JP2007011880A - Control system of vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control system of a vending machine, which can be applied to a vending machine body of each function level and attain a cooperated system as a personal guide system, in which an auxiliary service robot is provided in the vending machine to assist operation of the vending machine by a user, and the cost can be comprehensively reduced while appropriately ensuring functions of the vending machine body. <P>SOLUTION: This control system of vending machine comprises an automatic ticket vending machine 11 performing selection and discharge of a commodity based on an external instruction via a wired or wireless network 13 or a base station 23; an autonomously movable service robot 22 which is disposed in the vicinity of the automatic ticket vending machine 11 while being mechanically separated from the automatic ticket vending machine, includes a radio communication means, and provides a service related to operation of the automatic ticket vending machine; and a radio communication transfer means transferring an instruction provided from the service robot 22 to the automatic ticket vending machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine control system, and more particularly, to a vending machine control system configured to be linked to a service robot that performs customer guidance.

  As an example of a vending machine, a vending machine installed at a railway station has recently been constructed with a built-in computer and realized a relatively high control processing function. Selection is possible. For this reason, in consideration of the fact that the user uses an automatic ticket vending machine with many selection operations, various attempts have been made in the automatic ticket vending machine to improve operability, guidance, and universality. Examples of such devices have been proposed and implemented, for example, purchase of tickets, etc. by voice recognition and voice response, simulated human guidance using voice and images, and operation substitution by a remote operation assistance system. .

As the technology related to the vending machine, the invention related to the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. In this vending machine, a product stocker provided with a product storage unit for storing a plurality of types of products, a product selection means comprising game means such as a roulette device, and a product storage means for storing any of the product stockers. And a distribution robot that conveys the product selected from the department. Vending machines are equipped with a robot that simulates the human body or character, thereby improving the man-machine interface between the vending machine and the customer, increasing the added value of the vending machine, and increasing the customer's willingness to purchase products. It is increasing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-188072

  In the conventional automatic ticket vending machine, various devices as described above have been implemented. On the other hand, the following problems have been raised.

  First, since the automatic ticket vending machine itself is equipped with a sophisticated mechanism such as a voice recognition device, a conversation device, an image or voice compression transmission device, a large display, etc., the equipment cost increases for the operator, and the equipment There was a problem that the maintenance burden of the company also increased.

  Secondly, many users learn operation methods by repeatedly using devices such as automatic ticket vending machines. As a result, there is a stronger tendency to prefer one that can be processed in a shorter time than advanced guidance. For this reason, in such a situation, there is a problem that the advanced mechanism as described above becomes an over-equipped function, and the cost-effectiveness ratio becomes worse for the operator.

  Third, the vending machines installed at each station also vary in equipment generation, and there are mechanisms that cannot be structurally or functionally installed depending on the generation, and cannot be uniformly introduced into all automatic vending machines. There was a problem. That is, even if a new mechanism is introduced only in some new automatic ticket vending machines, the effect of introduction is small.

  The problem with the above vending machines is generally applicable to vending machines that sell various products.

  In addition, the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a distribution robot between the vending machine and the customer, which increases the customer's willingness to purchase products. This distribution robot simply selects a product selected by the customer. It is only for conveying. Since the laying robot is fixedly attached to the vending machine, it basically has the above first to third problems, and these problems cannot be solved.

  In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine such as an automatic ticket vending machine installed at a railway station, provided with an autonomous mobile device that is outside the vending machine and separated, and is automatically operated by a user. Supporting the operation of the vending machine, the vending machine itself is equipped with only the minimum necessary and appropriate functions, can be reduced overall, and can also be applied to vending machines of various functional levels It is also possible to provide a vending machine control system capable of achieving system construction in cooperation with a human system guidance system.

    In order to achieve the above object, a control system for a vending machine according to the present invention is configured as follows.

  A control system for a first vending machine (corresponding to claim 1) includes a vending machine that selects a product based on a command from outside via a wired or wireless network, and a vending machine in the vicinity of the vending machine. A service robot that is mechanically separated from the vending machine, is capable of autonomous movement, has a wireless communication means, and provides a service related to the operation of the vending machine; It comprises a wireless communication transmission means for transmitting a command provided from the service robot to the vending machine.

  According to the control system of the vending machine described above, an autonomous mobile service robot that is provided separately in a separated state from the vending machine and functions as an operation assisting device for the vending machine is provided. The service robot is provided with various functions related to the operation and operation guidance of the vending machine. Between the service robot and the vending machine, a command signal can be exchanged via a monitoring network based on wireless communication or wired communication. By preparing a service robot that is separate from the vending machine and providing this service robot with advanced human interaction functions for users, the functions of the vending machine itself can be reduced to the minimum necessary level. The overall cost can be reduced.

  In the control system of the second vending machine (corresponding to claim 2), in the first configuration described above, the service robot preferably has a display means for interaction corresponding to a user who uses the vending machine, Voice recognition means and voice utterance means are provided. With this configuration, it is possible to provide various advanced human interaction functions not on the vending machine side but on the service robot side that originally has a high information processing function.

  The third vending machine control system (corresponding to claim 3) is preferably characterized in that, in each of the above-described configurations, a server for remotely controlling the operation of the service robot and the operation of the vending machine is provided. .

  According to the present invention, in a vending machine such as an automatic ticket vending machine installed at a railway station, it is outside the vending machine and can be moved autonomously and has an advanced human interaction function for a user. Service robots are deployed, and the service robot and vending machine are connected so that they can communicate over a wireless or wired network, so it is possible to avoid upgrading the functions of the vending machine itself. Are properly equipped, which can reduce overall costs associated with vending machines. In addition, since the service robot assists the operation of the automatic ticket vending machine or the like, it is convenient for the user. Further, it is possible to cope with automatic ticket vending machines of each generation and each functional level only by installing a service robot outside, and it is possible to cope regardless of the difference in generations or functional levels. Furthermore, by deploying a service robot that imitates humans, a system construction can be achieved in cooperation with conventional systems such as automatic ticket vending machines as a human system guidance system.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments (examples) of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A representative embodiment of a control system for a vending machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the vending machine is an example of an automatic ticket vending machine installed at a station. 1 shows the overall configuration of the control system of the automatic ticket vending machine, FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the service robot, FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the management server, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the entire system. Indicates.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a plurality of automatic ticket vending machines deployed at stations. The plurality of automatic ticket vending machines 11 are arranged side by side on the ticket vending machine installation wall portion 12. The basic structure and function of the automatic ticket vending machine 11 are the same as those of conventional equipment. The front portion of the automatic ticket vending machine 11 is provided with at least a display unit 11a, a boarding ticket selection unit 11b, a bill / coin supply unit 11c, a change return unit 11d, and a ticket discharge unit 11e.

  The automatic ticket vending machine 11 includes a communication unit therein. Each of the plurality of automatic ticket vending machines 11 is connected to the management server 15 of the station equipment remote monitoring room 14 via the network 13. In the station equipment remote monitoring room 14, a monitoring monitor 16 and an instruction / control device 17 are arranged together with the management server 15. The monitoring monitor 16 and the instruction / control device 17 are monitored and operated by a monitoring operator 18. The person in charge 18 of the station service device remote monitoring room 14 also functions as a staff of the guidance center.

  A robot station 21 is provided near the automatic ticket vending machine 11 with respect to the system related to the automatic ticket vending machine 11 described above. The robot station 21 is provided with at least one service robot 22. The service robot 22 is a highly intelligent autonomous mobile robot having a human interaction function. The service robot 22 has a built-in wireless communication unit and is configured to send and receive signals (E1) to and from the base stations 23 provided in the vicinity. The base station 23 is connected to the network 13 described above. For example, the base station 23 transmits a signal transmitted from the service robot 22 to the management server 15 or the like.

  The service robot 22 is normally on standby at the robot station 21. When a user 31 who uses the automatic ticket vending machine 11 needs assistance, for example, presses an auxiliary request button 32 provided around the automatic ticket vending machine 11, a service robot is transmitted via the network 13 and the base station 23. A response command is issued to 22. When the service robot 22 receives the response command, the service robot 22 leaves the robot station 21 and moves to the installation location of the automatic ticket vending machine 11 where the assistance request is generated, and responds to the user 31 who requested the handling assistance.

  FIG. 2 shows a basic configuration of the service robot 22. The service robot 22 includes a movement mechanism unit 41, a movement control unit 42, a wireless communication unit 43, a dialog display unit (LCD with touch panel) 44, a visual unit (CCD camera or the like) 45, a hearing unit 46, A voice generation unit (speaker or the like) 47 and a response control unit 48 are provided. The response control unit 48 has a voice recognition function using the auditory unit 46 and a voice utterance function using the uttering unit 47.

  The movement mechanism unit 41 includes, for example, a plurality of moving wheels and a wheel driving unit. The moving mechanism unit 41 is controlled by the movement control unit 42 in the moving direction and the moving distance. The movement of the service robot 22 is first from the robot station 21 to the assistance request location. This movement is programmed in advance. The movement after moving to the assistance request place is performed according to a movement pattern corresponding to the situation / condition based on the dialogue relationship with the user 31. A large number of movement patterns are stored in the memory of the reception control unit 48 in advance. The visual unit 45 includes a CMOS camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity distance sensor, and the like, and a moving operation is performed by recognizing a positional relationship and an obstacle using these visual sensors.

  The service robot 22 that has arrived at the place where the assistance request is generated responds to the user 31. This response action is mainly executed by the response control unit 48. Normally, when the service robot 22 approaches the user 31, the service robot 22 utters and speaks to the user 31. The service robot 22 performs a simple dialogue with the user 31 based on the voice recognition function and the voice utterance function. The user 31 receives a service related to the use of the automatic ticket vending machine 11 through the dialogue with the service robot 22 while obtaining information from the dialogue display unit 44 or operating the dialogue display unit 44 as necessary.

  Questions and uncertainties regarding ticket selection between the user 31 and the service robot 22 regarding purchase of a ticket or the like at the automatic ticket vending machine 11 based on the display unit 44 for dialogue, voice recognition function, and voice utterance function Resolve. In this case, if the matter requested by the user 31 cannot be handled by a program prepared in advance in the service robot 22, it is assisted by the function of the management server 14 via the base station 23 and the network 13. It is also possible to access product content and provide product information and the like. Furthermore, when there is an event that the service robot 22 cannot handle finally, the person connected to the person in charge 18 of the station equipment monitoring room 14 functioning as a guidance center via the base station 23 and the network 23 is connected. Depending on the system. It should be noted that the dialogue method by the dialogue display unit 44 based on the control of the response control unit 48 of the service robot 22 is performed when the attributes of the user 31 (language ability, presence / absence of visual impairment, etc.) are known. It will be set automatically accordingly.

  FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the management server 15. The management server 15 receives information from the first communication unit 15a that performs transmission and reception with the outside via the network 13 and each automatic ticket vending machine 11, and issues a command to each automatic ticket vending machine 11 as necessary. A monitoring command unit 15b, a status of the service robot 22, and a robot monitoring command unit 15c that receives information from the service robot 22 and issues a command as necessary, and a monitoring monitor 16 and an instruction / control device 17 A second communication unit 15d that performs communication between the two is provided.

  A basic part of the function of the management server 15 is related to mediation of information transmission / reception between the automatic ticket vending machine 11 and the service robot 22. As an example, when the user 31 presses the assistance request button 32 as described above, it is an intermediary function such as dispatching the service robot 22 in response to the signal. Furthermore, as described above, in the response by the service robot 22, the content / database that has become necessary according to the request of the service robot is provided. Therefore, the management server 15 preferably has a Web server function, and also has an access function to an external server or database in order to obtain necessary contents via the Internet.

  In addition, in relation to the monitoring monitor 16 and the instruction / control device 17 and the monitoring operator 18 who operates these, the information (visual information, auditory information, etc.) obtained by the service robot 22 in response to the user 31 is sent to the management server 14. Via this, the monitoring operator 18 can be obtained. Information given by the monitoring operator 18 is sent to the service robot 22 via the management server 14 and can be provided to the user 31 through the interactive display unit 44 and the generation unit 47 of the service robot 22.

  Next, the operation of the control system of the automatic ticket vending machine 11 according to the present embodiment will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 with reference to FIGS. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 includes a portion of the actions performed by the automatic ticket vending machine 11 and the user 31, a portion of processing steps executed by the service robot 22, a portion of processing steps executed by the management server 15, and a person in charge of monitoring operation. And processing steps executed by the person 18.

  First, the user 31 arrives at the place where the automatic ticket vending machine 11 is installed in order to use the automatic ticket vending machine 11. At this time, since there is an unclear point about how to use or operate the automatic ticket vending machine 11, it is assumed that the user 31 wants to assist and presses the assistance request button 32 of the automatic ticket vending machine 11.

  The automatic ticket vending machine 11 is on standby for operation processing for normal ticket sales, and at the same time is in a state of waiting at step S11 as to whether or not there is a request for assistance. When the user 31 presses the assistance request button 32, YES is determined in step S11, and the calling process of the service robot 22 is performed (step S12). The automatic ticket vending machine 11 sends a call command for the service robot 22 to the management server 15 via the network 13 or the like. When the management server 15 receives the calling command (step S31), the management server 15 transmits a movement command to the service robot 22 waiting on the robot station 21 (step S32). Thereafter, the automatic ticket vending machine 11 itself enters a standby state.

  Upon receiving the movement command (step S21), the service robot 22 analyzes the received content and moves to the assistance request location (step S22). Usually, the assistance request place is a place in front of the automatic ticket vending machine 11. At that place, the service robot 22 faces the user 31 who is requesting assistance, and uses the voice recognition function, the voice utterance function, the dialog display unit 44, and the like to create a dialogue relationship with the user 31. Then, a response process is executed to obtain the request (selection request, etc.) of the user 31 (step S23). When the user 31's request (request for selection, etc.) is found from the dialogue result based on the response process, the service robot 22 in principle passes the base station 23, the network 13, and the management server 15 to the automatic ticket vending machine 11. A request instruction is issued (step S24). In FIG. 4, for convenience of illustration, the relationship from step S24 to step S13 is directly indicated by an arrow.

  The automatic ticket vending machine 11 that has been waiting receives the content of the instruction from the service robot 22 (step S13), and executes the content of the instruction (step S14). That is, the automatic ticket vending machine 11 can shift to a state as if a selection operation regarding ticketing was performed by the user 31 based on the notification of the request instruction from the service robot 22. Thereafter, the user 31 can obtain the desired ticket by inserting the purchase money into the automatic ticket vending machine 11 in accordance with the guidance of the automatic ticket vending machine 11. In this case, the service robot 22 may include a manipulator so that the service robot 22 performs the operation instead of the operation of the user 31.

  On the other hand, the service robot 22 executes the end of the response process since the work is completed for the assistance request for the user 31 (step S25). The service robot 22 that has completed the handling process for assistance returns to the robot station 21 or moves to the next assistance request location.

  In the above, when the service robot 22 is performing a response process on the user 31 (step S23), it cannot be dealt with only the response function prepared in the service robot 22, and the management server 15 needs to be assisted. Or may require the assistance of a supervisory operator who functions as a human guidance center. In such a case, at the stage of the response process S23, the service robot 22 transmits an auxiliary request notification related to the response process to the management server 15 or the monitoring operation staff 18 (notifications N1, N2). The notification N2 is provided to the monitoring monitor 16 of the person in charge of monitoring operation 18 via the management server 15.

Upon receiving the notification N1 from the service robot 22 (step S33), the management server 15 analyzes the notification content and executes a response process based on the notification content (step S34).
In this response process, for example, the content is acquired by accessing an external server or database via the Internet by the Web server function provided in the management server 15 as described above, and the content is transmitted to the service robot 22 (notification N3). ), Causing the service robot 22 to perform a work operation for providing information. When the monitoring operator 18 receives the notification N2 from the service robot 22 (step S41), the monitoring operator 18 analyzes the notification content and executes a response process based on the notification content (step S42). In the response process in step S42, the monitoring operator 18 responds to the user 31 through the dialog display unit 44 and the generation unit 47 provided in the service robot 22 as described above.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the auxiliary request button 32 is used as a trigger for the auxiliary request, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other methods of requesting assistance include, for example, holding the IC card over a reader installed, a human system supervisor judging the state of the user with a camera, etc., and the situation of the user by image processing etc. Can be determined in consideration of the state of the user 31 from the operation status of the automatic ticket vending machine 11.

  Although the vending machine 11 has been described in the above embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to other vending machines in general.

  The configurations, shapes, sizes, and arrangement relationships described in the above embodiments are merely schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be understood and implemented. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

  The present invention is used as a control system for assisting a user with a service robot capable of autonomous movement in a vending machine or the like.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a representative embodiment of a control system for a vending machine according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the service robot of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the management server of this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the whole operation | movement of the control system of the automatic ticket vending machine which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Automatic ticket vending machine 12 Ticket vending machine installation wall 13 Network 14 Station equipment remote monitoring room 22 Service robot 23 Base station 31 User 32 Assistance request button

Claims (3)

A vending machine that selects products based on an external command via a network;
Provided in the vicinity of the vending machine in a state of being mechanically separated from the vending machine, capable of autonomous movement, and provided with wireless communication means, and providing services related to the operation of the vending machine A service robot,
Wireless communication transmission means for transmitting a command provided from the service robot to the vending machine;
A vending machine control system characterized by comprising:   2. The vending machine control system according to claim 1, wherein the service robot includes display means for dialogue corresponding to a user who uses the vending machine, voice recognition means, and voice utterance means. 3. The vending machine control system according to claim 1, further comprising a server for remotely controlling the operation of the service robot and the operation of the vending machine.

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