JP2001283293A - Management service method for vending machine data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the burden on the administration and management of an automatic vending machine. SOLUTION: Portable adapter devices 1 are installed in an automatic vending machine group 100. The adapter device 1 can be connected to a server B through the Internet by radio. A plurality of clients A can be connected to the server B by the Internet. The server B transmits the instruction of the collection of data to the adapter device 1 based on the setting of the client A. Automatic vending machine data of the automatic vending machine is collected through the adapter device 1 and the Internet by the instruction of the server B. Collected vending machine data are recorded in the database of automatic vending machine data of the server B through the Internet by radio. The client A collates automatic vending machine data with the server B by the collation of user ID. The client A analyzes data by an analysis program supplied from the server B.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a vending machine data management service method in a vending machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in vending machines, vending machine data relating to product sales, such as sales information, is collected and circulated from vending machines by a manager or the like who maintains and inspects the vending machines using a handy terminal device or the like. I was

However, when collecting vending machine data using such a handy terminal device or the like, it is necessary to go to the place where the vending machine is installed,
There is a problem that management takes time. In particular, when managing a large number of vending machines, enormous labor is required. Also, real-time data collection was not possible. Therefore, vending machine data is managed by a POS system that collects data online.

[0004]

However, when such a system is introduced, there is a problem that initial investment in computer hardware and software development and a burden on operation and maintenance of the system are large. In addition, it has been difficult to easily utilize the vending machine data, for example, it takes a long time to introduce the system. As described above, the operation and management of vending machines are currently under a heavy burden.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of operation and management of a vending machine.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine data management service method, wherein the server stores a plurality of customer IDs and the vending machine of the plurality of vending machines. The data is collected via the Internet and stored in the storage device, and by receiving the customer ID from the accessed client, the vending machine data stored in the storage device is used to retrieve the automatic data corresponding to the customer ID. The vending machine data is distributed to the client via the Internet.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine data management service method comprising the structure of the first aspect, wherein a customer ID is received from an accessed client, and the customer ID is received for a period designated by the client. The vending machine data of the vending machine corresponding to the above is collected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine data management service method comprising the structure of the first aspect, wherein a customer ID is received from an accessed client, and the customer ID is assigned to an item designated by the client. The vending machine data of the vending machine corresponding to the above is collected.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine data management service method comprising the configuration of the first, second or third aspect, wherein the server applies the application software relating to the vending machine data to the client. Is distributed.

According to the vending machine data management service method of the first aspect, the server collects vending machine data of a plurality of vending machines of customers via the Internet,
Store in the storage device. Also, the server has multiple customers I
D is stored. When the vending machine operator (customer) accesses the server with a client using a personal computer or a portable information terminal and transmits the customer ID, the vending machine (including a plurality of vending machines) corresponding to the customer ID is automatically sent to the vending machine. Vending machine data is distributed by the server. This is the same for a plurality of customers. Therefore, the customer does not need to collect vending machine data from the vending machine, and can obtain vending machine data of a plurality of vending machines on the Internet at one time. Can be reduced.

[0011] Further, by using the Internet, the server can easily cope with many customers, so that the cost for implementing the vending machine data management service method becomes stable.

According to the vending machine data management service method of the second aspect, the same operation and effect as those of the first aspect can be obtained, and the vending machine data for only the desired period of the customer or for the desired period can be obtained. Can be obtained, and the convenience is improved.

[0013] According to the vending machine data management service method of the third aspect, the same operation and effect as those of the first aspect can be obtained, and vending machine data on items required by the customer can be obtained. , Convenience is improved.

According to the vending machine data management service method of the fourth aspect, the same operation and effect as those of the first, second or third aspect can be obtained, and the customer performs maintenance / management of application software on the customer side. There is no need for this, and the application software can be, for example, a program for sales performance, sales prediction, sales analysis, and the like, and can provide advanced methods to customers.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a vending machine data management service method to which the vending machine data management service method according to the embodiment is applied, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a network of the vending machine data management service method.

As shown in FIG. 2, the network of the vending machine data service method according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of vending machines 10 in a vending machine group 100 having a link configuration in which a plurality of vending machines 10 are linked. Alternatively, a single vending machine 10 in a stand-alone configuration, a client A on a user side who is an administrator of the vending machine, and a server B operating the service system can be connected to the Internet C.

The client A is a personal computer 20 or a portable information terminal 30 which can use a browser on the Internet, and the server B is a server computer 40. In addition, one vending machine 10 in the vending machine group 100 and the vending machine 1 in a stand-alone configuration
0, an adapter device 1 is provided. A network is constituted by the personal computer 20 as the client A, the portable information terminal 30, the server computer 40 as the server B, the adapter device 1, and the Internet C.

The personal computer 20 and the server computer 40 can be connected to the Internet C via telephone lines or the like, respectively.
Depending on the mode, it is possible to connect to the Internet C. The adapter device 1 can be connected to the Internet C wirelessly. The server computer 40 communicates with the adapter device 1, the personal computer 20, and the portable information terminal 3 via the Internet C.
Communication is performed with 0.

As is well known, the Internet C is a network in which a large number of servers and a large number of clients form a network by a large number of providers based on the Internet protocol such as WWW. This is a specific server of a service company with which the user who manages and operates the vending machine 10 is affiliated.

Here, the user on the client A side:
The service company on the server side is a customer, and the customer receives various services described below from the service company (server) via the Internet. For example, a contract is made to pay a predetermined fee for this service. Tied.

The adapter device 1 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and includes an NC (Network Computer) and a window.
A mobile operating system such as s (registered trademark) CE collects vending machine data from the vending machine, sets product master data in the vending machine, and performs communication processing via the Internet C. In addition,
The adapter device 1 is portable.

As shown in FIG. 1, server B (specifically, server computer 40) has client A
Stores screen files (Web pages) such as various input screens and setting screens used by the browser. The server B includes the adapter device 1 and the client A
(Specifically, the personal computer 20) stores a server application file including a program or the like that operates on the side. Further, in the server B, a database of customer-specific masters of a plurality of clients A and a database of vending machine data relating to vending machines are constructed (stored).

The customer-specific master database is composed of data for each customer of a plurality of clients A, and includes a user ID (customer ID) of the customer, a password, data for identifying a vending machine corresponding to the client, Of the vending machine, a product code, a unit price, and other data indicating information. The database of vending machine data includes data for identifying the adapter device 1, data for identifying each vending machine,
Data indicating which adapter device each vending machine corresponds to its client, what type of merchandise each vending machine (e.g., tobacco, beverages, cup beverages, flowers, cards,
Tickets, food, books, music software, etc.).

Then, for example, the server B downloads a data collection application program (JAVA) to the adapter device 1 via the Internet C, and the adapter device 1 transmits the data from the vending machine to the vending machine based on the data collection application program. The data is collected and transmitted to the server B via the Internet C.
The server B downloads the data analysis application program to the client A (specifically, the personal computer 20) via the Internet C, and analyzes the vending machine data using the personal computer 20 of the client A. Further, the vending machine data of the server B can be searched by the portable information terminal 30 as a client.

Next, based on FIGS. 3 to 10, the adapter device 1, the personal computer 20 of the client A,
The operation of the server computer 40 of the server B will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the initial processing of the adapter device 1.
Execute when installed in First, when the initial process is started by turning on the power of the adapter device 1 or the like, the adapter ID and password preset in the adapter device 1 are transmitted to the server computer 40 via the Internet C in step S11. The server computer 40 receives this, determines whether the received adapter ID and password are registered properly, authenticates the adapter ID and password, and sends the adapter ID and password to the adapter device 1 from the database (DB) of the customer-specific master. A corresponding operation program is selected and transmitted to the adapter device 1 via the Internet C.

When the adapter device 1 receives the operation program, it saves it in the storage device (step S12), and the download is completed. Then, the adapter device 1 starts the operation program (step S13), and ends the initial processing. Note that this operation program is based on the types of products (for example, tobacco, beverage, cup beverage, flower, and so on) handled by the vending machine 10 connected to the adapter device 1.
Card, ticket, food, book, music software, one of the other).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the product master setting process. In the product master setting process, the price of each product of the vending machine 10 is set. First, the client A starts the product master setting process on the personal computer 20, and in step S21, the client A
Input the registered user ID (customer ID) and password, and transmit it to the server computer 40 via the Internet C. Server computer 40
Receives this, determines whether the received user ID and password are registered properly, and
When D and the password are authenticated, a master input screen file is generated and transmitted to the personal computer 20 of the client A via the Internet C.

When the personal computer 20 receives the master input screen file, it saves it in the storage device and the download is completed. Next, in step S22, the product master data such as the unit price corresponding to the column and the product code is input for the desired vending machine 10 based on the master input screen, and when the input is completed, an input completion notification is sent to the Internet in step S23. C to the server computer 40. Upon receiving the input completion notification, the server computer 40 stores the product master data (column, product code, unit price, etc.) in the customer-specific master database and transmits it to the adapter device 1. Then, the adapter device 1 writes the data in the data memory of the vending machine 10, thereby completing the setting of the product master of the vending machine 10.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the collection operation setting. In this collection operation setting, the items of the collected data of the vending machine 10, the collection period, and the like are set. First, the client A starts the collection operation setting process on the personal computer 20, and in step S31, the client A
Enter the user ID and password registered by the server computer 4 via the Internet C
Send to 0. The server computer 40 determines whether the received user ID and password are registered properly, and when the user ID and password are authenticated, generates an input screen file and transmits it to the client A via the Internet C. Personal computer 2
Send to 0.

When the personal computer 20 receives the input screen file, it saves it in the storage device and the download is completed. Next, in step S32, for the desired vending machine 10 based on the input screen, collected data items to be collected, such as the product code of the sold product, the number of units sold, and sales, the collection cycle, and other conditions, Enter the operation settings for data collection. When the input is completed, an input completion notification is transmitted to the server computer 40 via the Internet C in step S33. When receiving the input completion notification, the server computer 40 stores the transmitted operation setting contents (collected data items, collection cycle, etc.) in the database of the customer-specific master. Thereby, the contents of the operation setting of data collection in the vending machine 10 set by the client A are registered in the server computer 40.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the data collection start / end request. The client A starts the processing of the collection start / end request on the personal computer 20, and in step S41, the client A registers The user inputs his / her user ID and password and sends it to the server computer 40 via the Internet C. The server computer 40 receives this and receives the user I
It is determined whether D and the password are registered properly, and if this user ID and password are authenticated, an input screen file is generated by referring to the current setting contents in the database of the customer-specific master, and the input screen file is generated by the Internet C. Client A's personal computer 2
Send to 0.

When the personal computer 20 receives the input screen file, it saves the file in the storage device and the download is completed. Next, in step S42, whether to start data collection or end data collection for the desired vending machine 10 based on the input screen is input, and when the input is completed, an input completion notification is sent to the Internet C in step S43. To the server computer 40 via. Upon receiving the input completion notification, the server computer 40 transmits, via the Internet C, a collection operation start or collection operation end instruction to the adapter device 1 corresponding to the specified vending machine 10. As a result, the data collection start or end processing is performed on the adapter device 1 side.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation of the data collection start / end processing in the adapter device 1. Adapter device 1
Starts the data collection start / end processing when the initial processing in FIG. 3 is completed, monitors whether or not there is an instruction to start the collection operation in step S51, and issues the collection start instruction from the server computer 40 as described above. If there is, in step S52, the contents of the data collection operation setting registered in the server computer 40 via the Internet C are searched and read. Then, in step S53,
The operation-specific setting process of FIG. 8 is executed, and step S53 is repeated until there is an instruction from the server computer 40 to end the collection operation in step S54. When there is an instruction to end the collection operation, the process returns to step S51.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the operation-specific setting process. The operation-specific setting process includes sampling collection, failure / abnormality check, and the like. First, in the sampling collection process, it is determined in step S61 whether or not the set cycle has elapsed. If the set period has not elapsed, the process proceeds to a failure / abnormality check process. The vending machine data is read out from the data memory, and the data is collected, processed, and transmitted to the server computer 40. Server computer 40
Saves the received vending machine data in the database of the vending machine data file.

In the failure / abnormality check processing, in step S63, vending machine data is collected from the data memory of the vending machine 10, and in step S64, the presence / absence of a failure / abnormality is determined from a flag of the vending machine data. If there is no failure / abnormality, the process returns to the original routine. If there is a failure / abnormality, the failure / abnormality data is transmitted to the server computer 40 via the Internet C in step S65, and the server computer 40 receives the received failure / abnormality. Data in the vending machine data file database. Then, when the data of the failure / abnormality is received, mail notification processing is performed, and for the vending machine 10 in which the failure / abnormality has occurred, the vending machine data is read from the database of the vending machine data file,
The customer information of the client A corresponding to the vending machine 10 is read out from the database of the customer-specific master, and an e-mail (E-mail) is transmitted via the Internet C.
Notify the client A of the failure / abnormality. The e-mail is sent to the personal computer 20 of the client A,
It may be transmitted to any of the portable information terminals 30.

As described above, the failure / abnormality check of a large number of vending machines 10 can be executed by the server B in a centralized manner, and if a failure / abnormality occurs, the client A is immediately sent to the client A via the Internet C. Since notification can be made, crime prevention is enhanced.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation of data inquiry.
First, the client A uses the personal computer 20
Then, a data inquiry process is started, and in step S71, the user ID and password registered by the client A are input and transmitted to the server computer 40 via the Internet C. Server computer 40
Determines whether the received user ID and password are legally registered, authenticates the user ID and password, generates an inquiry screen file, and sends it to the personal computer 20 of the client A via the Internet C. I do.

When the personal computer 20 receives the inquiry screen file, it saves it in the storage device and the download is completed. Next, in step S72, search conditions are input for a desired vending machine 10 based on the inquiry screen, and when the input is completed, an input completion notification is transmitted to the server computer 40 via the Internet C in step S73. Upon receiving the input completion notification, the server computer 40 extracts predetermined data from the vending machine data database based on the search condition and generates an extraction result screen file. Then, the generated extraction result screen file is transmitted to the client A via the Internet C.
To the personal computer 20.

When the personal computer 20 receives the extraction result screen file, it saves the file in the storage device and completes the download, and displays the data on the extraction result screen in step S74. Then, in step S75, it is determined whether there is an instruction to change the search condition. If there is an instruction to change, the process returns to step S72, and if there is no instruction to change, the process ends.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the sales data analysis process. The client A activates the sales data analysis process on the personal computer 20 and proceeds to step S81.
Then, the user A inputs a user ID and a password registered by the client A, and transmits them to the server computer 40 via the Internet C. The server computer 40 determines whether the received user ID and password are registered properly and authenticates the user ID and password. When the user ID and password are authenticated, the analysis program and the screen file are transmitted to the personal computer 20 of the client A via the Internet C. Send to

When the personal computer 20 receives the analysis program and the screen file, it saves it in the storage device and the download is completed. Next, in step S82,
The analysis conditions are input for the desired vending machine 10 based on the input screen, and when the input is completed, an input completion notification is transmitted to the server computer 40 via the Internet C in step S83. Upon receiving the input completion notification, the server computer 40 extracts predetermined data from the vending machine data database based on the analysis conditions, and transmits the extracted data to the personal computer 20 of the client A via the Internet C.

Upon receiving the extracted data, the personal computer 20 saves the data in a storage device and completes the download, and performs data analysis processing in step S84.
The analysis result is displayed in step S85. Then, it is determined in step S86 whether there is an instruction to change the analysis condition. If there is an instruction to change, the process returns to step S82, and if there is no instruction to change, the process ends.

As described above, since the adapter device 1 of this embodiment is portable and can be easily installed in the existing vending machine 10, the adapter device 1 is installed in many vending machines 10, and Can be centrally managed by the server B at one time. That is, since vending machine data for a fixed period in a large number of vending machines 10 can be quickly collected and collected, an accurate sales forecast can be made, and inventory management and the like can be facilitated.

The installation of the adapter device 1 and the server B
, The survey of consumption trends in a certain area, such as an apartment complex, a shopping district, a terminal station, and the like, can be performed quickly.

Further, since the operation program for the adapter device 1 can be downloaded from the server B, it is possible to easily cope with the kind of the product of the vending machine 10 in which the adapter device 1 is installed, and the versatility is improved. Increase.

In the above embodiment, the data analysis application program is downloaded from the server B to the client A and the data analysis is performed on the client A side. However, the data analysis is performed on the server B and only the result is obtained. May be transmitted to the client A.

In the above embodiment, one client is described.
-Since the client can be identified by the password, it goes without saying that the same processing can be independently performed on a plurality of clients.

Further, although the adapter device 1 is connected to the Internet wirelessly, it may be connected to the Internet via a telephone line or the like.

[0050]

According to the vending machine data management service method of the first aspect of the present invention, the customer does not need to collect vending machine data from the vending machine, and the vending machine of a plurality of vending machines can be used. Since the data can be obtained at one time on the Internet, the burden on the operation and management of the vending machine can be reduced. In addition, by using the Internet, the server can easily respond to many customers, so that the cost for implementing the vending machine data management service method becomes stable.

According to the vending machine data management service method of the second aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained, and vending for only a desired period of a customer or for a desired period. Machine data can be obtained, and the convenience is further improved.

According to the vending machine data management service method of the third aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained, and vending machine data on items required by the customer can be obtained. Convenience is improved.

According to the vending machine data management service method of the fourth aspect, the same operation and effect as those of the first, second or third aspect can be obtained, and an advanced data processing method is provided to the customer. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a vending machine data management service method to which a vending machine data management service method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of a network of the service method.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an initial process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a product master setting process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a collection operation setting in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation of a data collection start / end request in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation of a data collection start / end process in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an operation setting-dependent process in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a data inquiry in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation of sales data analysis processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Adapter device 12 Plug connector 13 Communication card 10 Vending machine 20 Personal computer 30 Personal digital assistant 40 Server computer A Client (user) B Server C Internet

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A server stores a plurality of customer IDs, collects vending machine data of vending machines of a plurality of customers via the Internet, stores the data in a storage device, and receives an access. Upon receiving a customer ID from a client, vending machine data corresponding to the customer ID is distributed to the client via the Internet from vending machine data stored in a storage device. Vending machine data management service method. 2. A vending machine data of a vending machine corresponding to a customer ID is received for a period designated by the client from a client having access to the vending machine. Vending machine data management service method described. 3. A vending machine data of a vending machine corresponding to the customer ID corresponding to an item designated by the client is received from an accessed client. Vending machine data management service method described. 4. The vending machine data according to claim 1, wherein application software for the vending machine data is distributed from the server to the client. Management service method.