JP2020135288A - Vending machine, vending machine setting data setting method, and vending machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vending machine, a vending machine setting data setting method, and a vending machine system that can make consistent setting even when multiple types of setting data are set at the same time.SOLUTION: A vending machine includes: a sales control unit 10a for selling articles based on setting data on the articles; a data reception processing unit 10b for receiving setting data D including setting change from the outside; a setting confirmation unit 10c for confirming a setting instruction of the setting data D when the setting data D is received via the data reception processing unit 10b; and a data setting processing unit 10d for setting the setting data D when the setting confirmation unit 10c confirms presence of the setting instruction of the setting data D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a vending machine that can make consistent settings even when a plurality of types of setting data are set at the same time, a vending machine setting data setting method, and a vending machine system.

Recent vending machines are connected to management servers and the like via a network. The management server can manage each connected vending machine. In Patent Document 1, the center device corresponding to the management server calculates the appropriate inventory quantity based on the data such as the product inventory quantity transmitted from the vending machine, and transmits the product inventory of the vending machine to the vending machine. The management system is described. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that a center and a plurality of vending machines are connected to a network, and data is loaded from the center to a plurality of vending machines online.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-346228 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-203030

By the way, when the vending machine can be connected to the network, the vending machine can remotely receive the setting data of the vending machine from the management server or the like and set the setting data of the vending machine. Then, the vending machine sets the setting data at the timing when the setting data is received.

However, as the types of setting data to be set increase, it may be necessary to reflect multiple types of setting data on the vending machine at the same time. For example, when setting to lower both the selling price and the discounted price. In this case, if only the selling price is set first and then the discounted price is set, the product price will be set too discounted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and setting data for vending machines and vending machines that can make consistent settings even when a plurality of types of setting data are set at the same time. The purpose is to provide methods and vending machine systems.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the vending machine according to the present invention is a vending machine that sells various products, and sells the product based on the setting data related to the product. Setting to confirm the setting instruction of the setting data when the setting data is received through the sales control unit, the data reception processing unit that receives the setting data including the setting change from the outside, and the data reception processing unit. It is characterized by including a confirmation unit and a data setting processing unit that sets the setting data when the setting confirmation unit confirms that the setting data has been instructed.

Further, in the above invention, the vending machine according to the present invention includes an apply button for giving a setting instruction by the setting data, and the setting confirmation unit receives a setting instruction of the setting data by the application button. It is characterized in that it confirms that a setting instruction has been given based on the setting data.

Further, in the vending machine according to the present invention, in the above invention, the data reception processing unit receives in advance the number of data of the setting data to be received as the number of transmission data, and the setting confirmation unit is the data of the setting data. When the number becomes the number of transmitted data, it is characterized in that it is confirmed that the setting instruction is given by the setting data.

Further, in the vending machine according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the data reception processing unit receives a set time for setting the set data in advance and the setting confirmation unit reaches the set time. It is characterized in that it confirms that the setting instruction of the setting data has been given.

Further, in the vending machine according to the present invention, in the above invention, the data receiving processing unit receives final identification data indicating whether or not it is the final data attached to each setting data, and the setting confirmation unit receives the final identification data. When the final identification data attached to the setting change data to be sequentially received indicates the final data, it is characterized in that it is confirmed that the setting instruction by the setting data has been given.

Further, in the vending machine according to the present invention, in the above invention, the sales control unit stops the sale of the product and displays the sold out when the data reception processing unit is receiving the setting data. When the setting of the setting data by the data setting processing unit is completed, the sale of the product is started and the sold-out display is canceled.

Further, the setting data setting method of the vending machine according to the present invention is a setting data setting method of the vending machine for setting the setting data related to the product of the vending machine selling various products, and includes setting change. The data reception processing step for receiving the setting data for the setting data from the outside, the setting confirmation step for confirming the setting instruction of the setting data when the setting data is received in the data reception processing step, and the setting confirmation step It is characterized by including a data setting processing step for setting the setting data when it is confirmed that the setting data setting instruction has been given.

Further, the vending machine system according to the present invention is a vending machine system in which a vending machine that sells various products and a management server that manages the vending machine are connected via a network, and the management is described. The server transmits setting data including setting changes regarding the product to the vending machine, and the vending machine has a sales control unit that sells the product based on the setting data and the setting. The data reception processing unit that receives data from the management server, the setting confirmation unit that confirms the setting instruction of the setting data when the setting data is received via the data reception processing unit, and the setting confirmation unit are described. It is characterized by including a data setting processing unit for setting the setting data when it is confirmed that the setting data has been instructed.

According to the present invention, even when a plurality of types of setting data are set at the same time, consistent settings can be made.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vending machine system including a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting the setting data by the main controller. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a setting processing procedure of setting data by the main controller of the first modification. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting data for setting data by the main controller of the second modification. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a setting processing procedure of setting data by the main controller of the modification example 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Vending machine system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vending machine system 1 including a vending machine 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the vending machine 2 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the vending machine system 1, a plurality of vending machines 2 and a management server 3 are connected to the network N. The vending machine 2 is a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages, bottled beverages, and PET bottled beverages, but is not limited to this, for example, a cup for pouring a beverage into a cup. It can also be applied to beverage vending machines and vending machines that sell goods.

The management server 3 transmits various setting data for the vending machine 2 to each vending machine 2. The setting data includes not only the setting data of the initial setting but also the setting data of the change setting. The vending machine 2 registers and sets the received setting data in the vending machine. The setting data includes, for example, a selling price, a discounted price, and the like. Setting data for cup-type beverage vending machines and the like also includes data on product production such as the amount of coffee beans, sugar, and cream.

[Vending machine configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 2 has a main controller 10, a main body control unit 11, a product selection button group 14, a display operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a two-dimensional bar code reading unit 17, and an external communication processing unit 18. , The storage unit 19, the remote controller 20, the non-contact card reader / writer 21, the contact card reader / writer 22, the coin mechanism 23, and the bill variable data 24 are connected.

A cooling device 12 and a unloading device 13 are connected to the main body control unit 11. The cooling device 12 is for managing the product storage in the vending machine 2 in a set state. Under the control of the main body control unit 11, the cooling device 12 cools the inside of the product storage set to be cooled by the main controller 10, while heating the inside of the product storage set to be heated.

The unloading device 13 is for managing the bend solenoid and the sold-out switch provided for each rack. The main body control unit 11 controls the unloading device 13 in accordance with the unloading command transmitted from the main controller 10 to unload the product from the rack. The carry-out device 13 outputs a sold-out signal to the main body control unit 11 when all the products stored in the rack are carried out.

The product selection button group 14 has a plurality of product selection buttons 14a for selecting products. The product selection button 14a is arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the product sample. Each product selection button 14a can display an LED, is lit and displayed when a product is selected, and is turned off when the product payment is completed. Further, in the case of cash settlement, the product selection button 14a corresponding to the product that can be purchased with the input amount is lit. In addition, the product selection button 14a can display sold out.

The display operation unit 15 is, for example, a touch panel, and can perform display and selection operations. The display operation unit 15 can display a payment server selection unit 15a capable of a selection operation. A payment server to which the vending machine 2 can be connected is displayed on the payment server selection unit 15a, and when any payment server is selected, the two-dimensional bar code reading unit 17 reads the selected payment server. It is selected to make a payment using the bar code information.

The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel for displaying various information such as sales or discontinuation, fishing out, preparation, communication, bill cancellation, input amount, information at various settings, and the like. Is.

The product selection button group 14, the display operation unit 15, the display unit 16, and all of the display operation systems such as the product sample may be replaced with display operation units such as a large screen touch panel.

The two-dimensional bar code reading unit 17 reads the two-dimensional bar code information displayed on a mobile terminal or the like (not shown).

The external communication processing unit 18 performs a process of communicating and connecting to the management server 3 via the network N under the control of the main controller 10.

The storage unit 19 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, and stores the setting data D. The remote controller 20 is a display operation unit used by an inspection / maintenance person or the like, and has an application button B. The apply button B is also a button for instructing the setting of the setting data D.

The contactless card reader / writer 21 is, for example, an RFID card reader / writer, and payment is made by reading the information of the prepaid card. The contact type card reader / writer 22 is, for example, a magnetic card reader / writer, and like the non-contact type card reader / writer 21, payment is made by reading the information of the prepaid card. The coin mechanism 23 is a coin processing device, identifies coins, reads the inserted amount, and discharges change. Further, the bill burr data 24 is a bill processing device, which identifies bills, reads the inserted amount, and discharges change. The coin mechanism 23 and the bill variable data 24 are for cash settlement.

The main controller 10 is a control unit that controls the entire device, and includes a sales control unit 10a, a data reception processing unit 10b, a setting confirmation unit 10c, a data setting processing unit 10d, and a display control unit 10e. The main controller 10 centrally manages various processing controls based on the setting data D.

The sales control unit 10a controls the sales of the products in the vending machine 2 main body. The data reception processing unit 10b performs reception processing of the setting data D transmitted from the management server 3. When the data reception processing unit 10b receives the setting data D, the setting confirmation unit 10c confirms the setting instruction of the setting data D. Here, pressing the apply button B serves as a setting instruction for the setting data D. When the setting confirmation unit 10c confirms that the setting data D has been instructed, the data setting processing unit 10d sets the setting data D. The display control unit 10e controls the display of the product selection button group 14, the display operation unit 15, and the display unit 16 under the instruction of the sales control unit 10a. When the data reception processing unit 10b is receiving the setting data D, the sales control unit 10a stops selling the product, displays the sold out via the display control unit 10e, and sets data by the data setting processing unit 10d. When the setting of is completed, the sales control unit 10a starts selling the product and cancels the sold-out display via the display control unit 10e.

[Setting processing of setting data D]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a setting processing procedure of the setting data D by the main controller 10. As shown in FIG. 3, first, the data reception processing unit 10b receives the setting data D (step S110). After that, since the sales control unit 10a is receiving the setting data D, the sales are stopped and the sold-out display is performed (step S120). After that, the setting confirmation unit 10c determines whether or not the apply button B has been pressed (step S130).

If the apply button B is not pressed (steps S130, No), the process proceeds to step S110, and reception of the setting data D is continued. On the other hand, when the apply button B is pressed (step S130, Yes), the received setting data D is set (step S140). After that, the sales control unit 10a starts selling, cancels the sold-out display (step S150), and ends this process.

The process of discontinuing the sale and displaying the sold out in step 120 and the start of sales and canceling the sold out display in step S150 may or may not be performed.

In the present embodiment, since the setting data is set at the stage when all the setting data are prepared, it is possible to avoid the setting of the inconsistent setting data.

<Modification example 1>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a setting processing procedure of the setting data D by the main controller 10 of the modification 1. In this modification 1, instead of pressing the apply button B, the setting data D is set when the set time to be received in advance is reached.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the data reception processing unit 10b receives the set time from the management server 3 (step S210). After that, the data reception processing unit 10b receives the setting data D (step S220). After that, since the sales control unit 10a is receiving the setting data D, the sales are stopped and the sold-out display is performed (step S230). After that, the setting confirmation unit 10c determines whether or not the received set time has been reached (step S240).

If the received set time has not been reached (steps S240, No), the process proceeds to step S220, and reception of the set data D is continued. On the other hand, when the received set time is reached (step S240, Yes), the received setting data D is set (step S250). After that, the sales control unit 10a starts selling, cancels the sold-out display (step S260), and ends this process.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting processing procedure of the setting data D by the main controller 10 of the modification 2. In this modification 2, instead of pressing the apply button B, the setting data D is set when the number of transmission data of the setting data to be received in advance is reached.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the data reception processing unit 10b receives the number of transmission data of the setting data from the management server 3 (step S310). After that, the data reception processing unit 10b receives the setting data D (step S320). After that, since the sales control unit 10a is receiving the setting data D, the sales are stopped and the sold-out display is performed (step S330). After that, the setting confirmation unit 10c determines whether or not the received setting data has reached the number of transmission data (step S340).

If the received setting data has not reached the number of transmission data (steps S340, No), the process proceeds to step S320, and reception of the setting data D is continued. On the other hand, when the received setting data reaches the number of transmission data (step S340, Yes), the received setting data D is set (step S350). After that, the sales control unit 10a starts selling, cancels the sold-out display (step S360), and ends this process.

<Modification example 3>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting processing procedure of the setting data D by the main controller 10 of the modification example 3. In the present modification 3, the setting data D is attached with the final identification data indicating whether or not it is the final setting data, and when the final identification data indicates the final data, the setting data D is set. There is.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, the data reception processing unit 10b receives the setting data D including the final identification data (step S410). After that, since the sales control unit 10a is receiving the setting data D, the sales are stopped and the sold-out display is performed (step S420). After that, the setting confirmation unit 10c determines whether or not the final identification data indicates the final (step S430).

If the appropriate final identification data does not indicate the final (step S430, No), the process proceeds to step S410, and reception of the setting data D is continued. On the other hand, when the final identification data indicates the final (step S430, Yes), the received setting data D is set (step S440). After that, the sales control unit 10a starts selling, cancels the sold-out display (step S450), and ends this process.

Note that the final identification data is attached to all of the setting data that is the transmission unit, and if it is not the final setting data, information that it is not the final data is attached, and if it is the final setting data, it is the final data. You may attach the information of. That is, the final identification data may be attached to all the setting data which is the transmission unit. Further, the final identification data indicating that it is the final data may be attached only to the final setting data. Furthermore, the final identification data is not attached only to the final setting data, and the final identification indicating that the setting data transmitted before the final setting data is not the final setting data or that there is the next setting data. Data may be attached.

It should be noted that each configuration shown in each of the above embodiments is a schematic function, and does not necessarily have to be physically shown. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device and component is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or part of the device and components are functionally or physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various usage conditions. Can be configured.

1 Vending machine system 2 Vending machine 3 Management server 10 Main controller 10a Sales control unit 10b Data reception processing unit 10c Setting confirmation unit 10d Data setting processing unit 10e Display control unit 11 Main unit control unit 12 Cooling device 13 Carrying out device 14 Product selection Button group 14a Product selection button 15 Display operation unit 15a Payment server selection unit 16 Display unit 17 Two-dimensional bar code reader 18 External communication processing unit 19 Storage unit 20 Remote control 21 Non-contact card reader / writer 22 Contact card reader / writer 23 Coins Mechanism 24 Bill Bali Data B Apply Button D Setting Data N Network

Claims (8)

A vending machine that sells various products
A sales control unit that sells the product based on the setting data related to the product,
A data reception processing unit that receives the setting data including setting changes from the outside,
When the setting data is received via the data reception processing unit, the setting confirmation unit for confirming the setting instruction of the setting data and the setting confirmation unit
When the setting confirmation unit confirms that the setting data setting instruction has been given, the data setting processing unit that sets the setting data and the data setting processing unit
A vending machine characterized by being equipped with. It is equipped with an apply button that gives setting instructions based on the setting data.
The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting confirmation unit confirms that the setting instruction based on the setting data has been given when the setting instruction of the setting data is received by the apply button. The data reception processing unit receives in advance the number of data of the set data to be received as the number of transmission data.
The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting confirmation unit confirms that a setting instruction has been given based on the setting data when the number of data of the setting data becomes the number of transmission data. .. The data reception processing unit receives in advance the set time for setting the set data, and receives the set time in advance.
The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting confirmation unit confirms that the setting data setting instruction has been given when the set time is reached. The data reception processing unit receives the final identification data indicating whether or not it is the final data attached to each setting data, and receives the final identification data.
The setting confirmation unit according to claim 1, wherein when the final identification data attached to the setting change data to be sequentially received indicates the final data, the setting confirmation unit confirms that the setting instruction is given by the setting data. Vending machine. When the data receiving processing unit is receiving the setting data, the sales control unit stops selling the product and displays the sold out, and when the setting of the setting data by the data setting processing unit is completed. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vending machine is characterized in that the sale of the product is started and the sold-out display is canceled. It is a setting data setting method of a vending machine that sets setting data related to the product of a vending machine that sells various products.
A data reception processing step for receiving setting data for the setting data including setting change from the outside, and
When the setting data is received in the data reception processing step, the setting confirmation step for confirming the setting instruction of the setting data and the setting confirmation step
When the setting confirmation step confirms that the setting data setting instruction has been given, the data setting processing step for setting the setting data and the data setting processing step
A vending machine setting data setting method characterized by including. A vending machine system in which a vending machine that sells various products and a management server that manages the vending machine are connected via a network.
The management server transmits setting data including setting changes regarding the product to the vending machine.
The vending machine
A sales control unit that sells the product based on the setting data,
A data reception processing unit that receives the setting data from the management server, and
When the setting data is received via the data reception processing unit, the setting confirmation unit for confirming the setting instruction of the setting data and the setting confirmation unit
When the setting confirmation unit confirms that the setting data setting instruction has been given, the data setting processing unit that sets the setting data and the data setting processing unit
A vending machine system characterized by being equipped with.

Images