different entity. Additional content, such as advertisements may be transmitted with or for display with transaction data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide medication dispensing carts and methods. The medication dispensing carts may include a base having wheels that allow the carts to be transported within a facility, a computing device configured to receive input from a user, a display device communicatively coupled with the computing device for displaying information to the user, a post that couples the display device with the base, and a plurality of cassettes that have one or more bins within which medical supplies are stored. The plurality of cassettes may be coupled with the post and the post may include a plurality of communication ports that communicatively couple one or more of the cassettes with the computing device to perform or provide various functions.

Abstract: Vending machines for rounding-up donations for charities. The machines allow consumers to donate change from transactions, or other amounts, to a charity through a purchase of goods or services from the machines.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining whether and/or when a patient is taking his or her medication and, when appropriate, providing reminders and/or alerts to the patient to improve adherence to a medication regimen. In some embodiments, a medication container is provided that includes a capacitance sensor for sensing the contents of the medication container (e.g., pill count or quantity of liquid medication). The capacitance sensor may include interleaved or interdigitated electrodes oriented vertically, horizontally, or angularly (e.g., diagonally) relative to an axis of the medication container. Reminders and/or alerts to the patient may be triggered based at least in part on the contents of the medication container, when a cap of the container was last opened and/or closed, the location of the medication container, and/or the container's surroundings.

Abstract: A work station for manually picking of piece goods, including a window conveyor which includes a plurality of optically distinguishable window locations. Each window location includes a defined region of the conveyor which is suitable for receiving a piece good. The conveyor extends through a picking zone and a provision region where different types of piece goods are provided at access locations. At the provision region the order-picking person can grasp piece goods manually from each of the access locations and put same on the conveyor. An order-picking control controls warehouse management and order processing in order to transmit information concerning one of the access locations and a removal quantity to the order-picking person in accordance with an order line of the picking order. A device is provided for allocating an unoccupied window location to one of the order lines based on selection and entry of the order-picking person.

Abstract: A tablet holder with an alert system for reminding individuals to take their medications featuring a base with seven compartments. Each compartment has a separate lid, and a base lid covers all the compartment lids. Compartment LEDs are disposed in each compartment lid. A touch screen display, a speaker, a vibrating component, and a microprocessor are each disposed in the base. The microprocessor is connected to a time keeping system that keeps the date and time. The microprocessor can be programmed to be activated at various dates and times. When the microprocessor is activated, the microprocessor activates the LEDs, the speaker, and the vibrating component to alert the user to take his/her medicine.

Abstract: A storage unit for the drop-off, delivery, and pick-up of personal garments includes a plurality of apparel totes, each sized to enclose a plurality of apparel items on hangers, each including a machine-readable medium carrying a tote identifier code, and each configured with an access panel to allow deposit and retrieval of apparel items on hangers. A multi-layer conveyor system selectively moves apparel totes to and from a pre-defined customer access position and to and from a plurality of storage positions on each of at least two horizontal storage layers.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a smart sales kiosk, a smart kiosk system and a process for dispensing or ordering one or more target products or samples of the target products. This disclosure is further directed to a kiosk system having a plurality of the sales kiosks connected via wired or wireless connections. The sales kiosks can be particularly useful for dispensing samples of sales products, such as furniture, typically not suitable to dispense at the sales location; or customized products that need to be customized. The sales kiosk can further be useful for ordering sales products. The sale kiosks can provide advantages for seeing and experiencing the sales products even the sale products cannot be directly displayed or dispensed. The kiosk can be modular and can comprise one or more modules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to receive consumer inputs and to present product selection information. In addition, the product dispenser can include a reader configured to obtain identification information associated with a consumer. The product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader and user interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive from the reader identification information associated with a consumer. The controller can also be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to retrieve consumer information based at least in part on the identification information, and provide product selection information at the user interface based at least in part on the consumer information.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system and use of a least one sensor in a reverse vending machine for empty beverage containers for, on the sensor's detection at least one biometric feature of a person, allowing such a feature to serve as an identifying token for return value due for empty beverage containers delivered by the person to the reverse vending machine. The biometric feature is, at a return value payout point and by using at least one other sensor, redetected and re-recognized as a previously registered feature for payment of the return value in the form of a payout of the return value, credit for the return value or issuance of a lottery ticket with a stake equivalent to the return value. Said biometric feature is selected from at least one of the group consisting of: fingerprints, facial features, eye characteristics, iris features, handprints, palm line patterns, blood vessel patterns, body shape, height, weight, DNA-characteristics and voice spectrum.

Abstract: An operation unit is provided with a touch panel display which includes a touch panel, a display panel, and a control portion which causes the display panel to display an operation screen so as to allow the touch panel to provide an operation instruction. The control portion is provided with an area display control portion which displays a function setting area and a task trigger area at positions opposing each other by taking a preview area as a reference on the operation screen, and a display position switching control portion which switches a positional relation in which the function setting area 2000 and the task trigger area 5000 are displayed.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for selective control of advertising messages on distributed document processing devices. Device identification data is first received corresponding to the identity of networked document processing devices available for display of selected advertising content. Device selection data representing a selected subset of the networked document processing devices is then received, with the selection made in accordance with the received identification data. Next, customization data is received corresponding to a selected display parameter associated with the selected advertising content. The selected advertising content and the received customization data are then communicated to each of the networked document processing devices in the selected subset. Each of the document processing devices then commences the display of the selected advertising content in accordance with the customization data.

Abstract: A drink dispensing device has refillable sealed containers having ingredients known to a processor. Where the processor can initiate commands to mix and dispense the ingredients based on a selections by a consumer. The drink dispensing device may also retrieve suggested drinks from a remote server for display to a consumer. The suggested drinks may be based on historical data stored in the drink dispensing device.

Abstract: A method of dispensing registration that includes entering identifying information in an input module on a registration dispensing system. The identifying information is associated obtaining a registration. At least item is displayed on a display module associated with the registration dispensing system for which the registration may be obtained using the registration dispensing system. Registration payment information for the registration is received into the input module. The identifying information and the registration payment information are communicated with a database maintained by or on behalf of an entity issuing the registration. Registration information is received from the database. The registration information is formatted. The formatted registration information is printed on a registration document. The registration document is dispensed.

Abstract: Vending accommodation and accessibility is described in connection with completing transactions by a machine. In certain aspects, the method includes entering an accommodation mode based on a user selection, displaying an accommodation menu comprising at least one selection button and a list of items available for vending, and announcing a selected item of the list of items available for vending. In other aspects, the method includes determining whether an item has been selected for vending based on touching at least one selection button according to instructions to a relative position of the selection button on a display screen. When determining that an item has been selected for vending, the method further includes prompting for payment to complete a transaction for the item.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating vending information is provided. The system includes a plurality of vending apparatuses, each containing a vending inventory comprised of vendible products, and a control center in communication with the plurality of vending apparatuses configured to receive user information. The user information can include a vending request for a vendible product and a location identifier. The system is further configured to select a vending apparatus from the plurality of vending apparatuses based on the location identifier, determine whether the requested vendible product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending apparatus, and transmit an electronic message to a user-specified electronic mail address upon determining that the requested vendible product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending machine.

Abstract: A system and method of processing a variable value transaction with credits and a payment card are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be redeemed for some or all of the initial balance and/or the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. The payment card may also be processed for some or all of the initial balance and/or the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system in fuel dispensing control such as gasoline pumps wherein a four wire data system is operated utilizing two wires and a multiplexing system.

Abstract: Interactive medicine organizers and methods comprising integrated software and hardware elements and multifunctional interactive wireless devices to provide assistance to individuals who need to organize or monitor the administration of one or more medications are provided.

Abstract: A method of checking the accuracy of a prescription fill including activating an electronic scale operatively coupled to a network, accessing a prescription to fill; selecting an appropriate stock container corresponding to the prescription from a plurality of available stock containers, entering data that is associated with a stock container selected by the user; determining if the stock container selected by the user is the correct stock container to fill the prescription by determining if the drug corresponding to the selected stock container is the appropriate drug for the accessed prescription; retrieving a piece weight of the drug from the selected stock container; measuring a weight of a plurality of pills to be dispensed; comparing the measured weight of the pills to be dispensed to a standard weight; determining if the comparison is within an acceptable range; and generating an automated authorization for the prescription fill.

Abstract: Data content providers transfer data content (including DRM protected content) over a broadband network onto one or more information filling stations (IFSs) situated at one or more physical locations. Users are able to wirelessly communicate with the IFSs via one or more of portable devices that are operable in close proximity to the IFS. Data content requested by the portable devices include, but are not limited to: multimedia files, WWW data, real-time and interactive games, e-mail (with or without attachments), electronic newspapers, news and sports information, traffic and weather information, e-books, interactive messaging, and/or data files. Additionally, the portable devices are also capable of facilitating point-of-sale purchases and electronic funds transfers. Optionally, the IFS also forwards advertisements promoting products and services to the portable devices.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, automatically, remotely, and/or non-manually delivering treats to an animal via a dispenser.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A vending machine and associated control system in support of vending one or more items to a passenger in a rear passenger salon of a taxicab includes a computer having a processor and memory and a display arranged for viewing by the passenger. Code modules execute in the processor and provide interactive selection controls on at least a portion of the display. The passenger can cause an item to be vended from a remotely-located machine by interacting with the selection controls. One code module communicates vended item cost information to another module for inclusion in a calculation of a total fare for the taxicab ride and any vended items. The vending machine is preferably located in the taxicab trunk and is arranged to deliver items into the passenger salon through a rear deck of the taxicab. The vending machine can be refrigerated using, in part, the taxicab's air-conditioning system.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet serving as an apparatus housing for the apparatus. The apparatus has a control means for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus further has a module for receiving, optionally validating and optionally sorting coins of different types and at least one dispenser for coins to be dispensed. The apparatus also comprises a filling compartment comprising a plurality of dispense locations. Each dispense location is adapted for receiving a portable coin receptacle for collecting dispensed coins from a specific dispenser. The apparatus is adapted to dispense a specific amount of coins under control of said control means to at least one portable coin receptacle at a specific dispense location in said filling compartment. The control means is adapted to only start the dispense operation at said specific dispense location if a portable coin receptacle is present at the location.

Abstract: An imaging and workflow method, system, computer readable medium and user interface for processing information efficiently for the processing of medical prescription orders. The system includes support for document scanning, automated rules-based order processing, statistical reporting, document generation and document storage and retrieval. The present invention takes advantage of imaging technology to assist the user in scanning information into the system and software modules to improve the processing of orders. The present invention also includes database tables that identify to application processing logic the types and sequences of actions to be implemented for orders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing objects from automated storage and retrieval systems such as medications is disclosed which may also include a singulator to assure singulation (retrieval of singular objects). The singulator may be an imaging system to confirm and/or identify the objects being dispensed and/or a variable orifice dynamically adjustable to a specific object or pill size, and through which only a single object or pill is allowed to pass. The system may further include a flexible probe so as to reduce the size of the system where the movement of the probe relative to or while retrieving objects is accomplished by advancing/retracting a flexible tube. The method and apparatus may further include an imaging system.

Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server.

Abstract: An Automated Electric Vehicle Charging Station is disclosed. The Charging Station should can automatically connect to an electrically-powered vehicle and commence the recharging process. The charging process involves the charging station discovering and locating the vehicle's charging port. Once discovered and located, the charging station can reach out and make the electrical interconnection with the vehicle while the vehicle is located at an adjacent parking space. The charging station is retrofittable into an existing parking lot, in addition to its being a part of the original lot construction. A companion software application on a computing device such as a mobile phone may be used to activate and monitor the charging process, amd locating charging stations and providing customer billing status.

Abstract: A dispensation system is provided that may allow for dispensing treated water from an on-site treated water device directly to reusable containers used by customers at reduced or no cost to the customers. Particular costs of the treated water to the customers may be based on the customers' willingness to provide information through the dispensation system. The cost to a particular customer and the amount of information shared by that customer may be inversely related. The information may relate to purchasing preferences or other lifestyle information about the customer. The dispensation system may share the information with an advertiser that pays to present targeted advertising to the customer, for example, through video advertising at the dispensation system while the customer uses the dispensing system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for optimizing the delivery of products through an automated product dispensation system. The disclosed systems implement different dispensation parameters based on the size, shape, and other criteria for the different products that are dispensed through the device. The disclosed methods first identify the product being dispensed, and then determine the parameters at which the product should be dispensed for maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A method for compensating for planter shut off delay in a planter includes automatically calculating by an intelligent control associated with the planter, a time delay look-ahead distance based on groundspeed of the planter and a time delay, and a total look-ahead distance based on the time delay look-ahead distance and a distance delay look ahead distance. The method further includes determining by the intelligent control if seeding should be off or on at a point in the field at the total look ahead distance, and sending a signal to a row shutoff device of the planter to control the seeding. A control system is also provided.

Abstract: An open merchandise, multi-cubicle display, vending kiosk, custom-fabricated from a plurality of visually open materials and sized to suit the products being sold. The kiosk provides a self-service customer purchase via a barcode scan or touch selector, payment facilitator, and integrated computer assembly with programming to control the kiosk. Also incorporated are audio components which attract customers to the kiosk and a webcam video device which observes the kiosk environment, serves the kiosk's security and can provide customer inquiries to a remote manager via a VoIP communication feature. When necessary, wireless Internet components connect the kiosk functions to process financial transaction services, or to a remote manager for the kiosk's inventory, records management, and programming functions. In addition to its vending attributes, the kiosk has a full closure curtain with a tubular motor which secures the kiosk after business hours.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, a vending machine may include sensors for capturing audio and visual data. A processing unit in the vending machine may analyze this data to calculate an attention score that is indicative of whether attention is being paid to the vending machine. Alternatively, or in addition, the processing unit may analyze this data to calculate the gender or emotional state of a person. Based on these calculations, a vending machine may alter its behavior, such as by changing its audiovisual output.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.

Abstract: A method for using a vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components. A vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components. An apparatus for implementing a vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components.

Abstract: Product provisioning methods and systems are described. A product provisioning system is arranged, in use, to deliver to a user substantially simultaneously a plurality of heterogeneous discrete products. The product provisioning system comprises a plurality of independently-controllable product dispensing mechanisms each configured to dispense different predetermined types of said discrete products from one another. The product provisioning system also comprises a product collector arranged to collect together products dispensed by the plurality of product dispensing mechanisms. Furthermore, the product provisioning system also comprises a control system. The control system is in communication with the product dispensing mechanisms, and is arranged to receive a user-specified product order for multiple heterogeneous products and, in response, control a set of the plurality of product dispensing mechanisms in parallel to dispense specified products of that product order.

Abstract: A vending machine for purchasing selected items by a customer. The vending machine includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing an item and a selector assembly connected to the dispensing assembly. A computer assembly having a central computer, video display screen and a modem is connected to and actuated by the selector for connecting the computer to an internet site and displaying a received transmission on the video screen in response to a purchased item.