Optical vend-sensing system for control of vending machine
AssigneeAutomated Merchandising Systems Inc.
InventorsJames M. Hair III, Kyriakos P. Spentzos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.
Claims8
1-33. (canceled)
A method of detecting a dispensed object, comprising:
- emitting electromagnetic radiation in a beam such that said electromagnetic radiation substantially subtends a detection region through which said dispensed object will traverse;
- collecting electromagnetic radiation from said emitting and directing the collected electromagnetic radiation onto an electromagnetic radiation detecting element;
- selecting a detection threshold that is exceeded when said object to be detected does not intercept said detection region and is not reached when said object intercepts said region;
- and
- comparing a plurality of signals from said electromagnetic radiation detecting element, each at a different time, to said detection threshold.
38-39. (canceled)
41-57. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.