Abstract: A system for monitoring, testing, auditing and controlling vending machines is disclosed.The system includes a counter attached to the vending machine, and a microprocessor controlled, portable, keyboard operated, collection unit adapted to serve a number of vending machines by accessing and interrogation of the counter. The portable collection unit also is adapted to load a program into the counter, input instructions, data and code changes to the counter and, upon interrogation of the counter, receives various types of output information from the counter.The counter performs functions which include: coin transactions, code validations, inventory control, product and price changes, service and transaction time checks, dispensing, machine diagnostics, temperature control, etc.

Abstract: A coin counter attached to a vending machine and a microprocessor controlled portable collection unit (PCU) are provided for monitoring vending machine operations. This enables transactions of the machine to be calculated, stored and recorded. The coin counter forms part of a microelectronic circuit (e.g. a MOS type) and is attached or mounted as a package to the vending machine. The counter is primarily designed to count net coin intake but can be programmed to provide other information such as coin collection times, vending machine number, code validations, etc.The PCU has a keyboard to input information to the counter and access information therefrom; the PCU calculates the coin count value and displays this value and the other information on an LED, printer, etc., upon input of a suitable access code.The PCU may be employed for servicing a number of vending machines to better pinpoint responsibility for collection deficiencies, determining location and machine effectiveness, peak load times, and so forth.