Vending machine control method in which a group of vending machines are controlled by a single control unit so that a user can input a single order and then receive items from one or more machines after his payment is accepted

摘要

Method for controlling a group of vending machines (12, 14, 16) via a common control unit (18) that has input-output interfaces (20, 22) and means for receiving payment. Accordingly a user inputs a single combined order via the input and output interfaces for items from one or more of the vending machines. Once the appropriate payment is received the control unit commands the vending machines to output the appropriate order items. An independent claim is made for an arrangement of vending machines and a common control unit.