Patent ID: 7493190
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: G06Q,G07C,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method of permitting only authorized users to use an automated vending machine, comprising the steps of: providing each of the authorized users with an identification card that contains a digital data code corresponding both to the identity of the authorized user and a biometric characteristic of the authorized user; providing a vending machine having an identification card reading device and a biometric characteristic scanner; reading said digital data code from an identification card inserted into said identification card reading device in said vending machine by a potential user; scanning an actual biometric characteristic directly from the potential user using said biometric characteristic scanner; comparing the actual biometric characteristic of the potential user to the digital data code of said biometric characteristic contained on said identification card; and enabling the vending machine if the actual biometric characteristic of the potential user matches the digital data code of said biometric characteristic contained on said identification card and if said digital data code on said identification card indicates that the potential user is authorized.