A VENDING MACHINE AND SYSTEM

摘要

Vending machines (1) are located at various retail premises such as a shop, a forecourt, or a hotel. The machines (1) communicate via a mobile network (2) with a network operations centre (NOC) 3 having databases (4). The NOC (3) in turn communicates via the network (2) with various product supplier systems (10). Also, the NOC (3) communicates via a firewall (11) and the Internet with remote systems for reporting and archiving purposes. The machines (1) convert cash to credit, receiving money in cash or card form from customers and providing products in the form of data or codes having a value. The data or codes are printed. The range of products is extremely wide, and includes mobile phone top-up, international call credit, mobile phone content (logos, ring tones, games, or text alerts), and parking discs.