Methods and apparatus for producing a vending machine inventory status signal

摘要

Method and apparatus for stocking a vending device are disclosed. The vending device is structured to receive a product selection from a user via a user input device. The vending device then dispenses the selected product and determines if the inventory associated with the selected product has fallen below a predetermined threshold. If the inventory of the selected product has fallen below the predetermined threshold, the vending device may communicate with a remote host device. Alternatively, or in addition, the vending device may communicate with the remote host periodically.