JP2009053776A - Automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic vending machine for preventing sales information from being rewritten illegally while improving reliability against the temporary power failure or various troubles of an automatic vending machine. <P>SOLUTION: In an automatic vending machine configured to copy the sales information stored in a storage part 6 of an input setting device 5 to the storage part 11 of a main control part 10 for backup, information for identification is created, and the information for identification is stored in storage parts 11 and 6 of the main control part 10 and the input setting device 5. Whether or not the information for identification are different from each other is decided, and when they are different from each other, the sales information in a storage part 6 of the input setting device 5 is prohibited from being copied to the storage part 11 of the main control part 10. Thus, even when other input setting device 5 is mounted on the automatic vending machine, it is impossible for a staff who collects the sales of the automatic vending machine to intentionally change the sales information of the main control part 10 of the automatic vending machine, to prevent theft and alteration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, to a vending machine that includes an input setting device having a display unit and a plurality of input keys, and configured to store sales information such as the number of products sold in the input setting device.

  Some vending machines already have a counter for counting the number of products sold, a so-called sales number counter. Conventionally, this type of sales counter has been individually provided with an electromagnetic counter that counts using an electromagnet, an electronic counter with a liquid crystal display, and the like. However, if such an electromagnetic counter or an electronic counter is individually provided, the manufacturing cost increases.

  In general, the vending machine includes an input setting device for data setting (so-called keyboard) having a display unit and a plurality of input keys. Therefore, the input setting device has a function of the sales number counter, In many cases, the display unit of the input setting device is configured to display the number of sales. In other words, a sales number counter mode is provided, in which the sales number is displayed on the display unit by performing a predetermined key input operation on the input setting device, and the sales number counter function is also used. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a conventional electromagnetic counter, electronic counter, or the like, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The vending machine is provided with an input setting device (so-called keyboard) having a display unit and a plurality of input keys, and the input setting device has a counter function for counting the number of sold products and a sales amount storage function. A machine is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

  By the way, the vending machine is provided with a main control unit that performs overall control of the entire vending machine, and the storage unit provided in the main control unit includes sales information such as the number of products sold. Various information is stored. However, since the main control unit performs various types of various controls for the entire vending machine, troubles may occur due to various causes. In order to prevent such problems, the sales information is backed up to a storage unit provided in the input setting device so that the sales information is stored well even if a trouble occurs in the main control unit. Has already been saved.

  As the storage unit of the input setting device used as a backup storage unit, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or EEPROM that retains stored information is used even when power is not supplied (that is, even if a power failure occurs). Thus, reliability can be improved. In addition, since the input setting device only needs to have an input setting function, compared with the main control unit, even if a trouble occurs in the vending machine, this trouble can be adversely affected to the input setting device. Due to these factors, it is preferable to use an input setting device as a backup storage unit for holding sales information.

Each time the power supply of the vending machine is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the sales information for backup stored in the storage unit of the input setting device is copied back to the storage unit of the main control unit, thereby making it as accurate as possible. The information can be held in the storage unit of the main control unit. The input setting device is connected via a connector or the like and assembled to the vending machine so that it is convenient for assembly work at the time of manufacture, and it is possible to replace only the input setting device.
JP 2007-140592 A

  However, as described above, in a vending machine configured to copy the sales information stored in the storage unit of the input setting device to the storage unit of the main control unit after a power failure, the vending machine An input setting device for a vending machine with a large number of sales and a large amount of sales. The sales information such as the number of sales stored in the main control unit of the vending machine can be intentionally changed to a lower value by replacing the connection with the sales and the sales corresponding to the difference in the number of sales It will be possible to capture and cheat. Therefore, although it is possible to improve reliability against temporary power outages and various control problems of vending machines, there is still room for fraud in sales information such as sales volume and sales proceeds. As a result, there is a drawback that the reliability is lowered.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and can prevent rewriting to unauthorized sales information while improving reliability against temporary power failure of a vending machine and various control troubles. The purpose is to provide a vending machine that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention includes a main control unit that controls the entire vending machine and has a storage unit, and an input setting device that includes a display unit, a plurality of input keys, and a storage unit. Sales information storage area for storing sales information is provided in each of the storage unit and the input setting device storage unit, and the sales information stored in one storage unit can be copied to the other storage unit for backup An individual discrimination information generation and storage means for generating individual discrimination information and storing the individual discrimination information in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device; It is determined whether the individual discrimination information stored in the storage unit of the main control unit is different from the individual discrimination information stored in the storage unit of the input setting device. Other sales information in the memory And having a judgment control means for prohibiting the copying to the storage unit.

  With this configuration, when an input setting device (a so-called fake input setting device) different from the input setting device that was originally mounted is mounted on the vending machine, the individual determination stored in the storage unit of the main control unit Sales information in the storage unit of the input setting device is not copied to the storage unit of the main control unit. A staff member who collects the sales proceeds cannot intentionally change the sales information of the main control unit of the vending machine, and the sales proceeds cannot be personally captured.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that warning information is output when the individual discrimination information between the main control unit and the input setting device is different.
With this configuration, when each individual identification information is in a different state, warning information is output, so the administrator of the vending machine or the manufacturer manufacturer receives this warning information, It is possible to recognize the abnormal state and cope with this abnormal state satisfactorily.

  In addition, the present invention provides individual identification information stored in the storage unit of the input setting device and individual determination stored in the storage unit of the main control unit when the power of the vending machine is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When both the information and the information are in the initialized state, information for individual determination is newly generated, and the information for individual determination is stored in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device. It is characterized by.

  With this configuration, the information for individual determination is automatically stored in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device at the time of assembling the vending machine, etc. Individual discrimination information can be set in In addition, since the individual identification information can be set when an outside person does not handle the vending machine, the reliability is also good.

  Further, at least a part of the individual discrimination information according to the present invention is created based on current time information or counter information inside a microcomputer provided in the vending machine.

  With this configuration, it is possible to generate unique individual identification information favorably and easily.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the vending machine configured so that the sales information stored in one storage unit of the input setting device and the main control unit can be copied to the other storage unit and backed up. Information is generated and stored in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device, and the individual determination information stored in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage of the input setting device is stored. It is determined whether the information for individual determination stored in the part is different, and when the information for individual determination is different, by prohibiting copying the sales information of one storage unit to the other storage unit, Even if an input setting device that is different from the input setting device that was originally installed is installed in the vending machine, a staff member who collects the sales proceeds from the vending machine intentionally sells the sales information of the main control unit of the vending machine. It is impossible to change Becomes a function, it is impossible to cheat you take in the sales proceeds personally. As a result, it is possible to prevent fraud in sales information such as the number of sales and sales, and to maintain good reliability.

  Also, when the individual identification information between the main control unit and the input setting device is different, the warning information is output so that the warning information is output when the individual identification information is different. Therefore, the administrator of the vending machine, the manufacturer, etc. can receive this warning information, recognize that it is in an abnormal state, and can cope with this abnormal state satisfactorily.

  In addition, when the power supply of the vending machine is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, both the individual determination information stored in the storage unit of the input setting device and the individual determination information stored in the storage unit of the main control unit Is newly initialized, and information for individual determination is newly generated and stored in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device. The information for individual identification can be easily set without applying it, and the information for individual identification can be set at a stage where an outside person does not handle the vending machine, so that the reliability is also good.

  Also, by creating at least part of the individual identification information based on the current time information or counter information inside the microcomputer provided in the main control unit of the vending machine, etc. Can be generated easily and easily.

  Hereinafter, a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the vending machine.

  As shown schematically in FIG. 1, an outer door 2 is provided on the vending machine main body 1 so as to be openable and closable. For example, an input setting device (so-called keyboard device) 5 is detachably attached to the back surface of the outer door 2. It has been. The input setting device 5 includes a plurality of keys (input means) 3 and a single display unit 4 such as a liquid crystal, and is configured to perform various settings using the plurality of keys 3 and the display unit 4. A storage unit 6 for storing the setting information is also provided. In addition, 7 in FIG. 1 is an inner door which opens and closes the front opening part of the heat insulation box (what is called an inner box) 8 in which goods are stored.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine is provided with a main control unit 10 that performs overall control of the vending machine. The main control unit 10 is also provided with a storage unit 11, and the storage unit 11 stores various information including sales information such as the number of products sold (abbreviated as the number of sales).

  By the way, when there is a temporary power failure or the like, the power is turned off before the sales information signal or the like is input to the main control unit 10, and the information stored in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 becomes inaccurate. Sometimes. Moreover, since the main control unit 10 performs various types of various controls for the entire vending machine, troubles may occur due to various causes. In order to prevent such problems, the sales information is input and set so that the sales information can be stored well even if there is a temporary power outage or a trouble occurs in the main control unit 10. 5 is configured to be backed up and stored in a storage unit 6 or the like provided in FIG.

  The storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 used as a backup storage unit is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM that retains stored information even when power is not supplied (that is, even if a power failure occurs). As a result, reliability is improved so that data can be maintained well even if a power failure occurs. Further, since the input setting device 5 only needs to have an input setting function and a display function, even if various troubles occur in the vending machine, there is a possibility that the trouble may be adversely affected by this trouble. The input setting device 5 is lower than 10 and more reliable, and the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 is used as a backup storage unit for holding sales information due to these factors.

  And when there was a temporary power failure etc., it was memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 6 of the input setting apparatus 5 at the time of subsequent restart (that is, when the power supply switched from the OFF state to the ON state). The sales information for backup is copied again to the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10, and thereby, the most accurate information is held in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10. That is, sales information storage areas 6a and 11a for storing sales information including the number of products sold (abbreviated as sales number) are stored in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 and the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10, respectively. Sales information such as the number of sales is stored in the sales information storage areas 6a and 11a of the storage units 6 and 11, respectively. Note that the input setting device 5 is connected and assembled via a connector or the like so as to be convenient in assembly work during manufacture.

  However, as described above, in a vending machine configured to re-copy sales information stored in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 to the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 after a power failure or the like. In the case of having only the above configuration, a staff member who collects the sales amount of the vending machine removes the input setting device 5 attached to the vending machine with a small number of sales and a small amount of sales, and sells it. Sales information such as the number of sales stored in the main control unit 10 of the vending machine is intentionally lowered by exchanging and reconnecting the input setting device 5 of the vending machine with a large number of sales. It becomes possible to personally capture and deceive sales corresponding to the difference in the number of sales.

  In order to cope with this, in the vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, individual discrimination information unique to the vending machine is generated and this individual discrimination information is stored in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10. Each of which is stored in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5, the individual determination information generation storage means, the individual determination information (abbreviated as determination data) stored in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10, and the input setting device. When the discriminating data stored in the storage unit 6 is different from the discriminating data and the discriminating data is different, the sales information in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 is stored in the main control unit. And 10 determination control means for prohibiting copying to the storage unit 11.

  Here, the features of the present invention will be described in more detail. Each of the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 and the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 is provided with determination information storage areas 11b and 6b for storing determination data unique to the vending machine. In the vending machine manufacturing process, the power supply of the vending machine was switched from the OFF state to the ON state with the parts including the main control unit 10 and the input setting device 5 mounted on the vending machine. At the time (that is, at the time of activation (including resetting)), both the discrimination information storage area 6b of the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 and the discrimination information storage area 11b of the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 are stored. In an initialization state in which the individual discrimination information is not yet stored (so-called clear state, for example, when the discrimination data is 0000 or FFFF), for example, the main control unit 10 newly generates discrimination data, and this discrimination data Are stored in the discrimination information storage area 11b of the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 and the discrimination information storage area 6b of the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5.

  That is, as schematically shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the power source of the vending machine is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the main control unit 10 transmits the individual determination information to the input setting device 5. (Step S1). On the other hand, the input setting device 5 transmits (outputs) the discrimination data stored in the discrimination information storage area 6b of the storage unit 6 to the main control unit 10 (step S2). The main control unit 10 receives (inputs) the determination data of the input setting device 5 and confirms the determination data of the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10, and whether both of these determination data are signals in the clear state. It is determined whether it is set to a predetermined value that is not a clear state signal (step S3), and if it is a clear state signal, the process proceeds to step S4 and new determination data is generated. Thus, the discrimination data is output to the input setting device 5 and stored in the discrimination information storage area 6b of the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5, and the discrimination information storage area 11b of the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 is stored. Also remember.

  Here, in the above step S4, the main control unit 10 determines the value of the discrimination data at each vending machine based on the current time information or the counter information in the microcomputer provided in the main control unit 10 or the like. Create unique numbers, such as identification numbers, that differ. For example, the number that combines the current year, month, date / time, minute, and second data, and the counter information in the microcomputer provided in the vending machine, for example, the microcomputer provided in the main control unit 10 are individually stored. Obtained as discrimination information, this individual discrimination information is output to the input setting device 5 and stored in the discrimination information storage area 6b of the storage unit 6, and the discrimination information in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 is also stored. It is also stored in the storage area 11b.

  This discrimination data has a different value for each vending machine, and when this discrimination data is stored in the storage units 6 and 11, any data can be recognized as long as it can be recognized that the vending machine is installed. However, there is no problem as long as it can be distinguished from the other input setting devices 5 and the main control unit 10. Further, the discrimination data may be generated by adding other information to the current time information and the counter information inside the microcomputer as described above, and the current time information and the counter information inside the microcomputer may be generated. You may combine. In this case, in the production line of the vending machine, an accurate current time is input by finally using the input setting device 5 after assembling. Until then, it is not related to the current time. Since a value is input as an initialization value, it is not suitable to use this value as discrimination data. Therefore, when the current time information remains the initialized value as described above, the operation for generating and storing the determination data is not performed, and the accurate current time is used by the input setting device 5. It is desirable to generate and store discrimination data based on the current time after the main control unit 10 detects that the input has been made.

  Then, after the discrimination data is generated and stored in this way, when the power of the vending machine is turned off and the vending machine is activated and turned on next time, the input setting device 5 As long as is not exchanged, the same determination data is stored in both the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 and the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5. Therefore, when the process proceeds to step S3 after the vending machine is activated, the determination data stored in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 is not a clear signal, so that the step is performed without generating new determination data. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the discrimination data transmitted from the input setting device 5 side matches the discrimination data stored in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 in step S5. If so, this determination process is terminated, and the control process of the entire normal vending machine is advanced.

  On the other hand, when a staff member who collects the sales proceeds of the vending machine removes the input setting device 5 ′ attached to the other vending machine and attaches it to the vending machine, the input setting device 5 Since the discrimination data transmitted from the 'side does not match the discrimination data stored in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10, in this case, it is determined and recognized that the discrimination data is different in step S5. In step S6, an error is displayed on the display unit 4 of the input setting device 5 or a charging fee display unit (not shown) provided on the outer door 2 (in this case, an administrator, a manufacturer, etc.) It is preferable to display a number that only a specific person knows as a failure number following the error display), and copy the sales information in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 to the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 To prohibit the. At the same time, the main control unit 10 outputs a signal warning that a different input setting device 5 is connected (when the signal is displayed or connected via a communication line or the like via the communication line or the like). (For example, output information to be notified), for example, to prevent normal sales control operations from being performed, and to prompt contact with vending machine managers and manufacturers, etc. (via communication lines, etc.) If the process to notify is not performed). Then, the administrator or the manufacturer can easily recognize that, for example, a different input setting device 5 is connected from the display state of the error display and the failure number, and processing corresponding to this can be performed.

  In addition, the administrator of the vending machine and the person of the manufacturer perform a process of canceling the error state or the warning state by performing a secret operation or password input that is not known to a person such as an attendant. Return the vending machine to normal.

  With the above configuration, when an input setting device 5 ′ different from the originally installed input setting device 5 is attached to the vending machine, the sales information in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 is stored in the main control unit 10. As a result, it is impossible to intentionally change the sales information of the main control unit 10 of the vending machine by a staff member who collects the sales proceeds of the vending machine. Cannot be taken in and cheated. As a result, there is no room for fraud in sales information such as the number of sales and sales, and good reliability can be maintained.

  Further, when the discriminating data (individual discriminating information) between the main control unit 10 and the input setting device 5 is different, the warning information is output so that the administrator of the vending machine, the manufacturer, etc. Upon receiving the warning information, it is possible to recognize the abnormal state and cope with this abnormal state satisfactorily.

  In addition, when the determination data stored in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 and the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 are in the initialization (clear) state, new determination data is generated, and this determination data is By storing the data in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 and the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5, the discrimination data is automatically transferred to the main control unit 10, the input setting device 5, and the like when the vending machine is assembled. Therefore, the discrimination data can be easily set without taking time and effort. Further, since the discrimination data can be set at the stage where the outside person does not handle the vending machine, the reliability is also good.

  According to the above configuration, since at least a part of the discrimination data is created based on the current time information or the counter information inside the microcomputer provided in the main control unit 10 or the like, The discrimination information can be generated satisfactorily and easily.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the conditions for generating the discrimination data and storing them in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 and the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10, the storage unit 6 and the main setting unit 5 of the input setting device 5 are used. Although the case where the discrimination data stored in the storage unit 11 of the control unit 10 is a clear state signal has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined key input operation (in this case, the administrator of the vending machine, Only the manufacturer can know (so-called hidden commands) and it must not be known to the staff who collects the charges), and outputs the infrared rays possessed by managers and manufacturers Using a possible handy terminal, the discrimination data may be generated and stored by offline operation output to the vending machine.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the authenticity check operation of the connected input setting device 5 is performed when the vending machine is switched to the ON state (including when resetting) has been described. The check operation may be performed at regular time intervals.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, individual discrimination information generation for generating discrimination data (individual discrimination information) and storing the discrimination data in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 and the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 is performed. It is determined whether the storage means and the determination data stored in the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 and the determination data stored in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 are different. A case has been described in which the determination control means for prohibiting copying the sales information in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 to the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 is provided in the main control unit 10 and performs its function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided at other locations as long as these control functions can be exhibited. For example, this control function may be provided on the input setting device 5 side.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the input setting device 5 ′ attached to another vending machine is removed and attached to the vending machine to be checked has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be similarly checked whether or not the main control unit 10 has been replaced. That is, even if the input setting device 5 is mounted from the beginning, the value of the discrimination data is different even when the main control unit 10 ′ is mounted after removing the one for another vending machine. Similarly, it is possible to control not to perform the sales operation by displaying an error or outputting a warning. In addition, when a copy function between the main control units 10 is provided, even if the information including the sales information of the other main control unit 10 ′ is copied and mounted, the number of sales, the sales amount, etc. It can prevent cheating.

  If only one of the determination data in the storage unit 6 of the input setting device 5 or the storage unit 11 of the main control unit 10 is in an initialized (clear) state, it is replaced with a new one due to a failure. Therefore, it is preferable to copy the determination data from the one having the determination data to the one having no determination data (in an initialized (cleared) state).

1 is a simplified perspective view of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a simplified block diagram of the vending machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation (check operation) of the vending machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 Vending machine body 3 Key (input means)
4 Display 5 Input setting device (keyboard device)
6 Storage Unit 10 Main Control Unit 11 Storage Unit

Claims (4)

A main control unit that controls the entire vending machine and includes a storage unit, an input setting device that includes a display unit, a plurality of input keys, and a storage unit, a storage unit of the main control unit, and a storage unit of the input setting device Each of which is provided with a sales information storage area for storing sales information, and the vending machine is configured so that the sales information stored in one storage unit can be copied to the other storage unit and can be backed up,
Individual discrimination information generation and storage means for generating individual discrimination information and storing the individual discrimination information in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device;
It is determined whether the individual discrimination information stored in the storage unit of the main control unit is different from the individual discrimination information stored in the storage unit of the input setting device. A vending machine comprising: determination control means for prohibiting copying sales information in a storage unit to the other storage unit.   2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein warning information is output when the individual discriminating information is different between the main control unit and the input setting device.   When the power supply of the vending machine is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, both the individual discrimination information stored in the storage unit of the input setting device and the individual discrimination information stored in the storage unit of the main control unit are initial. The individual discrimination information is newly generated in the case of being in a converted state, and the individual discrimination information is stored in the storage unit of the main control unit and the storage unit of the input setting device. The vending machine according to 1 or 2.   4. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the individual discrimination information is created based on current time information or counter information in a microcomputer provided in the vending machine.

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