WO2015015232A1

WO2015015232A1 - Mounting device for remote control and management of vending machines and entertainment devices using the gsm network which supports payment system by sending sms message

Info

Publication number: WO2015015232A1
Application number: PCT/HR2014/000030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zeno Štok
Original assignee: Eluxio D.O.O.
Priority date: 2013-07-30
Filing date: 2014-07-29
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: HRPK20130714B3; HRP20130714A2

Abstract

The mountable electronic module for the remote monitoring and control of the vending and entertainment machines, which supports the payment of the same machines via SMS, enables the remote monitoring of the vending machine status, irrespective of the manufacturer, type and model of the vending machine, as well as the type and model of the coin acceptor as used in the real time. An additional functionality of the module enables electronic payment of the vending machine service by means of SMS messages. The use of the GSM network enables the remote monitoring and control of the vending machine without any additional communication infrastructure. In case of the GSM network loss, all the collected data are stored in the internal memory of the module as long as the connection with the server is not established. By the analysis of the collected data, checking of the current amount of money collected on the vending machine, the time histogram of the collection of money, detections of mechanical failure on the vending machine, detection of filled-up state of a safe with paper money are carried out. The module also enables centralized updating of the vending machine and thereby the solution of problems (bugs) from one place, as well as the collection of relevant data on the frequency of a certain location, which enables high-quality business decisions.

Description

MOUNTING DEVICE FOR REMOTE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF VENDING MACHINES AND ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES USING THE GSM NETWORK WHICH SUPPORTS PAYMENT SYSTEM BY SENDING SMS MESSAGE

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Field to Which the Invention Relates

This invention relates to an mountable electronic module (hereinafter: "module") which enables remote control of vending and entertainment machines (hereinafter: "vending machine"), and that, by collecting information on the events related to the operation of the vending machine itself (e.g. information on the money insertion, payouts, error information, machine maintenance, turning on or turning off the machine, operative analysis, collection of operation data and the like), as well as enables the activation of the vending machine based on the payment by SMS messages sent from mobile phones.

Furthermore, this invention enables central updating of the vending machine from one place, whereas a movement sensor implemented in the module enables the collection of data on the frequency of a certain location.

This invention is applied in the manner that the module is to be mounted in a new or already existing vending machine, irrespective of the manufacturer, type and model of the vending machine itself, and irrespective of the manufacturer, type and model of a coin acceptor.

Technical Problem

A technical solution enabling a subsequently mountable module which exercises the remote control of a vending machine via GSM network has not been carried out so far. Owing to the afore mentioned, the owner of a vending machine does not have information on the actual state of the machine in the real time, nor the information on the quantity of the money as collected without the use of additional infrastructure.

Furthermore, in case of the vending machine malfunction or in case where it is empty (e.g. without coffee), without a remote control the owner is not aware of the fact that the machine is out of communication, and that it does not generate revenue.

For that reason, the owner does not have control in the real time over the revenue from a particular vending machine he does not have information on the status of the machine itself and possible mechanical failure.

Apart from the mentioned problems of insufficient control as well as absence of business information and analysis of vending machine revenues, and taking into consideration the increasing popularity of the various types of electronic payment of services, the need for electronic payment of products and services offered by a vending machine surfaced. For that purpose, several different methods may be used, and payment via SMS offers itself as the most suitable one.

Also, a technical solution which enables automatic updating of the vending machine software from one place has not been carried out thus far. Since the potential errors (bugs) in the vending machine software may cause faulty operation of the vending machine, or may make the vending machine completely unusable, a quick updating of the repaired software version shortens the duration of the mechanical failure of the vending machine, diminishing therewith operating losses which occur when the vending machine is not in function. Also, this invention enables considerable savings in resources and time required for the vending machine software updating, because physical access to each and every vending machine is not necessary, due to central updating as carried out from one place.

Furthermore, a technical solution enabling collection of data on the frequency of a certain location (e.g. how many people pass by the vending machine, which part of the day is the most frequented one, and which is the less frequented one, how many people stop by the vending machine...) has not yet been carried out. This invention enables, through a movement sensor, implemented in the module, the collection of relevant statistical data, on the basis of which better business decisions are to be made.

State-of-the-Art

Currently known vending machines do not have electronic money counters with the remote control via a public GSM network. A vending machine enabling electronic service payment via a GSM network is not known either. This means that a person periodically collecting money from vending machines does not have any information on the amount of money in a particular vending machine, without physically reading these data from the machine itself. There are coin acceptors used in vending machines which have a possibility of counting coins and paper money, but that information may not be used automatically in the control system of the vending machine and it is not available telemetrically, but only by the reading itself on the spot. All the embodiments of the money counter, as well as the payment of money rewards are mainly carried out as mechanical or electromechanical counters, and they are subject to manipulations with regard to the reading itself of the data indicated on them, and do not support networking in the control system for the remote control of one or more equal or different machines.

Also, currently known vending machines do not have a possibility of remote signalization of a mechanical failure to the owner, in order for it to be remedied in the shortest possible time. A coin acceptor enabling the payment of a service via SMS messages is not known thus far.

Furthermore, a vending machine which has a possibility of central software updating and which enables the collection of statistical data on the frequency of a certain location is not known either. Neither is known a module which may be mounted in any vending machine, irrespective of the model, manufacturer and the year of production, and irrespective of the mobile operator and communication protocols (also supporting impulse protocol, CCTALK protocol and MDB protocol) used by the vending machine. Disclosure of the Essence of the Invention

The mountable electronic module enables the remote monitoring and control of a vending machine, irrespective of the manufacturer, type and model of the vending machine, as well as irrespective of the manufacturer, type and model of the coin acceptor mounted in the vending machine itself.

The remote monitoring and control of a vending machine is enabled via a GSM network. In such a way it is made possible that the vending machine is placed anywhere, since the additional communication infrastructure, apart from the available GSM network, is not required.

Likewise, the module also enables electronic payment of the vending machine service via SMS messages, which may be received directly on the vending machine itself, using a unique telephone number of the vending machine or, in a centralized manner, in the control center of the owner of the vending machine from which information are further distributed to the machines via a GSM connection.

In addition to the aforementioned, the module enables a centralized updating of a vending machine, as well as the collection of relevant statistical data on the frequency of a certain location.

Short Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the mountable electronic module for the remote monitoring and control of a vending machine

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of the outer appearance of the mountable electronic module housing in isometric projection (the right side of the module is visible)

Figure 3 shows the embodiment of the outer appearance of the mountable electronic module housing in isometric projection (the left side of the module is visible)

Figure 4 shows the mountable electronic module mounted in a vending machine

Detailed Description of at Least One Way of Carrying Out the Invention

The mountable electronic module for the remote monitoring and control of the vending and entertainment machines via a GSM network, supporting the payment of the same machines via SMS messages (hereinafter: "module") enables the monitoring of any vending machine operation, which is to be achieved by mounting the module in a vending machine. The module monitors the communication between the coin acceptor and the vending machine itself, collecting in such a way data on the amount of the inserted money, monitors the status of the vending machine, as well as informs about the possible errors on the coin acceptor or the vending machine, respectively. Also, the module enables the activation of the vending machine service on the basis of information on the electronic payment of the service. The mountable electronic module itself is simple to be mounted and possibly maintained.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 it can be seen that the mountable electronic module contains an ARM7 CPU processor (1), which constitutes the central element of the module, and which communicates with the SDRAM memory (6) via a 16-bit bus (8). The ARM7 CPU processor (1) is connected by a serial connection with a GSM/GPRS modem (3), which is used for communication between the module and the application server. The GSM/GPRS modem (3) communicates individually with a SIM card (2), by a light indication of the module status (11) and an antenna (10). Apart from the GSM/GPRS modem (3), a buzzer (4), a button (5), the light indications of the module status (11), a 14-pole connector (12) for input signals, a six-pole connector (9) for output signals, which are used for the reading of the status and events of the vending machine, as well as a 5- pole connector (13), which is used for power supply of the module and possible maintenance of the same, are connected to the ARM7 CPU processor (1).

By connecting the input module signals by the 14-pole connector (12) to an internal bus of the vending machine, the module receives information on the current status of the vending machine, since the change in the vending machine status (e.g. inserted coin, error, door opening) is reported to the internal bus of the vending machine.

The module receives information on the current status of the vending machine, so that the program code executed at the ARM7 CPU processor (1) detects all the changes in the input signals and sends messages on the status change to a server, using the GSM/GPRS modem (3), the SIM card (2) and the antenna (10). In the case where the program code executed at the ARM7 CPU processor (1) detects a critical error, the same shall be reported by the buzzer (4) and the light indication (11).

The mountable electronic module contains the GSM/GPRS modem (3), and is connected via a GPRS package connection to the central server, and sends information on the status of the vending machine and receives information on the electronic payment. A data base on the server contains all the data as collected. A user interface, which may be realized either as a web interface, or an application for a computer or a smart phone, displays the current information on all the available vending machines to the system user, and enables a detailed analysis of the collected information. A detailed analysis includes checking of the current amount of the money as collected by the vending machine, a time histogram of the money collected by the time of the day, by day within a week, detection of the status and technical failures of the vending machine, detection of filled-up state of a safe with paper money.

The module enables direct or indirect payments of the service via SMS message. In the direct service payment the module receives SMS messages on its own telephone number and, depending on the message and the message content, signalizes to the vending machine electronic payment and activation of the service. In case of indirect payment, SMS message is received on a special module in the control center of the machine owner, and is recorded on the server which then on the basis of the SMS message content sends orders to a precisely determined module mounted in the vending machine corresponding to the SMS message content. The activation of the vending machine service is carried out by means of one or more electric signaling lines from the module to the vending machine controller or by means of a serial communication.

The communication via the GSM network is carried out using GPRS data service, whereas a necessary condition for the correct functioning of the machine is a correct and active SIM card (2) of the public GSM access network operator with enabled GPRS service. The configuration of the module and the GSM network parameters is possible through a terminal on a serial RS-232 interface (7) of the machine. The indication of the operation and activity of the GSM modem (3) of the module is carried out by means of light indicators (11), so is the indication of the quality of the GSM radio frequency signal.

Referring to Figure 2, it shows the GSM/GPRS antenna (10) by which the module communicates with the GSM/GPRS network, whereas a slot for the SIM card (14) and a 6-pole connector (9) on which additional input-output module signals are connected can be seen on the right side of the module. The light indications (11) of the module status are located on the upper side of the module.

Referring to Figure 3, it shows the GPS/GPRS antenna (10) by which the module communicates with the GSM/GPRS network, whereas the 14-pole connector (12) used for input signals, and the 5-pole connector (13) used for module power supply and possible maintenance of the same can be seen on the left side of the module.

The module is equipped with the SDRAM internal memory, a memory bank (6) for data storage during the GSM network unavailability, as well as with a battery for the internal time circuit (RTC) to prevent abuses and enable detection of the time of turning on and turning off of the module.

Manual generation of the module events is possible to be carried out by means of the button available on the front side of the module, whereas the indication and confirmation of the acceptance of the manually generated event is carried out by means of light indicators on the front board of the module. The manual generation of data is used for the purpose of information on the empty state of the vending machine, or the return of the coin counter to zero.

An additional interface for the connection between the external button for the event generation and the light indicator is also available on the module itself.

Referring to Figure 4 it can be seen that the most meaningful place for the embedment of the mountable electronic module is the lower part of the vending machine, since the lower part of the vending machine contains driving electronics and in that way the length of cables for power supply of the mountable electronic module and cables for the communication with the vending machine is cut to minimum, which considerably simplifies the mounting process.

The central updating of the vending machine is carried out in a way that the system checks periodically whether a newer software version exists by connecting the module to the central server via the GSM/GPRS connection, and using HTTPS protocol, comparing the software version installed on the machine with the software version available at the central server. If a newer software version is available on the server, the process of updating starts. The new software version is downloaded from the central server, using the GSM/GPRS communication and HTTPS protocol. The software is downloaded in small packages (size approx. 4kB), and the correctness of data is additionally checked for every downloaded package, using MD5 checksum calculation. In the case where a certain package is downloaded incorrectly, the downloading process is repeated. Every package downloaded correctly is saved in the location of the SRDAM memory (6) determined for that purpose. After the new software version has been completely downloaded, checked and saved, the process of internal updating of the software starts by deleting the old software version and installing instead of it the new one, which was, after downloading, placed on the location of the internal SDRAM memory (6) determined for that purpose. After the installation of the new software version using the watchdog timer component, the module is reset in order to start operating with the new software version.

The collection of relevant data on the frequency of a certain location is carried out in a manner that an infrared movement sensor is implemented in the module to detect and count passers- by and using the GSM/GPRS modem (3), connects via the GPRS package connection to the central server and sends the collected data.

Manner of the Application of the Invention

The invention is applied in a manner that the mountable electronic module is subsequently mounted in any new or already existing vending machine, irrespective of the manufacturer, type and model of the vending machine itself as well as the manufacturer, type and model of the money acceptor as used. Every mountable electronic module has a unique number by means of which it can be identified and can thereby precisely identify and monitor the vending machine in which it is mounted.

The mountable electronic module adds to every vending machine in which it is mounted four basic functions: remote (teiemetric) monitoring of the machine, operative analysis and collection of operating data, as well as the possibility of electronic payment of the vending machine service via SMS messages. The mountable electronic module itself is simple to be mounted in the vending machine, and is easily available for possible maintenance.

List of the Reference Signs

1 - ARM7 CPU

2 - SIM card

3 - GSM/GPRS modem

4 - Buzzer

5 - Button

6 - SDRAM memory

7 - RS232 interface

8 - 16-bit bus

9 - 6-pole connector

10 - Antenna

11 - Light indications of the module status

12 - 14-pole connector

13 - 5-pole connector

14 - Slot for SIM card

Claims

1. An mountable electronic module for the remote monitoring and control of vending and entertainment machines, supporting payment of the same machines via SMS, characterized by the fact that it consists of an ARM7 CPU processor (1), a SIM card (2) a GSM/GPRS modem (3), a buzzer (4), a button (5), a SDRAM memory (6), a RS232 interface (7), a 16-bit bus (8), a 6-pole connector (9), an antenna (10), the module status light indications (11), a 14-pole connector (12), a 5-pole connector for the power supply and maintenance of the module (13) and a slot for the SIM card (14).

2. The module according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that by connecting input module signals by means of the 14-pole connector (12) to the internal bus of the vending machine, the module receives information on the current status of the vending machine, while a program code executed on the ARM7 CPU processor (1) detects all the changes in the input signals and sends messages on the status change to the central server, in order to enable a detailed analysis of the collected information, using the GSM/GPRS modem (3) by means of the GSM/GPRS package connection, which connection is enabled by the SIM card (2) and the antenna (10), while the configuration of the module and parameters of the GSM network is realized through a terminal on the serial RS-232 interface (7) of the machine.

3. The module according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the SIM card (2), by means of the GSM/GPRS modem (3) enables the GSM/GPRS connection by means of which the module communicates constantly with the central server, which server is connected with the server of a mobile operator, and checks are there any new information on the payment effected via an SMS message, and if it establishes that a service is paid, the program code which is stored in the SDRAM memory (6), and executed by the ARM7 CPU processor (1) detects which service/product is paid, and then, by means of the output signals connected by the 6-pole connector (9) to the signals of the internal bus of the vending machine, informs the vending machine to provide the service.

4. The module according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the SDRAM memory (6) and the battery for the internal time circuit (RTC) enable the storage of data on the events during the time when the GSM/GRS network is unavailable, and detect the time of turning off and turning on of the apparatus.

5. The module according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the buzzer (4) and the light indicators (11) inform about the possible errors in the machine operation.

6. The module according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the SIM card (2), by means of the GSM/GPRS modem (3), enables the GSM/GPRS connection, by means of which the module communicates constantly with the central server, and using the HTTPS protocol, downloads the new software version, if it exists, from the central server, in small packages (size approx. 4 kB), while the correctness of data is additionally checked for every downloaded package, using the MD5 checksum calculation, and then every correctly downloaded package is saved in the SDRAM memory (6), and after that, the old software version is deleted and, instead of it, the new software version is installed, and the module is reset using the watchdog timer component.

7. The module according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the SIM card (2), by means of the GSM/GPRS modem (3) enables the GSM/GPRS connection by means of which the module communicates constantly with the central server and sends the relevant data on the frequency of a certain location by means of the infrared movement sensor.