Abstract: A communication device for an automatic vending machine includes, a main control unit that initializes each unit in accordance with a result of decoding an initialization order from ROM, and transmits first to third control data in the form of telegraphic message through a data input/output line to a plurality of button control units one by one. The plural button control units are set to have or not to have a transmission right to the main control unit in accordance with a latch result of the first to third control data. The transmission right of the terminal control units can be set by the main control unit as the automatic vending machine carries a communication between the main control unit and the terminal control unit by contention type protocol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-vehicle interface allowing occupants of the vehicle to place orders from within the vehicle for items provided by a quick-serve restaurant before or after the vehicle reaches a typical order entry position associated with the quick-serve restaurant. Occupants in the vehicle are provided a menu on a display of an in-vehicle interface. The occupants may select any number of desired items to form an occupant order. The occupant order is stored and/or transmitted directly or indirectly to the quick-serve restaurant for processing. Financial information may be sent along with the customer order to effect payment for the occupant order. Preferably, the occupant order is transmitted directly to communication electronics in or associated with a fuel dispenser in an environment associated with a quick-serve restaurant. The dispenser electronics will forward the occupant order to the quick-serve restaurant for processing.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine 1 of the invention can sell items or goods including tangible items such as drinks and intangible items such as music soft which are supplied by plural vendors. The intangible items are sold by transmitting the desired data from intangible item-supplying companies A, B, C through a public communication line 8 to the automatic vending machine 1 and by writing the data in a recording medium. A control computer 20 automatically calculates sales amount of each vendor based on sales data of each vendor output from the automatic vending machine, and adjusts the sales amount of each vendor by transmitting the calculating result to a banking agency 6. According to the management method of automatic vending machine and the automatic vending machine of the invention, automatic sales of items supplied by different vendors can be easily spread at low cost and without securing both of new installation places or sites of the automatic vending machine and communication lines.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering product level profile information from different, spaced apart fueling locations networked together to a server through the Internet. A RLM monitors the data wire between the dispensers and dispenser controller to determine the amount of fuel dispensed and it stores this information in memory. The RLM is further interfaced to the ATG to determine the amount of product remaining in the USTs, and it tracts fuel additions to the USTs from delivery trucks. This information is stored in a data file in the RLM, and is linked together along with a site identifier to form a data packet for transmission. A communication network interconnects the RLMs of the remote fueling sites to a server. The server maintains a first database of routing numbers for the remote sites, and a second database of product level information for each remote site. The server individually polls the remote sites to obtain the data packet.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel dispensing system and a method for simultaneously refueling from at least two fuel dispensers to provide a single transaction total wherein the two fuel dispensers are a master/satellite fuel dispenser pair. A first communication means enables the dispenser control circuitry in the master dispenser to control the dispensing of fuel from the satellite dispenser. A second communication means enables the dispenser control circuitry to receive data regarding the amount of fuel dispensed by the satellite dispenser. A combination means generally associated with the dispenser control circuitry combines the total amount of fuel dispensed from the master/satellite fuel dispenser pair to a single vehicle. A device mounted on the master dispenser displays the total volume and price for the customer as a single transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispensing control system with which an incompatible prescriptions can be efficiently handled and information about the incompatible prescription and its processing can be effectively used. By a control means 4, whether the prescription data includes incompatible prescription data is detected, the detected incompatible prescription data is allowed to wait and displayed on a display means 1, and processing of the incompatible prescription inputted by an input means 2 is started.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information that generally includes retrieving or receiving a block of electronic information from a remote information source at a predetermined time. The block of electronic information retrieved from the remote source is stored on a data storage unit. A user interface is provided that is configured to produce a selection signal based upon an input from a user regarding the information intended for purchase by the user. A step of receiving and verifying a payment is performed based upon the selection signal input by the user. Once payment is verified, the electronic information corresponding to the materials being purchased is retrieved from the data storage unit based upon the selection signal. The portion of the block of electronic information selected by the user for purchase is then printed on a medium and dispensed to the user.

Abstract: An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the doctor to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated vending machine, a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel dispensing system for simultaneously refueling from at least two fuel dispensers to provide a single transaction total wherein the two fuel dispensers are a master/satellite fuel dispenser pair. A first communication device enables the dispenser control circuitry in the master dispenser to control the dispensing of fuel from the satellite dispenser. A second communication device enables the dispenser control circuitry to receive data regarding the amount of fuel dispensed by the satellite dispenser. A combination device generally associated with the dispenser control circuitry combines the total amount of fuel dispensed from the master/satellite fuel dispenser pair to a single vehicle. A device mounted on the master dispenser displays the total volume and price for the customer as a single transaction.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system and method for preventing unauthorized fueling by controlling access and delivery of fuel from a fuel dispenser, based on information received from a vehicle or container via remote communications during a fueling operation. The vehicle transmits a signal including fuel delivery indicia to the dispenser. The dispenser uses the fuel delivery indicia to determine whether the vehicle is receiving fuel and determines whether it is delivering fuel. The dispenser maintains fuel delivery authorization if the vehicle indicates that it is receiving fuel and the dispenser is delivering fuel. If the vehicle indicates that it is not receiving fuel and the dispenser determines that it is delivering fuel, the dispenser may generate an output signal to identify an improper fueling condition and stop fuel delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fuel and fuel additive dispensing is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable intermediary module is disposed in the path of communication of control and data signals between a fuel dispenser station and a point-of-sale (POS) controller subsystem. The intermediary module is programmable to intercept communications (control and data signals) transmitted between the dispenser and the POS controller, such that it can monitor, inject, intercept, filter, capture, convert, and/or modify communications between the fuel dispenser and and the POS controller. The intermediary module enables various enhanced control, monitoring, and reporting functions to be performed remotely and automatically. Further, the intermediary module enables various retail transactions to be integrated into a conventional fueling transaction without the necessity of extensive modification to an existing POS control subsystem.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to feedbunks associated with animal pens in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system while the feedlot manage is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.

Abstract: An improved mobile agricultural products crop input application control system is associated with a plurality of operably coupled application machines including a delay coordinating system particularly adaptable for use in site-specific (precision) farming, wherein selected discrete delay information unique to each on-board crop input storage release point, crop input transport system, and/or crop input dispensing point is combined with anticipated field reference point data obtained with a machine positioning system, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system includes a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. Several sensors are positioned throughout the Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory reaches a predetermined quantity or is depleted. A logic circuit monitors the sensors and when the sensors change state, a signal is transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information.

Abstract: A system for remotely effecting a transaction between a provider of goods and/or services and a customer comprises at least one facility for providing goods and/or services to customers and a remote central computer system provided with a central database which includes a customer file. The central computer system is arranged to communicate with a customer for receiving information provided by the customer and providing instructions to the customer, and is further arranged for remote control of the at least one facility, and for dealing with the financial aspect of the transaction. The central computer system is arranged such that, via a mobile telephone of the customer, it can at least be activated for the release of goods and/or services desired by the customer and for dealing with the financial aspect of the transaction.

Abstract: In a terminal control unit, such as a display device (2), a control program is stored in a memory device which can electrically rewrite its data, such as a flash ROM (2b). The terminal control unit has a card connector (2d) provided therefor, and upon insertion of a memory card storing a control program for updating, into the card connector (2d), the control program for updating is transcribed from the memory card into the memory device, whereby updating of the program is performed. Further, when the updating operation is started, a main control unit (1) is notified of start of the updating operation, and therefore the main control unit (1) is prevented from executing a communication abnormality determining process even if it does not receive a response from the terminal control unit.

Abstract: A package storage and delivery system includes electronically controlled lockers disposed at or near customer locations. Each locker is unlocked by a courier, preferably by means of a short-range transceiver or transmitter carried on the courier's person. The customer can unlock the locker and receive the delivered package. Cryptographically signed communications are employed along with nonvolatile usage logs to minimize the risk of loss of a package or fraud by courier or customer. The lockers may be stackable, permitting a delivery courier to add lockers in the event a customer receives too many deliveries to fit into a single locker. Each box has, of course, a physical location, and has associated with it an address code indicative of the physical location, for example by means of a human-readable or compressed representation of the precise latitude and longitude. A package delivered to such a box preferably bears the address code.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display controller driving multiple browser displays, which are associated with user input devices. Preferably, the display controller runs a browser application for each display and receives input from each user input device. Primary control for the browser applications is provided by a control application located remotely from the display controller. The user input is forwarded to the control application, which will process the user input and provide instructions to the corresponding browser application to request content from a web server application. The control application may also provide instructions unrelated to the user input to control any one or all of the browser applications.

Abstract: The current invention is a dispensing system for deterring and preventing transponder misuse in a fueling environment. The system includes a fuel dispenser associated with a control system and a receiver adapted to receive signals, including identification indicia from a remote communications unit associated with a customer. The receiver operates in conjunction with the control system to provide the control system with the first indicia and determine if the remote communications unit has been lost, stolen or used in an unauthorized manner. The control system is adapted to prevent fueling and transaction continuance upon determining the remote communications unit in communication if the dispenser was lost, stolen or used in an unauthorized manner.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store.

Abstract: An interactive internet photo terminal for composing an electronic self-image photo message utilizing a “live” image background of the terminal's location. The photo terminal includes a cash and credit receiving device, video camera and message composition input control monitor interconnected to a CPU and telecommunication connector capability.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system capable of connecting to the Internet is provided. The medication dispensing system can be in the form of a periphery device having electronic means for linkage to a personal computer, PDA, cell phone or WEB TV or can be a stand-alone, on-site terminal having means to connect to the Internet. The medication dispensing system comprises a rotatable medication tray having a plurality of compartments, a servo-mechanism operatively connected to the medication dispensing tray, a microprocessor based controller electronically connected to the servo-mechanism and being programmable to rotate the dispensing tray at a pre-set time. The controller also comprises a data store for maintaining and transmitting a variety of patient information, including the patient's medication regimen and compliance schedule.

Abstract: A locker type delivering system according to this invention includes a plurality of merchandise delivering equipment installed at public sites, accepts designation of a place and a time by a customer when the customer orders the merchandise, manages ordering information about the order of the merchandise inclusive of the designation on the basis of an ordering code, and sends the ordering code to the customer. Settling means provided to merchandise delivering equipment acquires ordering information corresponding to the input of the ordering code, and controls the unlocking the door of the corresponding locker by generating a suitable release code when an appropriate amount of money based on this ordering information is received. Therefore, this system can safely accomplish settlement of the charge and delivery of the merchandise to unspecified customers while protecting privacy of the customers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel dispenser system and a system for managing dispenser systems. The system comprises of at least one fuel dispenser having a peripheral, a point of sale terminal for initiating dispensing transactions and for controlling the peripheral on the fuel dispenser and a processor connected between the point of sale terminal and the dispenser for translating commands between the point-of-sale terminal and the dispenser and for translating response between dispenser and the point-of sale terminal. The present invention also includes a managing processor communicating with each dispenser system for administering the activities of the dispenser system.

Abstract: A plurality of media data, including audio data or audio/video data, are stored in a central database. A plurality of in-room, user interface systems access the media data through a central server. The central server presents to the in-room system a selection menu through which at least one of the media data may be selected. Upon selection of a media data by the user interface, the central server accesses the selected media data from the central database and transmits it to the in-room system. The media data may be transmitted by downloading the data to an intermediate system, playing the media data at the intermediate system and outputting the played media data to the in-room system through a communications line. The media data may also be transmitted by streaming the media data to the in-room system through a communications line.

Abstract: A fraud detection system within a fuel dispenser includes the ability to measure the amount of fuel dispensed through the fuel dispenser. The measurement is compared to a value independently created representing what the amount of fuel dispensed should approximate. If the values are not comparable, an alarm may be generated to indicate that the fuel dispenser has been modified to perpetrate fraud upon the customers. In particular, a reference used in the comparison is created by referring to an independent measurement of time required to complete the fueling transaction.

Abstract: A network of interactive, self-service, medication dispensing kiosks that are each adaptable to contain an inventory of, for example, 200 to 1600 different drugs, as may be currently obtained directly from a local storefront, mail order, or “cyber” pharmacy. With the exception of periodic maintenance or inventory replenishment, the kiosks constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are unmanned. By strategically locating the dispensing kiosks of the present invention in easily accessible public locations on a regional or national basis, and stocking the same with an inventory of frequently prescribed medications for which a patient is likely to have an exigent need, an on-line (Internet) or mail order pharmacy may offer a level of convenient access to emergency medications and pharmaceutical services that is at least as complete and comprehensive as that offered by the conventional storefront pharmacy.

Abstract: A customer operates his portable communication terminal to call a vending management center and to transmit a purchase request for buying an item from an intended one of a plurality of automatic vending machines. The vending management center transmits a selling allowance to the intended automatic vending machine. The automatic vending machine, in accordance with the selling allowance, delivers an item indicated by the customer. Thus the customer can obtain his desired item. The automatic vending machine, after delivering the item, transmits dispensing result data to the vending management center. Then, the vending management center prepares user and sales data from the dispensing result data and transmits the user and sales data to a proprietary of the communication network accommodating the portable communication terminal. Subsequently, the proprietary, in accordance with the user and sales data, settles an account with the customer on the communication fee and the item price.

Abstract: An automatic medicament dispensing machine (10) that does not remain idle while medicaments are transferred to a vial and counted and that therefore dispenses medicaments at a much faster rate. The machine includes a cabinet (12); a plurality of medicament dispensing cells (14) arranged in the cabinet for holding and dispensing medicaments; a plurality of medicament counting units (18) each including a vial gripper for holding a vial and a transfer mechanism for transferring medicaments from one of the medicament dispensing cells to the vial; and a transporter (20) for transporting the counting units to the cells for filling the vials held by the counting units.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.

Abstract: A main control section 1 is connected through a synchronous signal line 8 to a coin distinguishing control unit 2 and a bill distinguishing control unit 3, and is connected through a synchronous signal line 9 to a customer service control unit 4 and a vending control unit 5. As a result, according to an indication by the main control section 1, the coin distinguishing control unit 2 and the bill distinguishing control unit 3 communicate with the main control section 1 at a speed of 4800 bps when the synchronous signal line 8 is activated, and the customer service control unit 4 and the vending control unit 5 communicate with the main control section 1 at a speed of 19200 bps when the synchronous signal line 9 is activated.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system and method for preventing unauthorized fueling by controlling access and delivery of fuel from a fuel dispenser, based on information received from a vehicle or container via remote communications during a fueling operation. The vehicle transmits a signal including fuel delivery indicia to the dispenser. The dispenser uses the fuel delivery indicia to determine whether the vehicle is receiving fuel and determines whether it is delivering fuel. The dispenser maintains fuel delivery authorization if the vehicle indicates that it is receiving fuel and the dispenser is delivering fuel. If the vehicle indicates that it is not receiving fuel and the dispenser determines that it is delivering fuel, the dispenser may generate an output signal to identify an improper fueling condition and stop fuel delivery.

Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system and method for preventing unauthorized fueling by controlling access and delivery of fuel from a fuel dispenser, based on information received from a vehicle or container via remote communications during a fueling operation. The vehicle transmits a signal including fuel delivery indicia to the dispenser. The dispenser uses the fuel delivery indicia to determine whether the vehicle is receiving fuel and determines whether it is delivering fuel. The dispenser maintains fuel delivery authorization if the vehicle indicates that it is receiving fuel and the dispenser is delivering fuel. If the vehicle indicates that it is not receiving fuel and the dispenser determines that it is delivering fuel, the dispenser may generate an output signal to identify an improper fueling condition and stop fuel delivery.

Abstract: A system grants authorized subscribers access to selected ones of entertainment events at various entertainment venues. The system preferably comprises a central processing station and plurality of access point controllers. The central processing station preferably permits registering of subscribers that can be authorized to attend selected entertainment events. The central processing station also generates and stores a record relating to authorization of a subscriber to attend a selected entertainment event. Each of the access point controllers preferably reads a subscriber identifier presented by the subscriber attending the respective entertainment event, and confirms that the subscriber attending the respective entertainment event has been authorized based upon the subscriber identifier. This system permits subscribers to prearrange for attendance at a selected event and/or venue, and does not suffer from the drawbacks of conventional paper tickets.

Abstract: A fuel station site architecture includes at least one point-of-sale (POS) controller, at least one new generation fuel dispenser having advanced features, and a site forecourt controller coupled between the POS controller and the fuel dispenser. The site forecourt controller includes a device for interfacing the POS controller with the fuel dispenser by providing a protocol and electrical signal interface between a first protocol and electrical signal requirement of the POS controller and a second protocol and electrical signal requirement of the fuel dispenser, wherein the second protocol and electrical signal requirement include requirements for features which may not be supported by a prescribed POS controller.

Abstract: System for establishing autonatic access to a fuel pump comprising at least one decentral control unit (3), said control unit (3) comprising means which regulate the fuel pumps (7) associated with a service station, and a central control unit (2), at least one of the control units (2, 3) comprising means which are activated by wireless signals transmitted from a mobile telephone, said means comprising central means for the linking together of a first unique code (13) belonging to the mobile telephone (1) with the identification number of the same telephone, and the linking together of number and/or code (B) with the data lying in the unit, and that the decentral control unit comprises decentral means for the linking together of a second code (C), which is unique for the fuel pump and which is entered via the telephone, with the status associated with the pump, and which are activated by the wireless signals transmitted from the mobile telephone.

Abstract: An item dispensing system has a plurality of item dispensers at different retail locations. The item dispensers have processors for collecting data relating to the items dispensed. A host computer in electrical communications with processors in the item dispensers receives and stores the data relating to the items dispensed. A client computer in electrical communications with the host computer then receives the data relating to the items dispensed. Thus, the invention provides for the reporting of data relating to the items dispensed to a client computer via a host computer that collects the data from the item dispensers. The client computer is also capable of providing data to the item dispensers via the host computer. The invention is further applicable to a configuration which has a plurality of different client computers associated with different client systems, for example, different states. Thus, the invention is particular useful in reporting client item sales.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering product level profile information from the POS of different, spaced apart fueling locations networked together to a server through the Internet. The POS monitors the dispensers through a pump control center to determine the amount of fuel dispensed and the ATG to determine the amount of product remaining in the USTs, and it tracts fuel additions to the USTs from delivery trucks. This information is stored in a data file in the POS, and is linked together along with a site identifier to form a data packet for transmission. A communication network interconnects the POS of the remote fueling sites to a server. The server maintains a first database of routing numbers for the remote sites, and a second database of product level information for each remote site. The server individually polls the remote sites to obtain the data packet.

Abstract: A method for dispensing blended fertilizer to a customer at a dispensing site, which may be remote and unmanned. The fertilizer dealer enters the blend of standard fertilizer ingredients required to provide the customer's desired nutrients into a database identified with the customer. The customer identifies himself to a dispensing site based computer which recognizes the blend and operates a blending and dispensing apparatus to dispense the desired quantity of blended fertilizer to the customer. A plurality of blends may be available to the customer.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for servicing a vehicle and its occupants. A first identification signal is communicated either while the vehicle is approaching the terminal or upon arrival and a second control signal is then generated from within the vehicle beginning and terminating the requested servicing and maintaining control over the operation. Vehicle servicing, such as fueling and washing is provided robotically to the vehicle without the vehicle occupants being required to emerge from the vehicle or become physically involved in its implementation. Payment is automatically charged to the customers account.

Abstract: A method of auditing data from a vending machine includes providing commands to an audit module installed in the vending machine. The commands indicate a type of vending machine data to be processed by the audit module, how the data is to be processed by the audit module, and a location in memory in the audit module for storage of that type of vending machine data. The audit module is configured to process vending machine data in response to the received commands. Monitored vending machine data can be reported to a remote host in a manner specified by one or commands sent to the audit module.

Abstract: A network of interactive, self-service, medication dispensing kiosks that are each adaptable to contain an inventory of, for example, 200 to 1600 different drugs, as may be currently obtained directly from a local storefront, mail order, or “cyber” pharmacy. With the exception of periodic maintenance or inventory replenishment, the kiosks constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are unmanned. By strategically locating the dispensing kiosks of the present invention in easily accessible public locations on a regional or national basis, and stocking the same with an inventory of frequently prescribed medications for which a patient is likely to have an exigent need, an on-line (Internet) or mail order pharmacy may offer a level of convenient access to emergency medications and pharmaceutical services that is at least as complete and comprehensive as that offered by the conventional storefront pharmacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data vending machine system and a method thereof, and in particular to a data vending machine system and a method thereof which are capable of selecting a certain music file, recording the selected music file onto a recording medium and printing a selected image and character message on a surface of the recording medium. The present invention includes a host computer for storing a digital music file and a plurality of remote data vending machine connected with the host computer. The data vending machine includes at least one listing and reserving apparatus for providing a reservation function of the music files selected by the customer, a database and fabrication control apparatus for storing a part of the music files stored in the host computer and recording the selected music file onto the recording medium, and a charge paying unit.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating data between a network operations center and a remote device is described. Vending machine state information is communicated between a vending site and a network operations center using a delta scheme. A database, maintained by the network operations center, maintains a history of the activity of a variety of vending machines located at a variety of vending sites. To minimize the data needed to be transmitted between the vending site and the network operations center, the network operations center, in one embodiment, will request information from the vending site regarding the change in state of the various vending machines. The vending machines are responsible for restructuring a data block, calculating a delta for the change in state of the machine, applying a compression algorithm to the calculated delta and then transmitting the delta to the network operations center.

Abstract: A network management system remotely manages a fuel dispensing network comprising a plurality of refueling stations each including several fuel dispensing assemblies. The network management functions include reconfiguring the fuel dispensing equipment, downloading software updates, monitoring the status and performance of the fuel dispensing equipment, performing diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures, and scheduling maintenance calls and other servicing activity in response to the diagnostic evaluations. The management application performs its various network management functions in conjunction with a plurality of dedicated software agents each resident at a respective refueling station.