Patent ID: 7495543
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: G07C,G07F,H04L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A vending machine comprising: a door openable to access contents of the vending machine; an electronic lock for unlocking the door of the vending machine, the electronic lock comprising a control circuit including a microcomputer, a non-volatile memory containing computer-executable instructions for performing a decryption operation based on an encryption code, a communication interface for receiving communications, and a learning mode activation device, the microcomputer being programmed to perform steps of receiving a learning mode activation signal from the learning mode activation device and, in response to the learning mode activation signal, receiving a first key code in an encrypted form via the communication interface, performing the decryption operation to decrypt the first key code, and storing the decrypted first key code in the non-volatile memory, wherein the vending machine further includes an electrical switch operable by a mechanical lock operable by an associated mechanical key, wherein the microcomputer of the electronic lock is further programmed to receive a trigger signal from the electrical switch when the microcomputer is set in a learning mode using the learning mode activation device and, in response to the trigger signal, enter an operation mode in which the microcomputer unlocks the door of the vending machine upon receiving a subsequent trigger signal generated by the electrical switch.