Virtual vending machine in communication with a remote data processing device

摘要

A vending machine system for dispensing goods or services. The vending machine system may include a vending machine with a vending mechanism, a data processing device remote from the vending machine, and a vending bridge. The vending bridge is in communication with the data processing device and the vending mechanism of the vending machine so as to instruct the vending mechanism to dispense the goods or the services.

主权项

1. A vending machine system for dispensing goods or services, comprising:
a vending machine without an onboard vending machine controller, the vending machine comprising a vending mechanism; and a vending bridge in communication with the vending mechanism and a virtual vending machine controller resident on a data processing device remote from the vending machine, the virtual vending machine controller adapted to reconcile a product selection to a product location on the vending machine; the vending bridge adapted to receive a command from the virtual vending machine controller to dispense the selected product from the product location via the vending mechanism.