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`OXOOBO
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`OXOIOO
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`OXOZOO
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`OX0400
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`33
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`link test
`
`service completed
`
`call for machine repair
`
`repair completed
`
`TYPE 4
`
`(RAM Data Dump)
`
`Byte Name
`
`Description
`
`ADDR
`
`starting address
`
`0 mD
`
`:U(3U!Wtom~Jm(nbeaN+4
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`byte
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`data
`
`D0
`
`D1
`
`D2
`
`D3
`
`D4 '
`
`D5
`
`D6
`
`D7
`
`D8
`
`D9
`
`DA
`
`DB
`
`DC
`
`DD
`
`DE
`
`DF
`
`This data packet is given by example, while with
`
`other data systems other data packets may be utilized.
`
`Referring now to the example FIGURE 7, once a
`
`NAK signal has been received at step 196,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor begins transmitting a data packet to the
`
`central computer by first getting a data packet first on
`
`the queue at a step 206.
`
`The data packet is then
`
`transmitted at a step 208.
`
`Following transmission,
`
`the
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`microprocessor shown again polls the modem to determine if
`
`another NAK signal has been received at step 210. If the
`
`central computer transmits another recognizable signal, a
`NAK signal shown,
`the microprocessor knows that the
`V
`
`transmission did not arrive correctly. Therefore,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor loops back to step 208 and the data packet
`
`is again transmitted.
`
`If no NAK signal is received in
`
`step 210,
`
`the microprocessor proceeds to a step 212
`
`wherein the modem is polled to see if an acknowledge a
`
`shown, has been
`("ACK")
`second recognizable signal
`received.
`If no ACK signal has been received,
`the program
`
`returns to the control mode at a step 214.
`
`If an ACK
`
`signal is received,
`
`the microprocessor knows the central
`
`computer system has received the data packet correctly and
`
`the data packet transmitted is removed from the queue at
`
`step 216.
`
`After removing the data packet from the queue,
`
`the example microprocessor determines if the queue is
`
`empty at a step 218.
`
`If the queue is not empty,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor loops back to step 206 and the next data
`
`packet is transmitted as described above.A
`
`Once the queue of data packets to be transmitted
`
`is empty,
`
`the microprocessor shown proceeds to a step 220
`
`wherein an ACK signal is transmitted to the central
`
`computer system. This ACK signal indicates to the central
`
`computer system that the remote vending machine is ready
`
`to accept data packets transmitted from the central 4
`
`computer to the remote vending machine.
`
`The data packets
`
`transmitted from the central computer to the remote
`
`vending machine.
`
`In the specific example shown these data
`
`packets are defined by packet type as follows:
`
`DATA PACKETS TRANSMITTED FROM CENTRAL
`
`COMPUTER TO THE REMOTE VENDING MACHINE
`
`TYPE 101
`
`(Transmit 16 Bytes of Microprocessor's Memory
`
`from Starting Address)
`
`10
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`15
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`30
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`Byte Name
`
`Description
`
`ADDR
`
`starting address (2 bytes)
`
`TYPE 102
`
`(Rewrite N Bytes of Microprocessor's Memory
`
`from Starting Address)
`
`Byte Name
`
`Description -
`
`ADDR
`
`D0...DN
`
`starting address (2 bytes)
`
`n data bytes (n = packet
`
`length minus 9)
`
`TYPE 103
`
`(Rewrite Phone Number of Central Computer)
`
`Byte Name
`
`Description
`
`PH1...PH36
`
`36 bytes phone number
`
`(blank-no outbound alarm)
`
`TYPE 104
`
`(Set Vending Machine's Alarm Criteria)
`
`Byte Name
`
`Description
`
`CA
`
`CI
`
`UNID
`
`CB
`
`compressor cycles per day max
`
`compressor cycles per day min
`
`rewrite unit ID of vending
`
`machine
`
`checksum bad alarm enabled -
`
`1
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`10
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`35
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`CC
`
`IN
`
`TE
`
`CD
`
`CP
`
`TPBC
`
`SV
`
`36
`
`compressor cycles alarm
`enabled — 1
`
`intrusion alarm enabled - 1
`
`temperature exceeded alarm
`
`enabled - 1
`
`change depleted alarm enabled
`_ 1
`‘
`
`column product alarm
`
`criterion - 1 byte
`
`total product alarm criterion
`
`- 2 bytes
`
`send service packet upon
`
`servicing complete alarm
`
`enabled - 1
`
`TYPE 105
`
`(Reset Vending Machine's Alarm Bits)
`
`Byte Name
`
`A
`
`Description
`
`BPBP
`
`set alarm bit pattern - 2
`
`bytes
`
`TYPE 106
`
`(set PIN for service Technician)
`
`Byte Name
`
`Description
`
`PWI...PW7
`
`7 bytes of numeric data
`
`define PIN
`
`TYPE 107
`
`(Record Message for service Technician)
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`Byte Name
`
`Description
`
`ME1...ME16
`
`16 bytes of alphanumeric data
`
`for service technician
`
`In a step 222,
`
`the example microprocessor
`
`determines if an ASCII representation of a colon symbol as
`
`previously set forth has been transmitted. As shown in
`
`10
`
`FIGURE 11, this recognizable symbol marks the beginning of
`
`all of the data packets transmitted between the vending
`
`machine and the central computer.
`
`If no colon symbol is
`
`transmitted,
`
`the microprocessor returns to the control
`
`mode at a step 224. Once a colon symbol has been
`
`15
`
`transmitted,
`
`the microprocessor shown determines if the
`
`entire data packet has been received correctly at a step
`
`226.
`
`If the data packet has not been received correctly,
`
`the microprocessor causes the modem to transmit a NAK
`
`signal at a step 220 to indicate the data packet was not
`
`20
`
`received correctly.
`The example microprocessor then loops
`back to step 222 and looks for the beginning of the same
`
`data packet to be retransmitted.
`
`If the data packet was received correctly,
`
`the
`
`program branches to the analyze mode 290 to perform the
`
`25
`
`task indicated by the data packet as will be described in
`
`further detail below. Upon returning from the analyze
`
`mode,
`
`the microprocessor shown causes the modem to
`
`transmit an ACK signal at a step 232 that indicates to the
`
`central computer that the data packet has been received
`
`30
`
`and acted upon, and that the vending machine is waiting
`
`for another data packet to be transmitted. This process
`
`continues until the central computer fails to transmit
`
`another data packet whereupon the microprocessor returns
`
`to the control mode at the step 224.
`
`35
`
`In some cases (i.e., when a critical alarm
`condition exists or if the microprocessor is programmed to
`
`alert the central computer system immediately after a
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`service call is completed),
`
`the example microprocessor
`
`will initiate a call to the central computer system. At a
`step 200,
`the microprocessor instructs the modem_to
`
`connect the central computer.
`
`The microprocessor then
`
`5
`
`polls the modem to determine if a carrier is present in a
`
`step 202.
`
`If no carrier is present,
`
`the microprocessor
`
`loops back to step 200 and dials again. Upon establishing
`
`a connection with the central computer system,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor transmits an alarm or data service complete
`
`10
`
`packet that has been previously placed on the queue.
`
`Transmission of the data packet to the central computer
`
`takes place as described above.
`
`FIGURE 8 is a flow chart showing the steps taken
`
`by the example microprocessor when operating in the
`
`15
`
`service mode 250. Upon entering the service mode from the
`
`control mode when the microprocessor shown detects the
`
`door to the vending machine has been opened,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor determines if the service technician enters
`
`a PIN or recognizable signal within a predetermined amount
`
`20
`
`of time (for example ten seconds).
`
`'The particular PIN is
`
`stored in the microprocessor's RAM and can be modified at
`
`any time by the central computer system.
`
`If the PIN is
`
`not entered within this predetermined amount of time,
`
`the
`
`. microprocessor sets an intrusion alarm bit at step 254 and
`
`25
`
`returns to the control mode at step 256.
`
`The
`
`microprocessor then detects the intrusion alarm bit as
`
`being set and enters the alarm mode.
`
`Assuming the PIN has been entered in the
`
`predetermined amount of time,
`
`the example microprocessor
`
`30
`
`then asks the service technician to enter information
`
`regarding the service to be completed.
`
`In step 258,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor queries the technician for the total amount
`
`of product added in each column of the vending machine.
`
`In a step 260,
`
`the microprocessor asks the service
`
`35
`
`technician to enter the total amount of cash removed from
`
`the machine.
`
`In a step 262,
`
`the microprocessor asks for
`
`the amount of change left in the coin changer. After the
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`service is complete,
`
`the microprocessor generates a
`
`service data packet and places the packet on the queue at
`
`a step 264.
`
`5
`
`microprocessor reads the status of a service packet bit in
`
`Once the service call is complete,
`
`the example
`
`a pair of alarm response code bytes in a step 266. This
`
`bit indicates whether the vending machine is to contact
`
`the central computer upon completion of the service call
`
`should wait to inform the central computer of the
`
`10
`
`information obtained from the service technician the next
`
`time the central computer calls the vending machine.
`
`If
`
`the service packet bit indicates the central computer is
`
`to be called at the completion of the service,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor data packet proceeds to the communications
`
`15
`
`mode at a step 268.
`
`If the status of the service packet
`
`bit indicates the microprocessor is not to call the
`
`central computer upon completion of the service call,
`
`then
`
`the microprocessor returns to the control mode at a step
`
`270.
`
`_
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`20
`
`FIGURE 9 is an example flow chart showing the
`
`steps that might be taken by the microprocessor when
`
`operating in the analyze mode 290. Upon entering the
`
`analyze mode from the communications mode,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor reads the packet type of data indicated by
`
`25
`
`byte 4 of the received data packet as shown in FIGURE 11.
`
`Byte 4 shown informs the microprocessor what type of
`
`action is to be taken. At a step 294 it is determined
`whether the data packet is of type 101.
`If the data
`
`packet is of type 101,
`
`the microprocessor transmits the
`
`30
`
`contents of its RAM memory beginning at a starting address
`
`which is read from the received data packet in step 296.
`
`At step 298,
`
`the example microprocessor causes the modem
`
`to transmit 16 bytes of data beginning at the starting
`
`address. Once the data has been transmitted,
`
`the program
`
`35
`
`returns to the communications mode at step 334.
`
`In step 300 shown, it is determined the data
`
`packet is of type 102. Data packet type 102 indicates to
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`the example microprocessor that it is to rewrite portions
`
`of its RAM memory with data values transmitted from the
`
`central computer system. At step 102,
`
`the microprocessor
`
`reads the starting address and determines the number of
`
`5
`
`bytes to be rewritten.
`
`The number of bytes is determined
`
`by the value of the packet length byte minus nine.
`
`In
`
`the new memory values are read and the RAM
`step 304 shown,
`memory is rewritten starting at the starting address
`
`determined in step 302. Upon rewriting the RAM memory,
`
`10
`
`the microprocessor returns to the communications mode.
`
`In step 306 shown, it is determined if the data
`
`packet is of type 103. This data packet type causes the
`
`microprocessor to modify the communication parameters to
`
`the central computer.
`
`In step 308,
`
`the microprocessor
`
`15
`
`reads 36 bytes of data. These 36 bytes are stored at the
`
`central computer in step 310. After rewriting,
`
`the
`
`microprocessor returns to the communications mode.
`’
`In step 102 shown, it is determined if the data
`
`packet is of type 104. This data packet type causes the
`
`20
`
`microprocessor to rewrite its alarm response data which
`sets the alarm conditions for the vending machine.
`In
`
`step 314,
`
`the microprocessor reads the new alarm response
`
`data and in step 316,
`
`the microprocessor overrides the
`
`previous alarm response data. After the alarm response
`
`25
`
`data has been rewritten,
`communications mode.
`
`the microprocessor returns to the
`
`In step 318 shown,
`
`the example microprocessor
`
`determines if the data packet is of type 105.
`
`Type 105
`
`packets cause the microprocessor to artificially set the
`
`30
`
`bits in a pair of bytes which define the alarm conditions
`
`of the vending machine as described above. After the
`
`alarm bytes have been set,
`
`the microprocessor goes to the
`
`alarm mode in step 122 wherein the alarm bytes are
`
`transmitted to the central computer system.
`
`35
`I
`
`If the example data packet is not of type 105,
`the microprocessor determines if the message is of type
`
`106 at step 124. Data packet type 166 causes the
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`microprocessor to read seven bytes of PIN's for the
`
`service technician.
`
`The old PIN is overwritten at a step
`
`328 before returning to the communications mode.
`
`Finally,
`
`the example microprocessor determines
`
`5
`
`if the received data packet is of type 107 at a step 330.
`
`Data packet type 107 records 16 bytes of alphanumeric data
`
`that is recorded for the service technician to be read
`
`during the next service call.
`
`The message bytes are
`
`stored in memory at a step 332 before the microprocessor
`returns to the communications mode.
`
`10
`
`FIGURE 10 is an example of a flow chart showing
`
`the steps taken by the microprocessor shown in the alarm
`
`mode 340. Upon entering the alarm mode from the control
`
`mode,
`
`the microprocessor reads the alarm response bytes in
`
`15
`
`step 342.
`
`In step 346,
`
`the microprocessor compares the
`
`alarm bytes described above and compares them to the alarm
`
`response bytes in order to determine if the alarm
`
`condition is critical.
`
`If the alarm is set as critical,
`
`the microprocessor generates an alarm data packet and
`
`20
`
`places it on the queue in a step 348 before going to the
`
`communications mode in step 350.
`
`If the alarm is not
`
`critical, the microprocessor simply returns to the control
`
`mode at step 352.
`
`FIGURE 12 is an example of a diagram of a
`
`25
`
`handheld data entry terminal 400 that might be used by a
`
`service technician to enter data into the shown
`
`the service technician
`microprocessor. With this system,
`can inform the system of the amount of product added to
`
`the machine,
`
`the amount of money removed,
`
`the content of
`
`30
`
`the change counter, as well as other data.
`
`The handheld
`
`terminal 400 disclosed has a case 402 that includes a
`series of keys 406 and an enter button 408}
`The keys 406
`
`are used to type alphanumeric data on a display 404, which
`
`is transmitted to the microprocessor upon hitting an enter
`
`35
`
`key 408. Communication preferably takes place between the
`
`microprocessor and the handheld terminal using either a
`
`conventional infrared transmitter/receiver indicated at
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`410 or via mechanical connection such as a stereo plug
`
`412.
`
`In the stereo plug one channel is used to transmit
`
`from the handheld unit while the other channel is used to
`
`receive prompts from the vending machine.
`
`5
`
`FIGURE 13 is an example block diagram of the
`
`handheld data entry terminal 400 described above. This
`
`specific handheld terminal includes its own microprocessor
`
`420, a read only memory 424 and a random access memory 426
`
`which are coupled to the microprocessor on a set of bus
`
`10
`
`and control leads 422. Additionally,
`
`the keys 406 and
`
`display 404 are also connected to the microprocessor on
`
`the bus 422.
`
`The microprocessor shown communicates with
`
`the sensing and communication circuit in the vending
`
`machine via a serial point 430.
`
`The port shown is a
`
`15
`
`serial port connected to drive an infrared transmitter
`
`432. Additionally,
`
`the infrared receiver 434 is used to
`
`receive infrared signals transmitted from the sensing and
`communication circuit to the handheld unit.
`If a
`mechanical plug is used,
`the transmit and receive signals
`
`20
`
`are coupled to a conventional plug, which is inserted by
`
`the service technician and allows an appropriate connector
`
`to the vending machine.
`
`The handheld terminal 400 shown
`
`is powered by a battery 428.
`
`It could also be powered by
`
`the vending machine.
`
`25
`
`Upon receipt of the information relative to the
`
`vending machine from the remote link unit 30 over the
`
`network 16,
`
`the information shown is then available at the
`
`computer for selective presentation and manipulation.
`
`In the invention of the present application, due
`
`30
`
`to the data acquisition units, virtually all of the
`
`information needed in respect to the vending machines can
`
`be located in a single database, can be processed with the
`
`same programming, and can be visually presented with a
`
`limited number of easily understood video screens.
`
`35
`
`In respect to the single database, all of the
`
`data for every machine in a single system is preferably
`stored in a single database having a number of fields and
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`name identity matching that of the maximum capabilities of
`
`the common signal. This allows the data for every machine
`
`to be present for analysis and presentation in a unified
`
`manner. This includes the generation of graphic
`
`representations of vending machines as well as the
`
`development of reports and other matters.
`
`It is noted
`
`that there will be empty fields in this type of system.
`
`These empty fields as present in the database preferably
`
`are ignored in developing the graphic representations
`
`and/or reports generated by this system. This can be’
`
`accomplished by a sub—routine in the processing software
`
`blanking empty fields.
`
`It is noted that in the event that the common
`
`signals are decoded (as in the described FIGURE 3 matrix
`
`system) and/or otherwise processed by the computer
`
`preferably this occurs prior to storage in the database.
`
`In respect to the same programming, this
`programming would develop the graphic representations and
`reports in a common manner from the database. This common
`
`manner would preferably include a data inhibition or
`
`blanking sub—routine set to recognize empty fields in the
`
`processing of the data and automatically act accordingly.
`
`In respect to the graphic representation, this
`
`could include automatically developing the representations
`
`to present only the active field information, and
`
`modifying the display appropriately.
`
`For example, if a
`
`particular machine had five columns of inventory, a
`
`compressor that cycles, a temperature alarm, and an entry
`
`alarm, once utilized or preset,
`
`these items would be
`
`presented on the screen; this even though the temperature
`
`alarm icon and entry alarm icon may be inactive (i.e.,
`
`normal) at the time of presentation.
`
`Further, although
`
`the programming may be capable of generating an image
`
`having 15 columns, only the active five columns would
`
`appear. This could be spread out over the entire column
`
`area or could appear as one third the available area as
`
`set by an operator. However, since there is no for
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`example change empty sensor or field,
`
`the change icon
`
`would never appear on the screen.
`
`In respect to the limited screens due to the use
`
`of a common signal content, one screen could technically
`
`5
`
`be utilized for all machines, preferably as set forth with
`
`software programmed to ignore and not display nonedata
`
`parameters.
`
`For example, with a machine having only 12
`
`columns of inventory and an intrusion door open switch, no
`
`temperature sensor, no compressor sensor, and no other
`
`10
`
`sensor, only the active information (12 columns of
`
`inventory plus the door open switch) would be presented:
`
`The missing sensors would never appear for this machine
`
`(although they would if applicable for a different
`
`machine).
`
`The software thus preferably has the ability to
`
`15
`
`present a very complex screen while the system itself
`
`tracks the available data presenting on the screen and
`
`processing only the available data. Non-information,
`
`empty fields, are ignored. Further,
`
`the data can be
`
`manipulated by a limited number of computer sub-routines
`
`20
`
`to provide uniform information for the vending machines.
`
`This could allow a single graphic representation to be
`
`utilized for all vending machines; presenting the common
`
`elements of the vending machines in a single manner no
`
`matter what the type or nature of the particular machine.
`
`25
`
`Note that although there are over many hundreds
`
`of specific vending machines (over 200), due to the basic
`
`commonality between machines,
`
`the basic and important date
`
`can be presented with a lesser number of screens.
`
`For
`
`example, it has been ascertained that about 20 basic
`
`30
`
`screen images of vending machines will allow the
`
`presentation of most vending machines on the market today.
`
`It is preferred that there be a central data
`base having the display information for these basic
`
`screens.
`
`Thus upon the specification of an appropriate
`
`35
`
`screen either manual or automatic,
`
`the computer 15 would
`
`generate the appropriate image of a vending machine
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`accurately representative of the machine then being
`
`presented.
`
`Other parts of the screen, for example the
`
`various condition icons, can be similarly generated.
`
`It is noted that when an inventory of an item is
`
`developed on the screen, it is preferred that the items
`
`comprising this inventory be developed with images
`representative thereof.
`For example, if a pop can machine
`
`has columns of inventory,
`
`the circular end sections of pop
`
`cans would be shown in such columns. Additional example
`
`if change status is shown, a flat rectangle representative
`
`of the edges of the coins would be shown in the change
`area.
`
`Due to the common signal content,
`
`technically a
`
`single graphic display could be utilized for all vending
`
`machines; Specifically displaying the common information
`
`regardless of the type of machine.
`
`The reason for this is
`
`that the operator does not care about what any given
`
`machine is, only what its status, and this status is
`
`primarily dependent on the common operational elements.
`
`Also some operators will rely primarily on the reports
`generated by the system.
`i
`
`For operator intuitive convenience, it is
`
`preferred that a number of screens be utilized
`
`representing types of machines.
`
`For example, seven
`
`screens: 1) pop/container; 2) candy; 3) snacks; 4) frozen
`ice cream/popsicles; 5) coffee/cocoa/tea;
`6) pop/liquid,
`
`and 7) service utilized would enable a vendor to
`cognitively ascertain the nature of most common food type
`
`vending machines (as set forth above, 20 screens would
`
`allow an accurate representation of most machines).
`
`A
`
`further set of screens, for example a communications
`
`screen and a route screen, would allow access to the
`
`system.
`
`Preferably, a screen would be designed to be
`
`able to display the optimum number of pieces of
`
`information for the majority of all vending machines, with
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
`
`30
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`35
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`machines having lesser capabilities being presented in a
`
`modified form as previously set forth.
`
`For example,
`
`there
`
`are some very large pop/container vending machines which
`
`have nine column selections in a single row, each holding
`
`5
`
`approximately 75 cans. There are also pop/container type
`
`vending machines which have but three columns, each
`holding 25 cans.
`The basic screen program under these
`
`circumstances would be designed to have the capability of
`
`presenting the larger machine data. This would be the
`
`10
`
`default condition of the screen. However, upon entering
`
`of the smaller machine's type or capabilities,
`
`the screen
`
`would be automatically modified so as to present but the
`
`needed information (i.e., three columns with a 25 can
`
`15
`
`maximum capability instead of nine columns each having 75
`can capability of which only three are used and then only
`
`1/3 full). This usage allows a particular vendor to use a
`
`limited number of common screens, even one,
`
`to obtain all
`
`of the information which is necessary to understand the
`
`operating status of a vast number of vending machines,
`
`20
`
`each of which may be of a different type and each of which"
`
`may be manufactured by a different company.
`
`In addition to presenting the information to the
`operator visibly on a screen in a uniform manner,.the
`
`system is able to store data and generate common reports
`
`25
`
`for each machine, again totally independent of the exact
`
`nature and/or manufacture of any particular machine. This
`
`again is due to the use of the data acquisition unit to
`provide for common signal information for all machines.‘
`
`Due to this,
`the report information which can be developed
`can be supplier specific irrespective of the exact nature
`
`30
`
`of the goods.
`
`For example,
`
`the need for a given quantity
`
`of pop/containers, candy, and coffee for a given location
`
`can be printed out in the same list independent of the
`
`actual machines needing such inventory.
`
`For additional
`
`35
`
`example,
`
`the number and type of alarms in a wide
`
`geographic area could be printed out. Further example the
`
`specific inventory needs and optimal route assignments for
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`a particular vendor operator. Similarly as previously set
`
`forth, a single database can be used for all incoming
`
`information, such database amenable for manipulation by
`
`software in any manner desired by the operator. This
`
`5
`
`allows the use of value added services without the
`
`necessity of developing a unique program for each
`
`particular manufacturer's particular type of machine.
`
`Further, common summaries can be developed across the
`
`entire database by the operator.
`
`10
`
`It is preferred that the database have
`
`sufficient names and fields to handle information from the
`
`most complex vending machine in a given system. Due to
`
`the use of common signals for every vending machine,
`
`these
`
`fields would be automatically filled with data from the
`
`15
`
`system. Additional fields could include for example the
`
`type and nature of the specific vending machine, its
`
`physical location by street address, and physical
`
`placement,
`
`the communication standards for such machine
`
`including route,
`
`link name,
`
`identification and number,
`
`the,
`
`20
`
`nature and pricing of the varied items of inventory,
`
`the
`
`I
`
`various alarms available together with their triggering
`
`points (upper and/or lower), and importance (i.e.,
`automatic transmission on occurrence enablement),
`
`together
`
`with other programmed elements.
`
`25
`
`’
`
`It is preferred that the data processing, for
`
`example the graphic display on the screen and the
`
`processing software, be programmed to ignore non—active
`names and fields.
`For example for a three column pop
`
`4
`
`machine, a 49 inventory item capable system would
`preferably ignore the 46 empty fields in producing the
`
`30
`
`screen images and any reports for this machine.
`
`For
`
`additional example no compressor or temperature icon would
`
`be utilized for a dry snack machine.
`
`A separate database
`
`having information that can be called up by the identity
`
`35
`
`of a particular machine could be utilized to initially set
`
`up the data processing standards for that machine.
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`In all systems, it is possible that reports be
`
`generated and inventory replaced in multiple unit
`
`"container multiples (for example the archtypical 24 can
`
`pop box). This reduces odd lots while maximizing operator
`
`convenience.
`
`Turning now to FIGURE 14, a diagram of a typical
`
`user interface produced by the central computer system is
`shown.
`
`The central computer system provides a display
`
`of each vending machine being monitored (pop/container
`machine shown). With other types of vending machines
`
`(phone, snacks, cigarettes, etc.) it is preferred the
`
`display reflect the type of vending machine. Typically a
`
`limited number of universal displays will provide the
`
`required information as set forth previously.
`
`Indeed, due
`
`to the common signal content, a single screen could be
`
`utilized (preferably as set forth automatically adapted by
`
`available data so as to present only pertinent
`
`information).
`
`The display 450 disclosed includes various icons
`
`and images that are representative of the elements of
`
`vending machines. Preferably these icons have an
`
`appearance intuitively similar to the items that they
`represent
`(example later given). Due to the common
`
`elements in vending machines, a minimum number of icons
`
`need be utilized.
`
`The particular icons utilized can be
`
`automatically generated by software based on database
`
`information or can be separately entered.
`
`The particular display 450 disclosed includes a
`
`vending machine icon 452, which looks like the vending
`
`machine itself. This enables even the most unskilled
`operator to appreciate the status of that particular
`
`machine.
`
`The specific icon 452 discussed includes a
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`series of columns each having a column count box 456 that
`
`(35
`
`indicates the number of product in the column, as well as
`
`a bar graph 458, which visually indicates how the number
`
`of cans in the column compares to the length of the
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`column. Preferably,
`
`the number of columns and/or rows
`
`displayed for a given machine are equal
`
`in number to the
`
`actual number of columns and/or rows, with the bar graph
`
`at 100% when any particular column at the machine is full.
`
`5
`
`This type of presentation is easily developed from the
`
`generic type of machine,
`
`the number of columns, and/or the
`
`total maximum number of containers per column and/or as
`
`entered on initial set up of the computer.
`
`For example,
`
`in a pop/container machine,
`
`the selection of the
`
`10
`
`pop/container machine would initially develop a display
`having a default number of columns (and no rows) each with
`a certain default maximum number of containers.
`The
`
`entering of the actual number of columns and/or rows would
`
`alter the default display to the actual number of columns
`
`15
`
`and/or rows (for example from 12 columns down to 6
`
`columns).
`
`The entering of the actual number of maximum
`
`containers would likewise alter the default display
`
`respectively (for example from 75 down to 50).
`
`The bar
`
`graphs per item would remain at 100% until further manual
`
`20
`
`or automatic (i.e.,
`
`in use)
`
`input modified the number of
`
`cans per column. This use of defaults is preferred
`because it provides the operator with a usable (albeit not
`
`optimized) system with a minimum of inputs. Alternate
`
`schemes could be used including not presenting any columns
`
`25
`
`and/or rows and/or any number of containers until the
`
`proper data is available.
`
`In any event, it is preferred
`
`that the display be automatically generated from a single
`subroutine having variable inputs.
`It could also be
`
`developed automatically from a pre-installed database by
`
`30
`
`the entering of a specific make and model vending machine.
`
`With altering input of other generic types of
`
`machines, other initial displays will be developed,
`
`displays that could be different than a column type
`
`display.
`
`For example, a generic type snack machine might
`
`35
`
`have many options developed in an X by_Y column/row matrix
`(for example 7x7), with the display having 3d type bar
`
`protruding out of the screen in a step manner
`
`(number of
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`< snacks at the end of each bar) while a generic type
`
`cigarette machine might use only columns like the example
`
`pop/container machine.
`
`In addition,
`
`the displays could
`
`have either or both decreasing or increasing indicators.
`
`5
`
`As an example of the latter, a hotel might as a courtesy
`
`extend to a guest a credit of $50.00 worth of services or
`
`supplies on the guests room card key before room payment.
`
`As the guest bought pop or used the phone, this initial
`
`. 10
`
`$50.00 credit could appear as an increasing bar,
`indicating the total usage.
`The charges could also be
`
`billed directly to the room (possibly subject to an upper
`
`limit).
`
`In addition,
`
`in this case, warning indicators
`
`might appear at the top of the bar not bottom.
`
`Thus the
`
`displays, although of a few generic types, might differ in
`
`15
`
`actual presentation.
`
`In general, columns are preferred subject to
`screen resolution limitations.
`
`V
`
`Note that historical type information can be
`
`presented in the display.