Vending machine with transponder interrogator

Abstract

A vending machine includes a transponder interrogator. A customer carries a transponder embedded within an ornamental or useful item, such as a key chain ornament. When the customer desires to make a purchase from the vending machine, the customer presents the transponder to the transponder interrogator. The transponder is identified and a credit amount associated with that transponder is debited the purchase price. The system enables the vending machine operator to track the purchasing habits of the transponder user, and to provide instant incentives to purchasers using the transponder, based upon the customer's profile or purchasing habits.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A consumer data tracking system comprising: 
 a plurality of vending machines, each of said machines comprising:    a dispenser housing;    a dispenser disposed with said dispenser housing for dispensing a good or service;    a transponder interrogator disposed with said dispenser housing;    a transponder for interacting with said transponder interrogator; and    a communication medium connecting the transponder interrogator to an external database for monitoring the interaction of said transponder with said transponder interrogator.    
   
   
       34 . The method according to  claim 33 , wherein said external database is connected to the Internet.  
   
   
       35 . A method of tracking consumer data comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of vending machines, each of said machines comprising: 
 a dispenser housing;  
 a dispenser disposed within said dispenser housing for dispensing a product; and  
 a transponder interrogator disposed with said dispenser housing for reading a plurality of transponder units;  
   reading one of said plurality of transponder units by said transponder interrogator; and    sending identifying information concerning said one of said plurality of transponder units to an external database.    
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising the step of using said identifying information concerning said one of said plurality of transponder units to track consumer data in said external database.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising the step of providing a reward if said consumer data satisfies a predetermined condition.