Patent ID: 7865265
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: defining, automatically by a vending machine, and based on stored sales data and stored rules, a first inventory group and a second inventory group; outputting, by the vending machine, a first indication of a first subset of products sold by the vending machine that are part of the first inventory group, wherein the outputting of the first indication comprises selectively illuminating a first set of LED devices, and wherein each LED device of the first set of LED devices is coupled proximately to at least one product of the first subset of products; outputting, by the vending machine, a second indication of a second subset of products sold by the vending machine that are part of the second inventory group, wherein the outputting of the second indication comprises selectively illuminating a second set of LED devices, and wherein each LED device of the second set of LED devices is coupled proximately to at least one product of the second subset of products; outputting, by the vending machine, an offer for a customer to purchase a first product from the first subset of products and a second product from the second subset of products for a single package price; receiving an indication, by the vending machine and from the customer, of a selection of the first product; receiving an indication, by the vending machine and from the customer, of a selection of the second product; determining, by the vending machine, an indication of a payment, by the customer, of the single package price; and dispensing, by the vending machine and in response to the receiving of the indication of the payment of the single package price by the customer, a unit of the first product and a unit of the second product.