peT
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`WO 95/05609
`
`WORLD INTEUEcruAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 6 :
`G01R 27/14
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`A2
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`23 February 1995 (23.02.95)
`
`•
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCTIUS94/09126
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`17 August 1994 (17.08.94)
`
`(81) Designated States: AU, BR, CA, CN, Cz, ES, Pi GE, HU, JP,
`KP, KR, NO, NZ, PL, RO, RU, SI, VN, European patent
`(AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC,
`NL, PT, SE).
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`08/108,815
`
`18 August 1993 (18.08.93)
`
`US Published
`Without international search report and to be republished
`upon receipt of that report.
`
`(71) Applicant: REAL TIME DATA [USIUS]; 1756 114th Avenue
`S.E. #255, Bellevue, W A 98004 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors: ELDREDGE, Christopher; 22242 N.E. 31st, Red(cid:173)
`mond, WA 98053 (US). HERN, Steven; 16113 70th N.E.,
`Bothell, WA 98011 (US). ROBINSON, Ian; 5835 South
`Fish. Freeland, WA 98249 (US).
`
`(74) Agent: LIGHfBODY, William; 2121 East Ohio Building, 1717
`East Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44114 (US).
`
`(54) Title: SYSTEM FOR MONITORING REMOTE VENDING MACHINES
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`A system for remotely monitoring a plurality of vending machines
`from a central computer. The system includes a sensing and communica(cid:173)
`tion circuit that monitors the operation of the vending machine, translates
`the monitored operation into a common signal form whatever the ma(cid:173)
`chine, and transmits data packets including pertinent information back to
`the central computer. The sensing and communication circuit includes a
`plurality of sensors disposed throughout the vending machine. A micro(cid:173)
`processor 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. Information regarding the operation of the vending ma(cid:173)
`chines is displayed in a graphical format or printed in reports to allow
`a user to quickly determine the status of a remote vending machine.
`Further the data on the machines can be historically processed so as to
`provide status over time information.
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`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international
`applications under the PCT.
`
`AT
`AU
`BB
`BE
`BF
`BG
`BJ
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CD
`CI
`CM
`CN
`CS
`CZ
`DE
`DK
`ES
`FI
`FR
`GA
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`Austria
`Australia
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgari4
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
`Central African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`COte d'lvoire
`Cameroon
`China
`Czechoslovakia
`Czech Republic
`Germany
`DelllllArk
`Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
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`GB
`GE
`GN
`GR
`HU
`m
`IT
`JP
`KE
`KG
`KP
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`KR
`KZ
`LI
`LK
`LU
`LV
`MC
`MD
`MG
`ML
`MN
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`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgystan
`Democratic People's Republic
`of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakhstan
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Luxembourg
`Latvia
`Monaco
`Republic of Moldova
`Madagascar
`Mali
`Mongolia
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`Mauritania
`MR
`MW Malawi
`Niger
`NE
`NL
`Netherlands
`Norway
`NO
`NZ
`New Zealand
`PL
`Poland
`PT
`POl1Ugai
`Romania
`RO
`Russiari Federation
`RU
`SD
`Sudan
`SE
`Sweden
`Slovenia
`SI
`SK
`Slovakia
`SN
`Senegal
`TD
`Chad
`TG
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`TJ
`Trinidad and Tobago
`TT
`Ukraine
`UA
`United States of America
`US
`UZ
`Uzbekistan
`VietNam
`VN
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`W095/05609
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`PCTIUS94/09126
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`SYSTEM FOR MONITORING REMOTE VENDING MACHINES
`
`1
`
`Technical Field
`The present invention relates to communications
`systems in general and, in particular, to systems for
`monitoring the operation of one or more remote vending
`machines and transmitting data from the remote vending
`machines to a central computer system.
`
`Background Art
`This application is a continuation in part of
`Application u.s. Serial No. 08/108,815 filed August 18,
`1993, System For Monitoring Remote Vending Machines.
`Vending machines, once provided by bottlers or
`shopkeepers solely as a secondary source of advertising or
`as a convenience to customers, are now viewed as
`significant sources of income. However, in order to
`operate a series of vending machines at a profit, an
`efficient system must be provided for adequately insuring
`security, "maintaining, filling and removing money
`collected at the machines. Typically, a route of a number
`of vending machines employs service technicians who
`restock the machines, empty money and perform minor
`repairs on-site. These technicians often have a schedule
`to visit each vending machine at a predetermined time
`interval. The particular time interval used is often
`based on prior experience concerning when the machine" will
`need refilling or when the change box will become full.
`If the service visits are too infrequent, the machine 'can
`remain empty for a period of time, thereby missing sales
`opportunities. Alternatively, if the service visits are
`too frequent, then the service technician's services are
`not being efficiently used. Also, visits are typically
`scheduled over a route of machines grouped together by
`geography no matter a particular machine's service needs.
`In order to help vending machine operators
`become more efficient, prior systems for monitoring remote
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`2
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`vending machines have been proposed. For example, Sedam
`u.s. Patent 4,412,292 discloses a system that monitors the
`status of a vending machine and transmits data to a
`central computer via a dedicated phone line. Cedrone u.s.
`Patent 4,766,548 discloses a system for monitoring the
`operation of a machine and periodically reporting data
`from the machine to a central computer via a non-dedicated
`telephone line.
`While such prior art systems have been available
`for several years, they have not achieved widespread use
`in the marketplace. One reason for this is that these
`systems require each remote vending machine to be
`connected to its own telephone line. Providing each
`vending machine with a telephone line presents numerous
`problems including the fact that the telephone company
`must be called to install a line for each machine. The
`telephone line extending from the machine is subject to
`vandalism or unauthorized use and the fact that once a
`vending machine is coupled to a telephone line, it is
`inconvenient to move the machine to another location.
`An alternative communications system between a
`vending machine and central computer is disclosed in
`Jackson U.S. Patent 5,142,694.
`Jackson discloses a system
`whereby a dedicated, special purpose radio communication
`system is used to transmit information from the remote
`vending machines to the central computer. The problem
`with this type of radio frequency communication system is
`that a vending machine operator must purchase specific
`radio communications equipment for which the operator may
`not have the skill or support staff to maintain. Also,
`the operator may have to lease space throughout a given
`geographic area at which to place numerous radio
`transceivers or repeaters. Finally, such a radio
`communication system occupies space on the radio frequency
`spectrum that may be prohibitively expensive to purchase
`or utilize.
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`In addition to the above, most vending machine
`manufacturers have proprietary wiring and internal
`communication systems within their vending machines,
`wiring and communication systems which may even vary
`between successive machines of the same model type. This
`presents problems for any monitoring of the operation of
`remote vending machines by typically requiring a system to
`be useable with only a single type of machine. This
`necessitates a uniquely designed and built monitoring and
`communication system for each type of machine. The
`uniqueness of individual machines also presents problems
`in developing correct monitoring system reports due to the
`difference between the information available machine to
`machine.
`
`In light of the problems with the prior art
`systems for monitoring and communicating with a remote
`vending machine, there is a need for a new type of vending
`machine monitoring system. The system should not require
`a dedicated telephone line to be connected to each vending
`machine or the use of specialized radio frequency
`communication equipment. The system should allow the
`owner or operator of one or more vending machines to
`automatically keep count of the product delivered by the
`machine, the money collected, maintenance problems, and/or
`alarm conditions experienced at a remote vending machine.
`The information should be presented to an operator in an
`intuitive fashion, thereby allowing the user to readily
`determine the status of a remotely located vending
`machine. The information should be retained and/or
`organized so as to communicate meaningful data about the
`user's business, and then be summarized in reports on
`conditions.
`In addition, the information should be presented
`to the operator in a common way for all vending machines
`so as to allow the operator to more easily comprehend and
`act on such information.
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`4
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`Disclosure Of Invention
`The present invention is a system for monitoring
`the operation of a remotely located vending machine. A
`plurality of sensors are disposed in the vending machine
`to sense the operation of the machine, as well as machine
`malfunctions. Preferably these sensors are tied in
`directly but not invasively to the machines wiring
`harness. The sensors are coupled to a microprocessor
`circuit, which reads the set of output signals produced by
`the sensors. The microprocessor creates data packets that
`are indicative of the output signals to be transmitted to
`a central computer system. The data packets of many units
`may be combined for unitary transmission. A modem is used
`to transmit the data packets to the central computer
`system over a network. The data packets are received by a
`second modem coupled to the central computer system and
`the information regarding the output signals of the
`sensors are stored in a database.
`~he central computer displays the information
`received from the vending machine in alternate formats,
`including graphically so that a user is able to easily
`determine the operating condition of the vending machine.
`In addition, the central computer is optionally able to
`transmit data packets to the remote vending machine in
`order to read the memory of the microprocessor in the
`vending machine, rewrite the memory of the microprocessor,
`set operating conditions of the vending machine that
`constitute an alarm condition, and define what alarm
`conditions are critical.
`The central computer optionally can also
`transmit data to the remote vending machine that sets a
`password for a service technician to be entered upon
`servicing the vending machine as well as transmitting
`message data to be read by the service technician during a
`service call. The present invention may also include a
`handheld data entry terminal that is used by a service
`technician to inform the microprocessor of the amount of
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`5
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`product added, the money removed from the machine, the
`amount of change left in the change counter, etc. if the
`system utilizes such at the machines location. The
`handheld terminal can communicate with the microprocessor
`using an infrared optical link or through a lead, which is
`attachable to a serial plug in the vending machine. The
`data is retained and can be manipulated in the central
`computer so as to enable the operator to utilize the data
`meaningfully over time on a comprehensive basis.
`
`Brief Description Of The Drawings
`The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant
`advantages of items in the invention will become more
`readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood
`by reference to the following detailed description, when
`taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
`wherein:
`
`FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a system for
`remotely monitoring a plurality of vending machines
`according to the present invention;
`FIGURE 2 is a representational block diagram of
`the system for monitoring a plurality of vending machines
`as shown in figure 1;
`FIGURE 3 is a representational block diagram of
`a tap in adaptor assembly for use in adapting individual
`unique machines to the sensing and communication circuit
`of the present invention;
`FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of a sensing and
`communication circuit according to the present invention
`that is disposed in a remote vending machine;
`FIGURE 5 is a state diagram showing the
`operation of the sensing and communication circuit
`disposed in a remote vending machine;
`FIGURE 6 is a flow chart showing the operation
`of the sensing and communication circuit in a control
`mode;
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`6
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`FIGURE 7 is a flow chart showing the operation
`of the sensing and communication circuit in a
`communications mode;
`FIGURE 8 is a flow chart showing the operation
`of the sensing and communication circuit in a service
`mode;
`
`FIGURE 9 is a flow chart showing operation of
`the sensing and communication circuit in an analyze mode;
`FIGURE 10 is a flow chart showing the operation
`of the sensing and communication circuit in an alarm mode;
`FIGURE 11 is a diagram showing the structure of
`a data packet transmitted between a remote vending machine
`and a central computer system;
`FIGURE 12 shows a handheld data entry terminal
`that is used to enter data directly to the sensing and
`communication circuit shown in FIGURE 4;
`FIGURE 13 is a block diagram of the handheld
`data entry terminal;
`FIGURE 14 shows a graphical representation of a
`remote vending machine that is produced by the central
`computer system; and,
`FIGURE 15 shows a graphical representation of a
`route of remote vending machines that are monitored by the
`present invention.
`
`Modes For carrying Out The Invention
`FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a system 10. for
`remotely monitoring a plurality of vending machines
`according to the present invention. The system 10
`monitors the operation of a plurality of remote vending
`machines 11, 12, 13, 14 and transmits data indicative of
`the operation of the vending machines to a central
`computer system 15. Each vending machine is equipped with
`a plurality of sensors (not shown) that monitor the
`operation of the machine to determine the amount of
`product dispensed, whether there has been any unauthorized
`entry, if there has been power failure, as well as other
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`7
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`operating conditions as will be described in further
`detail below. The sensors may be directly tapped into the
`wiring harness or otherwise present. Each vending machine
`further includes a modem (not shown) that is used to
`transmit data to the central computer system 15 over a
`link 16 that is provided by a network.
`As will be further described below, each vending
`machine is equipped with a sensing and communication
`circuit that reads the data from a plurality of sensors
`and transmits one or more data packets to the central
`computer 15. The central computer 15 includes a suitable
`modem, which is coupled to the network in order to receive
`the data packets. The central computer system includes a
`database system 17 that stores the information received
`from each remote vending machine as well as produces
`written reports. The central computer 15 can read from
`the database to inform a user of the operating status of
`any vending machine that is or was in contact with the
`central computer.
`Although the present invention is described with
`respect to vending machines and in particular to soft
`drink dispensing machines, those skilled in the art will
`realize that the present invention can be used with other
`types of vending machine, such as cigarette and candy
`machines, telephones, copiers, as well as numerous other
`types of machines where it is desirable to remotely
`monitor the operation of the machine.
`FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of an example
`electronic system for remotely monitoring a plurality of
`vending machines according to the present invention.
`The invention begins with the vending machines.
`The vending machines are devices which provide the
`consumer with goods and/or services dependent upon receipt
`of some kind of payment. Most goods type vending machines
`are similar in that they typically contain an inventory of
`a variety of items for acquisition by the consumer. Each
`of these items is individually present in a certain
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`8
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`quantity, with payment for varying items typically being
`different for different types of goods and/or services.
`The vending machines also typically contain a coin slot or
`dollar bill receptor and occasionally a credit card or
`other identifying card for consumer payment for the goods
`and/or services. Some vending machines further contain
`some sort of temperature altering means such as a
`refrigerator cooling mechanism or a heating/cooling
`system.
`In addition to the above, vending machines
`typically have some sort of secure method for allowing
`service personnel to physically open the vending machine
`box in order to replenish the inventory and otherwise
`maintain the machine. Typical vending machines thus have
`a great deal in common with each other no matter what the
`particular goods or services they may be providing and no
`matter whom the manufacturer.
`In spite of the above commonality, the actual
`physical mechanical and electrical parts of each vending
`machine vary dramatically between types of vending
`machines and also vary between the many individual
`manufacturers of such vending machines. Further, it is
`not uncommon for even a set type of a particular ,vending
`machine manufactured by a single company to have differing
`internal components, albeit a more subtle difference than
`the ones previously set forth.
`In order to compensate for these vast electrical
`and me,chanical differences between vending machines, the
`present invention uses data acquisition units 20 so as to
`inte~connect varying types of vending machines to a single
`universal system while also providing a relatively uniform
`signal content, this recognizes the common elements of
`virtually all vending machines. The data acquisition
`units 20 themselves can be hard wired into location,
`otherwise connected and/or it may be a system designed to
`interconnect partially or totally directly with the
`manufacturers wiring harness in the vending machines.
`This latter is preferred. It may differ between machines
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`9
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`and/or contain custom electronics and/or smart chip type
`programming individualized for a given machine or
`otherwise differing locations within the remote monitoring
`system.
`Its various functions can also be separated and
`located at differing places across the remote monitoring
`system.
`In any instance, the purpose of the data.
`acquisition unit is to provide for a single type of output
`with a relatively constant signal format no matter what
`the particular vending machine may be. The data
`acquisition unit thus provides a common type of signal for
`representing or indicating the available inventory of any
`particular item, the operational parameters of the
`machine, and other operational elements present in most
`vending machines. By reducing the varying nature of the
`elements of the vending machines no matter what the
`manufacture to common elements at the vending machine, the
`remainder of the system 10 can be the substantially the
`same for any installation, this even though the system may
`be utilized with many differing types of ven~ing machines.
`An example data acquisition unit system is shown
`in figure 3.
`In this figure, the example vending machine
`has a wiring harness containing three connectors 22, 23,
`24. This recognizes the varying systems that may exist in
`any particular vending machine. Connector 22 of these
`particular connectors is matrix coded in order to provide
`a multiplicity of functions far in excess of the number of
`wires (matrix coding is fairly typical) (see for example
`Giacomo u.s. Patent 4,598,378). The nature and operation
`of these wires and their functioning are familiar to any
`one skilled in the art.
`The particular data acquisition unit 20 shown in
`FIGURE 3 has some forty inputs (12 for row information, 12
`for column information, 8 for alarm, and 8 for other
`information like signal duration). The alarm inputs may
`be set for automatic immediate or delayed transmission.
`The particular data acquisition unit 20 shown is a
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`universal data acquisition unit for interconnection to
`many differing type of systems. It thus has a number of
`inputs which allows interconnection to most types of
`vending machines (in the example shown 40 contacts in
`number) even though for a given machine not all contacts
`might be utilized. with this number of incoming matrix
`contacts, the data acquisition unit 20 can output a common
`signal representative of 144 vending choices in addition
`
`to any other operational element sensors to the later
`described remote link unit 30. Note that it is not
`necessary for the decoding or processing of signals,
`matrix or otherwise, to occur at the data acquisition unit
`20.
`In specific, the data acquisition unit 2~ could as
`shown in FIGURE 3 merely record the signal content on the
`various wires and/or sensors in the vending machine,
`signal content including the occurrence of simultaneous
`events. This signal content could then be passed over the
`later described network with a computer at the remote
`monitoring locatio~ utilizing a specific sub-routine to
`decode and utilize the signal content. While this would
`increase the complexity of the software at the computer,
`it could lower the cost of the data acquisition unit 20.
`In the event of this type of splitting of the functions of
`the data acquisition unit 20, the common signal output
`would preferably be a specific number of possible data
`information signals (for example 40 for all machines in a
`system) together with a simUltaneous occurrence coding for
`at least some of such signals. By decoding the common
`signal at the later described computer 15, the length of
`the common signal is reduced relative to a decoded signal.
`If desired, the date acquisition unit 20 could decode the
`signal content of the inputs to reflect the actual
`information thereon. The output would still be in a
`common signal form, albeit decoded. It is preferred that
`no matter what the common signal form is, any information
`that has not changed between transmissions should be
`ignored. This could be accomplished by the transmission
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`11
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`of a short no-data code for such inputs, an end data code
`at the end of a row after the last active vend cycle in
`that row, or otherwise. This reduces the length of the
`common signal for a particular machine to that necessary
`to accurately reflect the status of that particular
`machine. For example in a three column machine, 141 of
`the described matrix coded vend indicators are irrelevant.
`They can thus be omitted for this particular machine
`without compromise to the overall system. This processing
`preferably occurs at the later described remote link-unit
`30.
`
`Preferably the common signals are converted into
`serial form by the data acquisition unit 20.
`The contacts of the data acquisition unit 20
`shown are interconnected to the connectors 22, 23, 24 in
`the vending machine through a custom made tap cable
`assembly 25. This assembly 25 would be custom made for
`each basic type of vending machine so as to allow easy
`plug in type interconnection to the various vending
`machines. Thus for a multiplicity of machines a single
`data acquisition unit could be utilized merely by changing
`the tap cable assembly. The tap cable assembly shown
`would preferably be connected to the machine recognizing
`the nature of the data acquisition unit 20.
`In the
`example shown, row signals to row inputs, column signals
`to column inputs, etc. This provides for a common output
`for all machines.
`The data acquisition unit 20 itself converts the
`specific signals on the wiring harness 22, 23, 24 into a
`common type of output signals for use with a later system.
`Note that in addition to the electrical and mechanical
`parts already in the vending machine, additional sensors
`may be provided, which sensors were not included in the
`original vending machine. Examples of this would be a
`compressor status sensor, temperature, door switch sensor,
`and a display malfunction sensor. These sensors would be
`provided by the remote sensing company, and individually
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`run 27 into the system. This can be directly (as in
`respect to machine 13) or indirectly through the data
`acquisition unit 20 (as shown in respect to machine 14).
`This latter is preferred in that it reduces the number of
`wires interconnecting with the later described universal
`bus. certain sensors could be located on the data
`acquisition unit's circuit board so as to minimize the
`necessity of individual placement thereof. An example of
`this would be use of a photo electric eye sensor for door
`opening instead of a direct door sensor.
`The output signals from the data acquisition
`unit 20 may include vend events typically identified by
`row and column to the later described remote link unit 30.
`This is typically an intermittent signal. The data
`acquisition unit 20 also provides information relative to
`the other operational elements of the vending machine.
`Examples include temperature, compressor status, change
`out, intrusion alarm, and other parameters. These
`typically are on/off steady state or longer length
`signals.
`In the preferred embodiment shown, these latter
`are fed into special alarm inputs on the data acquisition
`unit 20, thus recognizing their special status.
`In the preferred embodiment disclosed, the
`common communication standard includes utilizing the same
`signal content for every vending machine no matter what
`its type, preferably a standard based on the most complex
`machine typical to a particular vending operator. For
`example, for each machine, the information could contain
`location identification code, machine identification code,
`inventory by row and column (for example 12x12), entry
`status, compressor status, temperature status, coin
`changer status, power status, and unit link status. This
`would be true even if a specific particular machine had
`lesser capabilities, for example, no rows, three columns,
`and no compressor, temperature, or coin changer status
`sensors. Programming, a specific no signal bit, and/or
`lack of signal content would inform the later described
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`computer of the particular machines actual capabilities.
`Again, the decoding and/or processing of the signals could
`occur at a differing location.
`In the preferred
`embodiment shown, the decoding occurs at the later
`described computer.
`The amount of inventory, especially for certain
`vendors where it is difficult to physically determine,
`would preferably be updated indirectly based on some
`indirect parameter, for example based on the number of
`coffee cups or snacks of a particular type dispensed
`(i.e., vend events). While approximate, this would avoid
`the necessity of direct measurement via a separate sensor.
`This inventory can be maintained at the vending machine or
`at the remote monitoring location as later set forth. The
`latter is preferred.
`Note also that although this matrix data
`acquisition unit 20 is shown by way of example, other data
`acquisition units could be utilized.
`Indeed a given
`system might produce the common signal content with a
`variety of data acquisition units. This might include the
`set forth matrix coded unit 20 of figure 3, a universal
`column only unit, and/or specifically designed unique
`machine specific units. For further example, an
`individual hard-wired data acquisition unit could be
`provided by reverse engineering the signals on the cables,
`for example 22, 23, 24, so as to have the data acquisition
`unit 20 detect the respective operations of the various
`parts of the machine and to provide a signal indicative of
`these conditions in a common form on the universal bus 21.
`Appropriate diodes, transistors, smart chip PROM based
`devices, and/or integrated circuits could be utilized in
`the data acquisition units. This latter technique would
`be particularly appropriate under circumstances where a
`given manufacturer utilizes a common wiring technique in
`many given machines across its product line or where
`In
`certain machines follow certain universal techniques.
`addition as previously set forth, the mere existence of
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`signals could be passed along the universal bus with the
`intelligent decoding and utilization of such signals
`occurring at a differing location, for example the later
`described remote link unit 30 or computer 16. Although
`much more time consuming, during installation the data
`acquisition unit 20 could also be hard wired directly to
`the various sensed components in the particular vending
`machine, such connections preferably being made in the
`same manner no matter what the type or manufacture of the
`vending machine.
`The universal bus 21 interconnects the data
`acquisition units to the remote link unit 30. The nature
`of the bus 21 is not important. The bus could be over the
`power lines (as with an X-I0 bus), short range radio, hard
`wired, or otherwise. While technically nothing prevents
`this bus 21 from being a parallel bus, due to present
`communications technology serial communication across the
`later described network is preferreq. For this reason at
`someplace in the system it is preferred that the signals
`representative of vending machine conditions be present in
`serial form.
`In the embodiment shown and described this
`conversion occurs at the location of the data acquisition
`unit 20, either integral or closely associated therewith.
`This simplifi