System and method for auto-machine menu configuration
AssigneeCrane Co.
InventorScott Hudis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for providing a satellite vend operation. A first (parent) vending machine is operable to dispense a product from a product storage display area located in a second (child) vending machine. The first (parent) vending machine can control or interact with the functions of the second (child) vending machine. A programming menu on the first (parent) vending machine is automatically configured for a satellite vend operation when the first (parent) vending machine pairs with the second (child) vending machine. An operator is provided, in the programming menu located on the parent vending machine, relevant information associated with the child vending machine and relevant information associated with the parent vending machine.
Claims21
A vending machine system, comprising:
- a first vending machine configured to establish a communication link with a second vending machine, and
- wherein the first vending machine is configured, upon establishment of the communication link with the second vending machine, to receive product selection information from the second vending machine and to automatically configure a programming menu for dispensing products from the second vending machine.
-20. (canceled)
A method of operating a plurality of vending machines, comprising:
- operating a first vending machine within wireless communication range of a second vending machine;
- establishing a communication link at the first vending machine with the second vending machine;
- and
- upon establishment of the communication link with the second vending machine, receiving product selection information at the first vending machine from the second vending machine and automatically configuring a programming menu for use by the first vending machine to dispense products from the second vending machine.
A vending machine system, comprising:
- a first vending machine configured to establish a communication link with a second vending machine,
- wherein the first vending machine is configured, upon establishment of the communication link with the second vending machine, to transmit product selection information for dispensing products from the first vending machine to the second vending machine for a programming menu to be used by the second vending machine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.