Vending machine audit monitoring system with matrix interface

Abstract

An audit monitoring system (10) is provided for use with any of a multiplicity of different coin operated vending machines (300). The audit monitoring system includes an interface assembly (102) for use in replacing an existing data link (330) within vending machine (300) and interfacing with row and column conductors (306) of vending machine (300). The interface assembly (102) is coupled to an audit monitoring assembly (100) which interprets the communications transferred between a controller (310), coin changer (322), bill validator (324), and motor matrix (304) of vending machine (300). Audit monitoring assembly (100) is powered from a power supply (302) of vending machine (300) and includes interface circuitry (110, 120, 130, 180, 190) for receipt of digital logic level signals, serial data or relay logic signals from vending machine (300). Additionally, the data retrieval terminal (20) may be removably coupled to the audit monitoring assembly (100) through either a hard wired coupling (254) through a serial interface (250) or alternately by means of infrared optical signals (12, 22) through an infrared interface circuit (260).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention directs itself to audit monitoring systems for use with coin operated vending machines. In particular, this invention directs itself to an audit monitoring system having an interface assembly for retrofit coupling with existing vending systems of various types and manufacture. Still further, this invention directs itself to an audit monitoring system having a microprocessor controlled audit monitoring assembly coupled to an interface assembly, both being installed in an existing coin operated vending system for monitoring control signals between the vending machine's controller and its funds receiving and dispensing equipment. More in particular, this invention pertains to a microprocessor controlled audit monitoring system wherein predetermined parameters utilized for interpreting transaction data for the coin operated vending machine is output from the system's memory responsive to an identification code input t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such systems do not provide any means for retrofit application to existing coin operated vending systems.

Further, such systems do not provide any means for utilizing identification codes for signifying a particular type of machine, and utilizing appropriate signal interpreting parameters in conjunction with such codes.

However, such systems do not provide for retrofit to a multiplicity of different types of machines, made by different manufacturers.

Nor, do such systems include any means for interface with a vending machine's controller and coin accepting devices.

Such audit systems are incorporated into the vending equipment at the time of manufacture, and are not capable of retrofit into any of a plurality of existing vending machines.

Thus, any circuit failure or malfunction will interrupt the operation of the vending machine.

Typically, such prior art systems are incorporated into the coin changer, and therefore can only be retrofit into like systems.

Those types of systems are found in older “single price machines” and cannot be retrofit into multi-price or modern single price machines.

Where these systems are integrated into a separate vending machine controller, they still are limited to control of a single type of machine and are not designed for retrofit installation.

While these systems may incorporate some feedback device for indicating that a vend has taken place, such do not provide means for detecting which of the vend producing devices was energized by monitoring the control signals being output.

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