Aviel A Dafna

US Patent:

8380347, Feb 19, 2013

Filed:

Oct 13, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/250269

Inventors:

Brent D. Garson - Orange OH, US
Aviel Dafna - Moreland Hills OH, US
Alessandro Ratti - Via Varesina, IT
Ezio Cesare Ratti - Via Manzoni, IT

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700244, 700236, 700242, 700243, 700238, 700240

Abstract:

During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.

US Patent:

20100237091, Sep 23, 2010

Filed:

Mar 18, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/406293

Inventors:

BRENT D. GARSON - Orange OH, US
AVIEL DAFNA - Moreland Hills OH, US
ALESSANDRO RATTI - , US
EZIO CESARE RATTI - , US

International Classification:

G07F 11/16

US Classification:

221226, 221 1

Abstract:

During operation of a vending machine, an image is obtained of an area of interest in the vending machine. As a product selected by a customer moves toward a product retrieval location, images of the area of interest are obtained and transmitted to the data base. Images in the data base are compared to determine whether or not the selected product has moved to the area of interest.

US Patent:

20130151006, Jun 13, 2013

Filed:

Feb 11, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/764309

Inventors:

BRENT D. GARSON - ORANGE OH, US
AVIEL DAFNA - MORELAND HILLS OH, US
ALESSANDRO RATTI - VIA VARESINA, IT
EZIO CESARE RATTI - VIA MANZONI, IT

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700244

Abstract:

During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.

US Patent:

20130152377, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 20, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/331335

Inventors:

Brent D. GARSON - Orange OH, US
Aviel DAFNA - Moreland Hills OH, US
Alessandro RATTI - Via Varesina, IT
Ezio Cesare RATTI - Via Manzoni, IT

International Classification:

G01J 1/42
H05K 13/00

US Classification:

295921, 2502081

Abstract:

During operation of a vending machine, a dispensed product moves from a product dispensing location to a product retrieval location. To detect movement of the dispensed product to the dispensing location, the intensity of light at an array of pixels is monitored. The monitored array of pixels forms a portion of a larger group of pixels. A change in the intensity of light at pixels in the array of pixels is detected upon movement of a dispensed product to a product retrieval location.