JP2000048247A - Method and device for promotion of automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the setting for cash-back service and to enable to cope with a conventionally used automatic vending machine by generating a dummy signal indicating the discharge of a gift or the return of cash when a win is decided. SOLUTION: The promotion device 10 inputs a control signal in the automatic vending machine from a control signal input part 1 and outputs it again from a control signal output part 3 through a control part 2. In the control part 2, when detecting that an article is vended, a win decision part 4 decides whether or not the user wins. When the win is decided, the control part 2 generates a new control signal according to information, e.g. a cash-back amount set previously in a setting storage part 5. This signal is outputted from the control signal output part 3 instead of the signal inputted from the control input signal 1. The automatic vending machine having received this signal performs a cash-back process, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine promotion method and apparatus, and more particularly to a vending machine promotion method and apparatus which can be applied to a conventional vending machine and whose setting can be easily changed. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a product is sold using a vending machine, a promotion for promoting the sale of the product is sometimes performed. This is performed in such a manner that a cashback for refund of cash to a purchaser of the product or a prize present separately from the product.

[0003] In such a promotion, when giving a prize as a present, the prize is delivered after the sale of the product by an application sticker attached to the product, but when cashback is performed, an automatic delivery is performed. Depending on the setting of the vending machine, cashback is performed at the vending machine at the same time as selling the product.

FIG. 11 shows the structure of a conventional vending machine. As shown in the figure, the vending machine 100 includes a main control unit 20 for controlling the whole, a keyboard terminal 30 for performing various settings including setting of a selling price of a product, determination and acceptance of inserted coins, and change. Coin processing device 40 for paying out and the like, a bill processing device 50 for receiving inserted bills and the like, and a product transport terminal 6 for delivering purchased products
0, columns 70-1 to 7 for storing products for each type
0-3.

[0005] The sale of goods by the vending machine 100 is as follows.
When a coin is inserted into the coin processing device 40 or a banknote is inserted into the bill processing device 50, the authenticity or denomination of the currency is determined, and if a currency higher than the commodity price is inserted, the purchaser Is transferred from any of the columns 70-1 to 70-3, and the coin processing device 40 pays out change as needed.

When cashing out is performed by the vending machine 100, a hit determination is made for each sale of a product using the keyboard terminal 30, and cashback is performed in the case of hitting. Set the probability and cashback amount.

[0007]

As described above, in a conventional vending machine, when performing cashback as a promotion, it is necessary to directly make settings for the vending machine. In order to do so, it is necessary for an administrator or the like to go to a place where a vending machine is installed and make settings on the spot. Also, setting the cashback amount is complicated except for the full refund. (For example, in the case of a refund other than the full amount, the refund will be made even if you do not judge the winning after checking the amount that can be paid out) Becomes impossible, that is, when 3 coins are not stored, 3
A refund of 0 yen is not possible, but if it is a full refund, it is always possible because the relevant amount has been invested), so it is usually set to a full refund. When the full refund is set, the probability of winning must be set low as a matter of course, and in many cases, the situation is such that the buyer cannot expect the winning.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a vending machine promotion method and apparatus which can easily set up for cashback and the like and which can cope with a vending machine conventionally used. The purpose is to:

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, each time a product is sold, a decision is made based on a predetermined probability to determine whether or not the product is a hit. In the vending machine promotion method for instructing the delivery of a prize or the return of cash, the sales of the product of the vending machine are monitored, and when it is determined that the prize is sold when the product is sold, the delivery of the prize or the cash A pseudo signal for instructing return is generated, and the generation of the pseudo signal causes the vending machine to deliver the prize or to return cash using a commodity discharging function or a cash dispensing function of the vending machine. It is characterized by operating.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine monitors a cash deposit and controls a discharge of goods or a cash withdrawal, and the main control unit. A merchandise discharging unit for discharging merchandise under the control of the unit, and a cash dispensing unit for dispensing cash under the control of the main control unit. The merchandise discharging unit or the cash is provided in response to the generation of the pseudo signal. The delivery of the prize or the return of cash is performed by controlling a payout unit in place of the main control unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine includes a main controller for monitoring cash payment and controlling the discharge of goods or the withdrawal of cash, and the main control unit. A keyboard unit for inputting an instruction to arbitrarily operate the unit, and in response to the generation of the pseudo signal, operating the main control unit in place of the keyboard unit to deliver the premium or return cash. It is characterized by performing.

[0012] According to the present invention, each time a merchandise is sold, it is determined whether or not the merchandise is valid based on a predetermined probability. In the promotion device of the vending machine, the vending machine monitors the sale of the product, and when it is determined that the hit is made at the time of selling the product, generates a pseudo signal for instructing delivery of the prize or return of cash. Means for operating the vending machine to deliver the prize or to return the cash by utilizing the commodity discharging function or the cash dispensing function of the vending machine by generating the pseudo signal. And

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the vending machine includes a main control section for monitoring cash payment and controlling the discharge of goods or the withdrawal of cash, and the main control section. A commodity discharging means for discharging the commodity under control of the unit, and a cash dispensing means for dispensing cash under the control of the main control unit, wherein the pseudo signal generating means is the commodity discharging means or the cash dispensing means Is generated in place of the main control unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the vending machine is configured to monitor a cash deposit to control the discharge of a commodity or the withdrawal of cash, and the main control unit. A keyboard section for inputting an instruction to arbitrarily operate the section, wherein the pseudo signal generating means generates a pseudo signal for operating the main control section in place of the keyboard section.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the pseudo signal generating means is connected between the main control section and the commodity discharging means, and the pseudo signal generating means controls the commodity discharging means in the main control section. The vending machine generates a simulated signal for controlling the vending machine in place of the prize, and transfers the prize to the vending machine.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fifth aspect, the pseudo signal generating means is connected between the main control section and the cash dispensing means, and the pseudo signal generating means controls the cash dispensing means in the main control section. A pseudo signal for control is generated in place of the section to cause the vending machine to return cash.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pseudo signal generating means is connected between the main control section and the keyboard section, and issues an instruction to the main control section. A pseudo signal is provided in place of the keyboard unit to cause the control unit to control the delivery of the prize or the return of cash.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a vending machine promotion method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the concept of the structure of the promotion device. In FIG. 1, a promotion device 10 includes a control signal input unit 1 and a control unit 2, a control signal output unit 3, a hit determination unit 4, and a setting storage unit 5. The promotion device 10 is connected to a vending machine and performs processing such as cashback and delivery of premiums.

For this reason, a control signal inside the vending machine is input from the control signal input unit 1 and is output again from the control signal output unit 3 via the control unit 2. At this time, when the control unit 2 monitors the input control signal and detects that the product has been sold, the control unit 2 causes the hit determination unit 4 to determine whether or not the hit has occurred. The hit judging section 4 judges whether or not a hit is made based on the probability set in the setting storage section 5 in advance. If the hit is judged, the control section 2 is set in the setting storage section 5 in advance. A new control signal is generated based on information, for example, a cashback amount, and is output from the control signal output unit 3 in place of the signal input from the control input unit 1. The machine performs processing such as cashback.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the actual configuration of the promotion device 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the promotion device 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11, SIOs (serial input / output) 12 and 13, a flash ROM (read only memory) 1
4, a RAM (random access memory) 15, a switching unit 16, and serial interfaces 17 and 18.

In this configuration, the control signal input unit 1 and the control signal output unit 3 shown in FIG.
And 18. The control unit 2 and the hit determination unit 4 include a CPU 11, a RAM 15, a flash ROM 1,
The setting storage unit 5 includes a flash ROM 14.

Here, a method of connecting the promotion device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing connection positions of the promotion device 10 when performing cashback.

The vending machine 100-1 shown in FIG.
1 has a configuration in which the promotion device 10 is connected between the main control unit 20 of the conventional vending machine 100 and the coin processing device 40, and the components other than the promotion device 10 have the same reference numerals as those in FIG. And the description is omitted.

The promotion device 10 includes a vending machine 1
Serial interface 17 and main control unit 2 in 00-1
0, the serial interface 18 and the coin processing device 40 are arranged so as to be connected to each other, and when the vending machine 100-1 is operating normally, the main control unit 20 is operated as described above.
It does not intervene in the communication between and the coin processing device 40, but only monitors whether or not a product has been sold. When a product is sold, the hit judging unit 4 (the program stored in the CPU 11, the RAM 15, and the flash ROM 14) judges whether or not a hit has occurred. The serial interface 17, that is, the main control unit 20 side is disconnected by operating. Then, it instructs the coin processing device 40 to pay out the amount stored in the setting storage unit 5 (flash ROM 14). At this time, the promotion device 10 operates as a substitute for the main control unit 20 for the coin processing device 40 separated from the main control unit 20. Here, the connection on the main control unit 20 side is disconnected by the switching unit 16 when performing the cashback, but the disconnection is performed so that the main control unit 20 detects this as an error. If not, do not disconnect
The promotion device 10 exchanges a control signal with the main control unit 20 instead of the coin processing device 40.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the connection positions of the promotion device 10 when a prize is delivered.

The vending machine 100-2 shown in FIG.
Since the promotion device 10 is connected between the main control unit 20 and the keyboard terminal 30 of the conventional vending machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. And description thereof is omitted.

The promotion device 10 includes a vending machine 1
00-2, the serial interface 17 and the main control unit 2
0, serial interface 18 and keyboard terminal 30
Are connected to each other, and when the vending machine 100-1 is operating normally, as described above, the main control unit 2
It does not intervene in the communication between 0 and the coin processing device 40, but only monitors whether or not the product has been sold.

Further, the main control unit 20 controls the keyboard terminal 3
Conventionally, a function of operating the product transport terminal 60 to discharge only one product stored in a designated column, for example, the column 70-1 based on an input instruction from 0 is provided. This is a function of performing a test sale, and by using this function, it is possible to discharge a product without inputting money into the coin processing device 40 or the bill processing device 50.

Therefore, when delivering a prize,
Column 70-1 (or 70-2, 70-2) designated in advance
3), a prize is stored, and when the product is sold, it is determined whether or not the promotion device 10 has won. If it is determined that the prize has been won, the promotion device 1 is determined.
0 disconnects the connection with the keyboard terminal 30, operates as a substitute for the keyboard 30 for the main control unit 20, and issues a test sales instruction to the main control unit 20.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another connection position of the promotion device 10 in the case of delivering a prize, which is different from the connection position shown in FIG.

The vending machine 100-3 shown in FIG.
1 has a configuration in which the promotion device 10 is connected between the main control unit 20 of the conventional vending machine 100 and the product transport terminal 60, and the components other than the promotion device 10 have the same reference numerals as those in FIG. And the description is omitted.

The promotion device 10 includes a vending machine 1
Serial interface 17 and main controller 2 in 00-3
0, the serial interface 18 and the product transport terminal 60 are arranged so as to be connected to each other, and when the vending machine 100-3 is operating normally, the main control unit 20 is operated as described above.
It does not intervene in the communication between the product and the product transport terminal 60, but only monitors whether or not the product has been sold. When a product is sold, the promotion device 10 determines whether or not it is a hit. If it is determined that the hit is a hit, the promotion device 10 disconnects the main control unit 20 side and specifies the product transfer terminal 60 in advance. Column 70-1 (or 70-2, 70-
The prize stored in 3) is transported and discharged. At this time, the promotion device 10 operates as a substitute for the main control unit 20 for the product transport terminal 60 separated from the main control unit 20. Also, here, the connection on the main control unit 20 side is disconnected when the prize is delivered, but when the main control unit 20 is configured to detect this as an error by performing the disconnection, The promotion device 10 transmits and receives a control signal to and from the main control unit 20 in place of the product transport terminal 60 without disconnecting.

Next, the operation of the promotion apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the promotion apparatus 10.

When the power is turned on (synchronized with the connected vending machine), the promotion device 10 starts operating (step 101), and the control unit 2, the control signal input unit 1, and the control signal output. RAM 15 constituting the unit 3 and the like
And initialization of the SIOs 12 and 13 are performed (step 102), and a random number is generated (step 103). The random number generated here is used in a process of determining whether or not a hit is described later.

Subsequently, it is checked whether the promotion to be executed is set to the delivery of the prize or the cashback (stored in the flash ROM 14) (step 104). If the prize is set to the delivery of the prize (step 104) If YES in 104), a prize delivery process described later is performed (step 105), and if cashback is set (NO in step 104), a cashback process described later is performed (step 106).

Next, the prize delivery process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a prize delivery process. When the prize delivery process is started (step 201), the control unit 2 (including the CPU 11 and the like) monitors whether or not the vending machine 100-2 has sold the product (step 202). The sales monitoring process will be described later.

This sales monitoring process is performed by the vending machine 100-
2 until sales start (N in step 203).
O), a sale is performed (YES in step 203), and when the amount received from the coin processing device 40 or the bill processing device 50 is cleared by receiving as consideration or receiving as consideration and paying out change (step 2).
04 (YES), proceed to the next process. On the other hand, if the payment is not cleared (NO in step 204), the sales are continuously performed with the remaining balance, so that the sales monitoring process is continuously performed (step 202).

When the payment is cleared (step 2
04, YES), the hit judging unit 4 (comprising the CPU 11 and the like) generates a random number and judges whether or not a hit has occurred (step 205). The details of the random number generation processing will be described later.

If it is determined in the random number generation process of step 205 that the "win" is (YES in step 206), the value of the sales counter is set to 0 (step 207). The sales counter is a counter composed of the CPU 11 and the RAM 15, and is counted up each time a product is sold in the sales monitoring process in step 202 (the initial value is 0). In other words, the sales counter indicates the number of products sold, and is a counter that naturally indicates the number of products that have been purchased continuously.

When the value of the sales counter is set to 0, the keyboard terminal 30 is disconnected (step 208).
1 to issue a test sale (step 20)
9). Thereby, the main control unit 20 controls the product transport terminal 60 to discharge the prize from the column 70-1. When the discharge is completed (step 210), the keyboard terminal 30 is connected to the promotion device 10 (step 211), Returning to step 202, sales of the next product are monitored.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "out" in the random number generation processing in step 205 (NO in step 206),
Decrease the value of the sales counter by 1 (Step 21)
2) If the value of the sales counter does not become 0, the process returns to the random number generation processing of step 205 (step 21).
NO at 3). This is a process for judging whether or not the value of the sales counter is 2 or more, that is, in the case where the commodity has been purchased continuously, the number of hits corresponds to the number of purchases. Then, when the value of the sales counter becomes “0” with “losing” (YES in step 213), step 20
Return to step 2 and monitor the sale of the next product.

Next, the cashback process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the cashback process. When the cashback process is started (step 301), the control unit 2 causes the vending machine 100-
It is monitored whether or not the sale has been made in step 1 (step 30).
2). The sales monitoring process will be described later.

This sales monitoring process is performed by the vending machine 100-
1 until sales start (N at step 303).
O), the sale is performed (YES in step 303), and when the amount received from the coin processing device 40 or the bill processing device 50 is cleared by receiving as consideration or receiving as consideration and paying out change (step 3).
04 (YES), proceed to the next process. On the other hand, if the payment is not cleared (NO in step 304), the sales will be continuously performed with the remaining balance, so that the sales monitoring process is continuously performed (step 302).

When the payment is cleared (step 3
04, YES), the number of payable coins of the coin processing device 40 is checked (step 305). If the number of payable coins is equal to or larger than the set value (NO in step 305), the hit determination unit 4 generates a random number and determines whether or not the coin is hit. Is determined (step 306). The set value to be compared in step 305 may be an amount for performing a cashback, but is set to be slightly higher in practice in order to prevent subsequent product sales from becoming unavailable due to lack of change. Step 3
Details of the random number generation process 06 will be described later.

If it is determined in the random number generation process of step 306 that the "win" is (YES in step 307), the value of the sales counter is set to 0 (step 308). Subsequently, it is confirmed that the coin processing device 40 (denoted by C / M in the figure) is in a standby state (YES in step 309), and the coin processing device 40 is disconnected from the main control unit 20, that is, the promotion device 10 And the main control unit 20 are disconnected so that the coin processing device 40 can communicate only with the promotion device 10 (step 310), and instructs the separated coin processing device 40 to pay out a predetermined cashback amount. (Step 311). When the coin processing device 40 finishes paying out the cashback amount (YES in step 312), the coin processing device 40
Is connected to the main control unit 20 (step 313), and the process returns to step 302 to monitor the sale of the next product.

On the other hand, if it is determined as “out” in the random number generation processing in step 306 (NO in step 307),
Decrease the value of the sales counter by 1 (step 31)
4) If the value of the sales counter does not become 0, the process returns to the random number generation processing of step 306 (step 31).
NO at 5). This is a process for judging whether or not the value of the sales counter is 2 or more, that is, in the case where the commodity has been purchased continuously, the number of hits corresponds to the number of purchases. Then, when the value of the sales counter becomes “0” with “losing” (YES in step 315), step 30
Return to step 2 and monitor the sale of the next product.

When the payable number checked in step 305 is smaller than the set value (YES in step 305), the value of the sales counter is set to 0 without determining whether or not the winning is achieved (step 305). Step 316) and return to step 302 to monitor the sale of the next product.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, step 20 in FIG.
2 and the sales monitoring process in step 302 of FIG. 8 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the sales monitoring process. When the sales monitoring process is started (step 401), the control unit 2 determines whether or not the product discharge command from the main control unit 20 to the product transport terminal 60 has ended normally, that is, the product transport terminal has discharged the product. Is checked (step 402), and if the operation is normally completed (YES in step 402), a normal discharge flag is set (step 403).
One is added to the value of the sales counter (step 404),
The process returns to step 203 (FIG. 7) or step 303 (FIG. 8) (step 405).

On the other hand, the main control unit 20 sends the goods transport terminal 60
If the product discharge command to the user has not been completed normally (NO in step 402), the process returns to step 203 or 303 without performing the process.

In steps 203 and 303, it is determined whether or not sales have been performed based on the normal discharge flag. If the normal discharge flag is set, it is determined that sales have been performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, step 2 in FIG.
The random number generation processing of step 05 and step 306 in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the random number generation process. When the random number generation process is started (Step 501), the hit determination unit 4 generates a new random number using the previously generated random number (Step 502). The previously generated random number is the random number generated in step 103 (FIG. 6) when the processing of step 502 is first performed after the power is turned on to the promotion apparatus 10, and the processing of step 502 is performed for the second time and thereafter. Step 502 if
Is the random number generated in the previous processing of.

Here, if the generated random number is a value other than 0 which is smaller than a preset value (NO in step 503, YES in step 504), a hit flag is set as a hit result (step 505). ), And return to step 206 or 307 (step 50).
7).

On the other hand, when the generated random number is 0 (YES in step 503) or when the generated random number is larger than a preset value (NO in step 503, NO in step 04), the determination result is “out of order”. And returns to step 206 or 307 (step 507) without setting the hit flag (step 506).

The probability of winning is determined by the set value to be compared with the random number in step 504. The larger the set value is, the larger the probability of winning is, and the smaller the set value is, the smaller the probability of winning is.

In steps 206 and 307,
Judgment is performed based on the hit flag.

By the way, the promotion device 10 includes the setting storage unit 5 (flash ROM 14) as described above.
Various settings can be stored in the vending machine 100, and promotion can be easily performed simply by connecting the settings to the vending machine 100. However, a clock (not shown), a timer (not shown), and the like are provided in the promotion device 10. By setting up, multiple vending machines can be promoted all at once,
Even when conducting a promotion for a limited time, it is possible to spend time connecting and collecting the promotion device 10,
Promotion can be performed more easily.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, a vending machine is connected to a predetermined position, and a promotion including a determination as to whether or not the vending machine is valid is performed based on a preset value. In addition, the promotion can be easily set, and the promotion can be performed by the conventional vending machine.

Further, by using a clock and a timer, the period during which the promotion is performed can be made the same for a plurality of vending machines.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration concept of a promotion device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an actual configuration of the promotion device 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection position of the promotion apparatus 10 when performing cashback.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection position of the promotion device 10 when a prize is delivered.

FIG. 5 is a view showing another connection position of the promotion device 10 in the case of delivering a prize, which is different from the connection position shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the promotion apparatus 10;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a prize delivery process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a cashback process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a sales monitoring process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a random number generation process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional vending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 control signal input unit 2 control unit 3 control signal output unit 4 hit determination unit 5 setting storage unit 10 promotion device 11 CPU 12, 13 SIO 14 flash ROM 15 RAM 16 switching unit 17, 18 serial interface 20 main control unit 30 keyboard Terminal 40 Coin processing device 50 Bill processing device 60 Commodity transport terminal 100, 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 Vending machine

Claims (9)

[Claims] The present invention relates to a vending machine promotion method in which each time a commodity is sold, a decision is made based on a predetermined probability based on a predetermined probability. The vending machine monitors the sale of the merchandise, and if it is determined that the hit is made during the sale of the merchandise, generates a pseudo signal instructing the delivery of the prize or the return of cash. A vending machine promotion method comprising operating the vending machine to deliver the prize or to return cash using a commodity discharging function or a cash payout function of the machine. 2. The vending machine includes: a main control unit that monitors cash payment to control the discharge or payout of a product; and a product discharging unit that discharges a product under the control of the main control unit. A cash dispensing unit for dispensing cash under the control of the main control unit, by controlling the commodity discharging unit or the cash dispensing unit in place of the main control unit in response to the generation of the pseudo signal. 2. The vending machine promotion method according to claim 1, wherein said prize is delivered or cash is returned. 3. The vending machine comprises: a main control unit for monitoring cash payment to control the discharge of goods or the withdrawal of cash; and a keyboard unit for inputting an instruction for arbitrarily operating the main control unit. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the prize is delivered or cash is returned by operating the main control unit instead of the keyboard unit in response to the generation of the pseudo signal. Promotion method. 4. A promotion device for a vending machine for judging whether or not a commodity is sold each time a commodity is sold based on a predetermined probability and instructing the delivery of a prize or the return of cash when it is judged to be a hit, The vending machine monitors the sale of the product, and comprises a pseudo signal generating means for generating a pseudo signal for instructing delivery of the prize or return of cash when it is determined that the hit is made in selling the product, Promotion of a vending machine characterized by operating the vending machine to deliver the prize or to return the cash by using a commodity discharging function or a cash payout function of the vending machine by generating a signal. apparatus. 5. A vending machine, comprising: a main control unit that monitors cash payment to control the discharge or payout of a product; a product discharging unit that discharges a product under the control of the main control unit; A cash dispensing unit for dispensing cash under the control of the main control unit, wherein the pseudo signal generating unit generates a pseudo signal for controlling the commodity discharging unit or the cash dispensing unit on behalf of the main control unit. 5. The vending machine promotion device according to claim 4, wherein 6. The vending machine comprises: a main control unit for monitoring cash payment and controlling the discharge of goods or the withdrawal of cash; and a keyboard unit for inputting an instruction for arbitrarily operating the main control unit. 5. The vending machine promotion apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said pseudo signal generating means generates a pseudo signal for operating said main control unit in place of said keyboard unit. 7. The pseudo signal generating means connected between the main control unit and the commodity discharging means, wherein the pseudo signal generating means generates a pseudo signal for controlling the commodity discharging means on behalf of the main control unit to generate the pseudo signal. The vending machine promotion device according to claim 5, wherein the vending machine delivers the prize. 8. The pseudo signal generating means connected between the main control unit and the cash dispensing means, wherein the pseudo signal generating means generates a pseudo signal for controlling the cash dispensing means on behalf of the main control unit and generates the pseudo signal. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the vending machine returns the cash.
Vending machine promotion device as described. 9. The pseudo signal generation means connected between the main control unit and the keyboard unit, wherein the pseudo signal generation unit generates a pseudo signal for giving an instruction to the main control unit in place of the keyboard unit and performs the control. 7. The promotion device for a vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the delivery of the premium or the return of cash.