| 摘要 |
<p>A system for capturing data from a vending unit for an electronic token-based electricity metering system. The data capture system records transactions taking place at the vending unit (10) and relays the captured data to a remote unit e.g. a central computer (30) at a suitable time. The transmission may be accomplished via a modem (24), a telephone line (26), and a second modem (28). Data captured can include meter readings carried by the electronic token from the meter (12), and purchase data generated by the vending unit (10). The data-capture unit (18) comprises a processor connected to the vending unit (10) and the modem (24), and electronic memory for storing transaction records. While the unit is generally operated by an external power supply, it may also be provided with an internal supply as an emergency back-up.</p> |
