SYSTEM FOR MONITORING REMOTE VENDING MACHINES

摘要

A system for remotely monitoring a plurality of vending machines (11-14) from a central computer (15). The system includes a sensing and communication circuit that monitors the operation of the vending machine, translates the monitored operation into a common signal form whatever the machine, and transmits data packets including pertinent information back to the central computer (15). The sensing and communication circuit includes a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the vending machine. A microprocessor reads the output signals produced by the sensors and generates a data packet that is indicative of the sensor values and the operation of the vending machine. This microprocessor is coupled to a modem that transmits the data packet over a network to the central computer system. The central computer is similarly equipped with a modem to receive the data packets.