초록 ▼

A system for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling vending machines is disclosed. The system includes a counter attached to the vending machine, and a microprocessor controlled, portable, keyboard operated, collection unit adapted to serve a number of vending machines by accessing and interr

A system for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling vending machines is disclosed. The system includes a counter attached to the vending machine, and a microprocessor controlled, portable, keyboard operated, collection unit adapted to serve a number of vending machines by accessing and interrogation of the counter. The portable collection unit also is adapted to load a program into the counter, input instructions, data and code changes to the counter and, upon interrogation of the counter, receives various types of output information from the counter. The counter performs functions which include: coin transactions, code validations, inventory control, product and price changes, service and transaction time checks, dispensing, machine diagnostics, temperature control, etc.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for sensing and totalling transactions in a vending machine, coin changer, and the like, comprising: A. means for sensing coin input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit signal pulses; and, C. a plurality of microelectronic circuit register

An apparatus for sensing and totalling transactions in a vending machine, coin changer, and the like, comprising: A. means for sensing coin input and output transactions; B. means for converting the sensed transactions into digit signal pulses; and, 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 intake; and, iii. a read-out register for outputting: a. the net coin intake from the memory registers, servicing requirements, prior service history, power outages, battery deterioration, tamper attempts and usage times; b. times and dates of: coin collecting, coin usage, power interruptions, tampering and servicing; and, c. inventory control data, product and price change data, dispensing instructions, machine diagnostics, temperature control adjustments, service time checks, code controlled access entry to security locks, and security alarms; the read-out registers being adapted for accessing and interrogation by a detachable, portable collection unit for data contained in the memory registers; the collection unit being adapted for performing calculations and for the input of instruction, data, access codes, code validations code changes, programs and program changes, and for servicing a plurality of vending machines, by means of a keyboard input.