Remote Monitoring

The machine down time translated into a small, but genuine, loss of revenue to the gaming organization. Simple electronics can provide a new alert-based means reporting a fault condition. The de-facto standard for networking computers is Ethernet because it supports data rates from 10 Mbits/s to 10 Gbits/s, and is widely deployed -- essentially reaching all office buildings and numerous residential homes. At the hardware level, one only needs in Ethernet MAC and PHY, which are both integrated onto the PIC18F97J60 8-bit microcontroller family. However, to send emails and interface with non-proprietary computer terminals, one also needs an embedded TCP/IP software stack. Ethernet connectivity provides an excellent local ability to monitor appliances from within the same area. To achieve global connectivity, the Internet can be leveraged to provide services at low cost, and at no cost to the appliance manufacturer.