Data collection system
First Claim
1. A data collection system for a machine which generates data relating to its operation, the system comprising data collection means having a removable data storage module into which the collection means is operable to load said operation data, characterised in that the collection means is further operable to check that the data has been correctly loaded into the module, and, if so, to store in the module a predetermined indication code, which after removal of the module from the collection means can be recognised and thereby used as an indication that a successful operation data transfer has taken place.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for collecting data from machines is particularly but not exclusively, suited for use as a vending machine audit system, and, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an audit controller which records transaction data relating to the operation of the machine and periodically is caused to transfer the data into a data storage module in the form of a non-volatile memory. The module can be removed and inserted into a down-loading machine at a central location which extracts the data and uses it to provide a transaction record.
The audit controller stores in the module a predetermined indication code only after first checking that the transaction data has been correctly stored in the module. The indication code signifies to the down-loading machine that the data was correctly transferred to the module. There is thus no need to lock the module into the controller during data transfer, because removal of the module during data transfer will not result in the production of an incorrect transaction record.
Transfer of data to the module takes place only if the module stores an appropriate security code. If the customer forgets his own security code, access to the data is permitted by storing in the module a "skeleton" code known to the manufacturer.
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Citations
30 Claims
- 1. A data collection system for a machine which generates data relating to its operation, the system comprising data collection means having a removable data storage module into which the collection means is operable to load said operation data, characterised in that the collection means is further operable to check that the data has been correctly loaded into the module, and, if so, to store in the module a predetermined indication code, which after removal of the module from the collection means can be recognised and thereby used as an indication that a successful operation data transfer has taken place.
- 19. A data collection system for a machine which generates data relating to its operation, the system comprising data collection means having a removable data storage module into which the collection means is selectively operable to load said operation data, the module storing a security code and the collection means being operable to perform a security code recognition operation on the module to determine whether the stored security code is appropriate to authorize loading of operation data, wherein the collection means is operable to determine as appropriate a first security code which is peculiar to that collection means, and a second security code which is common to that collection means and other collection means.
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30. A data collection system for a machine which generates data relating to its operation, the system comprising data collection means having a removable data storage module into which the collection means is selectively operable to load said operation data, the module storing a security mode and the collection means being operable to perform a security code recognition operation on the module to determine whether the stored security code is appropriate to authorize loading of operation data, wherein the collection means is operable to determine as appropriate a first security code which is peculiar to a particular group of collection means, and a second security code which is common to the particular group of collection means and to collection means outside said group.
Specification