Patent ID: 7783381
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: storing, by a vending machine, data correlating a each of a plurality of product sold by the vending machine to one or more of a plurality of nutritional attribute groups; displaying, via an output device of a vending machine, a plurality of customer-selectable menu options, each menu option corresponding to a specific one of the plurality of nutritional attribute groups; receiving, by the vending machine and from a customer of the vending machine, an indication of a selection of one of the plurality of menu options, thereby defining a customer selection of a corresponding one of the plurality of nutritional attribute groups; communicating, by the vending machine and to the customer, information identifying which of the plurality of products sold by the vending machine correspond to the customer-selected one of the plurality of nutritional attribute groups; determining by the vending machine, whether the customer desires to purchase a unit of one of the identified corresponding products; dispensing, in the case that it is determined that the customer desires to purchase the unit of the one of the identified corresponding products, the unit of the one of the identified corresponding products from the vending machine.