JP2001273547A - Ic card reader/writer for vending machine, and vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a card processor for vending machine and a vending machine which surely perform a proper transaction and collect transaction information independently of installation circumstances or the like. SOLUTION: The IC card reader/writer 1 provided in a vending machine 3 is equipped with a switch 21 controlled by a manager or the like. When a system which transmits data by radio (portable telephone 19) is selected/set by the switch 21, a transmission control circuit 15 of the IC card reader/writer 1 outputs processing data from an output port 18, and the portable telephone 19 is used to transmit processing data to an external collection terminal 25 through a telephone line 23. When a system which transmits data by the wired telephone line 23 is selected/set by the switch 21, the transmission control circuit 15 of the IC card reader/writer 1 is connected to the telephone line through a modem 16 and a module jack 17 by a wire to transmit processing data to the external collection terminal 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an IC card reader / writer for a vending machine used for a vending machine for purchasing a product using an IC card, and a vending machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vending machines that automatically sell various kinds of products such as drinking water, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco can freely purchase desired products by inserting coins and bills. In such a vending machine, for example, when a user inserts coins, the coins are sorted / accumulated, a lamp of a product corresponding to the inserted coins is turned on, and the user presses a corresponding desired button. As a result, the product is discharged and the accumulated coins are stored.

On the other hand, vending machines using prepaid cards instead of coins and bills have begun to spread. In such a vending machine, the card inserted from the card insertion slot is taken into the card reader / writer, and the prepaid balance of the card is rewritten according to the purchased product,
Cards are to be returned with the introduction of goods.

[0004] In a vending machine that does not use cash but is purchased with a prepaid card or the like, the vending machine is installed in the vending machine in the same manner as a serviceman collects cash from a vending machine that uses cash. It is necessary to output the processing information such as the transaction amount stored in the card reader / writer to the outside and collect the information.

[0005]

In the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, there is a problem that a minor can purchase even a vending machine for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes by using cash or a prepaid card.

[0006] In addition, the means for collecting such illegal purchase information and transaction information also takes time to set at the time of installation or works well due to the influence of environmental conditions at the place where the vending machine is installed. There is a problem that information cannot be collected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a card processing apparatus and a vending machine for a vending machine in which a proper transaction is performed without fail and the collection of transaction information is not affected by an installation environment or the like. The purpose is to do.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an IC card reader / writer for a vending machine according to the present invention comprises:
In an IC card reader / writer used for a vending machine for performing a product transaction using an IC card in which electronic money is stored, a receiving unit for receiving an IC card, and a product for receiving the IC card in the receiving unit and using the vending machine. Storage means for storing information relating to the commodity transaction by the vending machine when the transaction is performed, and transmission for transmitting the information relating to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to an external collection terminal A plurality of transmission means of different systems, a selection means for selecting one of the plurality of transmission means and setting it as a transmission method used when transmitting various information to the outside, and setting by this selection means Transmission control means for controlling the transmission of the information related to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to the external collection terminal using the transmitted transmission means. . Therefore, with the above-described configuration, there is an effect that a proper transaction is reliably performed and the collection of transaction information is not affected by the installation environment and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, an IC card reader / writer for a vending machine according to the present invention is provided in an IC card reader / writer used for a vending machine for carrying out product transactions using an IC card in which electronic money is stored. Receiving section for receiving an IC card in which electronic money and at least information relating to the age of the IC card owner are stored, and reading means for reading out electronic money and information relating to age from the IC card accepted by the receiving section Calculating means for calculating the age of the IC card owner based on the information related to the age read by the reading means; and the vending machine or the vending machine based on the age calculated by the calculating means. Age determining means for determining whether or not a product traded on a machine can be used; And control means for controlling so as to stop the transaction processing to discharge the IC card received in the receiving portion when it is determined that it is not available machine, and has a storage means for storing the transaction contents. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, there is an effect that a proper transaction is reliably performed and the collection of transaction information is not affected by the installation environment and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a vending machine according to the present invention is a vending machine for trading goods using an IC card in which electronic money is stored.
A receiving unit for receiving an IC card in which at least information relating to the age of the C card owner is stored; reading means for reading out electronic money and information relating to age from the IC card accepted by the receiving unit; Product selection means for prompting the IC card owner to select a desired product from a plurality of products based on the electronic money read by the means, and the product selected by the product selection means is age-restricted Calculating means for calculating the age of the IC card owner based on the age-related information read by the reading means, and the vending machine or the vending machine based on the age calculated by the calculating means. Age determination means for determining whether or not a product traded on a machine can be used, and when the age determination means determines that the product can be used Provides the product selected by the product selection means to the IC card owner, and stops the transaction processing if the age determination means determines that the IC card cannot be used, and discharges the IC card accepted by the reception unit. It has control means for controlling and storage means for storing the transaction contents. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, there is an effect that a proper transaction is reliably performed and the collection of transaction information is not affected by the installation environment and the like.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an IC card reader / writer 1 as a vending machine card processing device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an IC card reader / writer 1 has a CP
U (Central Processing Unit) 10
ROM (read only memory) 11 for storing a basic program as a storage means and RAM (random access memory) 12 for storing information during various processes
And an IC as a user card in which electronic money is stored
From the card I / F (interface) 13 for controlling communication with the card 2, SIM (subscriber identification module) or SAM (security authentication module), and the main controller 3 a of the vending machine 3 Vending machine I / F (Interface) 14, which receives commands from and sends / receives various information, RA
A transmission control circuit 15 that creates processing data for transmitting transaction information and the like stored in M12 to the outside and controls transmission to the outside, and a wired transmission that connects to the telephone line 23 by wire and transmits the processing data to the outside. System modem 16 and module jack 17, a wireless transmission system output port 18 for wirelessly transmitting processing data to an external telephone line, and a mobile phone 19 including a dedicated modem, and a plurality of units for transmitting processing data. And a switch 21 for selecting one transmission method from the transmission methods.

The switch 21 is switch-controlled by an administrator of the IC card reader / writer 1 or the like. The switch 21 is connected to the telephone line 23 by wire and transmits processing data to the outside. Can be set in advance to select any one of the wireless transmission systems for transmitting the processing data to the telephone line. When the wireless transmission method is selected by the switch 21, as shown in FIG. 2A, the transmission control circuit 15 of the IC card reader / writer 1
The processing data is output from the output port 18 and the mobile phone 19
Is used to connect to the telephone line 23 and transmit processing data to the external collection terminal 25. When the wired transmission method is selected by the switch 21, FIG.
As shown in (b), the transmission control circuit 15 of the IC card reader / writer 1 includes a modem 16 and a module jack 1.
7 and connected to an external telephone line to transmit processing data to the collection terminal 25.

FIG. 3 shows a vending machine 3, an IC card 2, and a vending machine 3 when trading goods using the IC card 2.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing contents with the IC card reader / writer 1. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, in particular, I
At least age information (for example, date of birth information) of the holder of the C card 2 is stored. Then, the IC card reader / writer 1 calculates the age of the IC card holder at the time of merchandise transaction (or depending on the selected merchandise, etc.) and determines whether or not it is within the purchase age of the merchandise for which the age restriction is set. After confirming that the product transaction.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the IC card 2 is inserted into the IC card I / F 13 (ST10), the IC card reader / writer 1 detects that the IC card 2 has been inserted. (ST11). IC in ST11
When the insertion of the card 2 is detected, the CPU 10 of the IC card reader / writer 1
Communication with the C card 2 is started. Specifically, mutual authentication with the inserted IC card 2 is performed, and when it is determined that the IC card 2 is valid, the electronic money and the date of birth of the card holder stored in the IC card 2 are stored. Is read (ST12).

When the birth date information is read from the IC card 2 in ST12, the CPU 10 of the IC card reader / writer 1 reads
Calculates the age of the holder from the current date information (S
T13). It is determined whether or not the age calculated in ST13 is within a range of a preset purchase age of the product (S13).
T14). If it is determined in ST14 that the age is within the purchase range of the product, the vending machine 3 executes the transaction of the product, and discharges the product separately selected by the card holder (ST15). When the discharge of the product is completed in ST15, I
The CPU 10 of the C card reader / writer 1 calculates a new amount by subtracting the amount of the product from the electronic money read in ST12. Then, the electronic money of the IC card 2 is rewritten (ST16).

In ST16, the rewriting of the electronic money is completed.
Alternatively, if it is determined in step ST14 that the purchase age of the product is out of the range, the CPU 10 of the IC card reader / writer 1 stops or cancels the transaction, and the IC
The card 2 is ejected to the outside (ST1).
7, ST18). Then, the CPU 10 of the IC card reader / writer 1 stores various information (purchased goods, propriety of transaction, etc.) on the contents of the current transaction in the RAM 12 (ST19).

As the commodity purchase processing, various processing methods other than those shown in FIG. 3 can be considered by changing the protocol specifications of the vending machine. For example, after selecting a product by the card holder at the vending machine 3 and selecting a product for which the purchase age restriction is set, the age restriction information of the product selected from the vending machine 3 is stored in the IC card reader / writer 1. And it is possible to calculate the age of the holder and determine whether or not to make a purchase.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the transaction as described with reference to FIG. 3 is performed and transaction information is stored, and when data is collected in the IC card reader / writer 1 for a predetermined period, for example, the external collection terminal 25 is sent to the external collection terminal 25. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the data transmission process which transmits process data. In the present embodiment, for example, when the vending machine 3 is installed, the switch 21 is set in advance to one of the wireless transmission method and the wired transmission method in accordance with the state of the external environment and the like. .

As shown in FIG. 4, in the IC card reader / writer 1, when processing data is created and transmission preparation is completed (ST20), the CPU 10 determines which transmission method is selected by the switch 21 (ST20). ST2
1). When the wireless transmission method is selected in ST21, the transmission control circuit 15 outputs the processing data from the output port 18 and uses the mobile phone 19 to make the telephone line 23
And transmits the processing data to the external collection terminal 25 (ST22). When the wired transmission method is selected in ST21, the transmission control circuit 15
6 and the module jack 17 to connect to the telephone line 23 by wire, and transmit processing data to the external collection terminal 25 (ST23).

If the transmission of the processing data to the outside is completed without any trouble in ST22 or ST23, the data transmission processing is completed. At the time of transmission in ST22 or ST23, if transmission does not end normally even if transmission is repeated a preset number of times due to some trouble (ST2
4) Switching from the transmission scheme determined to be selected in ST21 to the non-selected transmission scheme (ST2)
5) The transmission of the processing data is started (ST26). Specifically, for example, when the wireless transmission method is set, it is expected that the connection with the repeater by the mobile phone 19 does not go well. In such a case, the processing data is transmitted by switching to the wired transmission method.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining another embodiment of the data transmission processing shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, when an external connection is made, the transmission method is switched to the connected transmission method and the external transmission of the processing data is executed. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, both the wired and wireless transmission systems are in a standby state as an initial state. The same applies to the case where one of the transmission methods is set in advance by the switch 21 (ST30).

When externally connected (ST31), CP
U10 determines which communication method (wireless or wired) has been used for connection (ST32). If it is determined in ST32 that the connection is established by the wireless transmission method, the CPU
After switching to the wireless transmission method in the standby state (ST33), under the control of the transmission control circuit 15, the processing data is output from the output port 18 and the telephone line 23 is It connects and transmits the processing data to the external collection terminal 25 (ST34). If it is determined in ST32 that the connection is established by the wired transmission method, the CPU 1
0, after switching to the wired transmission method in the standby state (ST35), under the control of the transmission control circuit 15, connects to the telephone line via the modem 16 and the module jack 17 by wire and connects to the external collection terminal 25. The processing data is transmitted to (ST36).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining another embodiment of the data transmission processing shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit of the vending machine 3, switching to a specified transmission method is performed and external transmission of processing data is executed.
The same processing steps as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, both the wired and wireless transmission systems are in a standby state in the initial state. The same applies to the case where any of the transmission methods is set in advance by the switch 21 (ST3).
0).

When an instruction of the data transmission method is received from the main control unit of the vending machine 3 (ST41), the CPU 10 determines which communication method (wireless or wired) has been connected (ST32). If it is determined in ST32 that the connection is established by the wireless transmission method, the CPU 10 switches to the standby state wireless transmission method (ST3).
3) Under the control of the transmission control circuit 15, output the processing data from the output port 18, connect to the telephone line 23 using the mobile phone 19, and transmit the processing data to the external collection terminal 25 (ST34). . If it is determined in ST32 that the connection is made by the wired transmission method, the CPU 10 switches to the wired transmission method in the standby state (ST3).
5) Under the control of the transmission control circuit 15, it is connected to an external telephone line via the modem 16 and the module jack 17 by wire to transmit processing data to the collection terminal 25 (ST36).

As described above, the present invention has a plurality of transmission means for transmitting the processing data to the outside, and selects one of them under various conditions to transmit the processing data to the external collection terminal. It has become. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is possible to set either a wired transmission method for transmitting processing data via a telephone line by wire or a wireless transmission method for transmitting processing data by connecting to a telephone line using a mobile phone wirelessly. Switches are provided. Therefore, there is an effect that data collection can be performed reliably regardless of the installation location of the vending machine, regardless of the installation location. In other words, if the vending machine is installed within the range of the mobile phone's radio wave, set the switch so that the mobile phone transmits the processing data externally, and install it in an underground or suburban area where the mobile phone's radio wave cannot reach. In this case, the telephone line is directly pulled in, connected to the telephone line by wire, and the switch can be set to externally transmit the processing data.

In the present embodiment, when the data transmission method set in advance by the switch cannot be transmitted normally due to some trouble, the transmission method is automatically switched to another transmission method and the retransmission of the processing data is executed. It is supposed to. Further, in order to cope with a data transmission method connected from the outside, the transmission method is switched to the connected transmission method and the processing data is transmitted. Further, the data transmission method can be switched according to an instruction from the main control unit of the vending machine. As a result of these switching possibilities, there is an effect that data collection can be performed reliably regardless of the installation location of the vending machine, regardless of the installation location. That is, even if the vending machine is originally placed within the range where the radio wave of the mobile phone can reach and the switch is set to the wireless transmission method, if it is not possible to connect to the repeater of the mobile phone, the other transmission method It is possible to automatically switch and execute retransmission of the processing data, so that an appropriate transaction is reliably performed, and there is an effect that collection of transaction information is not affected by an installation environment or the like.

As described above, according to the present invention, at the time of merchandise transaction, the age (date of birth, etc.)
After recognizing the age of the C card holder, it is determined whether or not the purchase (sales) of the vending machine is appropriate, and if inappropriate, the selling process to the holder is stopped. . Therefore, it is also possible to appropriately sell underage alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and the like whose purchase age is limited.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Ensures proper transactions and the collection of transaction information does not depend on the installation environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an I card related to a card processing apparatus for a vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the C card reader / writer 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a connection environment with an external collection terminal in a wireless transmission method and a wired transmission method.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing contents when a vending machine 3 performs a commodity transaction using an IC card 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction performed in the IC card reader / writer 1 when data is collected in the IC card reader / writer 1 for a predetermined period;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining data transmission processing for transmitting processing data to the fifth processing;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of the data transmission process shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of the data transmission process shown in FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 IC card reader / writer 2 IC card 3 Vending machine 19 Mobile phone 21 Switch

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07F 9/00 G07F 7/08 Z

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An IC card reader / writer used in a vending machine for performing a transaction using an IC card in which electronic money is stored, a receiving unit for receiving the IC card, and an IC card received by the receiving unit. Storage means for storing information related to the commodity transaction by the vending machine when the commodity transaction by the vending machine is performed; and information relating to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to an external collection terminal. A plurality of transmission means having different transmission methods for transmission; a selection means for selecting one of the plurality of transmission means and setting the transmission method to be used when transmitting various information to the outside; Transmission control means for controlling transmission of information related to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to an external collection terminal using the transmission means set by the selection means; and IC card reader-writer for an automatic vending machine which is characterized in that it has. 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transmitting units include a wireless transmitting unit configured to wirelessly transmit information to an external telephone line, and a wired transmitting unit configured to connect to an external telephone line via a wired line and transmit information. 2. The IC card reader / writer for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The transmission control means determines whether or not the information transmission by the transmission means selected by the selection means is completed, and the information cannot be transmitted by the transmission means selected by the determination means. A switching means for selecting one of the other transmission means not selected by the selection means and transmitting the various information to the outside as a transmission method; and a transmission means switched by the switching means. 2. An IC card reader / writer for a vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising: means for transmitting information related to a commodity transaction stored in said storage means to an external collection terminal. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines whether or not the information transmission is completed based on a result of executing the information transmission a predetermined number of times by the transmitting means selected by the selecting means. The vending machine I according to claim 3,
C card reader / writer. 5. An IC card reader / writer for use in a vending machine for carrying out product transactions using an IC card in which electronic money is stored, a receiving unit for receiving the IC card, and an IC card received by the receiving unit. Storage means for storing information related to the commodity transaction by the vending machine when the commodity transaction by the vending machine is performed; and information relating to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to an external collection terminal. A plurality of transmitting means having different transmission methods for transmitting; a connection determining means for determining whether any of the plurality of transmitting means is externally connected; and the connection determining means determining that an external connection has been made. A method determining means for determining which of the plurality of transmitting means has been connected in the event of a connection, and an external connection determined by the method determining means. A selecting means for selecting a connected transmitting means and setting it as a transmitting method used for transmitting various information to the outside; and a transmitting means set by the selecting means relating to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means. Transmission control means for controlling transmission of information to be transmitted to an external collection terminal. An IC card reader / writer for a vending machine. 6. An IC card reader / writer used in a vending machine for performing a transaction using an IC card storing electronic money, a receiving unit for receiving an IC card, and an IC card received by the receiving unit. Storage means for storing information related to the commodity transaction by the vending machine when the commodity transaction by the vending machine is performed; and information relating to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to an external collection terminal. A plurality of transmission means having different transmission methods for transmission, and a transmission means instructed by the vending machine is selected from the plurality of transmission means and set as a transmission method used when transmitting various information to the outside. And a transmitting means set by the selecting means for transmitting the information related to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means to an external collecting terminal. IC card reader-writer for an automatic vending machine characterized in that it comprises a transmission control means for. 7. The plurality of transmitting means includes a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting information to an external telephone line, and a wired transmitting means for connecting to an external telephone line and transmitting information by wire. The transmission control means determines a radio wave reception state when the radio transmission means is selected by the selection means, and determines that the radio wave reception state is not suitable for information transmission by the determination means. Switching means for selecting a wire transmission means that is not selected by the selection means in the case of the above, and switching as a transmission method used when transmitting various information to the outside; and the storage means by the wire transmission means switched by the switching means. And means for executing transmission of information related to the commodity transaction stored in the storage device to an external collection terminal.
The described vending machine IC card reader / writer. 8. The plurality of transmitting means includes: a wireless transmitting means for transmitting information to an external telephone line by wireless; and a wired transmitting means for connecting to an external telephone line by wired to transmit information. The transmission control means includes: a determination unit that determines a connection status when the wired transmission unit is selected by the selection unit; and a determination unit that determines that the connection status is not suitable for transmitting information by the determination unit. Switching means for selecting a wireless transmission means which is not selected by the selection means, and switching as a transmission method used for transmitting various information to the outside; and storing in the storage means by the wireless transmission means switched by the switching means And means for executing transmission of information related to the performed commodity transaction to an external collection terminal.
The described vending machine IC card reader / writer. 9. An IC card reader / writer used for a vending machine for performing a commodity transaction using an IC card in which electronic money is stored, wherein information relating to at least the age of the electronic money and the IC card owner is stored. A receiving unit for receiving an IC card; reading means for reading electronic money and age-related information from the IC card received by the receiving unit; and an IC based on the age-related information read by the reading means. Calculating means for calculating the age of the cardholder; and age determining means for determining whether or not the vending machine or a product traded at the vending machine can be used based on the age calculated by the calculating means. If the age determination means determines that the vending machine cannot be used, the transaction processing is stopped and received by the receiving unit. And control means for controlling so as to discharge the IC card that is being, IC card reader-writer for an automatic vending machine characterized in that it comprises a storage means for storing the transaction contents. 10. A plurality of transmission means having different transmission methods for transmitting information related to transaction contents stored in the storage means to an external collection terminal, and selecting one from the plurality of transmission means. Selecting means for setting as a transmission method used when transmitting various information to the outside; and information relating to the commodity transaction stored in the storage means using the transmitting means set by the selecting means. The IC card reader / writer for a vending machine according to claim 9, further comprising transmission control means for controlling transmission to an external collection terminal. 11. A vending machine for trading goods using an IC card in which electronic money is stored, a receiving unit for receiving the electronic money and an IC card in which at least information relating to the age of the IC card owner is stored. Reading means for reading electronic money and age-related information from the IC card received by the receiving unit; and, based on the electronic money read by the reading means, from a plurality of products to an IC card owner. Product selection means for prompting the user to select a desired product; and an IC card owner based on the information related to the age read by the reading means when the product selected by the product selection means is age-restricted. Calculating means for calculating the age of the vending machine or the vending machine based on the age calculated by the calculating means An age determining means for determining whether or not the product being drawn can be used; and if the age determining means determines that the product can be used, the product selected by the product selecting means is provided to the IC card owner. Control means for controlling the transaction processing to be stopped when the age determination means determines that the IC card cannot be used, and for discharging the IC card accepted by the accepting section; and storage means for storing the transaction contents. Vending machine characterized by the following.