Patent ID: 6675067
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
A system for remotely monitoring a coin-operated machine, comprising:1) a coin-operated machine having at least one event to be remotely monitored; 2) a data collection unit disposed proximate said coin operated machine and operatively connected thereto and adapted to generate data representative of said at least one event; 3) interface means operatively connected to said data collection unit and adapted for connecting said data collection unit to an external data communications network and adapted to transmit said data thereupon; 4) monitoring means located remotely from said coin-operated machine adapted to receive said data from said coin-operated machine via said external data communications bus, said monitoring means being adapted to perform at least one function in response to data received from said coin-operated machine, said monitoring means comprising: i) database means adapted to receive and retain said data; and ii) query means adapted to allow performing filtering and browsing operations on said retained data and adapted to provide an output from said operations; display means operatively connected to said monitoring means for displaying said output; and said data encryption means operatively connected to said data collection unit and adapted to encrypt said data prior to transmission to said monitoring means; and alert means operatively connected to said database means for matching data from within said retained data to at least one predetermined pattern and for issuing a specific alert message to a predetermined addressee through a first communication channel upon finding a positive match between said at least one predetermined pattern and said retained data, said alert message is at least one from the group: e-mail message, fax, voice message and page, and wherein said alert means further comprises means for accepting a response from said predetermined addressee and, if within a predetermined time, no response is received, re-issuing said alert message.