Vending machine
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorGero Offer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system includes a communications network, a first communication device connected to the communications network, and a vending machine. The vending machine includes a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine, a second communication device connected to the communications network, and a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine. The first and second communication devices establish a connection via the communications network. The connection enables the retrieving device and the dispensing device.
Claims22
A method of dispensing a product from a vending machine, comprising:
- receiving a signal from a cellular telephone;
- issuing a response to the signal which indicates that a connection has been established between the cellular telephone and the vending machine;
- receiving information indicating that the product has been selected;
- and
- dispensing the product in response to the information when the connection has been established.
An apparatus for dispensing a product, comprising:
- a transceiver which receives a signal from a cellular telephone and issues a response to the signal which indicates that a connection has been established between the cellular telephone and the apparatus;
- a retrieving device which receives information indicative of the product;
- and
- a dispensing device which dispenses the product in response to the information and when the connection has been established.
A system comprising:
- a communications network;
- a first communication device connected to the communications network;
- and
- a vending machine comprising:
- a retrieving device for obtaining a product from the vending machine;
- a second communication device connected to the communications network;
- and
- a dispensing device for dispensing the product from the vending machine;
- wherein the first and second communication devices establish a connection via the communications network, the connection enabling the retrieving device and the dispensing device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.