US5117407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vending machine with synthesized description messages
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-02-08
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Granted: 1992-05-26
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Expires: 2009-02-08
Abstract
Abstract A vending machine adapted to reproduce audio and video messages relating to the products being dispensed. The video portion of the message is produced by a video synthesizer which displays objects which are animated in response to the audio message. For example, a human-like face can be synthesised, the lips of which move in response to speech being replayed. The vending machine can also be a music juke-box.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter S. Vogel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:50
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/30; G07F17/305; G07F17/16; G07F9/00; G07F9/02; G09; G09F; G09F23/00; G09F2023/0025; G09F2023/0033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A dispenser comprising a. means for storing merchandise b. means for dispensing said merchandise c. means for initiating delivery of said merchandise d. message data storage means for storing messages, said messages relating to said stored merchandise e. means for retrieving said message data f. means for producing audible messages according to the content of said message data g. means for storing data describing graphical objects h. video synthesis means adapted to cause said graphical objects to be displayed on display means; and i. animation means adapted to cause said displayed objects to perform movements responsive to the content of said message data.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A dispenser comprising a. means for storing merchandise b. means for dispensing said merchandise c. means for initiating delivery of said merchandise d. message data storage means for storing messages, said messages relating to said stored merchandise e. means for retrieving said message data f. means for producing audible messages according to the content of said message data g. means for storing data describing graphical objects h. video synthesis means adapted to cause said graphical objects to be displayed on display means; and i. animation means adapted to cause said displayed objects to perform movements responsive to the content of said message data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the merchandise dispensed is music and the means for storing said merchandise is a recording medium, and the stored messages are descriptive of the music stored thereon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A dispenser according to claim 2 further comprising control means adapted to cause said messages to be delivered immediately prior to the commencement of replay of a music recording.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the means for dispensing merchandise comprises two recording-player mechanisms arranged to allow delivery of consecutive musical selections without intervening delay.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A dispenser according to claim 2 and further comprising control means to cause said messages to be modified according to information input by a user of the dispenser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the message data storage means for storing messages stores data representative of individual speech phones and means for producing audible messages comprises speech synthesis means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 5 in which said video synthesis means is adapted to produce an image representative of a person apparently speaking the words synthesised by said speech synthesis means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 5 and further comprising means for periodically initiating delivery of said messages when said dispenser is idle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 5 and further comprising means for initiating delivery of said messages when a person approaches said dispenser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-05-26 | 1995-11-25 | 1996-05-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-05-26 | 1999-11-25 | 2000-05-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-05-26 | 2003-11-25 | 2004-05-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |