Importance

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Abstract

There is provided an apparatus and method for monitoring inventory in a plurality of coin-operated vending machines. A bar code scanner is used to log inventory into a memory within each vending machine. As merchandise is dispensed, transaction records including the date and time of sale are generated and stored within each vending machine. Denominations of currency tendered by a buyer for each transaction are also stored. At a predetermined time under the control of a processor in cooperation with a real-time calendar-clock within each vending machine, stored information about each vending transaction is transmitted via a cellular telephone interface and modem to a central computer where a statistical analysis of sales for a single vending machine or for predetermined groups of vending machines may be performed. Calls are times such that no two vending machines are attempting to communicate with the central computer at the same time. Consequently, a single cellular telephone number may be used by all vending machines. Inventory status and change remaining in a vending machine may also be communicated to the central computer.

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First Claim