Method and apparatus for collecting and applying vending machine demand information
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Nov 27, 2001
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Oct 1, 1998
filing date -
Oct 9, 1997
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A dispensing device, such as a vending machine, is equipped to monitor product demand and consumer traffic that passes by the machine. The dispensing device collects and analyzes product demand data to determine optimal product stocking, to offer products to undecided consumers and to offer substitute products when a selected product is out of stock. The substitute product may be determined according to which alternate product historically has the highest demand when a particular selected product is unavailable. Alternatively, the substitute product may be determined according to which stocked item has an imminent expiration date. Also, the substitute product may be predetermined by an operator of a vending machine or may be determined by other factors. The substitute product may further be offered to the customer at a discounted price.
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address
Add to Portfolio(s)
To add this patent to one, or more, of your portfolios, simply click the add button.
This Patent is in these Portfolios:
Add to additional portfolios:
Last Refreshed On:
Changes done successfully