JP2007018208A - Control unit for automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control unit for an automatic vending machine, enabling improvement of customer impression to the automatic vending machine by outputting voice fit to a commodity purchase state, a birthday, etc. of a customer purchasing a commodity. <P>SOLUTION: When a management number of the automatic vending machine used for the previous purchase, which is identified by a customer information recognition means 1, matches the management number of the automatic vending machine stored in a management number storage means 2 of the automatic vending machine, a voice data of appreciation for purchasing again, such as "Thank you for coming again", "Thank you for frequent use", etc. is selected from a voice data storage means 6a, and the voice is output from a speaker by means of a voice control means 7. Thus, it becomes possible to output a voice fit to the customer information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device in a vending machine.

  Conventionally, a voice unit has been attached to a vending machine, and voices such as “Thank you for coming” and “Thank you” were output at the timing of the customer's insertion of money, product selection, product receipt, etc.

Such a vending machine is described in Patent Document 1 and the like. In the vending machine of Patent Document 1, the corresponding voice is output from the vending machine according to the date and time and the contents of the sale, so that the inorganic impression of the vending machine is not given to the customer.
JP-A-11-66408

  However, in the conventional configuration, only a predetermined voice can be output to any customer, which gives the customer the impression of an ordinary greeting, which leads to a reduction in likability and an increase in customer attraction. Had no problem.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can improve the customer's preference for the vending machine by outputting a voice according to the product purchase status or birthday of the customer who purchases the product. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a vending machine.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the control device for a vending machine according to the present invention recognizes information of a customer who purchases a product, and selects and outputs a sound corresponding to the information.

  The control device of the vending machine according to the present invention improves the customer's preference for the vending machine by outputting a voice that matches the customer information.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes voice control means for outputting voice and customer information recognition means for recognizing information of a customer who purchases a product, and when the customer information is recognized by the customer information recognition means, By outputting the voice to be played by the voice control means, it is possible to output a voice that matches the customer information, and it is possible to improve the customer's preference for the vending machine.

  The invention according to claim 2 further includes a timer for calculating the date and time and a date and time determination for determining the number of days elapsed from the previous purchase date to the current date and time recognized by the customer information recognition unit. And a voice corresponding to the number of elapsed days obtained by the date / time determination means is output by the voice control means, thereby outputting a more familiar voice reflecting the date / time in the customer information. In addition, the customer's preference for the vending machine can be further improved, and the customer can be aware of the date and time since the previous purchase, so that the next purchase period can be advanced and sales promotion can be performed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the specific date determination for determining whether the specific date of the customer recognized by the customer information recognition means coincides with or is close to the current date and time. If the current date is determined to be the customer's specific date or in the vicinity by the specific date determination unit, the voice control unit outputs the corresponding voice to output a congratulatory voice considering the specific date. It is possible to further improve customer preference for vending machines, and expect continuous purchases from the same vending machine, leading to sales promotion.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the special period setting means for setting a special period and the special period set by the special period setting means in addition to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Special period storage means for storing the special period determination means for determining whether the special period stored in the special period storage means coincides with or is close to the current date and time, and customer information recognition means includes customer information When the special period determining unit determines that the special period is coincident with or close to the current date and time, the corresponding voice is output by the voice control unit to promote sales promotion such as a campaign. Audio corresponding to the start, during, and end of the special period can be output, which can increase interest in campaigns to customers and lead to sales promotion.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the first aspect of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the video control means for outputting the video is further provided, and the video corresponding to the output audio is output together. Thus, it is possible to further appeal to the customer and improve the customer's impression.

  The invention according to claim 6 further includes character display control means for outputting characters in addition to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and utters voice by outputting characters instead of voice. In a location such as a library or office that is not suitable for doing so, characters can be displayed instead of voices, and the customer's preference for vending machines can be improved.

  The invention described in claim 7 further includes output setting means for setting whether or not to output sound, video, characters, etc., and output output input by the output setting means. Output setting storage means for storing the availability, and by determining the output of audio, video, text, etc. based on the content stored in the output setting storage means, the combination of outputs of audio, video, text, etc. It can be set freely by the operator, and the output is tailored to the location where the vending machine is installed, and the customer's preference for the vending machine can be improved.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a control device for a vending machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the vending machine according to the embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the customer information recognition means 1 uses a card identification means, a driver's license recognition means, a two-dimensional barcode recognition means, etc., and the management number of the previously purchased vending machine stored in the card and the previous purchase date and time. The customer information such as the birthday, which is described in the specific date of the customer such as the store number, birthday or anniversary, or the driver's license is read. The vending machine management number storage means 2 stores a management number for the operator to manage the vending machine.

  The timer 3 calculates the current date and time. The date and time determination means 4 compares the current date and time data obtained by the timer 3 with the previous purchase date and time data obtained by the customer information recognition means 1 and calculates the number of days elapsed since the previous purchase. The specific date determination means 5 compares the current date and time data obtained by the timer 3 with the customer specific date obtained by the customer information recognition means 1 and determines whether or not the current date and time coincides with or is close to the customer specific date. Determine whether.

  When the voice data storage means 6a does not match the management number of the previously purchased vending machine recognized by the customer information recognition means 1 with the vending machine management number stored in the vending machine management number storage means 2. Voice data such as a voice corresponding to the number of elapsed days calculated by the date / time determination means 4 and a voice corresponding to the result determined by the specific date determination means 5 are stored. The voice control means 7 converts the voice data stored in the voice data storage means 6a into voice and outputs it from the speaker. When the customer information recognition unit 1 recognizes the customer information, the arithmetic control unit 8a selects the voice data stored in the voice data storage unit 6a based on the customer information and causes the voice control unit 7 to output it. .

  The operation of the control device of the vending machine configured as described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the arithmetic control unit 8a determines whether or not the customer information recognition unit 1 has recognized customer information (STEP 1). When the customer's specific date such as a birthday or anniversary is recognized as customer information, the specific date determination means 5 determines that the customer's specific date is within a predetermined number of days from the current date and time calculated by the timer 3 (STEP2), and if the current date and time match or are close to the customer's specific date, depending on the content, “Happy Birthday” or “It ’s an anniversary soon.” Is selected from the voice data storage means 6a (STEP 3).

  The selected audio data is output to the speaker by the audio control means 7 (STEP 8). On the other hand, as customer information, when the customer's specific date such as a birthday or anniversary cannot be recognized, or when the customer's specific date is not near the current date and time in the specific date determination means 5, It is determined whether or not the management number of the purchased vending machine is recognized, and if it is recognized, the data is compared with the management number of the vending machine stored in the vending machine management number storage means 2 (STEP 4). If they match, the date determination means 4 calculates the number of days elapsed from the previous purchase date and time recognized by the customer information recognition means 1 to the current date and time calculated by the timer 3 (STEP 5).

  Since the management number of the vending machine purchased last time is the same as the management number of the vending machine stored in the vending machine management number storage means 2, the customer who is going to purchase this time is the same as before It is determined that you have purchased the product at the vending machine, and voice data of thanks for the purchase again such as "Thank you for coming again" and "Thank you for always using". Select from.

  In addition, if the number of days elapsed since the previous purchase is within the predetermined number of days, it is determined that the purchase has been made again within a certain period, and according to the number of days elapsed, "Long time no see." "Thank you for yesterday." The voice data considering the number of days is selected from the voice data storage means 6a (STEP 6). The selected audio data is output to the speaker by the audio control means 7 (STEP 8).

  On the other hand, when the management number of the vending machine purchased last time is not recognized as customer information, or the management number of the vending machine purchased last time and the vending machine management number storage means 2 are recognized. If the management numbers of the vending machines do not match, the voice data of the normal greeting such as “Come on” or “Thank you” is selected from the voice data storage means 6a (STEP 7). The selected audio data is output to the speaker by the audio control means 7 (STEP 8).

  As described above, according to the control device for the vending machine according to the first embodiment, when the customer information recognition unit 1 does not recognize the management number of the vending machine purchased last time, or the previous purchase that has been recognized. If the management number of the vending machine and the management number of the vending machine stored in the vending machine management number storage means 2 do not match, the usual number such as "Thank you." The voice data of the greeting can be selected from the voice data storage means 6a, and can be output to the speaker by the voice control means 7, and the management number of the vending machine purchased last time by the customer information recognition means 1, If the vending machine management number stored in the vending machine management number storage means 2 matches, "Thank you for coming again." You can output audio that matches customer information by selecting audio data for appreciation for the purchase again from the audio data storage means 6a and letting the audio control means 7 output it to the speaker. Customer preference for vending machines can be improved.

  Further, the customer information recognition means 1 recognizes the management number of the vending machine purchased last time and the management number of the vending machine stored in the vending machine management number storage means 2, and the date / time determination means 4. In accordance with the elapsed days obtained in step 2, the voice data taking into account the elapsed days such as “Long time no see” or “Thank you yesterday” is selected from the voice data storage means 6a, and the voice control means 7 Can output a more familiar voice that reflects the date and time in customer information, further improving the customer's preference for vending machines, and providing the customer with the date and time since the last purchase. By making them bother you, you can promote and promote sales so that the next purchase period is shortened.

  In addition, when the specific date determination means 5 determines that the current date and time is the customer's specific date or in the vicinity, the customer's specification such as “Happy birthday” or “It will be an anniversary date soon” depending on the content. Voice data reflecting the day can be selected from the voice data storage means 6a and output to the speaker by the voice control means 7, so that a congratulatory voice considering a specific day can be output. Favorability can be further improved, and continuous purchases with the same vending machine can be expected, leading to sales promotion.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the control device for the vending machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the vending machine according to the embodiment. In addition, the thing of the same structure as Embodiment 1 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the detailed description.

  In FIG. 3, the special period setting means 9 sets the start and end of every promotion period such as a campaign, a time service, a sales period with a bonus, or the number of period days. The special period storage unit 10 stores the special period set by the special period setting unit 9. The special period determination unit 11 compares the special period stored in the special period storage unit 10 with the current date and time calculated by the timer 3, and determines whether the special period coincides with or is close to the current date and time.

  The voice data storage unit 3b stores voice data corresponding to the result determined by the special period determination unit 11 in addition to the voice data of the voice data storage unit 6a of the first embodiment. If the special period determination unit 11 determines that the special period coincides with or is close to the current date and time, the arithmetic control unit 8b performs voice control on the voice data corresponding to the determination result stored in the voice data storage unit 3b. The means 7 is made to output.

  The operation of the vending machine control apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the arithmetic control unit 8b determines whether or not a special period has been input by the special period setting means 9 (STEP 11). When the special period is input, the input special period is stored in the special period storage means 10 (STEP 12). It is determined whether or not the customer information recognition means 1 has recognized the customer information (STEP 13). When the customer information is recognized, whether the special period stored in the special period storage unit 10 is in the vicinity of a predetermined number of days from the current date and time calculated by the timer 3 in the special period determination unit 11 Is determined (STEP 14).

  If the current date / time matches or is close to the special period, depending on the content, “You are currently in the campaign. You can get your favorite prize with 100 points.” “The campaign will start soon.” “The campaign will end soon. "Please note." Voice data reflecting a special period such as "is selected from the voice data storage means 6b (STEP 15). The selected sound data is output to the speaker by the sound control means 7 (STEP 16).

  As described above, according to the control device of the vending machine of the second embodiment, the special period set by the special period setting means 9 is stored in the special period storage means 10 and the customer information recognition means 1 When the customer information is recognized, according to the judgment content obtained by the special period judgment means 11, “We are currently in campaign. You can get your favorite prize with 100 points.” “The campaign will start soon.” The campaign will end soon. Please be careful. "Select voice data reflecting the special period from the voice data storage means 6b and output it to the speaker by the voice control means 7, thereby special promotion of campaigns etc. It is possible to output a sound corresponding to the start, during, and end of the promotion period. It is possible.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the control device for the vending machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the vending machine according to the embodiment. In addition, the thing of the same structure as Embodiment 2 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the detailed description.

  In FIG. 5, the video data storage means 12 stores video data linked to the audio data stored in the audio data storage means 6b. The video control means 13 converts the video data stored in the video data storage means 12 into a video and outputs it to the monitor. The character data storage means 14 stores character data linked to the voice data stored in the voice data storage means 6b.

  The character display control means 15 changes the character data stored in the character data storage means 14 to character display and outputs it to the display. The output setting unit 16 sets whether or not to output each of audio, video, characters, and the like. The output setting storage unit 17 stores the availability of each output input by the output setting unit 16. The arithmetic control unit 8c determines the output of audio, video, text, etc. according to whether each output of audio, video, text, etc. stored in the output setting storage means 17 is possible.

  The operation of the control device of the vending machine configured as described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the arithmetic control unit 8c determines whether or not the output setting means 16 has set whether or not to output audio, video, characters, etc. (STEP 21). When the propriety of each output is input, the input propriety data of each output is stored in the output setting storage means 17 (STEP 22). It is determined whether or not the customer information recognition means 1 has recognized the customer information (STEP 23).

  When the customer information is recognized, the voice data corresponding to the obtained customer information is selected from the voice data storage means 6b. The audio data selection method is the same as STEP 2 to STEP 7 in the first embodiment and STEP 14 to STEP 15 in the second embodiment (STEP 24).

  Video data linked to the selected audio data is selected from the video data storage means 12 (STEP 25). Character data linked to the selected voice data is selected from the character data storage means 14 (STEP 26). It determines whether or not output data such as voice, video, and text stored in the output setting means 17 is determined (STEP 27), and determines output of voice, video, text, and the like according to the availability data, and the voice control means 7 Then, the video control means 13 and the character display control means 15 output the data determined to be output (STEP 28).

  As described above, according to the control device of the vending machine of the third embodiment, the video data stored in the video data storage unit 12 linked to the audio data stored in the audio data storage unit 6b is By outputting by the video control means 13, it is possible to further appeal to the customer and improve the impression degree of the customer.

  In addition, the character data stored in the character data storage unit 14 in conjunction with the voice data stored in the voice data storage unit 6 b is output by the character display control unit 15, and the voice data is output to the voice control unit 7. In this case, it is possible to improve the customer's preference for the vending machine by displaying characters instead of the voice in a location such as a library or an office that is not suitable for voice.

  In addition, the output setting unit 17 stores whether or not each of the audio, video, characters, and the like input by the output setting unit 16 is output. The output setting unit 17 stores each output of the voice, video, characters, and the like. Depending on the availability, the voice control means 7, the video control means 13, and the character display control means 15 output the voice, video, characters, etc., so that the operator can select the combination of voice, video, text, etc. It can be set freely, and the output is tailored to the location where the vending machine is installed, and the customer's preference for the vending machine can be improved.

  As described above, the control device of the vending machine according to the present invention recognizes customer information and generates a sound corresponding to the information, so that the customer's preference is improved and it can be applied to vending machines other than beverages.

Functional block diagram of the control device of the vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control apparatus of the vending machine of the embodiment Functional block diagram of the control device of the vending machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control apparatus of the vending machine of the embodiment Functional block diagram of the control device of the vending machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control apparatus of the vending machine of the embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Customer information recognition means 2 Vending machine management number memory | storage means 3 Timer 4 Date / time determination means 5 Specific date / time determination means 6a, 6b Voice data storage means 7 Voice control means 8a, 8b, 8c Calculation control part 9 Special period setting means 10 Special Period storage means 11 Special period determination means 12 Video data storage means 13 Video control means 14 Character data storage means 15 Character display control means 16 Output setting means 17 Output setting storage means

Claims (7)

  A voice control means for outputting voice; and a customer information recognition means for recognizing information of a customer who purchases a product. When the customer information is recognized by the customer information recognition means, the voice control means Vending machine control device characterized by output.   A timer for calculating the date and time, a date and time determination unit for determining the number of days elapsed from the previous purchase date recognized by the customer information recognition unit to the current date and time, and a voice corresponding to the number of days elapsed obtained by the date and time determination unit The vending machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the voice control means outputs the vending machine.   A specific date determining means for determining whether a specific date of the customer recognized by the customer information recognition means coincides with or is close to a current date and time; The control device for a vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the determination is made, the corresponding sound is output by the sound control means.   Special period setting means for setting a special period, special period storage means for storing the special period set by the special period setting means, and the special period stored in the special period storage means matches the current date and time Alternatively, it is provided with a special period determining means for determining whether it is in the vicinity, and when the customer information is recognized by the customer information recognizing means, the special period determining means determines that the special period coincides with or is close to the current date and time. 4. The vending machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding voice is output by the voice control means.   The vending machine control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a video control means for outputting a video, wherein the video corresponding to the output audio is output together.   The control device for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising character display control means for outputting characters and outputting characters instead of voice.   Output setting means for setting whether or not to output sound, video, characters, etc., and output setting storage means for storing whether or not output is input by the output setting means, are stored in the output setting storage means. The control device for a vending machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein output of voice, video, text, etc. is determined based on the content.

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