JP2013080316A - Automatic dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic dispenser taking account of power saving, presenting an impactful advertisement to persons approaching to the automatic dispenser and expected to buy, and arousing their feeling of buying articles.SOLUTION: The automatic dispenser comprises: a projector 10 including a light source 12 and a projection plate 11 on which characters and graphic images for advertisement are drawn and that forms a projection image with light from the light source; a driving time setting unit DR for setting that the projector is driven when the circumference becomes dark; a detecting unit DT for detecting persons approaching thereto and expected to buy articles; and a control unit CN for controlling the drive of the projector. A projection area of the projection image by the projector is set in front of a floor surface. The control unit CN controls the projector 10 on the basis of outputs from the driving time setting unit DR and the detecting unit DT.

Description

  The present invention provides a vending machine that can promptly present a character or graphic advertisement related to a product to a consumer who is expected to purchase the product (hereinafter referred to as a purchase expectant). Related to the machine.

  In recent years, there are cases where advertising vehicles and shared buses, etc., in which advertising wrapping films on which advertising characters and images are drawn are affixed so as to be conspicuous on the trunk of a vehicle body, are sometimes found. From the same point of view, wrapping advertisements are also applied to vending machines in order to promote popular products, recommended products, newly released products, etc. In this connection, for example, Cited Document 1 proposes a vending machine with a wrapping advertisement that has a sense of unity and improves aesthetics when a plurality of vending machines are installed side by side.

JP 2010-231729 A

Vending machines with wrapping advertisements as described above can be used to improve the sales because it is possible to present advertisements of newly released products etc. to prospective buyers who are approaching the vending machine trying to purchase products. I can expect. However, the vending machine to which the wrapping advertisement is attached becomes difficult to see the advertisement especially when it is installed in an outdoor environment that is dark at night. The wrapping advertisement is excellent in simplicity because it only attaches the wrapping film to the vending machine, but the advertisement does not function effectively at night.
As the above measures, for example, a new lighting device for illuminating a wrapping advertisement may be added to the vending machine itself, or a lighting device separate from the vending machine may be provided. However, in order to illuminate the wrapping advertisement in this way, a lighting device is newly provided and the lighting device is turned on at night, so not only does it require a new power supply facility, but the equipment is enlarged and costly, This is contrary to the recent trend of ecology activities and power consumption reduction (power saving).

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a vending machine capable of presenting a high-impact advertisement to purchase prospectors approaching the vending machine and encouraging the purchase of the product surely while considering power saving. .

The above object is achieved by the vending machine according to the present invention. This vending machine has a light source and an image of characters and figures for advertising, and a projection plate that forms a projection image with the light from the light source. A driving time setting unit that sets the projector to be driven when the surroundings become dark, a detection unit that detects an approaching purchaser of goods, A control unit for controlling the drive of the projector,
The projection area of the projection image by the projector is set on the floor immediately before the vending machine, and the control unit controls the projector based on outputs of the drive timing setting unit and the detection unit. (Claim 1).

  Preferably, the projector is further provided with a moving mechanism for moving the projection plate.

  The drive timing setting unit includes an illuminance sensor that detects brightness around the vending machine, and an illuminance level determination unit that determines whether the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. (Claim 3), and the drive timing setting unit can include a time setting means for predetermining a time zone for driving the projector (Claim 4).

  The control unit includes at least light change control for changing the brightness of the projection image by controlling the light source, and speed change control for changing the movement speed of the projection image by controlling the movement mechanism. It is preferable to execute one of them and change the projected image.

  The detection unit preferably employs a human sensor that detects the purchase expectant by the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the vending machine and the purchase expectant.

  According to the present invention, since the advertisement is presented only when there is a purchase expectant approaching in a situation where the surroundings where the vending machine is installed are dark, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption and the advertisement to be presented. Since it becomes an impressive thing in the dark, it is possible to provide a vending machine that gives a strong impression (impact) to prospective purchasers and encourages the purchase of the product.

It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the vending machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which expanded and showed the projector provided in a vending machine. It is the block diagram which showed the structure which drives a projector. It is the figure which showed a suitable example of the control flow when an advertisement is shown on the floor in front of a vending machine.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The vending machine 1 is, for example, a cigarette vending machine, and includes a front door 2 provided with a product display unit 3, a product payout port 4, and a money processing unit 5. By the way, the product display section 3 displays a plurality of product samples arranged in multiple stages, and is provided with a plurality of product selection buttons and a plurality of indicators indicating whether the product is sold out / sold in association with each product sample. However, it is illustrated here in a simplified manner. The money processing unit 5 includes a coin insertion slot, a bill insertion slot, a money amount indicator, a change return lever, and the like. In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes a change return port, and reference numeral 7 denotes an adult identification device including an electronic information input / output device (reader / writer), a display, and the like.

In addition to the basic configuration of a cigarette vending machine as described above, a projector 10 is installed above the vending machine main body. This projector 10 is used for advertising to prospective purchasers approaching this vending machine in a situation where the surroundings have become dark (specifically, in a situation suitable for providing a light-based advertisement). This is a new configuration for encouraging the purchase of a product.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the projector 10. The projector 10 includes a projection plate 11 on which an image for advertising projection (characters in this example are “MILD”) with characters and figures relating to the product to be advertised, and the projection plate 11 on the upper side. Is provided with a projection light 12 serving as a light source for presenting characters “MILD” as a projection image on the floor surface (see FIG. 1) in front of the vending machine 1.

The projection plate 11 is not particularly limited as long as it can form a projection image when irradiated with light from above. For example, characters and figures can be drawn on a transparent resin member to form a projected image. At this time, the characters and images are not limited to black and may be in color. Alternatively, an opaque sheet member may be employed, and characters or figures may be drawn as punched portions (portions that transmit light) to form projected images.
The power source that can be used as the projection light 12 is not particularly limited, but an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is preferably used from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption.

The projector 10 is added with a mechanism (moving mechanism) for rotating the projection plate 11 as a preferred form. A motor 13 serving as a drive source and a first pulley 14 is set on the rotation shaft of the motor 13.
On the other hand, the projection plate 11 illustrated here has a disk shape, and a second pulley 15 is set on the outer periphery thereof. An endless belt 16 is stretched between the first pulley 14 and the second pulley 15.
In the example shown here, the second pulley 15 of the projection plate 11 is rotatably supported by support rollers 17a to 17d (17d not shown) installed at four locations around the second pulley 15. Therefore, the rotational force of the motor 13 is transmitted to the second pulley 15 via the first pulley 14 and the endless belt 16, and the projection plate 11 can be rotated (moved). Since the moving mechanism configured as described above is provided, the projection image can be rotated as necessary. By controlling the motor 13, the projection image presented on the floor can be changed by changing the rotation in the same direction, the rotation (rotation) in both directions, and the rotation speed.

The projection plate 11, the projection light 12, the motor 13, and the like constituting the projector 10 are supported by a housing (plate support structure) formed by assembling a plurality of plate materials. For example, the projection plate 11 and the projection light 12 are supported in a state of being housed in a housing portion 18a formed in a square cylindrical shape. A leg portion 18b of the housing is provided, and the leg portion 18b is fixed on the main body top plate 1a of the vending machine 1 with screws or the like.
By the way, it is desirable that the projection plate 11 has a detachable structure with respect to the second pulley 15. For example, a shallow circumferential groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second pulley 15, and the projection plate 11 is detachably fitted into the circumferential groove. By adopting such a structure, the projection plate 11 can be easily replaced. Therefore, the advertisement to be presented can be easily changed by exchanging the projection plate.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the projector 10 is driven by the vending machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the vending machine 1 includes a drive time setting unit DR, a detection unit DT, and a control unit CN as a configuration for driving the projector 10.
The drive time setting unit DR is a component that sets the projector 10 to be driven when the surrounding area where the vending machine 1 is installed becomes dark, and the detection unit DT detects an approaching purchase prospector. It is a component. The control unit CN is a component that controls the projector 10 based on the outputs of the drive timing setting unit DR and the detection unit DT.

The driving time setting unit DR includes, for example, an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness around the vending machine, and the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value (that is, the area around the vending machine presents an advertisement). It is possible to include an illuminance level determination means for determining whether or not the brightness is effective. Various illuminance sensors are provided, and those that meet the conditions may be adopted as appropriate. For example, an illuminance sensor using CdS (cadmium sulfide) whose electrical resistance value changes according to brightness, or Si ( An illuminance sensor using a light receiving element such as a (silicon) photodiode can be suitably used.
The illuminance level determination means can be, for example, an electrical determination circuit that determines illuminance from the output of the illuminance sensor, and such a determination circuit can be provided on the controller side that implements a control unit described later. Such a determination circuit may be formed together with the illuminance sensor.

  The detection unit DT is not particularly limited as long as it is a sensor that can detect a purchase expectant approaching a vending machine in order to purchase a product, but a temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the vending machine 1 and the purchase expectant. Thus, a sensor (human sensor) that detects the approach of a person (a person who expects to purchase a product) can be suitably employed. A human sensor that detects a temperature difference with infrared rays can be given. In recent years, human sensors of this type have been provided with various functions and shapes, so that it is easy to obtain, and it is only necessary to select sensors that meet usage conditions.

The control unit CN can be realized by a controller mainly composed of a CPU (central processing unit). For example, a drive control program for driving the projector 10 can be stored in a memory (not shown) in the controller.
As described above, the controller may also serve as a determination circuit (illuminance level determination unit) that determines whether the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. In this case, the controller confirms that the surroundings of the vending machine are dark enough to present the advertisement by the projector 10 based on the illuminance value output from the illuminance sensor, and further, purchase expectant from the output of the human sensor. After confirming, it functions as a control unit.
The controller functioning as the control unit controls the projection light 12 and the motor 13 based on the program, and presents an advertisement based on the projection image (an advertisement based on the letters “MILD” in FIG. 1) on the floor in front of the vending machine. To do. The controller that realizes the control unit CN may be a controller that has already been arranged on the vending machine 1 side. In this way, the illuminance sensor that constitutes the drive timing setting unit and the person that constitutes the detection unit The present invention can be implemented only by newly preparing the sensor and the projector 10.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a preferred example of a control flow when an advertisement is presented on the floor immediately before the vending machine, and a program for changing the advertisement form presented in the memory of the controller serving as the control unit The case where is stored will be described.
Further, the vending machine 1 described here is a case where a composite sensor in which a human sensor and an illuminance sensor are integrated is employed. Referring again to FIG. The illuminance composite sensor 9 is arranged. As shown in the figure, the front side of the human sensor / illuminance sensor 9 is a sensor receiving portion 9a formed in a projecting shape so as to be able to efficiently receive ambient illuminance and infrared rays. Furthermore, it is assumed that the control unit CN shown in FIG. 3 is realized by a controller in the vending machine 1.

  The combined sensory / illuminance sensor 9 detects the illuminance around the vending machine 1 and the approaching purchase prospector by a temperature difference and outputs it to the controller. Confirmed that the illuminance to be performed is below a predetermined value (that is, the darkness around the vending machine is suitable for advertisements) and that an object with a temperature difference greater than or equal to the predetermined level is approaching (that is, there is a purchase expectant) Sometimes (step S1), the controller drives the projector 10.

  At this time, the controller calls the program and presents it in the first advertisement form. This presentation form is presented so as not to give a sense of incongruity to the purchase expectant who gradually approaches the vending machine 1. Specifically, the output of the projection light 12 is suppressed, and the motor 13 is also rotated in a relaxed manner so that the advertisement character “MILD” is presented in a slow mode in which it is rotated with a soft light (step S2).

  Then, at a timing after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, a few seconds after the purchase prospector approaches the vending machine) (step S3), the output of the projection light 12 and the rotation of the motor 13 are increased. The advertisement character “MILD” is presented in the second advertisement form in the emphasis mode in which the character is rotated faster than before with strong light (step S4). Thereby, the impression of a product can be given more strongly to a purchase expectant.

After that, when a temperature difference of a predetermined value or more cannot be detected for a predetermined time or more (for example, 15 seconds or more) by the combined sensory / illuminance sensor 9 (step S5), it can be determined that the purchase expectant has left, so the projection by the controller Ends the drive control of the machine and enters a standby state. When the projector enters this standby state, the projector is in a resting state, so that wasteful power consumption for advertising can be suppressed.
In addition, when it becomes a dormant state, the lighting on the main body of the vending machine 1 is turned on. Accordingly, it may be set individually in advance.

  When the controller executes the process illustrated in FIG. 4 as described above, the advertisement is presented only when the surrounding area where the vending machine is installed becomes dark and there is a purchase expectant approaching, so it is useless. Power consumption can be suppressed. Since the presented advertisement is an impressive presentation in the dark, it is possible to provide a vending machine capable of giving a strong impression to the purchase expectant and encouraging the purchase of the product. In particular, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 4, since the presented advertisement is changed, a stronger impression can be given.

In step 4S in FIG. 4, the controller controls the projection light 12 to change the brightness of the projection image (light change control), and also controls the motor 13 to change the movement speed of the projection image. Although the case where (speed change control) is implemented has been illustrated, one of light change control and speed change control may be executed.
In addition, the first advertisement form and the second advertisement form in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and are not limited thereto. For example, in the second advertisement form, the projection light 12 may be blinked, or the motor 13 may be reversely rotated periodically.

  By the way, the projection area of the projected image by the projector 10 in the vending machine 1 is the floor surface in front of the vending machine. Here, the floor surface is usually an installation surface on which a vending machine is installed, and the floor surface when the vending machine is arranged outdoors is the ground before the vending machine. However, the vending machine according to the present invention need not be limited to the case where it is installed outdoors. Even in vending machines installed indoors, there may be a dark environment, especially at night, to save energy. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to such vending machines.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the controller of the vending machine main body is diverted to control the driving of the projector 10 has been described. In particular, in the above, if a program is prepared in a memory provided in the controller, a desired change can be made as described above and a more impactful advertisement can be performed.
However, the control unit in the vending machine of the present invention can be configured simply. Composite sensors of human sensor and illuminance sensor are available, and the standard illuminance (the darkness of the standard for driving the projector) can be set and changed with such as a knob for changing illuminance. Judgment circuit that determines whether or not the illuminance standard is exceeded (in the case of this vending machine, whether the darkness is lower than the illuminance standard), or a drive circuit that outputs in a preset time if the detected illuminance falls below the illuminance standard A built-in version is also provided. Therefore, the projector 10 can be driven with a simpler configuration by controlling the projection light 12 and the motor 13 by diverting the circuit built in the integrated sensor and the integrated sensor.

Furthermore, it is possible to configure a drive timing setting unit that sets the drive of the projector 10 without using an illuminance sensor. For example, using the built-in timer in the controller, the advertisement presentation time is set from 5 pm in the winter to 6:30 in the morning and vice versa in the summer from 6:30 in the evening to 5 pm. To do. That is, if a time setting unit (here, a timer of a controller) that predetermines a time zone for driving the projector 10 is used, a simpler configuration can be achieved without using an illuminance sensor or a determination circuit as described above. However, in this case, since the brightness around the vending machine is not actually detected, the drive timing of the projector may be slightly shifted.
In addition, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vending machine 2 Front door 9 Human sensor and illumination intensity combined sensor 10 Projector 11 Projection plate 12 Projection light (light source)
13 Motor (movement mechanism)
14 First pulley (movement mechanism)
15 Second pulley (movement mechanism)
16 Single belt (moving mechanism)
DR drive timing setting unit DT detection unit CN control unit

Claims (6)

A projector comprising: a light source; and a projection plate on which an image of advertising characters and graphics is drawn and forms a projection image with the light from the light source;
A driving time setting unit for setting the projector to be driven when the surroundings become dark;
A detection unit that detects an approaching purchaser,
A vending machine including a control unit for controlling the driving of the projector,
The projection area of the projection image by the projector is set on the floor in front of the vending machine,
The vending machine, wherein the control unit controls the projector based on outputs of the drive timing setting unit and the detection unit.   2. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a moving mechanism for moving the projection plate.   The drive timing setting unit includes an illuminance sensor that detects brightness around the vending machine, and an illuminance level determination unit that determines whether the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. The vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising:   The vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving time setting unit includes a time setting unit that predetermines a time zone for driving the projector.   The control unit performs at least one of light change control for changing the brightness of the projection image by controlling the light source and speed change control for changing the movement speed of the projection image by controlling the movement mechanism. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vending machine is executed to change the projected image.   The vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the detection unit is a human sensor that detects a purchase expectant by a temperature difference between an ambient temperature of the vending machine and the purchase expectant. Machine.

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