Patent Publication Number: US-2007114108-A1

Title: Systems and methods for collecting vend data from, and exchanging information with, vending machines and other devices

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The following disclosure relates generally to vending machines and other consumer-operated machines and, more particularly, to systems and methods for exchanging information with vending machines.  
     BACKGROUND  
      There are many different types of vending machines. Bulk vending machines, for example, typically dispense a single type of product, such as a single type of candy, capsule toy, etc. Other vending machines can dispense a variety of products, such as a variety of different food products, soft drinks, etc. Still other vending machines, such as coin-operated washers, dryers, and telephones, offer services. In addition to food, prizes, and services, there are also vending machines that provide entertainment. Such machines include, for example, video games, kiddie rides, and skill games such as skill cranes. Skill cranes typically include a grasping device that the player maneuvers to try and grab a prize from within the machine.  
      Some vending machine companies own and operate thousands of machines spread out over many states. To service these machines, the companies typically employ route merchandisers (“merchandisers”) who are responsible for taking care of all the machines in a particular area or along a particular route. The merchandisers visit the machines periodically, collect the money inside, restock vended products or prizes, and perform any maintenance that may be needed. In addition, the merchandisers often test each machine to make sure it is fully operational. Such tests typically include, for example, running a preset amount of money through the machine to verify that the coin and/or bill acceptors are functioning properly.  
      Many vending machines include vend meters that track and display the number of sales or “vends” performed by the machines. When servicing such a machine, the merchandiser typically collects the money inside and records the number of vends displayed on the meter. The merchandiser then provides the vend data to the vending machine company along with the collected money. The vending machine company can then compare the vend data to the amount of money collected to verify there are no missing funds. Absent a vend meter, the merchandiser may be tempted to pocket a portion of the funds from the vending machine.  
      Vend meters can serve other functions in addition to loss prevention. For example, in the case of skill games that award prizes to winning players, the vend meters can be used to calculate vend ratios. The vend ratio is defined as the number of times a game was played divided by the number of times a prize was won. For a particular skill game, the vend company may only want to award a prize for, e.g., every fifth play, resulting in a vend ratio of 5-to-1. If the machine includes a vend meter, the merchandiser can easily check the vend ratio by dividing the total number of plays as read from the vend meter by the total number of prizes dispensed by the machine.  
      There are a number of different types of vend meters in use today. One problem with those having mechanical display devices, however, is that the display device can often be manipulated and reset with a dental pick or similar device. Another shortcoming with this type of vend meter is that the merchandiser has to manually record the vend data, which leaves the door open for further falsification or even innocent errors from misread or transposed numbers.  
      The EZ-count meter, provided by Nova Resolution Industries, Inc., of P.O. Box 240-T Bronx, N.Y. 10461, is a battery-operated vend meter having a digital display for use with bulk vending machines. The digital display largely alleviates the concern of manually resetting the vend data. However, this device is still susceptible to errors that can result from manual data recordation. In addition, this device uses a battery in conjunction with volatile memory. As a result, vend data is lost if the battery dies.  
      The Microvend System provided by Folz Vending Company, Inc., of 3401 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside, N.Y. 11572, is an electronic vend meter that can be hard-wired to a single machine or a group of machines (e.g., a group of bulk vending machines on a common rack). The Microvend System records vend data from each of the machines in dedicated memory. When a merchandiser services the machines, he or she connects a handheld computing device (e.g., a personal digital assistant) to the Microvend unit via a cable and downloads the vend data for each machine. While the Microvend System avoids the pitfalls of manual data entry, it still relies on battery power for data storage. As a result, a battery failure can result in a complete loss of vend data.  
      A further shortcoming associated with all the metering devices described above is that they lack a way to prevent losses associated with test plays. For example, as mentioned above, when a merchandiser removes funds from a particular vending machine, he or she will typically do a test to confirm that the vending machine is functioning properly. In a typical test, the merchandiser will take money collected by the machine and run it back through the machine to test operation. For example, if the machine is a skill crane with a dollar bill acceptor and one or more coin acceptors, the merchandiser will take one dollar bill and two quarters from within the machine and run them back through the machine to verify that the machine accepts the money and provides one play in return. Because the vend meter counts this test money twice, the actual amount of money collected from the machine will necessarily be $1.50 less than the total counted by the vend meter. If the merchandiser actually performs a test play, this difference does not represent a real loss to the vending machine company. However, if the merchandiser decides to simply pocket the test money and not perform the test, then the company loses on two counts. First, the machine will not have been tested. Consequently, if it is malfunctioning, it will remain out of order resulting in a loss of revenue, good will, etc. Second, the vending machine company will have sustained an actual loss of the test play money. For companies with thousands of machines, the financial losses from fraudulent test plays can be substantial.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a vending machine having a data transceiver configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged isometric view of the vending machine of  FIG. 1  showing a door of the vending machine in an open position.  
      FIGS.  3 A-C are various views of a data collection device that can be used to exchange information with the data transceiver shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a route merchandiser servicing the vending machine of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for servicing a vending machine in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for operating a data collection device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for operating a data collection device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for operating a data collection device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for operating a data transceiver in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of a data transceiver and a data collection device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The following disclosure describes various systems and methods for collecting vend data from, and exchanging information with, vending machines and other devices. Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are described below to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments. Other details describing well-known aspects of vending machines and related data collection devices are not set forth below, however, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention can have other embodiments in addition to those described below. Such embodiments may lack one or more of the elements described below or, conversely, they may include other elements in addition to those described below.  
      Certain embodiments are described below in the context of computer-executable instructions performed by a general-purpose computer, personal digital assistant, or other processing device. The computer-executable instructions can be stored on various types of computer-readable media including, for example, hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROMs. In other embodiments, these instructions can be stored on a server computer system and accessed via a computer network such as an intranet or the Internet. Because the basic structures and functions often associated with computer systems and related routines are well known, they have not been shown or described in detail here to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments.  
      In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical or at least generally similar elements. To facilitate the discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference number refer to the Figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, element  110  is first introduced and discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a vending machine  100  having a data transceiver  120  configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As described in greater detail below, the data transceiver  120  is configured to wirelessly transmit vend data from, and receiving various types of information for, the vending machine  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the vending machine  100  is a skill game. Accordingly, in the description that follows, the data transceiver  120  and related systems are described in the context of a skill game. In other embodiments, however, the data transceiver  120  described herein can be used with many other types of machines including, for example, vending machines, rides, games, washers/dryers and other service machines, slot machines and other gambling machines, consumer-operated coin-counting machines, phone card machines, pre-paid credit/debit card machines, stamp machines, pay telephones, parking meters, other money-receiving machines, etc. Accordingly, the term “vending machine” as used throughout this disclosure can refer to any machine that receives money and/or monetary value (e.g., monetary value from a credit card, debit card, stored-value card, etc.) from a user in return for a product, service, chance, and/or experience.  
      In one aspect of this embodiment, the data transceiver  120  is mounted to a door  110  of the vending machine  100  adjacent to a plurality of monetary input devices. The monetary input devices can include, for example, a bill acceptor  114 , coin slots  116   a  and  116   b , and a card reader  117 . The bill acceptor  114  is configured to receive bills, e.g., one-dollar bills. The coin slots  116  are configured to receive one or more denominations of coin, e.g., quarters. The card reader  117  can be configured to read credit, debit, stored-value, and/or other types of card instruments capable of transferring monetary value.  
      As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment the vending machine  100  is a skill game. In particular, the vending machine  100  is a skill crane that further includes a user-operable controller or joystick  104  operably connected to a grasping device or claw  102 . The claw  102  is movably positioned within a merchandize-holding portion  105  of the vending machine  100  above a plurality of prizes  106  (e.g., plush toys). The claw  102  is configured to respond to movement of the joystick  104 . For example, movement of the joystick  104  to the left causes the claw  102  to move to the left. Similarly, movement of the joystick to the right causes the claw  102  to move to the right. Pressing a button  108  on the joystick  104  causes the claw  102  to descend and simultaneously close on one or more of the prizes  106  in its path.  
      To operate the vending machine  100 , a user (not shown) begins by inputting the required monetary amount via one or more of the monetary input devices. For example, if the game costs $0.50 for each play, the user can input a one dollar bill in the bill acceptor  114  or one or more quarters in the coin slots  116 . Alternatively, the user may elect to swipe his or her credit, debit, or other type of payment card through the card reader  117  to authorize payment via this device. After inputting payment, the user operates the joystick  104  and tries to position the claw  102  over a desired prize  106 . Once the claw  102  is in position, the user depresses the button  108  causing the claw  102  to drop and close. If the user is lucky, the claw  102  will grasp the desired prize  106 . After closing, the claw  102  automatically retracts upwardly, moves to a position above an outlet chute  103 , and opens. If the claw  102  was holding a prize, the prize drops into the outlet chute  103  and is delivered to the winning user via an outlet  107 .  
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged isometric view of the vending machine  100  with the door  110  in an open position. A bill counter  230  and coin counters  232   a  and  232   b  are mounted to the backside of the door  110 . The coin counters  232  are configured to receive coins  233  via the corresponding coin slots  116 . Valid coins are counted by the coin counters  232  and deposited in a coin bin  234  positioned beneath the coin counters  232 . Invalid coins are rejected and returned to the user. The bill counter  230  is configured to receive bills  231  via the bill slot  114 . Valid bills are counted and held by the bill counter  230 , while invalid bills are rejected and returned to user.  
      The bill counter  230 , the coin counters  232 , and the card reader  117  are operably connected to a vending machine controller  240  positioned within the vending machine  100 . The vending machine controller  240  can receive power via a cord plugged into a standard facility outlet (not shown). In addition, the vending machine  100  can also include one or more batteries to provide back-up power in the event that facility power becomes temporarily unavailable. The vending machine controller  240  controls the operating functions of the vending machine  100 . For example, when the monetary input devices receive enough money for one play, the controller  240  responds by activating the joy stick  104  and the claw  102  ( FIG. 1 ) for one play. In addition to controlling the operating functions of the vending machine  100 , the controller  240  also includes an electronic metering component  242  (shown schematically in  FIG. 2 ). The metering component  242  can include one or more processors, routers, and/or memory devices (e.g., non-volatile memory devices) suitable for counting and/or recording various types of “vend data.” This vend data can include, for example, the total number of times—starting from some particular point in time—that the vending machine  100  has been played and the corresponding monetary value received via the coin counters  232 , the card reader  117 , and/or the bill counter  230  for those plays; the number of times the vending machine  100  has been played since the machine was last serviced and the corresponding monetary value received for those plays; the total number of test plays starting from a particular point in time; the number of test plays since the machine was last serviced; and other data including, but not limited to, the dates when the machine was serviced, the ID numbers of the merchandisers who performed the services, the number of prizes won, the types of prizes won, the dates and times associated with the vends, etc.  
      In one aspect of this embodiment, the vending machine controller  240  is operably connected to the data transceiver  120  and configured to provide various types of information to the data transceiver  120 . Such information can include, for example, the various types of vend data described above. In addition to receiving information from the controller  240 , the data transceiver  120  is also configured to provide various types of information to the controller  240 . As described in greater detail below, such information can include, for example, various operating parameters for the vending machine  100 .  
      In another aspect of this embodiment, the data transceiver  120  includes a body  221  attached to the vending machine door  110  adjacent to the coin counters  232 . The body  221  includes a signal port  222 , e.g., an infrared port, a first visual indicator  224 , and a second visual indicator  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second visual indicators  224  and  226  include colored lights (e.g., laser-emitting diodes (LEDs) with green and red colored lenses, respectively) configured to provide a visual indication of the operating mode of the data transceiver  120 . The signal port  222  is configured to let signals, e.g., infrared signals, pass to and from a transceiver module  228  (e.g., an optical transceiver module, shown schematically in  FIG. 2 ) positioned within the body  221 .  
      As described in greater detail below, the transceiver module  228  positioned within the data transceiver  120  is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a hand-held device (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) positioned separately from the data transceiver  120 . Such information can include, for example, vend data received from the metering component  242  in the machine controller  240 . In addition, the optical transceiver module  228  is further configured to receive information from the hand-held device and transmit the information to the machine controller  240 . Such information can include, for example, various operating instructions and parameters for the vending machine  100  including, but not limited to, claw operating voltage to control the vend ratio. As used herein, the term “wireless” is used to describe a form of communication in which the signal is carried over part or all of the communication path without some form of wire.  
      In a further aspect of this embodiment, the data transceiver  120  includes a security component  229  (shown schematically). The security component  229  is configured to prevent an unauthorized person from tampering with the vending machine  100 , the data transceiver  120 , or trying to circumvent one or more of the counting functions performed by the metering component  242  of the machine controller  240 . In this regard, if the data transceiver  120  is disconnected from the machine controller  240  or powered off, the vending machine  100  will go into a “trouble” mode and/or be rendered inoperable. Once the data transceiver  120  is reconnected or powered up, the machine will become fully functional.  
      In yet another embodiment of the invention, the vending machine  100  can further include a communications facility  270  operably connected to the machine controller  240 . The communications facility  270  can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, the data transceiver  120  to automatically communicate vend data and other information from the vending machine  100  to a remote computer, e.g., a central computer controlled by the vending machine company that owns and operates the vending machine  100 . In addition, the communications facility  270  can also be configured to automatically receive information, e.g., vending machine operating instructions, from the remote computer. In one embodiment, the communications facility  270  can include a modem  272  to perform these functions. The modem  272  can be configured to automatically transmit vend data and other information received from the vending machine controller  240  to a remote computer or other device via a phone line  271 . In addition, the modem  272  can also receive information from the remote computer or other device via the phone line  271 . In another embodiment, the communications facility  270  can include a transceiver  274 , e.g., a two-way paging device, that can wirelessly transmit vend data and other information to, and receive information from, a remote station or device. The transceiver  274  may be advantageous in those applications where a phone line is not available.  
      FIGS.  3 A-C are various views of a suitable data collection device  350  that can be used to exchange information with the data transceiver  120  of  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the data collection device  350  can be at least generally similar in structure and function to the SPT1800 hand-held computer provided by Symbol Technologies, Inc. of One Symbol Plaza, Holtzville, N.Y., 11742. Information about the SPT1800 hand-held computational device can be found in the SPT1800 Product Reference Guide, Part Number: 72-51337-06, Rev. A, dated March 2003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In other embodiments, other wireless communication devices, including other personal digital assistants (PDAs), can be used to receive information from, and/or transmit information to, with the data transceiver  120 .  
      Referring to FIGS.  3 A-C together, in one aspect of this embodiment, the data collection device  350  includes a scanner window  360  for scanning symbology, such as an RFID tag and/or a bar code. To scan a bar code, the user selects, e.g., by tapping, a menu icon  356   a  (with, e.g., a stylus  366 ) to bring up an application menu on a display screen  352 . The user selects the desired scanning application from the menu and then aims the scanner  360  at the bar code of interest. Next, the user presses a center scan button  362   a , a right scan button  362   b , or a left scan button  362   c  and directs a red scan beam emanating from the scanner  360  at the bar code. A visual indicator  363  flashes and a beep sounds to indicate the bar code was successfully decoded.  
      The data collection device  350  also includes features for wirelessly receiving and transmitting information via infrared signals. In one embodiment, to wirelessly transmit information, the user turns on the data collection device  350  via a power button  351  and locates an application or other information in memory that he or she wishes to transmit to a receiving device (e.g., the data transceiver  120  of  FIG. 2 ). Next, the user selects the menu icon  356   a  to bring up the application menu on the display screen  352 . The user then selects a beam command from the menu to open a beam status screen (not shown). Next, the user orients an infrared port  368  ( FIG. 3C ) so that it faces a corresponding infrared port on the receiving device (not shown). The data collection device  350  then transmits the desired information to the receiving device according to a preset protocol. The beam status screen indicates when the transfer is complete.  
      To wirelessly receive information in one embodiment, the user turns on the data collection device  350  via the power button  351 , and positions the infrared port  368  in front of the infrared port of the transmitting device to open the beam status screen on the display screen  352 . Once the data has been received by the data collection device  350 , the user taps a “yes” button on the display screen  352  to accept the transmission. The user then waits for the beam status screen to indicate the transfer is complete, and then taps a corresponding “OK” button to display the downloaded data. The user can then store and/or use the data as desired. However, as described in greater detail below, in one embodiment if the data includes vend data, the user will not be able to manipulate and/or alter the data.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a route merchandiser  470  servicing the vending machine  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Initially, the route merchandiser  470  opens the door  110 , retrieves coinage from the coin bin  234  and bills from the bill counter  230 , and places them in a cash collection bag  260 . Next, the merchandiser  470  uses the data collection device  350  as described above with reference to FIGS.  3 A-C to scan a bar code  462  or other identifier on the collection bag  460 . This step digitally associates the money in the collection bag  460  with the particular servicing event. The merchandiser  470  then positions the data collection device  350  in front of the data transceiver  120  so that the infrared port  368  on the device is facing the signal port  222  on the data transceiver  120 . Next, the merchandiser  470  uses the data collection device  350  as described above with reference to FIGS.  3 A-C to down-load data from the data transceiver  120 . Such data can include, for example, a machine identifier, time and date of service, and various types of vend data associated with the money collected from the machine. As described in greater detail below, the merchandiser  470  can also use the data collection device  350  at this time to perform and document a test play of the vending machine  100 .  
      One feature of the embodiments described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4  is that the data collection device  350  is not hard-wired to the data transceiver  120  during the data download process. This feature cuts down on the wear and tear of connectors, cables, and other hardware components that can result from years of use. Another feature of these embodiments is that the metering component  242  ( FIG. 2 ) can include non-volatile memory. Thus, even if the vending machine loses power, the vend data will not be lost.  
      In various embodiments of the invention described above, information is wirelessly communicated between the data transceiver  120  and the data collection device  350  with infrared signals. In other embodiments, however, other types of wired and wireless communication links can be used to exchange vend data and other information with the vending machine  100  and systems thereof. Wireless communication links can include, for example, radio frequency, electromagnetic, and microwave technology. Such communication links can include various protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ibutton, 3G, WiMax, etc, Wired communication links can employ various hardware devices including, for example, fiber-optic cables, modems, telephone lines, pocket pcs, lap-top computers, etc. Further, once information has been downloaded from the data transceiver  120  to the data collection device  350 , the down-loaded data can be automatically and/or manually communicated from the data collection device  350  to a remote station (e.g., a central computer of the vending machine company) using one or more of the mediums described above.  
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process  500  for servicing a vending machine in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In block  502 , the process begins when a route merchandiser or other person opens a door of the vending machine to access the money within. In block  504 , the merchandiser collects the money and places it in a cash bag. In block  506 , the merchandiser scans a bar code on the sealed cash bag with a data collection device. In one aspect of this embodiment, the data collection device can be at least generally similar in structure and function to the data collection device  350  described above with reference to  FIG. 3 . Next, the merchandiser orients a first infrared port on the data collection device relative to a second infrared port on a data transceiver mounted to the door (or other part) of the vending machine, and initiates communication between the data collection device and the data transceiver.  
      In block  510 , a first visual indicator (e.g., the first visual indicator  224  of  FIG. 2 ) on the data transceiver illuminates indicating communication between the data collection device and the data transceiver has begun. In block  512 , the data collection device sends a password to the data transceiver. In decision block  514 , the data transceiver determines if the password is correct. If the password is not correct, the process ends. If the password is correct, the process continues to block  516 .  
      In block  516 , the data transceiver sends an asset ID number, a current meter reading, and a previous meter reading to the data collection device. In one aspect of this embodiment, the asset ID number corresponds to a serial number or other identification number of the vending machine being serviced. In another aspect of this embodiment, the current meter reading corresponds to the total number of sales or “vends” performed by the machine since an initial “start time.” The start time could be, for example, the time when the data transceiver was initially installed or some other selected datum. The previous meter reading corresponds to the total number of vends performed by the machine from the start time to the point in time at which the machine was last serviced. Accordingly, the difference between the current meter reading and the previous meter reading is equal to the number of vends performed by the machine in the time period since it was last serviced.  
      In decision block  518 , the data transceiver exchanges signals with the data collection device to confirm that the data collection device received the transmitted data (i.e., the asset ID number, current meter reading, and previous meter reading). If not, then the process returns to block  516  and repeats. If the data collection device did receive the data, then the process proceeds to block  520  and the data is displayed on the data collection device. At this time, the merchandiser can perform various calculations with the meter readings, but the merchandiser is not able to change the values. Such calculations can include, for example, determining a vend ratio for the vending machine if the vending machine is a skill game similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 1 .  
      In decision block  522 , the merchandiser has the option of conducting a test play of the vending machine. If the merchandiser elects not to test the machine, then the process is complete. If, however, a test play is called for, then in block  524  the merchandiser directs the first infrared port of the data collection device at the second infrared port on the data transceiver and initiates a test play application on the data collection device. In block  526 , a second visual indicator (e.g., the second visual indicator  226  of  FIG. 2 ) on the data transceiver illuminates indicating that the data transceiver is now in test play mode. In block  528 , the merchandiser inserts the appropriate amount of coin and/or currency through the corresponding coin acceptor and/or bill acceptor, respectively. For example, if one play (or, alternatively, one purchase, one phone call, etc.) costs $1.50, then the merchandiser can insert a one dollar bill and two quarters through the appropriate monetary input devices. Alternatively, if the vending machine is equipped with a card reader or similar device for receiving monetary value from a credit/debit card, stored-value card, or similar instrument, then the merchandiser can input funds through this device in block  528 . Once the money is received, it is counted by the corresponding counting device or devices and the associated information is communicated to the data transceiver via a vending machine controller (e.g., the vending machine controller  240  of  FIG. 2 ). In block  530 , the data transceiver places this test play data into a counter that is separate from the main counter which stores, e.g., the current and previous meter readings. The data transceiver then sends the test play data to the data collection device.  
      In block  532 , the merchandiser can initiate an end of test sequence with the data collection device. Alternatively, if no action is taken, then the data transceiver can automatically terminate communication with the data collection device after a preset period of time, e.g., 120 seconds. In block  534 , the test play data is recorded into the data collection device along with the vend data previously collected, and then the process ends.  
      Subsequently, the data collected by the data collection device can be transferred by any number of means, including wireless and wired, and in any number of forms, to the vending machine company along with the collected funds. The information can be used by the vending machine company for various purposes. Including, for example, to verify the appropriate amount of funds were collected from the machine, to verify the machine was adequately tested and is functioning properly, and/or to check vend ratios.  
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a routine  600  for operating a data collection device (e.g., the data collection device  350  of FIGS.  3 A-C and  4 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of this embodiment, the routine  600  can be performed in accordance with computer-readata collection device  350   le  instructions stored on a computer-readata collection device  350   le  medium. The routine  600  can start when a route merchandiser or other user positions an infrared port on the data collection device in front of an infrared port on a remote device (e.g., the data transceiver  120  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 ). In block  602 , the routine  600  sends a password from the data collection device to the remote device. In block  604 , in response to sending the password, the routine receives vend data and a machine identification number from the remote device. In one embodiment, the machine identification number corresponds to a particular vending machine, and the vend data includes one or more of the various types of vend data described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
      In block  606 , the routine  600  sends the machine identification number and the vend data to a remote computing system. In one embodiment, the remote computing system can be a central computing system of a vending machine company that owns the particular vending machine. In addition to sending the machine identification number and the vend data, in other embodiments, the routine  600  can also send other information including, for example, the date and time the vend data was downloaded from the particular vending machine.  
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine  700  for operating a data collection device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In block  702 , the routine sends a password from the data collection device to a remote device (e.g., the data transceiver  120  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 ). In block  704 , the routine  700  receives vend data and a machine identification number from the remote device. In block  706 , the routine displays the machine identification number and the vend data on, e.g., a display screen or other suitable display device. In one aspect of this embodiment, an operator or other user can then view and/or perform calculations with the displayed data. In other embodiments, this step can be omitted.  
      In block  708 , the routine receives a number corresponding to the number of prizes dispensed from the machine since it was last serviced. In one aspect of this embodiment, this number can be manually entered by a route merchandiser or other user. In block  710 , the routine  700  calculates a vend ratio by dividing the number of plays since the game was last serviced (extracted from the vend data) by the number of prizes won in that same period. After block  710 , the routine ends.  
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a routine  800  for operating a data collection device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In block  802 , the routine  800  sends a password from the data collection device to a remote device (e.g., the data transceiver  120  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 ). In block  804 , the routine receives vend data and a machine identification number from the remote device. In block  806 , the routine  800  sends a test mode command to the remote device. In one aspect of this embodiment, the test mode command instructs the remote device that a subsequent vend or vends of the machine correspond to a test (e.g., a “test play”) and should be recorded as such. Accordingly, at this point in time a merchandiser or other user can run coins, bills, and/or cards through the corresponding monetary input devices on the machine to test their function. After the merchandiser performs the test, in block  808 , the routine  800  receives corresponding test vend data from the remote device. After receiving the test vend data, the routine  800  sends an end-of-test command in block  810 . In other embodiments, this step can be omitted and the vending machine can automatically return to operational mode after a preset period of time subsequent to receiving the test mode command. In block  812 , the routine  800  sends the machine identification number, the vend data, and the test vend data to a remote computing system, and the routine ends.  
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a routine  900  for operating a data transceiver (e.g., the data transceiver  120  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In block  902 , the routine  900  detects a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) from a remote device (e.g., the data collection device  350  described above with reference to FIGS.  3 A-C and  4 ). In block  904 , the routine  900  establishes communication with the remote device. In block  906 , the routine  900  receives a password from the remote device.  
      In decision block  908 , the routine  900  determines if the password is valid. If not, then in block  910  the routine  900  terminates communication with the data collection device and the routine ends. If the password is correct, then in block  912  the routine  900  sends a machine identification number and vend data to the remote device. In one embodiment, the machine identification number identifies the vending machine upon which the data transceiver is mounted, and the vend data includes various types of vend data for that particular machine. In decision block  914 , the routine  900  determines if the sent data (i.e., the machine identification number and the vend data) was received by the remote device. If not, the routine  900  returns to block  912  and repeats. If the sent data was received, then the routine  900  proceeds to decision block  916  to determine if further communications have been received from the remote device. If so, then the routine  900  proceeds to block  918  and responds to the further communication. After responding to the further communication, the routine returns to decision block  916  and repeats. If there are no further communications from the remote device in decision block  916 , the routine ends.  
      In various embodiments of the invention described above, the data transceiver  120  ( FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 ) and the data collection device  350  (FIGS.  3 A-C and  4 ) communicate via infrared signals. In other embodiments, however, these devices can be configured to communicate using other forms of wireless communication. For example, in another embodiment, these devices can be configured to communicate using radio frequency or microwave signals. Accordingly, the term “wireless communication” as used herein is not limited to infrared frequency communication, but instead extends to other forms of telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves, rather than some form of wire, carry the signal over part or all of the communication path.  
      While radio frequency and infrared are both popular forms of wireless communication, infrared (IR) technologies may be better suited for short distance, low to medium data throughput, wireless communication. Two types of IR technology currently in use are the TV Remote (TVR) and the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard protocols. TVR, however, is mainly employed for unidirectional low bit-rate communication. In one embodiment of the present invention, the data transceiver  120  and the data collection device  350  both include infrared transceivers that support the IrDA standard protocol for communication.  
      The IrDA standard protocol, defined by the IrDA consortium, is a network protocol and follows a layered approach in its definition. The protocol specifies standards for both physical devices and protocols that the devices use to communicate with each other. The protocol is an ensemble of different protocols that manage different aspects of two-way infrared communication. The different protocols include the IrDA Infrared Link Access Protocal (IrLAP), the IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocal (IrLMP), the IrDA Transport Protocals (Tiny TP), and the IrDA Object Exchange Protocal (IrOBEX). Each of these protocols handles a set of responsibilities while providing needed capabilities to the layers above and below. In various embodiments, the devices described herein can communicate using infrared laser emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) to emit signals and positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) photodiodes in generation mode to receive signals. For a number of reasons, it may be advantageous for the IrDA signal modulation method to be pulse modulation.  
       FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of the data collection device  350  and the data transceiver  120  configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of this embodiment, the data transceiver  120  includes three functional modules: the optical transceiver module  228 , a communication controller  1030 , and a microcontroller  1034 . In the illustrated embodiment, the optical transceiver module  228  is a TFDU4100 serial infrared transceiver made by Vishay Semiconductors, Inc. The TFDU4100 complies with the IrDA physical layer and background light specifications up to a data rate of 115.2 kbit/s. The optical transceiver module  228  can include an infrared transmitter  226  (e.g., an infrared emitter diode (IRED)), an infrared receiver  224  (e.g., a PIN photodiode), and a low-power analog control integrated circuit (not shown). The TFDU4100 uses a small Baby Face package with surface-mount solderability.  
      The communication controller  1030  is configured to translate communication between the optical transceiver module  228  and the microcontroller  1034 . In the illustrated embodiment, the communication controller  1030  is an MCP2150 controller made by Microchip Technology, Inc. The MCP2150 implements the IrDA standard protocol stack by decoding and encoding the signals it receives from the optical transceiver module  228  and the microcontroller  1034 . One of the functions of the MCP2150 is to encode and decode asynchronous serial data streams.  
      The microcontroller  1034  (or “controller  1034 ”) is configured to receive various types of vend data and/or other information (e.g., machine identification numbers, date and times, etc.) from the vending machine controller  240 . The microcontroller  1034  of the illustrated embodiment is a PIC16F876A CMOS FLASH-based 8-bit controller manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. It features an imbedded application 1036, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, self programming, an In Circuit Debugger (ICD), two comparators, five channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter, two capture/compare/PWM functions, and a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART). The microcontroller  1034  sends data to and receives data from the communication controller  1030  via a UART interface port  1032 .  
      The optical transceiver module  228  can wirelessly receive data from the data collection device  350  and transmit the data to the communication controller  1030 . The communication controller  1030  can decode the transmitted data into UART standard, and send the data to the microcontroller  1034  through the UART interface port  1032 . The microcontroller  1034  can also send data to the communication controller  1030 . The communication controller  1030  can encode the data received from the microcontroller  1034  and prepare it for transmission to the data collection device  350  via the optical transceiver module  228 .  
      From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, aspects of the invention described in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and no embodiment need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited, except as by the appended claims.