The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 19, 2013
Filed:
Oct. 13, 2008
Brent D. Garson, Orange, OH (US);
Aviel Dafna, Moreland Hills, OH (US);
Alessandro Ratti, Via Varesina, IT;
Ezio Cesare Ratti, Via Manzoni, IT;
Brent D. Garson, Orange, OH (US);
Aviel Dafna, Moreland Hills, OH (US);
Alessandro Ratti, Via Varesina, IT;
Ezio Cesare Ratti, Via Manzoni, IT;
Other;
Abstract
During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.