Boots – shoes – and leggings
Patent
1996-11-21
1998-12-01
Gordon, Paul P.
Boots, shoes, and leggings
36447911, 36447912, 3644702, 379 32, 379 52, 379 9331, 37910025, 37910606, G06F 1700
Patent
active
058448080
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is directed to subject matter that is related to the subject matter of International Application No. PCT/NO95/00060, filed Mar. 30, 1995, priority to which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention concerns measures and actions in a sophisticated information system in which two-way communication is employed between local units and a host computer in a control and information processing center. The invention particularly concerns a method for monitoring a distributed system for supplying goods or services and for generating messages concerning the state of the system and the supplied goods or services, wherein the system comprises a plurality of local units for supplying goods and services, particularly vending machines, wherein each local unit comprises sensors for detection of specified events in the local unit, wherein each local unit comprises a microcontroller with a memory, and wherein each microcontroller is connected to the sensors and via a communication system with a host computer in a control center. The invention also concerns a method for recording signals from an electronic coin unit in a local unit, particularly a vending machine. The invention further concerns a method for recording and generating alarm messages in the event of an unauthorized intrusion in a local unit, particularly a vending machine. In addition the invention concerns a method for filling/refilling of commodities in a vending machine. Finally the invention also concerns a device in a local unit, particularly a vending machine, in a distributed system for for goods and services, wherein the distributed system is monitored and messages generated concerning the state of the system and the supplied goods and services by means of the method, wherein the vending machine comprises a number of sensors for detection of specified events in the vending machine, together with an electronic coin unit and a microcontroller with a memory, wherein the microcontroller is connected to the sensors and the coin unit, wherein a method is used in recording signals from the electronic coin unit, and wherein the microcontroller via a communication system is connected with a host computer in a control center.
2. Description of Related Art
It is known in the prior art to link a system of local units for supplying goods or services to a central computer via a communication system in order to monitor the local units and transfer data concerning their state to the central computer. Such a system is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,292, where a system is disclosed for remote monitoring of a vending machine in order to automatically report the states of the vending machines to a central computer. Each vending machine is provided with a microprocessor which monitors and stores data which are generated in the vending machine and transfers the data, for example over a telephone line, to the central computer, either in real time or at routine call times. The decentralized logic between the vending machine's microprocessors and the central computer is implemented in order to provide different alarm functions as well as to provide a stock check and efficient route planning for supply and maintenance of the vending machines. One drawback of this known system is the use of a telephone line for communication, since it requires a dedicated telephone line and this represents increased operational costs as well as installation problems. Moreover, this known system is supplied with a high voltage interface with the vending machine's control circuits and this also contributes to an increase in the costs for the system.
Furthermore from U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,548, there is known a microprocessor-controlled system for monitoring, storing and periodically reporting data concerning the commercial operation of vending machines, particularly a vending machine for soft drinks, to a central computer for collecting and monitoring data. According
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Konsmo .O slashed.ystein
Staff Finn
Gordon Paul P.
Marc McDieunel
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