Abstract: A controlled dispensing system includes a dispensing fixture and a server system coupled to the dispensing fixture via a communication network. The dispensing fixture is configured to obtain via an input peripheral a first identifier associated with a controlled product and a second identifier associated with a dispensing requester; transmit the first and second identifiers to the server system; receive an approval notification from the server system; and instructing the dispensing mechanism to dispense the controlled product.

Abstract: A method is performed at an electronic payment module with one or more processors, memory, a slave interface that couples the module with an unattended machine via a multi-drop bus (MDB), and one or more host interfaces that couple the module with at least one payment peripheral of the unattended machine. The method also includes: receiving, from a refund center, a request to issue an approved refund of a predetermined amount and one or more criteria that must be satisfied before dispensing the predetermined amount. In accordance with a determination that the one or more criteria are met, the method includes issuing (i) a signal to the unattended machine, via the slave interface, that the at least one payment peripheral is unavailable and (ii) a signal to the at least one payment peripheral, via the one or more host interfaces, to dispense the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system receives, from a server, information about a first set of remotely-configured options for an unattended machine. In response to receiving the information about the first set of remotely-configured options, the system displays user interface objects that allow for selection of respective options in the first set of remotely-configured options. After detecting a selection of a first user interface object, the system receives, from the server, specifications regarding electric pulses to be provided to the unattended machine by a pulse-providing device. After sending an authorization grant and the specifications to the pulse-providing device, the system receives an indication that the electric pulses were provided to the unattended machine according to the specifications.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a slave interface configured for coupling to a machine controller of a machine via a multi-drop bus (MDB), a host interface configured for coupling to a first peripheral device of the machine, and memory storing one or more programs to be executed by the one or more processors and comprising instructions for: registering the electronic device as a slave to the machine controller, registering the first peripheral device as a slave to the electronic device, receiving from a mobile device a request to access signals generated by the first peripheral device, validating the request, and sending a reset command to the first peripheral device via the host interface, the reset command including a directive to update a signal destination address of the first peripheral device from a controller address of the machine controller to a device address of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic dispensing machine receives a request from a server to dispense a controlled device. The request includes a selection identifier corresponding to the controlled device and a user identifier corresponding to a user account. The machine activates a dispensing mechanism ejecting a particular controlled device from a storage position in the machine, and obtains a device identifier corresponding to the controlled device. Prior to releasing the controlled device to the user, the machine links the device identifier with the user identifier, and transmits the user identifier and the linked device identifier to the server, thereby causing the controlled device to be restricted for use such that subsequent to the transmitting of the user identifier and the linked device identifier to the server, the controlled device can only be used when in proximity to the electronic mobile device associated with the user identifier.

Abstract: A system receives, from a server, information about a first set of remotely-configured options for an unattended machine. In response to receiving the information about the first set of remotely-configured options, the system displays user interface objects that allow for selection of respective options in the first set of remotely-configured options. After detecting a selection of a first user interface object, the system receives, from the server, specifications regarding electric pulses to be provided to the unattended machine by a pulse-providing device. After sending an authorization grant and the specifications to the pulse-providing device, the system receives an indication that the electric pulses were provided to the unattended machine according to the specifications.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile-device-to-machine payment system and method for facilitating a cashless transaction for purchase of at least one product or service by a user from a payment accepting unit.