JP2010009565A - Vending machine setting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate mounting of an IC card reader set with an identification ID of an attaching-objective vending machine, when delivered, in the vending machine settled by the IC card reader. <P>SOLUTION: (1) Installation place information of the vending machine and the ID of the vending machine are transmitted to a cashless server 60, from a client machine 50 to the cashless server 60. (2) A worker inputs the installation place information of the vending machine into a cellular phone 70, via a registration application, (3) to be transmitted to the vending machine. (4) The vending machine 10 transmits the installation place information and an IP address of a communication terminal, to the cashless server 60. (5) The cashless server 60 specifies the ID of the vending machine to be imparted to the vending machine, based on the installation place information, and transmits the ID of the vending machine, a negative data and the like, to the vending machine 10 side. (6) The vending machine 10 takes information distributed from the cashless server 60 in, to bring a sale allowable condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a setting system capable of operating an automatic vending machine that is compatible with IC card settlement and managed by being identified by identification information based on an installation location.

Conventionally, a vending machine that supports IC card payment is scheduled in advance after attaching an IC card reader and a mobile terminal set with an identification ID of the vending machine to be attached to the vending machine at the time of shipment. It was necessary to install in the designated installation location.

That is, a server that handles payment using an IC card performs payment management using the IP address of the mobile terminal, while sales management such as the number of remaining products is performed based on the identification ID of the vending machine. On the other hand, since the worker who replenishes the goods to the vending machine manages based on the installation location, not the identification ID of the vending machine, for example, when notifying the worker of the necessary replenishment number from the server. Identifies the installation location obtained from the vending machine identification ID based on the sales information sent via the mobile terminal of the vending machine, and informs the replenishment number for each vending machine identified at the installation location. In other words, in order to operate an IC card payment-compatible vending machine, it is necessary for the server side to grasp the correspondence between the vending machine identification ID, the IP address of the mobile terminal, and the installation location. For this reason, as described above, after attaching an IC card reader and a mobile terminal (usually, the mobile terminal and the IC card reader are integrated) in which the identification ID of the vending machine to be attached is set, It is necessary to install the vending machine in a place where the vending machine is scheduled to be installed, and it takes time and effort. In addition, the vending machine lacks flexibility and needs to be installed in a predetermined place even in the same vending machine. there were. Furthermore, when installing a plurality of identical vending machines at different locations, if the vending machines are placed in the wrong place, the management information on the server side will be different and proper management will not be possible. Here, Patent Document 1 discloses an information collection device for a vending machine that uses GPS to detect an installation location.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-334322

However, even if the information collecting device of the vending machine is used in Patent Document 1, in order to manage the relationship between the identification ID of the vending machine to be attached and the IP address of the IC card reader and the mobile terminal on the server, The identification ID of the vending machine to be attached must be set in advance on the IC card reader side, and the set IC card reader needs to be assembled to the vending machine, so that the work efficiency cannot be improved.

Further, when the vending machine once installed is moved, it is necessary to change the unique information of the IC card reader such as the installation location. This change requires a special engineer to go to the site, remove the IC card reader from the vending machine, read the information in the storage medium with a computer, and change it manually. Accordingly, it takes time for people to move and work, and there are concerns about work mistakes.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to sell a vending machine to be attached at the time of shipment to a vending machine capable of settlement with an IC card reader. An object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine setting system that eliminates the need to mount an IC card reader in which a machine identification ID is set.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes an IC card reader 42, a communication terminal 30, and a storage means 26. The vending machine 10 is managed by being identified by identification information based on the installation location. ,
A server 60 comprising a database 62 and managing the vending machine according to sales information sent via the communication terminal 30 of the vending machine;
A host computer 50 for sending vending machine management information to the server 60;
A setting program for specifying and setting the installation location of the vending machine from the planned installation locations can be input, and the installation location information set by the input setting program is stored in the IC card (S18). ), A portable terminal 70 capable of transmitting to an IC card reader of a vending machine,
A vending machine setting system that registers the installation location of the vending machine on the server side and enables the vending machine to operate.
Planned installation location setting means (S44) for setting a planned installation location of the vending machine from the host computer 50 to the server 60;
Installation location first transmission means (S22) for sending information on the installation location stored in the IC card from the portable terminal 70 to the vending machine 10 from the portable terminal 70 to the IC card reader 42 of the vending machine 10 )When,
Communication between the vending machine 10 to the server 60 and the location information (ID) sent to the vending machine side obtained via the IC card reader 42 and the specific information (IP address) of the communication terminal Installation location second transmission means (S68) for sending to the server 60 via the terminal 30;
In the server 60, based on the sent installation location of the vending machine, identification information creating means (S48) for creating the identification information for identifying the vending machine from the installation location and the identification information of the communication terminal; ,
Control information transmitting means (S48) for transmitting control information for operating the vending machine from the server to the vending machine;
It is technically characterized by comprising operation information setting means (S70) that enables the vending machine to operate by setting the control information received from the control information transmitting means in the storage means of the vending machine.

The invention of claim 5 includes an IC card reader 42, a communication terminal 30, and a storage means 26, and is managed by being identified by identification information set for each vending machine,
A server 60 comprising a database 62 and managing the vending machine according to sales information sent via the communication terminal 30 of the vending machine;
An IC card 90 for storing information specific to the vending machine including the installation location of the vending machine;
An IC card writing device 80A capable of writing unique information for each vending machine in the IC card 90;
A vending machine setting system for registering the identification information of the vending machine on the server side and enabling the vending machine to operate,
Unique information first transmission means (S166) for sending the unique information of the vending machine stored in the IC card 90 from the IC card 90 to the vending machine 10 to the IC card reader 42 of the vending machine;
The unique information sent from the vending machine 10 to the server 60 via the IC card reader 42 to the vending machine side and the specific information of the communication terminal 30 are sent to the server via the communication terminal. Unique information second transmission means (S168) to be sent to
In the server 60, based on the transmitted unique information of the vending machine, identification information creating means (S148) for forming the identification information for identifying the vending machine from the unique information and the specific information of the communication terminal; ,
Control information transmitting means (S148) for transmitting control information for operating the vending machine based on the identification information from the server to the vending machine;
It is technically characterized by comprising operation information setting means (S170) that enables the vending machine to operate by setting the control information received from the control information transmitting means in the storage means of the vending machine.

In the vending machine setting system according to the first aspect, first, the planned installation location of the vending machine 10 is set from the host computer 50 to the server 60. The portable terminal 70 stores the vending machine installation location information input by the setting program for specifying and setting the installation location of the vending machine from the planned installation locations in the IC card. It transmits to the IC card reader 42. Next, unique information (IP address) of the communication terminal of the vending machine and information on the installation location of the vending machine sent from the portable terminal are sent from the vending machine 10 to the server 60. The server 60 forms identification information (identification ID) that identifies the vending machine from the installation location and the identification information of the communication terminal based on the sent installation location of the vending machine. That is, instead of attaching identification information to the vending machine in advance before shipment and attaching an IC card reader holding the identification information, after the installation, the identification information (identification ID) is given to the vending machine according to the installation location. ). This enables the server 60 to associate the vending machine identification information (identification ID), the communication terminal specific information (IP address), and the installation location with each other. It becomes unnecessary to mount an IC card reader with an ID set in the vending machine, and the workability of mounting the IC card reader can be improved. Furthermore, since vending machine identification information (identification ID) is given according to the actual installation location, management information is also managed on the server side for vending machines installed at different locations from the planned installation location. Can be managed properly.

In the vending machine setting system according to the second aspect, when control information for operating the vending machine is transmitted, the identification information is registered in the database of the server. Therefore, the server can identify the vending machine based on the identification information and manage it appropriately.

In the vending machine setting system according to the third aspect, when a plurality of vending machines are installed at the same place, the serial number is created together with the identification information. For this reason, it becomes easy to specify the several vending machine installed in the same place individually, and can manage it appropriately.

In the vending machine setting system according to the fourth aspect, the vending machine identification information is included as control information for operating the vending machine sent from the server to the vending machine. For this reason, vending machine management is facilitated on the server side by holding its own identification information on the vending machine side and sending the sales information together with the identification information to the server.

In the vending machine setting system according to the fifth aspect, first, with the IC card writing device, the unique information of the vending machine including the installation location of the vending machine is stored in the IC card. Then, the unique information of the vending machine stored in the IC card is sent from the IC card to the vending machine via the IC card reader. Next, the unique information sent to the vending machine side via the IC card reader and the specific information of the communication terminal are sent from the vending machine to the server via the communication terminal. In the server, identification information for identifying the vending machine is formed from the unique information and the specific information of the communication terminal based on the sent unique information of the vending machine. Then, control information for operating the vending machine is transmitted from the server to the vending machine based on the identification information. That is, instead of attaching identification information to the vending machine in advance before shipment and attaching an IC card reader holding the identification information, after the installation, the identification information (identification ID) is given to the vending machine according to the installation location. ). This enables the server 60 to associate the vending machine identification information (identification ID), the communication terminal specific information (IP address), and the installation location with each other. It becomes unnecessary to mount an IC card reader with an ID set in the vending machine, and the workability of mounting the IC card reader can be improved.

In the vending machine setting system according to claim 6, when the already operating vending machine is moved, the IC card writing device uses a part of the unique information of the vending machine including the new installation location as the IC. Write on the card. A part of the unique information of the vending machine stored in the IC card is sent from the IC card to the vending machine via the IC card reader. A part of the unique information sent to the vending machine side is sent from the vending machine to the server via the communication terminal. The server corrects the installation location in the identification information for identifying the vending machine to a new installation location based on a part of the unique information of the vending machine sent. For this reason, even when the installation location of a vending machine that is already in operation is moved, it is possible to cope with the location change by the IC card, so that the setting work can be shortened and an operation error can be eliminated.

In the vending machine setting system according to the seventh aspect, the server transmits the control information to the vending machine side after the installation location of the vending machine is corrected to a new installation location. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with the case where there is a change in the product to be handled due to the location movement and the control information needs to be transmitted to the vending machine side.

In the vending machine setting system according to the eighth aspect, an IC card writing device may be provided for each administrator of the vending machine. For this reason, the administrator can flexibly cope with a change in the installation location of the vending machine.

In the vending machine setting system according to the ninth aspect, the information stored in the IC card is encrypted. Therefore, even if it is lost or stolen, the contents cannot be read and the security is high.

[First embodiment]
A vending machine setting system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a vending machine setting system according to the first embodiment in which setting is performed using a mobile phone.
The vending machine 10 includes an IC card reader 42 and a communication terminal (mobile phone) 30 and is configured to support IC card settlement. The vending machine 10 is managed by a cashless server 60 including a database 62 that holds management information. Information is exchanged between the cashless server 60 and the vending machine 10 by the communication terminal 30 of the vending machine 10 and a communication terminal (not shown) on the cashless server 60 side. The cashless server 60 is provided with management information by a client machine 50 that is a host computer of a management company that manages vending machines. The installation location information registered by the registration application of the mobile phone 70 is held in an IC card (not shown) built in the mobile phone, and the installation location information is stored in the vending machine 10 by the IC card reader 42. Is configured to be received via the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine in FIG.
The vending machine 10 includes the communication terminal 30 described above for communication with the cashless server 60 and a vending machine control unit 20 for controlling the entire vending machine. The vending machine control unit 20 includes a CPU 22, a memory 24, and a storage medium (storage means) 26. The vending machine operation unit 40 for attaching the IC card reader 42 is attached to the outside of the vending machine 10.

With reference to FIG. 1 again, the vending machine setting process in the vending machine setting system will be described. First, (1) vending machine installation location information, vending machine identification ID (identification information), and other unique information for operating the vending machine (for example, for the cashless server 60 from the client machine 50) , Negative data that disables payment with a specific IC card). On the other hand, (2) An operator who has installed the vending machine 10 at a predetermined location inputs information on the installation location of the vending machine to the mobile phone 70 via the registration application. This installation location information is held in an IC card (not shown) of the mobile phone 70, and (3) the operator contacts the mobile phone with the IC card reader 42 of the vending machine via the IC card reader 42. It is received and held in the vending machine 10. Then, (4) the vending machine 10 transmits the installation location information and the IP address of the communication terminal 30 (specific information of the communication terminal) to the cashless server 60 via the communication terminal 30. (5) The cashless server 60 specifies the identification ID (identification information) of the vending machine to be given to the vending machine from the installation location information, and uses the vending machine's identification ID, negative data, etc. To the side. Further, the IP address information is registered in the database 62. (6) The vending machine 10 takes in the information distributed from the cashless server 60 and initializes it to a state where it can be sold.

The above-described vending machine setting process will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the database specifications of the cashless server 60.
The vending machine information master shown in FIG. 3A shows the correspondence between the vending machine identification ID sent from the client machine 50 to the cashless server 60 and the installation location. The vending machine information master includes an identification ID of the vending machine and an installation location number. Sequence No. And the IP address sent from the vending machine side are blank. Here, the sequence No. Is for specifying each of a plurality of vending machines in the same place. The operator ID is assigned based on the operator master shown in FIG. 3B. For example, when the vending machine according to the first embodiment is for soft drink sales, the operator ID: 1, operator ID: 2 is assigned to soft drink manufacturer B, and operator ID: 3 is assigned to soft drink manufacturer C. The installation location master shown in FIG. And installation location names, for example, XX department store 1F, XX department store 2F, XX department store 3F, .DELTA. Correspondence with is shown. Here, even if it is the same place (○ × department store), if the floor is different, it is managed as a different place. Although not shown here, even if it is the same floor of the same place, if it is a different place, a different installation place name will be given (for example, XX department store 2F store, XX department store 2F smoking room). The area master shown in FIG. And the area name (for example, XX department store, △ △ station).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an installation location input method based on a registration application on a mobile phone, and shows a display screen 72 of the mobile phone 70 in the figure. The registered application is created on the client machine 50 or the cashless server 60 side, downloaded to the mobile phone 70, and can be activated. Here, vending machine no. An example in which 1 (the first of three units set in the same place) is set is illustrated. First, in FIG. 4A, as the setting of the place 1, selection of XX department store and △△ station is displayed on the display screen 72, and the operator operates the key 74 (see FIG. 1) to Select the department store side. Next, in FIG. 4B, as the setting of the location 2, selection of the 1F smoking room, the 2F store, and the 3F office is displayed, and the operator selects 2F. Next, in FIG. 1: Unit 1, 2: Unit 2, 3: Unit 3 are displayed, and the operator selects 1: Unit 1. Then, the mobile phone 70 displays the confirmation screen of the input content shown in FIG. 4D, and the operator confirms the content and selects [Yes], so that the confirmed content (installation) is displayed. (Location information) is written in the built-in IC card. Then, the mobile phone 70 performs a display prompting the transfer of the installation location information to the vending machine shown in FIG. With this display, when the operator touches the mobile phone 70 on the operation unit 40 of the vending machine, the IC card reader 42 of the vending machine 10 reads the installation location information written on the IC card of the mobile phone 70. .

Next, processing in the mobile phone 70 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the processing.
The mobile phone 70 determines whether an instruction to download the registered application has been given (S12). When download is instructed (S12: Yes), the client machine 50 or the cashless server 60 is called to download the registered application (S14). If the download of the registered application is not instructed (S12: No), it is determined whether or not the start of the registered application has been instructed with reference to FIG. 4 (S16). When the activation of the registered application is instructed (S16: Yes), the registered application is activated, the installation location is selected, and the installation location information is registered in the IC card or memory (S18). If activation of the registered application is not instructed (S16: No), it is determined whether the IC card reader of the vending machine has been touched (S20). If touched (S20: Yes), the installation location information is obtained. The data is transferred to the IC card reader side (S22).

Next, the setting process in the cashless server 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 showing the process.
The cashless server 60 determines whether the vending machine information described above with reference to FIG. 3 is registered (S42). Here, when the vending machine information is not registered (S42: No), the vending machine information other than the IP address described above with reference to FIG. 3 is registered by communicating with the client machine 50 (S44). Then, it is determined whether the IP address and the installation location information are transmitted from the vending machine side (S46). When the IP address and installation location information are transmitted (S46: Yes), the vending machine is determined based on the received installation location information, and the identification ID, negative data, etc. are transmitted to the vending machine side. . In addition, a sequence number is assigned to the vending machines installed in the same place according to the registration order, and the IP address is registered in the database (S48).

Next, the initial setting process in the vending machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 showing the process.
First, it is determined whether setting information exists in the IC card reader and negative data exists (S62). If setting information exists in the IC card reader and negative data exists (S62: Yes), the initial setting process is terminated and the vending application is started (S74). When the setting information and negative data do not exist (S62: No), the setting application is activated (S63), it is determined whether there is a touch on the IC card reader (S64), and when there is a touch. (S64: Yes), the installation location information read by the IC card reader from the mobile phone is registered in its own storage medium 26 (S66). Then, it transmits its own IP address (IP address of the communication terminal 30) and installation location information to the cashless server 60 (S68). Then, initialization is performed based on the identification ID and negative data sent from the cashless server 60 (S70).

Next, the IC card settlement process in the vending machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 showing the process.
If there is a card touch following the product selection (S82: Yes), the IC card ID and the balance held in the IC card are acquired (S84). Then, the ID of the IC card is compared with the ID included in the negative data. If the IC card is listed as negative data (S86: NG), the process ends. If it is not listed in the negative data (S86: OK), it is determined whether there is a balance that matches the product purchase price (S88). If the balance is insufficient (S88: NG), the process ends. If there is a balance (S88: OK), the balance of the card is updated (S90). Then, transaction data (IC card ID, balance, purchase amount, date and time, vending machine identification ID) is held (S92), and a product is provided (S94).

The vending machine is set with a communication time (for example, 12:00 every day) with the cashless server 60. When the set time is reached, transaction data (IC card ID, balance) held together with its own identification ID is set. , Purchase amount, date and time, vending machine identification ID) and inventory information are transferred to the cashless server 60 side. Following this transfer, the cashless server 60 provides information such as negative data. On the cashless server 60 side, IC card settlement is performed from information sent from each vending machine, and inventory information of each vending machine is provided to the client machine 50 side in correspondence with the identification ID.

In the vending machine setting system according to the first embodiment, identification information is not attached to the vending machine in advance before shipment and an IC card reader holding the identification information is not attached. An identification ID is given to the vending machine. As a result, the cashless server 60 can associate the vending machine identification ID, the IP address of the communication terminal, and the installation location, so that the IC in which the identification ID of the vending machine to be attached is set. It becomes unnecessary to mount the card reader in the vending machine, and the workability of mounting the IC card reader can be improved. Furthermore, since the identification ID of the vending machine is assigned according to the actual installation location, the management information on the server side must be different even for vending machines installed at a location different from the planned installation location. Can be managed properly.

In the vending machine setting system according to the first embodiment, when a plurality of vending machines are installed in the same place, the sequence number is set together with the identification ID. Create For this reason, it becomes easy to specify the several vending machine installed in the same place individually, and can manage it appropriately.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the vending machine setting system according to the second embodiment in which setting is performed using an IC card.
The vending machine 10 includes an IC card reader 42 and a communication terminal (mobile phone) 30 and is configured to support IC card settlement. The vending machine 10 is managed by a cashless server 60 including a database 62 that holds management information. Information is exchanged between the cashless server 60 and the vending machine 10 by the communication terminal 30 of the vending machine 10 and a communication terminal (not shown) on the cashless server 60 side. The cashless server 60 is provided with management information by a client machine 50 that is a host computer of a management company that manages vending machines. Further, unique information including the installation location of the vending machine, the operator ID (ID for specifying the supply source of the merchandise handled by the vending machine), the merchandise handled by the vending machine, and the like is held in the IC card 90, and the unique information is stored in the IC card 90. The vending machine 10 is configured to receive the data via the IC card reader 42. Writing of the unique information to the IC card 90 is performed by the IC card writing devices 80A and 80B. Although two IC card writing devices 80A and 80B are illustrated in the second embodiment, there may be three or more IC card writing devices. Here, the management company that manages the vending machine includes the IC card writing device 80A together with the client machine 50, and the assembly manufacturer that attaches the IC card reader to the vending machine vendor or the vending machine is the IC card writing device. 80B is provided.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine in FIG.
The vending machine 10 includes the above-described communication terminal 30 for communication with the cashless server 60 and a vending machine control unit 20 for controlling the entire vending machine. The vending machine control unit 20 includes a CPU 22, a memory 24, a storage medium (storage means) 26, and a setting button 28 for switching applications. The vending machine operation unit 40 for attaching the IC card reader 42 is attached to the outside of the vending machine 10.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the vending machine setting process in the vending machine setting system will be described. Prior to the cashless server 60 from the client machine 50, the vending machine installation location information, the vending machine identification ID (identification information), and other unique information for operating the vending machine (for example, specific Send negative data that disables payment by IC card). Similarly, the client machine 50 transmits unique information including information on the installation location of the vending machine and information on products handled by the vending machine to the IC card writing device 80A. Here, although an example in which unique information is transmitted from the client machine 50 is given, the IC card writing devices 80A and 80B are made up of computers. For example, a person who assembles an IC card reader into a vending machine manually It is also possible to input to the IC card writing device 80B in accordance with an instruction from the management company of the vending machine. Further, in the second embodiment, when the vending machine that is already in operation after the initial setting is moved, only the information on the moving location can be written to the IC card 90 by the IC card writing devices 80A and 80B. . With this IC card 90, it is also possible to correct the information on the installation location held in the vending machine with respect to the moved vending machine.

First, (1) the unique information is written into the IC card 90 by the IC card writing devices 80A and 80B. (2) An operator who installed the vending machine 10 brings the IC card 90 into contact with the IC card reader 42, and (3) unique information from the IC card 90 passes through the IC card reader 42. Are received by the vending machine 10. (4) The vending machine 10 transmits the unique information and the IP address of the communication terminal 30 (specific information of the communication terminal) to the cashless server 60 via the communication terminal 30. (5) The cashless server 60 identifies the vending machine identification ID (identification information) to be given to the vending machine from the installation location information, and registers the unique information in the database 62. (6) The cashless server 60 transmits the vending machine identification ID, negative data, and the like to the vending machine 10 side. (7) The vending machine 10 takes in the information distributed from the cashless server 60 and initializes it to a state where it can be sold.

The above-described vending machine setting process will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the database specifications of the cashless server 60.
The vending machine information master shown in FIG. 11A indicates the correspondence between the identification ID of the vending machine sent from the client machine 50 to the cashless server 60 and the installation location. The vending machine information master includes an identification ID of the vending machine and an installation location number. Sequence No. And the IP address sent from the vending machine side are blank. Here, the sequence No. Is for specifying each of a plurality of vending machines in the same place. The operator ID is assigned based on the operator master shown in FIG. 11B. For example, when the vending machine according to the second embodiment is for soft drink sales, the operator ID: 1, operator ID: 2 is assigned to soft drink manufacturer B, and operator ID: 3 is assigned to soft drink manufacturer C. The installation location master shown in FIG. And installation location names, for example, XX department store 1F, XX department store 2F, XX department store 3F, .DELTA. Correspondence with is shown. Here, even if it is the same place (○ × department store), if the floor is different, it is managed as a different place. The area master shown in FIG. And the area name (for example, XX department store, △ △ station).

Next, processing in the IC card writing device 80A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12 showing the processing.
First, it is determined whether or not the unique information (vending machine installation location, operator ID (ID specifying the supply source of products handled by the vending machine), information on products handled by the vending machine) is acquired. (S112) If not acquired (S112: No), the unique information is acquired from the client machine 50 (S114). When an instruction to write the unique information of the IC card is given (S116: Yes), the unique information is written to the IC card 90 (S118). On the other hand, when writing of the change of the installation location of the vending machine to the IC card is instructed (S117: Yes), information on the installation location of the change destination to the IC card and the operator of the vending machine to prevent erroneous input The ID is written (S119).

Next, the setting process in the cashless server 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 showing the process.
The cashless server 60 determines whether the vending machine information described above with reference to FIG. 11 is registered (S142). Here, when the vending machine information is not registered (S142: No), the vending machine information other than the IP address described above with reference to FIG. 11 is registered by communicating with the client machine 50 (S144). Then, it is determined whether the IP address and the installation location information are transmitted from the vending machine side (S146). When the IP address and installation location information are transmitted (S146: Yes), the vending machine is determined based on the received installation location information, and the identification ID, negative data, etc. are transmitted to the vending machine side. . In addition, a sequence number is assigned to the vending machines installed in the same place according to the registration order, and the IP address is registered in the database (S148). On the other hand, when new installation location information is transmitted from the relocated vending machine side (S147: Yes), the database information is corrected to the transmitted new installation location information (S149). Then, it is determined whether or not there is control information to be sent to the vending machine side (S151). If it is not necessary to send the control information only by moving the place (S151: No), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a change in the product to be handled due to the location movement and the control information needs to be transmitted to the vending machine (S151: Yes), the control information is transmitted (S153).

Next, the initial setting process in the vending machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14 showing the process.
First, it is determined whether setting information exists in the IC card reader and negative data exists (S162). When setting information exists in the IC card reader and negative data exists (S162: Yes), it is determined whether the setting button 28 (see FIG. 10) for switching applications is pressed (S172). If the setting button has not been pressed (S172: No), the vending application is activated (S174). When the setting information and the negative data do not exist (S162: No), the setting application is activated (S163), and it is determined whether the IC card is touched to the IC card reader (S164). If there is a touch on the IC card (S164: Yes), refer to FIG. 11B to see if the supplier of the product handled by the vending machine is compatible with the supplier set by the IC card. A determination is made based on the above-described operator ID (S176). If it is not appropriate (S176: No), the display device (not shown) of the vending machine warns the mismatch (S178), and returns to S162. If the vending machine and the IC card are compatible (S176: Yes), it is determined whether or not the vending machine installation location movement is registered (S165). If it is not set location movement (S165: No), the IC card reader registers the unique information including the installation location information read from the IC card in its own storage medium 26 (S166). Then, it transmits its own IP address (IP address of the communication terminal 30) and installation location information to the cashless server 60 (S168). Initial setting is performed based on the identification ID, negative data, etc. sent from the cashless server 60 (S170). Finally, the vending application is activated (S174).

Next, a description will be given of the installation location correction process in the case where a vending machine that has been initialized and is already in operation is moved. As described above, when the installation location is corrected, only the information on the new installation location and the operator ID are written in the IC card 90 by the IC card writing device 80A. Here, a case where the vending machine is moved from XX department store 1F to 2F shown in FIG.

First, since it is already initialized (S162: Yes) whether or not the setting information and negative data exist in S162, it is determined whether or not the setting button 28 (see FIG. 10) for switching the application is pressed. (S172). Here, when the work turns on the power of the vending machine and simultaneously presses the setting button (S172: Yes), the vending machine starts the setting application (S163). If the IC card is touched (S164: Yes), it is determined whether the vending machine is compatible with the IC card based on the operator ID (S176). It is determined whether it is registered for movement (S165). In the case of setting location movement (S165: Yes), the installation location information (here, XX department store 1F: A002) read from the IC card by the IC card reader is registered in its own storage medium 26 (S186). And installation location information ((circle) x department store 1F: A002) is transmitted with respect to the cashless server 60 (S188). Corresponding to this, the information on the database of the cashless server 60 is corrected (FIG. 13: S149). Thereafter, it is determined whether the control information is transmitted from the cashless server 60 side. When the control information is transmitted in S153 of FIG. 13 (S190: Yes), the control information is received, and the setting is made based on the control information. Change (S192).

The IC card settlement process in the vending machine 10 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

In the vending machine setting system of the second embodiment, identification information is not attached to the vending machine in advance before shipment, and an IC card reader holding the identification information is not attached, but automatically after installation according to the installation location. An identification ID is given to the vending machine. As a result, the cashless server 60 can associate the vending machine identification ID, the IP address of the communication terminal, and the installation location, so that the IC in which the identification ID of the vending machine to be attached is set. It becomes unnecessary to mount the card reader in the vending machine, and the workability of mounting the IC card reader can be improved.

Further, in the vending machine setting system according to the second embodiment, when the already operating vending machine 10 is moved, the IC card writing device 80 has the unique information of the vending machine including the new installation location. Is written in the IC card 90. A part of the unique information of the vending machine stored in the IC card is sent from the IC card 90 to the vending machine via the IC card reader 42. A part of the unique information sent to the vending machine side is sent from the vending machine to the cashless server 60 via the communication terminal 30. Then, the cashless server 60 corrects the installation location in the identification information for identifying the vending machine to a new installation location based on a part of the unique information of the vending machine sent. For this reason, even when the installation location of a vending machine that is already in operation is moved, it is possible to cope with the location change by the IC card, so that the setting work can be shortened and an operation error can be eliminated.

In the vending machine setting system according to the second embodiment, after the installation location of the vending machine is corrected to a new installation location in the server, control information is transmitted to the vending machine side as necessary. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with the case where there is a change in the product to be handled due to the location movement and the control information needs to be transmitted to the vending machine side.

In the vending machine setting system of the second embodiment, the IC card writing device can be owned by each vending machine manager or by the vending machine manufacturer together with the vending machine manager. For this reason, the administrator can flexibly cope with a change in the installation location of the vending machine.

In the vending machine setting system according to the second embodiment, the information stored in the IC card 90 is encrypted. For this reason, even if it is lost or stolen, the contents cannot be read and security is high.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a vending machine setting system according to a modification of the second embodiment in which setting is performed using an IC card.
The vending machine 10 includes an IC card reader 42 and a communication terminal (not shown), and is configured to be compatible with IC card payment. The vending machine 10 is managed by a cashless server (not shown) that holds management information. Specific information including the installation location of the vending machine, the operator ID (ID for specifying the supply source of the products handled by the vending machine), the products handled by the vending machine, and the like is held in the IC card 90, and the unique information is automatically sold. The device 10 is configured to be received via the IC card reader 42. Writing of the unique information to the IC card 90 is performed by the IC card writing device 80.

A vending machine setting process in the vending machine setting system according to the modified example of the second embodiment will be described.
First, (1) the unique information is written to the IC card 90 by the IC card writing device 80. (2) An operator who installed the vending machine 10 brings the IC card 90 into contact with the IC card reader 42, and (3) unique information from the IC card 90 passes through the IC card reader 42. Received and are initially set to a state that can be sold.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of database specifications of a cashless server according to a modification of the second embodiment.
The vending machine information master shown in FIG. 16 indicates the correspondence between the vending machine identification ID and the installation location. The vending machine information master includes an identification ID of the vending machine and an installation location number. And the IP address and sequence number of the vending machine. All operator IDs are registered in advance. For this reason, the vending machine side can obtain all necessary information held in the cashless server from the IC card, so that the initial setting can be performed without acquiring information by communicating with the cashless server. It becomes possible.

Subsequently, an initial setting process in the vending machine 10 according to the modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 17 showing the process.
First, it is determined whether setting information exists in the IC card reader and negative data exists (S162). When the setting information and the negative data do not exist (S162: No), the setting application is activated (S163), and it is determined whether the IC card is touched to the IC card reader (S164). If the IC card is touched (S164: Yes), the unique information including the installation location information read from the IC card by the IC card reader is registered in its own storage medium (S166). Then, the vending application is activated (S174).

In the first embodiment described above, the installation location information is held in the IC card of the mobile phone, but the installation location information is held in the memory of the mobile phone and transferred to the vending machine side via the communication line. It is also possible to do.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the vending machine setting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vending machine of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the database specification of the cashless server of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the input method of the installation location based on the registration application with the mobile telephone of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the mobile telephone of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the cashless server of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the initial setting process in the vending machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the IC card payment process in the vending machine of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole vending machine setting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vending machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the database specification of the cashless server of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the IC card writing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the cashless server of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the initial setting process in the vending machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the vending machine setting system which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the database specification of the cashless server which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the initial setting process in the vending machine which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vending machine 20 Vending machine control part 26 Storage medium (storage means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Communication terminal 40 Vending machine operation part 42 IC card reader 50 Client machine 60 Cashless server 70 Mobile phone 80, 80A, 80B IC card writing device 90 IC card

Claims (9)

A vending machine comprising an IC card reader, a communication terminal, and storage means, and managed by being identified by identification information based on the installation location;
A server comprising a database and managing the vending machine according to sales information sent via the communication terminal of the vending machine;
A host computer for sending vending machine management information to the server;
A setting program for specifying and setting the installation location of the vending machine from the planned installation locations can be input, and the installation location information set by the input setting program is stored in the IC card, and automatically A portable terminal capable of transmitting to an IC card reader of a vending machine,
A vending machine setting system that registers the installation location of the vending machine on the server side and enables the vending machine to operate.
A planned installation location setting means for setting a planned installation location of the vending machine from the host computer to the server;
An installation location first transmission means for sending information on the installation location stored in the IC card by the setting program of the mobile terminal to the IC card reader of the vending machine from the mobile terminal to the vending machine;
Installation location for sending the location information sent from the vending machine to the server via the IC card reader to the vending machine side and the specific information of the communication terminal to the server via the communication terminal A second transmission means;
In the server, based on the installation location of the vending machine sent, identification information creating means for creating the identification information identifying the vending machine from the installation location and the identification information of the communication terminal,
Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information for operating the vending machine from the server to the vending machine;
A vending machine setting system comprising: operation information setting means for enabling operation of the vending machine by setting control information received from the control information transmitting means in the storage means of the vending machine. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising registration means for registering the identification information in a database of the server when control information for operating the vending machine is transmitted by the control information transmitting means. Configuration system. 2. The vending machine setting system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information creating means creates a serial number together with the identification information when a plurality of vending machines are installed at the same place. 2. The vending machine setting system according to claim 1, wherein control information for operating the vending machine sent from the server to the vending machine includes identification information of the vending machine. A vending machine comprising an IC card reader, a communication terminal, and storage means, and managed by being identified by identification information set for each vending machine;
A server comprising a database and managing the vending machine according to sales information sent via the communication terminal of the vending machine;
An IC card for storing unique information of the vending machine including the installation location of the vending machine;
An IC card writing device capable of writing unique information for each vending machine into the IC card,
A vending machine setting system for registering the identification information of the vending machine on the server side and enabling the vending machine to operate,
Unique information first transmission means for sending the vending machine specific information stored in the IC card from the IC card to the vending machine to the vending machine IC card reader;
Unique information sent from the vending machine to the server via the communication terminal, the unique information sent to the vending machine side obtained via the IC card reader and the specific information of the communication terminal. A second transmission means;
In the server, based on the unique information of the vending machine sent, identification information creating means for forming the identification information for identifying the vending machine from the unique information and the specific information of the communication terminal,
Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information for operating the vending machine based on the identification information from the server to the vending machine;
A vending machine setting system comprising: operation information setting means for enabling operation of the vending machine by setting control information received from the control information transmitting means in the storage means of the vending machine. When the location of a vending machine that is already in operation is moved,
The IC card writing device writes a part of the unique information of the vending machine including a new installation location to the IC card,
The unique information first transmission means sends a part of the unique information of the vending machine stored in the IC card from the IC card to the vending machine to the IC card reader of the vending machine,
The unique information second transmitting means transmits a part of the unique information sent from the vending machine to the server via the IC card reader to the server via the communication terminal. Send,
6. The server according to claim 5, wherein the installation location in the identification information for identifying the vending machine is corrected to a new installation location based on a part of the unique information of the vending machine sent. Vending machine setting system. 7. The vending machine setting system according to claim 6, wherein the server transmits control information to the vending machine side after correcting the installation location of the vending machine to a new installation location. 6. The vending machine setting system according to claim 5, wherein the IC card writing device can be provided for each administrator of the vending machine. 6. The vending machine setting system according to claim 5, wherein the information stored in the IC card is encrypted.

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