US6230150B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vending machine evaluation network
Assignee: Inventor Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 1998-03-31
•
Granted: 2001-05-08
•
Expires: 2018-03-31
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically testing, monitoring and managing the pricing and other sales information associated with products sold by vending machines. A price or other sales information associated with a product is initially adjusted at one or more initial vending machines, before automatically and progressively expanding the new price or other sales information to additional vending machines, upon verification of a successful change. Successful test results are thus automatically propagated to additional vending machines for further testing in the market. The sales information that can be tested includes price, product placement instructions, new advertising or promotional instructions, and packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price. Vending machines can thus be configured in progressive “layers” of vending machines so that adjustments to price or other sales information can be initially evaluated by one or more vending machines in a small group, before progressively expanding the new price or other sales information to one or more additional vending machines.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 Daniel E. Tedesco
- 👤 James A. Jorasch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:51
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/3244; G07F17/3255; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/08; G06Q10/087; G06Q10/0874; G06Q10/08744; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0283; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/12; G07F9/00; G07F9/02; G07F9/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 114
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: determining an adjustment to said sales information; evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: determining an adjustment to said sales information; evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said sales information is a price of said product.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said sales information is placement instructions for said product.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for said product.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said sales information is packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said sales information is instructions for the subscription sale of said product.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines is predefined.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines is determined geographically.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a trial duration period of said propagated adjustment is determined dynamically based on the degree of success of said change.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a magnitude of said propagated adjustment is determined dynamically based on the degree of success of said change.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of displaying said adjusted sales information at said vending machines.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said sales information is a price and said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: accessing evaluation data obtained from at least one of said plurality of vending machines following an adjustment of said sales information; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said sales information for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said comparing step determines said sales information adjustment meets said predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: accessing evaluation data obtained from at least one of said plurality of vending machines following an adjustment of said sales information; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said sales information for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said comparing step determines said sales information adjustment meets said predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said sales information is a price of said product.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said sales information is placement instructions for said product.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for said product.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said sales information is packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said sales information is instructions for the subscription sale of said product.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said sales information is a price and said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting an adjustment to said sales information to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; receiving evaluation data from said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said sales information for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting an adjustment to said sales information to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; receiving evaluation data from said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said sales information for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said sales information is a price of said product.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said sales information is placement instructions for said product.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for said product.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said sales information is packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said sales information is instructions for the subscription sale of said product.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said sales information is a price and said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
81 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: means for determining an adjustment to said sales information; means for evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and means for automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
81 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: means for determining an adjustment to said sales information; means for evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and means for automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said sales information is a price of said product.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said sales information is placement instructions for said product.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for said product.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said sales information is packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said sales information is instructions for the subscription sale of said product.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
46 words
The vending machine controller of claim 36 , wherein said sales information is a price and said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
109 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: a memory for storing said sales information for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: determine an adjustment to said sales information; communicate said sales information adjustment to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; evaluate said sales information adjustment in said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagate said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
109 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: a memory for storing said sales information for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: determine an adjustment to said sales information; communicate said sales information adjustment to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; evaluate said sales information adjustment in said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagate said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said sales information is a price of said product.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said sales information is placement instructions for said product.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for said product.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said sales information is packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said sales information is instructions for the subscription sale of said product.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
46 words
The vending machine controller of claim 46 , wherein said sales information is a price and said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
126 words
A vending machine for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product, comprising: a memory for storing sales information and corresponding sales figures for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: record a change to said sales information in said memory, and to update said sales figures for each of said changes to said sales information; access said sales information and said corresponding sales figures after a predefined trial period following said change; provide said sales figures corresponding to said sales information before and after said change for comparison; and report an effect of said change on said sales figures to a central controller to determine whether said change should be propagated to one or more additional vending machines.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
126 words
A vending machine for automatically adjusting sales information associated with a product, comprising: a memory for storing sales information and corresponding sales figures for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: record a change to said sales information in said memory, and to update said sales figures for each of said changes to said sales information; access said sales information and said corresponding sales figures after a predefined trial period following said change; provide said sales figures corresponding to said sales information before and after said change for comparison; and report an effect of said change on said sales figures to a central controller to determine whether said change should be propagated to one or more additional vending machines.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said sales information is a price of said product.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
17 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said sales information is placement instructions for said product.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for said product.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said sales information is packaging instructions for the sale of a group of products at a single price.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said sales information is instructions for the subscription sale of said product.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
45 words
The vending machine of claim 56 , wherein said sales information is a price and said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
117 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program code means embodied thereon for controlling a plurality of vending machines, said computer readable program code means in said article of manufacture comprising: computer readable program code means for determining an adjustment to sales information associated with a product in said plurality of vending machines; computer readable program code means for evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and computer readable program code means for automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluation determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
117 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program code means embodied thereon for controlling a plurality of vending machines, said computer readable program code means in said article of manufacture comprising: computer readable program code means for determining an adjustment to sales information associated with a product in said plurality of vending machines; computer readable program code means for evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and computer readable program code means for automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluation determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: determining a price for said product; evaluating said price in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said price to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said price meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: determining a price for said product; evaluating said price in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said price to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said price meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines is predefined.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines is determined geographically.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein a trial duration period of said propagated price adjustment is determined dynamically based on the degree of success of said change.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein a magnitude of said propagated price adjustment is determined dynamically based on the degree of success of said change.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 67 , further comprising the step of displaying said adjusted price at said vending machines.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: accessing evaluation data obtained from at least one of said plurality of vending machines following an adjustment of said price; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said price for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said price adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said comparing step determines said price adjustment meets said predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: accessing evaluation data obtained from at least one of said plurality of vending machines following an adjustment of said price; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said price for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said price adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said comparing step determines said price adjustment meets said predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting an adjustment to said price to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; receiving evaluation data from said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said price for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said price adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said price adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting an adjustment to said price to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; receiving evaluation data from said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; comparing said evaluation data to predefined evaluation criteria to determine whether to update said price for at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagating said price adjustment to said at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said price adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said step of determining said price includes the step of obtaining a current selling price and a price alteration factor and calculating said price based on said price alteration factor.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
76 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: means for determining an adjustment to said price; means for evaluating said price adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and means for automatically propagating said price adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said price adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
76 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: means for determining an adjustment to said price; means for evaluating said price adjustment in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and means for automatically propagating said price adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluating step determines said price adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 87 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 87 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 87 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
102 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: a memory for storing said price for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: determine an adjustment to said price; communicate said price adjustment to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; evaluate said price adjustment in said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagate said price adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said price adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
102 words
A vending machine controller for automatically adjusting a price of a product in a plurality of vending machines, comprising: a memory for storing said price for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: determine an adjustment to said price; communicate said price adjustment to at least one of said plurality of vending machines; evaluate said price adjustment in said at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and automatically propagate said price adjustment to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said price adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 91 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in profitability.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 91 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in revenue.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vending machine controller of claim 91 , wherein said predefined evaluation criteria includes a minimum increase in sales.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
124 words
A vending machine for automatically adjusting a price associated with a product, comprising: a memory for price information and corresponding sales figures for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: record a change to said price information in said memory, and to update said sales figures for each of said changes to said prices; access said price information and said corresponding sales figures after a predefined trial period following said change; obtain said sales figures corresponding to said price before and after said change for comparison; and report an effect of said change on said sales figures to a central controller to determine whether said price change should be propagated to at least one additional vending machine.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
124 words
A vending machine for automatically adjusting a price associated with a product, comprising: a memory for price information and corresponding sales figures for said product; and a processor operatively coupled to said memory, said processor configured to: record a change to said price information in said memory, and to update said sales figures for each of said changes to said prices; access said price information and said corresponding sales figures after a predefined trial period following said change; obtain said sales figures corresponding to said price before and after said change for comparison; and report an effect of said change on said sales figures to a central controller to determine whether said price change should be propagated to at least one additional vending machine.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
101 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program code means embodied thereon for controlling a plurality of vending machines, said computer readable program code means in said article of manufacture comprising: computer readable program code means for determining a price for a product; computer readable program code means for evaluating said price in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and computer readable program code means for automatically propagating said price to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluation determines said price meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
101 words
An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program code means embodied thereon for controlling a plurality of vending machines, said computer readable program code means in said article of manufacture comprising: computer readable program code means for determining a price for a product; computer readable program code means for evaluating said price in at least one of said plurality of vending machines; and computer readable program code means for automatically propagating said price to at least one additional vending machine of said plurality of vending machines if said evaluation determines said price meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 111
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information in a plurality of automated teller machines (ATMs), the method comprising the steps of: determining an adjustment to said sales information; evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of automated teller machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional automated teller machine of said plurality of automated teller machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 112
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for automatically adjusting sales information in a plurality of automated teller machines (ATMs), the method comprising the steps of: determining an adjustment to said sales information; evaluating said sales information adjustment in at least one of said plurality of automated teller machines; and automatically propagating said sales information adjustment to at least one additional automated teller machine of said plurality of automated teller machines if said evaluating step determines said sales information adjustment meets predefined evaluation criteria.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 97 , wherein said sales information is a surcharge fee charged for the use of said automated teller machine (ATM).
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 97 , wherein said sales information is advertising instructions for display on said automated teller machine (ATM).
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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) | 2004-05-07 | 2004-11-06 | 2005-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-07 | 2008-11-06 | 2009-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-07 | 2012-11-06 | 2013-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |