JP2001188940A - Automatic vending machine communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved system and an improved method for communication which transfer automatic vending machine operating software and automatic vending machine data to an automatic vending machine and further transfer them therefrom. SOLUTION: The automatic vending machine operating software is stored in an operating software memory of the automatic vending machine. An automatic vending machine controller controls the automatic vending machine as the function of the automatic vending machine operating software stored in the operating software memory. A hand-held data transfer device has a storage device. The automatic vending machine operating software is transferred between the operating software memory and storage device through the input/ output port of the transfer device, the input/output port of the automatic vending machine, and the automatic vending machine controller. This system enables the transfer of the software between plural automatic vending machines and a base station using the transfer device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to vending machine information transfer and communication systems, and more particularly to downloading and uploading vending machine operating software and vending machine data using a handheld data transfer device. A very useful vending machine communication system and method that can be used.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Over the years, vending machines have evolved from mere mechanical devices to complex, electronically controlled machines. Modern vending machines often use a microprocessor or similar device to control the operation of the vending machine. The addition of electronic controls has facilitated the ability to automatically record and store various types of sales data for a given vending machine. For example, vending machines can accumulate information about sales patterns for particular sales products. Among other things, such information allows a vending machine operator to optimize the products stored on the vending machine and maximize sales for a particular vending machine and / or a particular installation location.

Electronic controls also allow vending machine operators, including service technicians and inventory managers, to adjust various configuration parameters for their vending machines. For example, a vending machine operator can set parameters relating to price data, temperature settings, brewing time, product type, and placement of the product within the vending machine. In some cases, vending operators have to update configuration data fairly frequently. For example, if the product type or price changes regularly, the vending machine service administrator may need to update the configuration data each time the vending machine is refilled.

[0004] For relatively high performance vending machine electronics and various data transfer devices, at least one trade union is responsible for the data (but not the operating software) between the vending machine and other electronic devices. No) Developed a common standard for exchange. Electronic data transfer that allows vending machine operators to use a common device for uploading and downloading sales and / or configuration data, regardless of which manufacturer made the vending machine Standard (EVA-DTS)
Was developed by The European Vending Association (EVA). In other words, if the vending machine has EVA-DTS compatibility, the vending machine operator can surely transfer the common information of the EVA-DTS to the vending machine with the standard connector. There is no need to purchase different upload and download equipment for vending machines manufactured by different manufacturers.

[0005] As can be seen at present, the EVA-D
The TS uses a portable handheld electronic terminal to exchange information with the vending machine. The handheld unit can be pre-programmed using a standard personal computer, loaded with a complete set of configuration data, and the set is subsequently transferred to a vending machine. Similarly, the handheld unit can read sales and other operational data from the vending machine. These data are displayed directly on the handheld unit or stored for later use in personal computer-based systems and databases.

In order to use a data transfer device such as a handheld unit intended for use with the EVA-DTS, it is necessary to specify a data transfer protocol. This data transfer protocol is provided for established communication between the vending machine control processor and other electronic terminals, such as the handheld units described above, in a recognized set and sequence of commands. Vending machine operators and manufacturers in the United States generally prefer a data exchange protocol referred to in the industry as the DEX / UCS protocol. The DEX / UCS protocol uses a quarter inch jack / plug and its associated cable to establish a communication channel between the vending machine and the handheld unit.

On the other hand, the EVA-DTS uses a communication system based on the so-called enhanced optical protocol (EOP).
It is defined in the EVA-DTS 4th edition to date, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The EOP stands for Digital Equipment Corporation Data Communication Message Protocol (DDCMP)
Is similar to For details of the DDCMP, see D
See DCMP Specification No. AA-DS99A-TC. The entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. The EO also referred to as enhanced DDCMP
P basically conforms to the DDCMP, but the E
OP supports faster data rates and supports IrD
A (registered trademark) optical interface is used. The Infrared Data Association has developed the IrDA® optical interface commonly used in the palmtop and palm-sized personal computer industry. The EOP preferably uses a wireless optical interface, but it should be understood that a conventional jack and plug physical cable configuration may also be used.

[0008]

Despite the development of the EOP and the improvement of other vending machine data transfer devices,
Existing vending machine data transfer systems and equipment
It is not an easy-to-use system that satisfies all vending machine operator's information transfer needs. For example, current data transfer systems and handheld storage devices cannot be used to download vending machine operating software used by vending machine controls. Also, current systems do not allow the vending machine operating software to be uploaded from the vending machine to a handheld storage device. In addition, current systems do not facilitate convenient software and data transfer from vending machine to vending machine. Current data transfer devices and systems are easy to use to upload operating software or configuration data from one vending machine and then download the uploaded software or data to another vending machine. is not. For these reasons, there is a need for an improved system for transferring vending machine operating software and vending machine data to and from the vending machine.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs by providing an improved system for transferring vending machine operating software and vending machine data. To overcome. This is accomplished by providing a handheld data transfer device that is adapted to communicate and exchange information with vending machines through wired and wireless communication interfaces. The system also provides vending machine operating software or software for selecting vending machine data to be transferred, and software for controlling various software / data transfer processes. Advantageously, the present invention provides for electronically downloading and uploading vending machine operating software and vending machine data without opening the vending machine and without removing the EPROM or similar hardware. Made possible by Such a system allows the vending machine software to be quickly reprogrammed during manufacture, test or operation. The system further provides for the transfer of manufacturer-specific vending machine data that is tailored to meet the unique requirements of a particular class of vending machine. Advantageously, this manufacturer-specific data is transferred and stored in binary form, which is most easily used for computers and vending machine controls. Further, the system is economical, commercially practical, and compatible with current vending machine data transfer protocols.

[0010] Briefly, a system that incorporates the features of the present invention includes a vending machine that sells products. Operating software memory is attached to the vending machine. The operating software memory stores vending machine operating software. The vending machine control device controls the vending machine as a function of the vending machine operating software stored in the operating software memory. The vending machine input / output port is attached to the vending machine control device. The handheld data transfer device has a data transfer input / output port for communicating with the vending machine input / output port. The handheld data transfer device also has a storage device. The transfer device and the vending machine control device may include a transfer data device input / output port and a vending machine input / output port between the storage device of the handheld data transfer device and the operating software memory. , And the vending machine operating program is transmitted via the vending machine control device. In this way, the vending machine operating software is transferred between the operating software memory and the storage of the handheld data transfer device.

Another system that incorporates the features of the present invention includes a vending machine that sells products. Operating software memory is attached to the vending machine. The operating software memory stores vending machine operating software. Configuration data memory is included with the vending machine. The configuration data memory stores vending machine configuration data. The data memory is attached to the vending machine. The data memory stores vending machine operational data. The vending machine control device includes a vending machine operating software stored in the operating software memory,
And controlling the vending machine as a function of the vending machine configuration data stored in the configuration data memory. The vending machine controller records the vending machine operational data in the data memory according to the operation of the vending machine. The vending machine input / output port is attached to the vending machine control device. The handheld data transfer device has a data transfer input / output port for communicating with the input / output port of the vending machine. The handheld data transfer device also has a storage device. The transfer device includes a data transfer device input / output port, the vending machine input / output port, and the vending machine control between the storage device of the handheld data transfer device and the operating software memory. Initiate the transfer of the vending machine operating software via the device. In this way, the vending machine operating software is transferred between the operating software memory and the storage device of the handheld data transfer device.

The present invention also includes a method of transferring vending machine operating software stored in a vending machine operating software memory associated with the vending machine. The method includes: locating a handheld data transfer device adjacent a vending machine input / output port associated with the vending machine; and a data transfer input / output port of the handheld data transfer device. Establishing a communication channel between a vending machine input / output port and handheld data from the vending machine operating software memory associated with the vending machine. Transfer to the storage device attached to the transfer device. This transfer is performed via the communication channel. In this manner, the vending machine operating software is transferred from the vending machine operating software memory to the storage device.

In another form, the invention includes a method of transferring vending machine configuration data stored in a configuration memory associated with a vending machine. The method includes: locating a handheld data transfer device adjacent to a vending machine input / output port associated with the vending machine; and a data transfer input / output port of the handheld data transfer device. Establishing a communication channel with the vending machine input / output port; and transmitting the vending machine configuration data to the configuration data associated with the vending machine.
To transfer from memory to the storage device attached to the handheld data transfer device. This transfer is performed via the communication channel. The method further includes: locating the handheld data transfer device adjacent another vending machine input / output port associated with another vending machine; the data transfer input / output port. Establishing another communication channel between the vending machine input / output port and another vending machine input / output port; and attaching the vending machine configuration data stored in the storage device to the another vending machine. Transferring to said another configuration data memory. The transfer is performed via the another communication channel. Thus, the vending machine configuration data stored in the configuration data memory attached to the vending machine is stored in the another configuration data memory attached to the another vending machine. Will be transferred.

The present invention further provides vending machine operating software on a handheld portable device having a storage device.
It includes a method of transferring data from a data transfer device to a vending machine operating software memory attached to the vending machine. The method includes: loading the vending machine operating software into a storage device; and connecting a data transfer input / output port associated with the handheld data transfer device to the vending machine. Placing a communication channel between the data transfer I / O port and the vending machine I / O port; and installing the vending machine operating software. Transferring from the storage device to a vending machine operating software memory attached to the vending machine. This transfer is performed via the communication channel. Alternatively, the present invention may include various other systems and / or processes. Other objectives and features are, in part, self-explanatory and in part pointed out below.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows in block diagram form a preferred embodiment of the vending machine communication system of the present invention. As shown therein, a vending machine controller (VMC) 10 generally controls the operation of a vending machine 12 so that a VM
A product dispenser 14 connected to C10 is connected to a product (e.g., food,
Take out beverages, cosmetics, etc.). In particular, the VMC 10 controls the vending machine 12 as a function of information on three types of vending machines: vending machine operating software stored in an operating software memory 18; configuration data memory Configuration data stored at 20; and operational data stored at an operational data memory 24.

The vending machine operating software provides a VMC to perform computer or control functions in response to various system inputs and events, including inputs from consumers, sensors, operators, and the like.
10 includes a combination or sequence of computer instructions and definitions used.

The configuration data memory 20 stores the vending machine 1
2 is stored. VMC10 is
It also controls some operations of the vending machine 12 as a function of the configuration data. The configuration data includes, for example, information on the price of the product for sale, information on the product configuration and arrangement in the vending machine 12, time information, and information on the installation location of the vending machine and the specific sales product contained therein. Includes other information that may be required to adapt the operation of the vending machine 12. Generally, the configuration data may be referred to as price data or storefront data.

Operational data memory 24 contains operational data relating to vending machine operation.
Store the data. Such operational data includes, for example, sales information regarding products sold by the vending machine 12. The operational data also includes the serial number of the machine or subassembly, the location code of the vending machine, the software version number, the system date and time code, the date and time of the most recent data transfer, and the vending machine. May also include information such as the name or identification of the root salesperson / service technician who accessed the. The operational data further comprises:
It may include information regarding maintenance of the vending machine 12 in particular, such as self-diagnosis data or malfunction indications. Normal VMC10
Will respond to the vending machine event 28
The operational data is stored in the data memory 24. For example, if the sale product sells, VMC
10 will store and / or update the values of various types of operational data in operational data memory 24. For example, the price of a product sold will be added to the total sales of the product; the total sales of the product will increase; and the time and date of the last sale will be recorded. There will be. Operational data is sometimes called sales data, measurement data, and accounting data.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, operating software memory 18 preferably comprises flash memory. One skilled in the art will appreciate that flash memory generally has a non-volatile nature similar to EPROM, but can be quickly reprogrammed without having to remove or replace the memory chip. . In addition, flash memory is a relatively inexpensive device. Replacing the EPROM with flash memory would simultaneously increase the size of the software memory 18 and eliminate the EPROM subassembly, but would be expected to result in a very small increase in component costs. In addition, it is preferred that the controller clock (not shown in FIG. 1) operate at a sufficiently high speed to accommodate faster software and data rates. Advantageously and as described in more detail below, the vending machine operating software opens the vending machine by using flash memory in the vending machine communication system of the present invention. It is downloaded to the operating software memory 18 and also uploaded from the memory 18 without removing the hardware from the vending machine.

It should be understood that configuration data memory 20 and operational data memory 24 do not necessarily require flash memory. However, preferably, the configuration data memory 20 and the operational data memory 24 are such that the data stored therein (eg, configuration data and operational data) is not lost when power is turned off. . Note also that configuration data memory 20 and operational data memory 24 may include a single memory or a split memory.

The customer display window 40 is located on the outer case 42 of the vending machine 12. Typically, the customer display window 40 is located in a location readily visible to a typical vending machine customer, for example, at the front door of the vending machine 12. Since the customer display 44 is located behind the customer display window 40, the customer can view the customer display 44 through the customer display window 40. VMC 10 controls one or more messages displayed on customer display 44. The message is stored in the configuration data memory 20 as configuration data or in the operating software memory 1.
8 may be stored as part of the operating software. The message displayed on the customer display 44 generally includes, for example, a greeting, a promotional phrase, an indication that the vending machine is currently in need of a change, or out-of-stock information. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the customer display 44 is preferably manufactured by Noritake Company Limited (part number AH1016A).
Etc. from a vacuum fluorescent display tube (VFD).

An infrared interface port 46, also called an IR port, an input / output port, or an optical interface port, is behind the customer display window 40 and near the customer display 44. As described in further detail below, a vending machine operator, such as a service technician,
10 and transfer software and data.

It should be noted that the customer display 44 can emit a noise signal, such as an electromagnetic or optical noise signal. An insulator 48 between the customer display 44 and the IR port 46 causes the IR signal
Reduces possible effects on port 46. Preferably, insulator 48, customer display 44 and IR port 46 are mounted on a single printed circuit board.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
Port 46 is an Ir port, such as a Hewlett-Packard Company (part number HSDL-3610).
Includes a DA® compatible and surface mounted IR transceiver. VMC10 is HSDL-700, also manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Company.
One or more encoder / decoder (encoder / decoder) integrated circuits 50 communicate with the IR port 46. Although the IR port 46 is described in terms of the relationship with the IR transceiver only, the IR port 46 may be described in the context of the combination of the IR transceiver and the encoder / decoder 50 or a single unit including, for example, a transceiver and an encoder / decoder. It should be understood that the description can also be made in relation to other combinations of circuits such as integrated circuits.

The vending machine 12 further includes a cable input / output port 52 for the transfer and exchange of software and data using a physical cable interface.
In place of or in addition to the IR port. The cable input / output port 52 may be called an input / output port. However, unlike the IR port, the cable input port 52 is a physical cable connection 54 using a standard quarter inch jack and plug combination.
(Represented by the dotted line). VMC
If 10 uses cable I / O port 52, wireless communication is not normally used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine communication system further includes a handheld data transfer device 6.
0, which is a portable data carrier device (PDC
Also called D). Although the PDCD 60 is generally referred to as a data carrier device, the present invention provides a PDC
It has been found that D60 can also be used to store and transfer vending machine operating software.
In the depicted embodiment, the PDCD 60 comprises a palmtop computer, preferably with an IrDA® compatible overall data transfer port 62. Advantageously, palmtop computers with such an integrated data transfer port 62 are readily available. Normally, the PDCD 60 further includes a display, and a keyboard and / or touch /
Includes features that can be entered via a tap screen and runs Windows CE® or a similar operating system.

The PDCD 60 further includes a control processor 64
And a memory 65 also referred to as a storage device. The control processor 64 communicates over a wireless communication channel 70 via an IrDA® compatible data transfer port 62. In other words, PDCD60 is IrDA
Software and data can be transferred and exchanged with other (registered trademark) compatible devices via the data transfer port 62. Vending machine operator
While it would be preferable to use the rDA® data transfer port 62, the PDCD 60 may also include one or more cable I / O ports 71 so that the PDCD 60 can communicate with other devices, such as the base station 74. Communication may be via a physical cable connection 76.

The base station 74 is preferably
Consists of a desktop or laptop personal computer running a widely available operating system such as WINDOWS 98®. Although the base station 74 can communicate and exchange data with the PDCD 60 using a wireless interface, such as an IrDA® port, in the embodiment shown in FIG. Base station 7
4 via a standard cable interface 76 such as an RS-232 interface.
Communicate with CD60.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram generally illustrating one possible database structure for use with the vending machine communication system depicted in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, base station 74 preferably includes one or more databases or libraries 80 that store software, data, and other information regarding vending machine 12 or PDCD 60. Including. In particular, operating software library 82 stores vending machine operating software for use with one or more classes of vending machines 12. Configuration Data Library 8
4 is one or more classes of vending machines 12
Is stored. Similarly, sales data library 86 stores sales data or other operational data for one or more classes of vending machines 12. Each database / library 82, 8
Although 4, 86 are depicted separately in FIG. 2, the library 80 is organized and may store software and data in many different ways. For example, data and software may be stored in a specific association with the vending machine class / type. Conversely, data and software may be stored in connection with the location of the vending machine. Also,
In FIG. 2, the library 80 is the base station 74
Although depicted as being in a database stored in the library 80, the library 80 may be simultaneously and / or separately maintained on another device, such as a PDCD 60, body, or the like.

An important advantage of the present invention is that vending machine operating software or configuration data can be transferred between PDCD 60 and vending machine 1 without opening vending machine 12 and replacing hardware such as EPROMs.
Transfer between the two. Taking the vending machine operating software as an example, a vending machine service technician or the like can select the appropriate version of the vending machine operating software stored in the base station 74 and if so desired. If so, correct / edit. The cable port 71 of the PDCD 60 is connected to the corresponding port on the base station 74 side, and the service technician starts the transfer of the software. The vending machine operating software is then transferred to the PDCD 60, which stores the software in the memory / storage device 65.

The selected vending machine operating system
After the software is loaded on PDCD60, the PDC
An IrDA® port 62 of the D60 is an IR port 46 installed at the back of the vending machine window 44.
The PDCD 60 is located near the vending machine window 44 so that it can communicate with the vending machine. The technician is PDCD
Using the keyboard, mouse, or touch / tap screen that comes with the
The software transfer between PDCD 60 and vending machine 12 is initiated by selecting the desired transfer option on the display (see FIGS. 4A-4H and the associated description below). The transfer start command is transmitted by the IrDA (registered trademark) port 62 and received by the IR port 46. Preferably, the transfer start command specifies the type of information to be transferred, in this case it is vending machine operating software. VMC 10 receives the transfer start command and, when ready, responds with an appropriate receive message indicating that it has received the command and is ready to receive information including vending machine operating software. When the last software is transferred, the PDCD 60 normally transmits a message indicating that the transfer has been completed, and the VMC 10 normally performs an appropriate response by notifying that the transfer has been completed.

Preferably, the transfer is performed for each individual block by appropriate handshaking between the PDCD 60 and the VMC 10 generated by transfer between blocks. However, optionally, it is possible to transfer the vending machine operating software in a sequence. In addition to handshaking, standard information transfer integrity checks, such as checksums, random checks, etc., may be performed.

Although the above description illustrates how vending machine operating software is downloaded to vending machine 12, the vending machine communication system of the present invention provides a It also offers uploading vending machine operating software. Stated another way, the present invention allows the user to further transfer to another vending machine (see 12 'of FIG. 3 and the following description) or base station 74, Vending machine 12 to PD
It becomes possible to transfer the operating software to the CD 60. In that case, the PDCD 60
It is installed near the vending machine window 40. The upload is initiated on the PDCD 60, and the PDCD 60 sends a matching upload start message to the IrDA data port 62, the wireless communication channel 70, the IR
It communicates to vending machine 12 via port 46, encoder / decoder 50 and VMC 10. Upon receiving the upload start message, the VMC 10 responds by indicating that it has been properly received or is ready. When ready, the VMC 10 retrieves the vending machine operating software from the operating software memory 18 and retrieves the operating software.
The software is output to the IR port 46 via the encoder / decoder 50. PDCD60 is an operating system
Software over IrDA via wireless communication channel 70
(Registered trademark) Port 62 receives. The control processor 64 of the PDCD 60 then executes the operating
The software is stored in the memory storage device 65. After the vending machine operating software has been uploaded from the vending machine 12 to the PDCD 60, the vending machine 12 may be uploaded to the base station 74 or to another vending machine 12 '.
(FIG. 3). Further, as described above, the vending machine operating software is preferably transferred in discrete blocks.

FIG. 3 shows a vending machine communication system according to the present invention in which vending machine operating software (or other information such as configuration data, for example) is shown in FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates a method that can be used to transfer to another or additional vending machine 12 ′ of the same type or class as one vending machine 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the vending machine operating software in the operating software memory 18 of the vending machine 12 is similar to that described above with respect to uploading the vending machine operating software. To the PDCD60 (arrow UT)
Forwarded). Thereafter, the operating software transferred and now in the memory 65 of the PDCD may be loaded into another or additional vending machine 12 'in a manner similar to that described above for downloading the vending machine operating software. Corresponding vending machine operating software memory 1
8 '(as indicated by arrow DT). Upon completion of the transfer, vending machine 12 and vending machine 12 'will both have the same operating software stored in their respective operating software memories 18, 18'. As noted above, operating software memory 18, 18 'preferably includes flash memory to facilitate quick reprogramming and reloading of the vending machine operating program.

For a related aspect of the invention, vending machine 12 ′ is substantially the same as vending machine 12. For example, vending machine 12 'includes a display window 40 and a customer display 44'. Similarly, vending machine 12 'includes comparable memory and input / output interfaces and communicates (as indicated by arrow DT) via another communication channel 70'.

The method of transferring the vending machine operating software from the PDCD 60 to the operating software memory 18, shown in FIG.
The vending machine operating software can be loaded into the storage device 65 manually or via the interface cable 76 from the base station 74; To be adjacent to
The PDCD 60 is located near the window 40 on the vending machine 12;
A communication channel is established between the A port 62 and the IR port 46; and the vending machine operating software is transferred from the storage device 65 to the operating software memory 18 using the IrDA port. 62, wireless communication channel 70, IR port 4
6. Transfer via encoder / decoder 50 and VMC10.

Similarly, the vending machine operating software shown in FIGS.
The method for uploading / transferring from 2 to the PDCD 60 can also be described by replacing the steps listed below: placing the PDCD 60 near the window 40 on the vending machine 12 such that the PDCD 60 is adjacent to the IR port 46. At the IrDA® port 62 and the IR port 46 via the wireless communication channel 70.
A communication channel is established between the vending machine operating software and the storage device 65 of the PDCD 60 from the vending machine operating software memory 18 to the VM (see also UT in FIG. 3).
C10, encoder / decoder 50, IR port 46, wireless communication channel 70 and IrDA® port 62
To transfer through.

Once the vending machine operating software is stored in the storage device 65, it can then be downloaded / transferred to another vending machine 12 ', as shown in FIG. The method of transferring vending machine operating software from PDCD 60 to another vending machine 12 ', represented in FIGS. 1 and 3, can also be described by substituting the steps listed below: PD
P60 so that CD60 is adjacent to another IR port 46 '.
Place the DCD 60 near another window 40 'on another vending machine 12'; another wireless communication channel 70 '
3 establishes another communication channel between the IrDA® port 62 and the another IR port 46 ′ (see also DT in FIG. 3); Vending machine operating software to another vending machine operating software memory 18 'of said another vending machine 12',
Transfer via IrDA® port 62, said another wireless communication channel 70 ', said another IR port 46', another encoder / decoder 50 'and another VMC 10.

Similarly, the method of transferring vending machine configuration data from vending machine 12 to another vending machine 12 ', represented in FIGS. 1 and 3, is described by substituting the steps listed below. You can also: PDCD60 IR
Position the PDCD 60 near the window 40 on the vending machine 12 adjacent to the port 46; the wireless communication channel 70 allows the IrDA® port 6
2 and another IR channel 46 (see also UT in FIG. 3); and vending machine configuration data from the configuration data memory 20 to the storage device 65 of the PDCD 60 to the VMC 10. , Encoder / decoder 50,
IR port 46, wireless communication channel 70, and IrD
A is transferred via the A (registered trademark) port 62. After the vending machine configuration data is stored in the storage device 65, a method of further downloading the data to another vending machine 12 'can be described by replacing the steps listed below: The PDCD 60 is placed near another window 40 'on another vending machine 12' so as to be adjacent to the IR port 46 'of the IrDA port 62 by another wireless communication channel 70'. And establishing another communication channel between the other IR port 46 '(see also reference numeral DT in FIG. 3);
Then, the vending machine configuration data stored in the storage device 65 is transferred to the vending machine configuration data memory 20 'of the another vending machine 12'. When the last transfer is made, the vending machine configuration data stored in the vending machine configuration data memory 20 is present in another configuration data memory 20 'of the another vending machine 12' (e.g., Has been transferred.)

There is no need to open the vending machine, remove the EPROM, or otherwise physically contact the vending machine 12 without the vending machine operating system.
The ability to update and transfer software "flying in the air" is a significant improvement over the prior art. For example, a vending machine manufacturer may load software into multiple vending machines in much less time than it would take to program or replace the EPROM. In addition, vending machine software developers can download and upload vending machine software with significantly shorter turnaround times. For example, if a software problem is suspected to be in a particular vending machine or class of vending machines, the operating software that appears to have the problem will be automatically analyzed and rejected to eliminate the problem. It can be uploaded from the vending machine 12 to the PDCD 60. The base station 74 or PDCD 60 may be equipped with any suitable software analysis and problem elimination tools.

Similar advantages and time savings are realized in the field. Vending machine manufacturers can distribute software updates to vending machine operators without sending EPROMs or other hardware. The operator may also use the PDCD to load the new software into the vending machine at a convenient time, such as when the vending machine is to be restocked. Advantageously, no specially trained technicians are required.

The vending machine operating software is provided to or from the vending machine 12
Or vending machine configuration data and / or vending machine operational data to or from the vending machine 12, in the same manner as can be transferred between the vending machines 12, 12 '. Vending machine 12, 1
Note also that it can be transferred between 2 '. Furthermore,
The control processor 64 of the PDCD 60 allows a person operating the PDCD to display the vending machine operating software, configuration data, and / or the vending machine operational data on a display (not shown) of the PDCD 60. Software that can be viewed and edited can optionally be implemented. Similar software runs on base station 74. However, it should be noted that due to the nature of the type of information stored as operational data, such data may not be edited. Thus, operational data can be stored in a read-only format. In fact, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operational data is PDCD
No transfer (e.g., upload or download) using S.60. In such an embodiment, the DE
Prior art equipment using the X / UCS protocol can be used to retrieve vending machine sales data or operational data.

One drawback of EVA-DTS is that it limits the data to standard data definitions,
It is to limit to the element. Such a restriction results in a considerable lack of flexibility, which is necessary when a vending machine manufacturer or operator wants to define configuration data for a group of vending machines more precisely. Advantageously, in the vending machine communication system of the present invention, the configuration data also includes one or more manufacturer-specific lists, which are listed in the EVA-DTS version 4 of January 4, 1997. It is separate from the specified list. Tables 1 and 2 are examples of typical manufacturer specific lists.

[0044]

[Table 1]

[0045]

[Table 2]

As shown in Tables 1 and 2, some data may match between two different classes of vending machines, but the information is stored in a list structure belonging to each vending machine class. May be located in different places (eg coin /
See banknote / card configuration data). Similarly, some data is similar between vending machines (eg, price or time setup), but appears in different amounts or at different locations in the table. Conversely, some data is specific to a particular class of vending machine. For example, Table 1
The snack vending machine data block represented in Figure 2 contains snack motor configuration data, while
The coffee vending machine data block represented in Table 2 contains timer and water valve data. Therefore,
The particular format for the data appearing in the listed list is determined as a function of the vending machine class associated with the configuration data. Thus, the vending machine class identifier is embedded in a list specific to each manufacturer. Advantageously, the VMC 10 can be programmed using vending machine software that causes the VMC 10 to automatically reject lists containing class identifiers that do not match.

A PDCD can also be used to transfer configuration data from one vending machine to another in a manner similar to that described above for vending machine operating software. Furthermore, PDCD60 is
No special programming is required, or no special knowledge of the data is required other than knowing that it is manufacturer specific list data. One way to identify such configuration data is to use a specific list number that identifies the data as manufacturer specific data. In other words, PDCD60 is
Data transfer can be initiated simply by referencing a list number or other convenient identifier specific to a particular manufacturer.

It is also possible to subdivide the manufacturer-specific configuration data into further lower-level lists. For example, if a complete list of manufacturer-specific configuration data is included in list 65, a list 66 is created that includes only message data (eg, messages displayed on customer display 44). Such sub-lists provide flexibility and allow for the updating and transfer of common data between different classes of vending machines that use a common data structure for similar data. In other words, even though the PDCD 60 requires very limited information about the particular data involved (eg, only the list number), the vending machine communication system of the present invention advantageously has a similar Supplies the transfer of manufacturing-specific data between vending machines, or similar. Of course, PDCD 60 can also be programmed to allow the user to view and edit the information contained in any manufacturer specific list.

[0049] Alternatively, the code of the lower list is plugged into the first list identifier. For example, the list 66 can be inserted and recognized as lower data in the list 65. In this manner, PDCD 60 need only translate the initial list identifier to find that the list includes a manufacturer-specific list. PDCD 60 need not be programmed to recognize special sub-lists or sub-list identifiers.

It should be noted that the vending machine operating software may be stored and transferred in list form. In this manner, when uploading or downloading vending machine operating software, PDCD 60 need only know a special list number or identifier.

Preferably, said configuration data and said operational data are transferred and stored in binary form. Prior art systems, such as those described in the EVA-DTS description above, convert data to ASCII.
Transfer and store in format. On the other hand, VMC10, PDCD6
Computers and processors, such as 0 and base station 74, cannot easily use data in ASCII format. Typically, the data must be converted from ASCII format for processing. In the present invention, the data remains in binary form. Furthermore, the transfer of data in ASCII format tends to increase the size of the data format used, and requires the addition of an identifier and a delimiter. As a result, the transfer of data in ASCII format
More time and memory are required compared to the transfer of binary data. Thus, it is clear that vending machine communication systems that transfer and store data in binary form offer distinct advantages in terms of data rate, data storage requirements, and required message capacity of the data. is there. Similarly, the vending machine operating software is preferably transferred and stored in binary form.

FIGS. 4A-4H show some possible examples of a graphical user interface screen of a menu driven software application that accompanies the PDCD 60. FIG. In particular, FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate user-selected screens that are compatible with palmtop computers running the WINDOWS CE® operating system. FIG. 4A shows
A user of the PDCD 60 can use an infrared (Infrared) connection using the wireless communication channel 70 or a direct connection using a physical connection 54 using a cable (Direct Connection).
Represents a selection menu for selecting FIG. 4B illustrates a typical vending machine selection window in which the options for selection are separated by vending machine class. Note that the selection window can be configured to allow the user to select the type of information / data to be transferred (eg, vending machine operating code, vending machine configuration data, or vending machine operational data). Should.

FIGS. 4A and 4B both show separate “Download” and “Uploa”.
d) "Select button" is shown. By selecting one of these buttons, the user can start downloading or uploading data. It should be noted that the meaning of the terms download and upload will vary among those skilled in the art depending on the context in which they are used. For example, one might refer to all transfers from the PDCD 60 to the vending machine 10 as downloads, and similarly refer to all transfers from the vending machine 10 to the PDCD 60 as uploads. This is the general adherence herein. Conversely, another person may prefer to refer to such transfers in the opposite word, for example, all transfers from PDCD 60 to vending machine 10 as uploads. Either one may be used as long as the words are used consistently.

FIGS. 4C and 4D show typical displays showing the transfer status of the selected data. 4E and 4F show exemplary file management displays for use with PDCD 60. FIG. As represented there, the file (Fi
The le) pull down menu allows the user to manipulate various file attributes such as file name.
The user can also initiate data transfer (eg, upload or download) from the file menu.

FIG. 4G shows a representative selection list that appears when a user selects the "Start" button on a palmtop computer running the Windows CE.RTM. Operating system. . The palmtop application software for the vending machine communication system of the present invention includes "nv" in the illustrated list of "Start" buttons.
zap ". Application software such as nvzap is Microsoft's Visu
It is made using an authoring tool that uses objects such as al C ++ (registered trademark).

FIG. 4H is a typical security feature that can be used with PDCD 60. In particular, access to certain data and being able to transfer data may be restricted using a password or similar mechanism.

Conveniently, a similar menu-driven selection can be provided in base station 74 as well as in PDCD 60. Moreover, the base station 74 also has data manipulation and programming capabilities not easily provided on a handheld unit such as the PDCD 60. For example, the base
The computer program running on the station 74 has a menu-driven graphical representation, whereby the user can access the vending machine operating software, operational data, Or access configuration data. Such programs allow certain users to:
It has become possible to edit or change vending machine operating software, operational data, or configuration data.

As mentioned briefly above, security and integrity checks may control or limit any or all of the data transfer operations described above. For example, password protection may be used to restrict access to data, parts of data, systems, or parts of systems. Access to certain data may be denied altogether or restricted in other ways, such as "read-only" access. Similarly, password protection is provided between base station 74 and PDCD 60 and PDCD 6
It can be used to limit the transfer of data between vending machine 0 and vending machine 12 can be initiated. Another possible integrity check is an embedded code contained within the exchanged data / information. For example, the vending machine 12
Code may be provided that indicates the class / type of vending machine to ensure that software or configuration data associated with that type of vending machine is downloaded to the vending machine's operating software memory.

It should be understood that the term transfer is also used broadly herein. For example, the transfer of software and data is intended to include copying, and after the transfer, a portion of the original information will remain intact on the source device (eg, PDCD 60) and a portion of the original information will be transferred. Is also stored in the transfer destination device (for example, the operating software memory 18). Similarly, if software and data are transferred literally,
After the transfer, the software and / or data are present on the destination device and are no longer on the original device. The transfer can also include overwriting existing information. For example, if part of the vending machine operating software already exists in the memory storage device 65 of the PDCD 60 and the overwriting is performed, the new software downloaded to the PDCD 60 overwrites the software existing in the PDCD 60. I do. It should be understood that the vending machine communication system of the present invention supports partial transfer, partial copy and partial overwrite of software and data.

[0060]

In view of the foregoing, the handheld storage device allows for the downloading and uploading of vending machine operating software, and facilitates the transfer of software and data from the vending machine to the vending machine. It will be appreciated that some objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. Since various changes can be made in the above structures and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, all that is included in the above description and the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative and limited. is not.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the vending machine communication system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a database configuration suitable for use with the vending machine communication system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating data transfer of the vending machine communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A-H shows a menu driven palmtop suitable for use with the vending machine communication system of FIG.
2 is an example of a computer display for a computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Vending machine control device, 12, 12 ': Vending machine, 14: Product dispenser, 18, 18': Operating software memory, 20: Configuration data
Memory, 24 ... operational data memory, 2
8 vending machine event, 40, 40 'customer display window, 42 outer case, 44, 44' customer display, 46, 46 'infrared interface port, 48 insulator, 52 cable I / O port, 60 portable data carrier device, 62 data transfer port, 64 control processor, 65 memory / storage device, 70, 70 'wireless communication channel, 71 cable port, 74 base Station, 76: cable connection, 80: library, 82: operating software library, 84: configuration data library, 86: sales data library.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification Symbol FI Theme Court II (Reference) G07F 5/18 G07F 5/18 5/22 5/22 B (72) Inventor Paul Kay Grinner Bridge, Missouri, USA 63044 Ton, Enterprise Way 12950, Crane Company

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A vending machine for selling products; an operating software memory attached to the vending machine and storing vending machine operating software; and a vending machine stored in the operating software memory. A vending machine control device for controlling the vending machine as a function of the vending machine operating software; a vending machine input / output port attached to the vending machine control device; A data transfer input / output port for communicating with a handheld data transfer device having an attached storage device, wherein the transfer device and the vending machine control device are connected to each other. Via the data transfer input / output port, the vending machine input / output port and the vending machine control device The vending machine operating software is configured to transfer the vending machine operating software between a storage device of the handheld data transfer device and the operating software memory, whereby the vending machine operating software comprises the A system transferred between an operating software memory and said handheld data transfer device. 2. The vending machine operating software is uploaded from the operating software memory to the vending machine controller so that the vending machine controller uploads the uploaded operating software. Output to the vending machine input / output port, thereby allowing the handheld
A data transfer device receiving the uploaded operating software at the data transfer input / output port and storing the uploaded operating software in the storage device attached to the handheld data transfer device; or Vending machine operating software is based on the handheld
Downloading from the storage device associated with the data transfer device to the handheld data transfer device to the handheld data transfer device, whereby the handheld data transfer device outputs the downloaded operating software to the data transfer input / output port; The operating system from which the vending machine control device is downloaded.
The system of claim 1, wherein software is received at the vending machine input / output port and the downloaded operating software is stored in the operating software memory. 3. The vending machine input / output port further includes a window disposed outside the vending machine, wherein the vending machine input / output port includes an IrDA® compatible optical communication transceiver installed in the window. The system of claim 1, comprising: 4. A configuration data memory attached to the vending machine and storing vending machine configuration data; and a data memory attached to the vending machine and storing vending machine operational data. The vending machine controller further controls the vending machine as a function of the vending machine configuration data stored in the configuration data memory, and the vending machine controller controls the vending machine. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the vending machine operational data corresponding to machine operation is stored in the data memory. 5. A computer input / output port for communicating with the handheld data transfer device; and a computer memory for storing the vending machine operating software, the vending machine configuration data, and vending machine operational data. A computer program that accesses the computer memory, wherein the vending machine operating software, the vending machine configuration data, and the vending machine operational data are in a user-readable format. A graphical representation (grap
The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a computer station comprising: a computer program providing a hical user interface). 6. The vending machine operating software stored in the computer memory, the vending machine configuration data stored in the computer memory, or the computer program, wherein the graphical representation of the computer program is stored in the computer memory. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further allowing the user to change the vending machine operational data stored in memory. 7. Another vending machine for selling another product;
Another operating software memory attached to the another vending machine and storing another vending machine operating software; and another vending machine configuration data attached to the another vending machine. Another configuration data memory for storing the set; attached to said another vending machine;
The another vending machine is connected to the another vending machine operating software and the another vending machine configuration data.
The vending machine operating software further comprises: another vending machine control device controlled as a function of a set; another vending machine input / output port attached to the vending machine control device; Uploaded from the operating software memory attached to the vending machine to the vending machine control device, whereby the vending machine control device uploads the uploaded operating software to the vending machine input / output port. Output, and the handheld data transfer device receives the uploaded operating software at the data transfer input / output port, and stores the uploaded operating software in the storage associated with the handheld data transfer device. Stored in the device; Vending machine configuration data is uploaded from the configuration data memory attached to the vending machine to the vending machine controller, whereby the vending machine controller uploads the uploaded vending machine configuration data. To the vending machine input / output port, and the handheld data transfer device receives the uploaded vending machine configuration data at the data transfer input / output port, and outputs the uploaded vending machine configuration data to the vending machine input / output port. The vending machine operating software stored in the storage device attached to the handheld data transfer device and uploaded from the storage device attached to the handheld data transfer device is downloaded to the handheld data transfer device. , Thereby said handheld The data transfer device outputs the uploaded operating software to the data transfer input / output port, and the another vending machine control device outputs the uploaded operating software to the another vending machine input / output. Storing the uploaded operating software in the separate operating software memory, thereby storing the operating software stored in the operating software memory associated with the vending machine. Is transferred to the other operating software memory associated with the another vending machine, thereby placing the other vending machine operating software on the vending machine operating software. Recombinant is; and, the vending machine configured uploaded is downloaded from the storage device to the handheld data transfer device that is included in the handheld data transfer device,
Thereby, the handheld data transfer device outputs the uploaded vending machine configuration to the data transfer input / output port, and the another vending machine control device transmits the uploaded vending machine configuration to the vending machine configuration. The vending machine configuration received and uploaded at another vending machine input / output port is stored in the another configuration data memory, thereby being stored in the configuration data memory attached to the vending machine. The vending machine configuration data is transferred to the another configuration data memory attached to another vending machine, wherein the another vending machine configuration data is replaced with the vending machine configuration data. The system according to claim 1. 8. A method for transferring vending machine operating software stored in a vending machine operating software memory attached to the vending machine, the vending machine attached to the vending machine. Installing a handheld data transfer device adjacent the input / output port; establishing a communication channel between the data transfer input / output port of the handheld data transfer device and the vending machine input / output port; Transferring the vending machine operating software between the vending machine operating software memory attached to the vending machine and a storage device attached to the handheld data transfer device, The transfer takes place over the communication channel, whereby the The method consists of the steps of vending machine operating software is transferred is transferred to the vending machine operating software memory, or from there to the storage device. 9. locating said handheld data transfer device adjacent another vending machine input / output port associated with another vending machine; and establishing another communication channel with said data transfer port and said another vending machine. Building between the vending machine input / output ports; and another vending machine operating software associated with the another vending machine, the vending machine operating software stored in the storage device. Transferring to memory, wherein the transfer is performed via the separate communication channel, whereby the vending is stored in the vending machine operating software memory associated with the vending machine Machine operating software is provided from said storage device to said another vending machine attached to said another vending machine. Operating software
Transferring to a memory. 10. Transferring the vending machine configuration data from the configuration data memory associated with the vending machine to the storage device associated with the handheld data transfer device. Placing the transfer over the communication channel; placing the handheld data transfer device adjacent another vending machine input / output port associated with another vending machine;
Establishing another communication channel between the data transfer input / output port and the another vending machine input / output port; and transmitting the vending machine configuration data stored in the storage device to the other vending machine configuration data. Transferring to another configuration data memory associated with the vending machine, wherein the transfer is performed via the additional communication channel, whereby the vending machine configuration associated with the vending machine is provided. Transferring said vending machine configuration data stored in a data memory to said another configuration data memory associated with said another vending machine. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a method for transferring vending machine configuration data stored in a configuration data memory that is present.