USA Technologies receives patent for enabling mobile app for vending

USA Technologies Inc., a cashless payments and software services company that provides end-to-end technology solutions for the self-service retail market, has received a patent for an invention that enables the use of a mobile app to conduct the functions of using a vending machine without touching the machine, according to a press release.

The patent, number US10,861,276B1 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, titled «Method and System of Personal Vending,» was developed and co-authored by Chief Revenue Officer Anant Agrawal to improve the shopping experience at an unattended retail location by reimagining the customer journey through the consumer's mobile device.

The invention allows a customer to use a mobile device as a second, virtual or replacement «front panel» for one or more vending machines, according to a description of the patent. The basic functions available to the customer include product selection, payment and vending, all without physically touching the machine.

The invention includes novel means to identify the vending machine, including identification based on available local wireless networks, user-location data such as GPS and on-machine graphics.

Source: ATM Marketplace