Inventors:
Seyamak Keyghobad - Marion MA, US
David Rodgers - Shaker Heights OH, US
Assignee:
Mueller International, Inc. - Atlanta GA
International Classification:
G06F 15/173
US Classification:
709223, 709224, 709203, 455 412, 455 413
Abstract:
A method and associated apparatus are described that enables unattended, remotely distributed appliances, such as vending machines, utility meters, thermostats and kitchen appliances (ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, etc. ) to be connected inexpensively to each other and to a centrally located server. The apparatus 1) uses relatively simple “personality” modules to adapt the apparatus to the application in combination with a sophisticated core module that provides the intelligence needed to process data locally, to format that data and to transfer it to a remote server and 2) uses existing Internet-based communication links, thereby avoiding the costly proprietary links used with current state-of-the-art solutions.