Abstract: A field asset for use in a machine to machine environment that includes a plurality of field assets in communication with a remote transaction processing server may comprise a card reader and an extended function adapter (EFA). The card reader may detect a cashless payment card presented to the card reader and the EFA may facilitate a cashless transaction in response to presentment of the cashless payment card to the card reader. The EFA may be operable to locally authorize the cashless transaction based on locally stored transaction information if said field asset lacks connectivity to the remote transaction processing server and may further be operable to remotely authorize the cashless transaction based on remotely stored transaction information if the field asset has connectivity to the remote transaction processing server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for collecting, storing and communicating vending machine transaction data. The system preferably includes an embedded data collection and storage device that, when placed inside a vending machine, will collect both DEX and MDB data using a combination of ad-hoc scheduling and trigger-based events. In addition, the embedded data collection and storage device may collect transaction data concerning handheld transactions as well as vending machine error transactions, including timestamps. Functionality operable to permit handheld computer communication with the vending machine, as well as at least a cashless media transaction device may also be included. Data transferred to the handheld computer may be subsequently communicated to one or more host applications or credit agencies.

Abstract: A wireless interface module interfaces a machine control system, such as a vending machine controller, with one of plural wireless networks through one of plural removably coupled wireless transceivers. Communication between geographically distributed vending machines and a desired wireless network is supported by coupling a transceiver associated with the desired network to the wireless interface module. This advantageously provides flexibility in selecting from one of plural wireless networks for a distributed vending machine so that communication between the control system and a distal operating center is supported over a preferred wireless network through a standardized wireless interface module incorporated in the vending machine by changing the wireless transceiver removably coupled to the wireless interface module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for collecting, storing and communicating vending machine transaction data. The system preferably includes an embedded data collection and storage device that, when placed inside a vending machine, will collect both DEX and MDB data using a combination of ad-hoc scheduling and trigger-based events. In addition, the embedded data collection and storage device may collect transaction data concerning handheld transactions as well as vending machine error transactions, including timestamps. Functionality operable to permit handheld computer communication with the vending machine, as well as at least a cashless media transaction device may also be included. Data transferred to the handheld computer may be subsequently communicated to one or more host applications or credit agencies.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for identifying malfunctioning remote devices, such as point of sale devices, are disclosed. In operation, a performance history for one or more remote devices is built and a normal operating day is determined from the performance history. Also extracted from this performance history are average and variance values for various aspects of satisfactory remote device performance. During remote device evaluations, the current operating performance of each remote device is compared with the normal day and the average and variance values for the respective remote device. For remote devices operating outside of the normal day, average and variances values, a likelihood estimate that the remote device is actually malfunctioning is calculated. For remote devices determined likely to be malfunctioning, an approximation of the remote device's losses are made such that the remote device with the greatest losses may be prioritized for maintenance or other purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for transitioning remotely monitored devices, including point of sale devices such as vending machines, between maintenance states is disclosed. The system and method provide that operational data for a remotely monitored device may be reviewed such that a determination may be made as to the device's ability to continue operating on an as-needed maintenance schedule. Any errors or discrepancies detected in the operational data may result in the remote device being placed on a defined maintenance schedule. Should the operational data indicate that the remote device is performing within desirable parameters, the remote device may remain on or be transitioned back to as-needed maintenance scheduling. The system and method generally ensure that remote devices in a distributed asset system are properly maintained in an efficient, cost effective manner.

Abstract: A wireless interface module interfaces a machine control system, such as a vending machine controller, with one of plural wireless networks through one of plural removably coupled wireless transceivers. Communication between geographically distributed vending machines and a desired wireless network is supported by coupling a transceiver associated with the desired network to the wireless interface module. This advantageously provides flexibility in selecting from one of plural wireless networks for a distributed vending machine so that communication between the control system and a distal operating center is supported over a preferred wireless network through a standardized wireless interface module incorporated in the vending machine by changing the wireless transceiver removably coupled to the wireless interface module.