초록 ▼

A coin counter attached to a vending machine and a microprocessor controlled portable collection unit (PCU) are provided for monitoring vending machine operations. This enables transactions of the machine to be calculated, stored and recorded. The coin counter forms part of a microelectronic circuit

A coin counter attached to a vending machine and a microprocessor controlled portable collection unit (PCU) are provided for monitoring vending machine operations. This enables transactions of the machine to be calculated, stored and recorded. The coin counter forms part of a microelectronic circuit (e.g. a MOS type) and is attached or mounted as a package to the vending machine. The counter is primarily designed to count net coin intake but can be programmed to provide other information such as coin collection times, vending machine number, code validations, etc. The PCU has a keyboard to input information to the counter and access information therefrom; the PCU calculates the coin count value and displays this value and the other information on an LED, printer, etc., upon input of a suitable access code. The PCU may be employed for servicing a number of vending machines to better pinpoint responsibility for collection deficiencies, determining location and machine effectiveness, peak load times, and so forth. The information so obtained can be maintained secret within the PCU itself and can be accessed only upon the input of the correct code.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for sensing, totalling and displaying transactions in a vending machine comprising: 1. sensor and totalling means including: A. means for sensing coin input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit pulses; C. a plurality of microelectronic circ

An apparatus for sensing, totalling and displaying transactions in a vending machine comprising: 1. sensor and totalling means including: A. means for sensing coin input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit pulses; C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit registers to receive the digit pulses including: i. internal totalling registers for counting net coin intake; ii. memory registers for storing the net coin count; and, iii. output registers for outputting the net coin count from the memory registers; and, 2. A detachable digital portable collection unit for receiving transaction information from the memory registers, the collection unit being adapted to serve a plurality of vending machines, and including: A. ROM and RAM memories; B. a keyboard input; C. an input register; and, D. a read-out register; the PCU being adapted for access and interrogation of the output registers for data contained in the memory registers, the collection unit being adapted to input data, code and code changes into the sensor and totalling means.