SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE COMMUNICATION WITH VENDING MACHINES WHICH ARE CONNECTED BY MEANS OF A LOCAL-AREA WIRELESS NETWORK

摘要

The invention relates to a device and method for communicating between vending machines (201) and a remote control centre (100). According to the invention, the vending machines form groups (200), in which one machine operates in a primary operating mode and communicates directly with the remote control centre by means of a long-distance wireless communication link (301). The remaining machines in the group communicate indirectly with the control centre by means of the machine that is operating in primary operating mode, said remaining machines communicating with the aforementioned primary operating mode machine by means of short-distance wireless communication links (302). The invention also relates to a vending machine which is equipped with the inventive device and a system comprising a plurality of such vending machines.