초록 ▼

A monitoring system monitors a plurality of remote product dispensers. Vends are detected indicating that products have been dispensed from the dispenser during a given time period. Vend data indicative of the products dispensed is stored. The vend data is communicated to a base unit and a base unit

A monitoring system monitors a plurality of remote product dispensers. Vends are detected indicating that products have been dispensed from the dispenser during a given time period. Vend data indicative of the products dispensed is stored. The vend data is communicated to a base unit and a base unit provides a display indicative of products dispensed and a service schedule based on the vend data received.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of monitoring a vending machine of the type including a plurality of bins holding products, a plurality of vend motors, powered by motor signals, a vend motor being associated with each of the plurality of bins, a money receiving mechanism which provides a credit

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of monitoring a vending machine of the type including a plurality of bins holding products, a plurality of vend motors, powered by motor signals, a vend motor being associated with each of the plurality of bins, a money receiving mechanism which provides a credit signal in response to receiving adequate monetary input and a correct change signal indicating that correct change is required, the vending machine also providing a qualifier signal, the method comprising:detecting a first transition in the correct change signal from an asserted level to a de-asserted level;detecting a transition in the credit signal from an asserted level to a de-asserted level, after the first transition in the correct change signal;monitoring the state of the motor signals after detecting the transition in the credit signal;detecting a second transition in the correct change signal from the de-asserted level to the asserted level; andidentifying one of the plurality of motor signals which transitioned to an asserted level after the transition in the credit signal and before the second transition in the correct change signal;determining when a vend occurs based on the signals detected;determining a bin from which the vend occurred based on the signals detected; andstoring vend data indicating that the vend has occurred and the bin from which the vend has occurred.