Abstract: A vending system comprising numerous remote vending machines, retail displays, and automated retail stores connected to a communication network access a central database so that each remote machine provides and responds to personalized customer information. Each machine comprises a display containing products to be vended and a plurality of touchable product viewing areas for initiating a vend. A computer recognizes customer data derived from peripheral inputs. Software communicates with the database for establishing customer profiles and either recognizing customers or registering customers by generating a global unique identifier. Subroutines initiate the dispensing of items in response to preselected conditions associated with each GUID.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributed location determination are disclosed. Mobile computing devices within proximity of one another can exchange signals to determine relative physical locations. Such signals include signals for determining proximity or distances that can be used by the mobile computing devices to triangulate the relative positions of the mobile computing devices. The signals can also include unique identifiers that can be used to associate a determined position with a particular mobile computing device. The mobile computing devices share their own location information and location information for other known mobile computing devices to distribute the location determination tasks. Data from stationary nodes and external positioning systems may be superimposed on the relative position determination to add external location references. The resolution of the external location references can be enhanced using the relative positions determined by the mobile computing devices.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.